The Austin Challenge SYC & RCC - Reg Re-Open 1/18

Update on Texas Mask Mandate and Re-Opening

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the state of Texas will lift its statewide mask mandate, and allow businesses to operate at full capacity, beginning March 10, 2021. This DOES NOT change the mask requirement and other COVID policies for the Austin Challenge. USA Fencing's mandate for mask-wearing by all athletes, officials, and attendees remains in force for our event. The COVID protocols outlined at https://www.theaustinchallenge.com/covid-19.html will all be observed/enforced at the Austin Challenge.

Fencers and their families should be aware that while there will not be a state-wide mandate in place in April, cities and counties may continue to enforce restrictions at the local level, and individual businesses may still impose requirements such as masking for their customers.

Waitlisted Fencers

Many waitlisted fencers have contacted asking about the likelihood of being moved into the event. Unfortunately it is very difficult to predict whether any spaces are likely to open up due to withdrawals.

Here are some guidelines for waitlisted fencers:

• We will NOT be enlarging any events at the Austin Challenge. Early on, when some events had few registrations, we were keeping an open mind on enlarging some events if others ended up being much smaller than expected. However most events now are full or nearly full. We do not feel that we can enlarge any events without negatively impacting the safety and logistics for the tournament.
• The withdrawal deadline is March 20. We will continue to move fencers off the waitlist, as spaces open up, through March 22.
• If you get to a point where you no longer wish to be on the waitlist (for example, if it is too late for you to book travel), let us know and we will remove you. Otherwise, you may get moved into an event as late as March 22.
• NO WALK-INS will be allowed at the event, regardless of no-shows.

COVID Protocols

Fencers and parents should familiarize themselves with the event COVID protocols outlined here: https://www.theaustinchallenge.com/covid-19.html If you can not abide by these protocols, please do not register for this tournament.

Vendor: Blue Gauntlet

Blue Gauntlet Fencing is the event's sponsor and equipment vendor. They will be on-site throughout the events for all your equipment needs.

DATE CHANGE - THE AUSTIN CHALLENGE IS MOVING TO APRIL 3-5, 2021

Given the worsening COVID situation across the country, and at the strong encouragement of USA Fencing, the Austin Challenge date is being moved to April 3-5, 2021. With the date change, the Austin Challenge will return to being an SYC as originally planned, rather than an RYC, and will also include a Regional Cadet Circuit event.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: Please review the schedule carefully as some events are at different times of day in April than they had been scheduled for in December.

Update 3/2/21: Please note that fencers registered for the December event refers only to fencers who were not withdrawn from the event in November due to the downgrade to RYC status and the closure of the event to out-of-region fencers.

As a registered fencer, you have two options for your current registration:

• STAY REGISTERED for your event and plan to attend in April. If you wish to stay registered, you don't need to contact us; we will just leave your current registration in place. .
• WITHDRAW BY DECEMBER 23 and get a refund. To withdraw, email Cathy Mallet at afc.secretary@gmail.com and we will coordinate your refund with the USFA.

We really appreciate all of you who have been willing to support our event in this challenging and constantly-changing situation, and we feel confident that by moving the event it will be safer, stronger, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you,

Austin Fencers Club