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GB CUP RANKINGS & EVENTS LAUNCH - SEPT 2026

A new chapter for development and competitive fencing begins on 1st September 2026 with the launch of the GB Cup Rankings and GB Cup Ranking Events, creating a clearer competition structure for developing fencers across Britain.

From 1st September 2026, the new GB Cup Rankings will replace the Intermediate Rankings, introducing a simpler and more accessible ranking structure for fencers who want to develop their competitive skills, gain experience, and track their progress.

The GB Cup Rankings are designed to recognise performance while creating meaningful competition opportunities for athletes working towards higher levels of competition, as well as those who simply enjoy competing regularly. Currently, each fencer included in the BF rankings is already assigned a performance indicator, called a NIF value, a numeric value assigned to an individual to indicate their relative strength within the rankings.

The overall strength of a competition is then calculated using the NIF values of the participating athletes. This helps ensure that results are assessed within the context of the quality and competitiveness of each event.

Below is a table that outlines how the ratings will work side by side with the BF rankings:

Rating

NIF

Mixed/Mens Epee

Mixed/Mens Foil

Mixed/Mens Sabre

Womens Epee

Womens Foil

Womens Sabre

A

10

1-30

1-20

1-15

1-15

1-15

1-10

B

6

31-85

21-60

16-50

16-40

16-40

11-25

C

3

86-215

61-150

51-125

41-100

41-90

26-60

D

1

216-475

151-325

126-270

101-220

91-185

61-130

E

0

476+

326+

271+

221+

186+

131+

U

Unranked

What’s Changing?

  • The GB Cup Rankings will be produced using the BF Senior Rankings with A- and B-rated fencers removed.
  • The Intermediate Rankings will be replaced by the new GB Cup Rankings.
  • Existing DEU events will transition to GB Cup Ranking Events. The upcoming DEU Ratings Event Nottingham – Epee, taking place on the same weekend as the Cadet & Junior National Championships, will also be renamed. More info will follow shortly.
  • GB Cup Ranking Events will be open to fencers holding a C rating or below.
  • For the first time, results from GB Cup Ranking Events will contribute to the main BF Senior Rankings.
  • Regional, county, and other eligible intermediate competitions will now be able to be included in the BF Senior Rankings, supporting a stronger grassroots competition structure.

Ranking Calculation Changes

From 1st September 2026, Senior, U23, and GB Cup Rankings will all count up to seven results. A maximum of four international results can still be included within those seven counting scores.

Looking Ahead

A number of improvements are planned within Sport:80 and the BF website, making ranking and competition information easier for members to access.

  • A fencer’s NIF value will be displayed within their Sport:80 profile.
  • A fencer’s rating will be displayed within their Sport:80 profile.
  • The transition from Intermediate Rankings to the GB Cup Rankings will be fully completed.

More information on how the new GB Cup Rankings will affect the traditional GB Cup event (now renamed the ‘GB Cup Finals’ competition) will follow shortly.

Purpose of the GB Cup Rankings

  • Seeding GB Cup Ranking Events.
  • Seeding GB Cup Regional Qualifiers.
  • Providing a direct qualification route to the GB Cup through ranking positions.
  • Seeding the GB Cup Finals competition, held typically in April.
  • Offering event organisers a relevant ranking list for competitions aimed at development events.

UK Ratings Pilot Concludes

After three years of pilots, trials, and successful events, the UK Fencing Ratings pilot programme will come to an end. The pilot demonstrated strong demand for competition opportunities that support developing fencers and encourage progression through the sport.

To support the next phase of competition development and focus resources on the GB Cup structure, the UK Ratings platform will close at the end of July 2026. All associated data will then be deleted.

Feedback from the fencing community indicated that the distinction between rankings and ratings was not always clear. The move to the GB Cup Rankings creates a simpler, more easily understood structure while continuing to support competitive development and progression.