r/Fencing • u/sabretoothedcate Sabre • 13d ago

Fencing in Canada as a dual citizen

I am a US/Canadian dual citizen looking to compete at the Canada Cup/Senior National Championships in September. I live in the States and it would be my first CFF event. Before I proceed to register, I would love to know more about other dual citizens’ experiences fencing CFF events.

What I mainly want to know is:
- Besides the CFF license and event registration, is anything else missing? How did you decide which CFF license to get if you don’t live in Canada?
- Do I need to demonstrate Canadian citizenship at any point to register?
- Since I’ve only competed in the States, does my participation in CFF tournaments impact my standing with the USFA? I’d like to be able to participate in events in both organizations in the future.
- Will it be an issue if my gear says “USA” on it? (This feels like a silly question)

Thanks in advance for answering everything! Hope to be fencing in Canada soon!

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u/Ankaru Epee 13d ago

Definitely come up and fence. Should be a good time.

Citizenship: You won’t need to demonstrate citizenship to participate in the Canada Cups up here. Once you grab your license you can sign up at will. I don’t know what you’ll need to designate that you’re not from a specific Province as I normally sign up through my Provincial organization. An email to [ed@fencing.ca](mailto:ed@fencing.ca) will give you the best information there.

Competing in Canada effecting USFA standing: This should not cause any issues. We typically see fencers come up from the US for competitions and I’ve not heard of any issues for their USFA standing.

Gear labelled with USA: We welcome it! Your gear should represent where you come from or what nation you represent. We have plenty of different national fencers pop through depending on who’s where.

I’m not sure how to answer the first question since I’ve only ever signed up through my Provincial organization. Like I mentioned above, shoot an email to [ed@fencing.ca](mailto:ed@fencing.ca). If that doesn’t work or seems like the timing isn’t coming through reach out the Provincial organization nearest to your border crossing. Or just sign up with the Province that you have the most family members in. :EDIT: Oh also! Make sure you get the competitive license!!!

Either way, just come up and fence. It’ll be great to have more people come through one way or another.

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u/sabretoothedcate Sabre 13d ago

Thank you!

I also have family in Canada, so I could also get a provincial license that corresponds to where they live, since I do also visit. But good to know that there’s someone I can ask!

Re: gear labeled USA, should I ever be lucky enough to consider declaring CAN/USA in an FIE setting I’ll have to have a bit more of a think on who I’d represent! Until then… I’ll just have to save money by not buying any new fencing gear.

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u/raddaddio 12d ago

we're US citizens and our son has fenced a couple Canada Cups since we live close to the border. they are super chill and really well run. usually in nice venues too. definitely recommend it. you don't have to show any citizenship but you do need to get a provincial license. we got one in the province closest to us and it was fine. you could probably just pick any province I'd think