How are ratings determined at a competition?

Ratings at a competition are determined by 3 factors:

• Number of fencers entered 
• The ratings of the entered fencers 
• Where the rated fencers place in the competition 

There is a chart that the division follows at competitions from the USFA. When a tournament is listed as a ‘potential’ event, this means the expectation based on the number of entries and the ratings of the fencers entered is that the event will finish that way.

Here is an example:

The event is a ‘potential’ C1 if there are at least 15 fencers entered and there are 2 C rated fencers, 2 D rated fencers and 2 E rated fencers (or higher). For example, if there is a B rated fencer and a C rated fencer, this would count for the 2 C fencers. In order for the event to finish a C1 event, 2 C rated fencers and 2 D rated fencers (or higher) must finish in the top 8. If that happens, the first place winner earns a C, 2nd through 4th earn a D and 5th through 8th earn an E.