Pitch Competition Rules & Agreement

Last updated: April 23, 2026

1. Overview

The FencingBuddies Young Fencers Pitch Competition ("Competition") is organized by FencingBuddies. The Competition invites young fencers ages 8 and above to present ideas on how to make fencing more popular and accessible. The event takes place on June 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM PT, at One Eleven One Ninety, 111 Deerwood Road Suite 190, San Ramon, CA 94583, with online participation available via Zoom.

2. Eligibility

  • Open to fencers ages 8 and above as of June 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM PT.
  • Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on pitch day.
  • Participants may pitch individually or as a team of two (2). Both team members must meet eligibility requirements.
  • No prior pitching, business, or public speaking experience is required.
  • Employees and immediate family members of FencingBuddies and competition judges are not eligible.

3. Registration & Fees

  • Registration fee is $15 USD per participant (or per team of two).
  • Registration is processed via Stripe. Payment is required to complete registration.
  • Registration fees are non-refundable, except in the event of competition cancellation by FencingBuddies.
  • Registration is limited to 30 participants (or teams). Registration closes when capacity is reached.
  • A minimum of 5 registrations is required for the event to proceed. If the minimum is not met, all registrants will be notified and fully refunded.

4. Competition Format

  • Each participant/team delivers a live pitch lasting 3 to 5 minutes, either in person or via Zoom.
  • A brief Q&A session (1-2 minutes) may follow each pitch at the judges' discretion.
  • Participants may use slides, posters, props, prototypes, or video aids. A projector and screen will be provided.
  • No visual aids are required — speaking only is acceptable.
  • Presentation order will be determined randomly on the day of the event.

5. Pitch Topic

All pitches must address the topic: "How do we make fencing as popular as pickleball?" Pitches may cover new formats, social media strategies, community events, technology solutions, school programs, marketing approaches, or any other creative idea to grow fencing participation among young people.

6. Originality

  • The idea and presentation must be the participant's own original work.
  • Parents and guardians may assist with research, practicing, and preparation, but the core idea and delivery must come from the participant.
  • Plagiarized or pre-existing commercial concepts will be disqualified.

7. Judging Criteria

Pitches will be evaluated by a panel of judges on the following criteria:

  • Creativity & Originality — Is the idea fresh and innovative?
  • Feasibility — Could this realistically be implemented?
  • Impact & Reach — How many people could this reach? Would it meaningfully grow fencing?
  • Presentation & Clarity — Is the pitch clear, structured, and engaging?
  • Passion & Conviction — Does the presenter believe in their idea?

Each criterion is scored on a scale. The judges' decision is final and not subject to appeal.

8. Judges

The judge panel consists of experienced product builders, entrepreneurs, and fencing community leaders. Judge identities will be announced before the event. Judges may not be related to any participant.

9. Prize

  • 1st Place: $200 USD. 2nd Place: $100 USD.
  • If a team of two wins, the prize is shared equally between team members.
  • Prize will be awarded on the day of the event via check or electronic transfer, payable to the parent/guardian of the winning participant.
  • Prize winnings may be subject to applicable taxes. Winners (or their parents/guardians) are responsible for any tax obligations.
  • FencingBuddies reserves the right to not award a prize if no submission meets the minimum quality threshold as determined by the judges.

10. Parent/Guardian Consent

By registering a participant under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian ("Guardian") acknowledges and agrees to the following:

  • The Guardian grants permission for the participant to take part in the Competition.
  • The Guardian will accompany the participant to the event and remain present for the duration.
  • The Guardian is responsible for the participant's safety and conduct at the event.
  • The Guardian confirms that the participant meets the eligibility requirements.

11. Photo & Video Release

By attending and participating in the Competition, participants and their guardians grant FencingBuddies permission to photograph, record, and use images and video of the participant for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, the FencingBuddies website, and marketing materials. No additional compensation will be provided for such use.

If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify the event organizers in writing at admin@fencingbuddies.com before the event.

12. Liability Waiver

By registering for and attending the Competition, participants and their guardians agree to the following:

  • Participation is voluntary and at the participant's own risk.
  • FencingBuddies, its organizers, judges, sponsors, and venue providers are not liable for any injury, loss, damage, or expense arising from participation in the Competition or attendance at the event.
  • The Guardian assumes full responsibility for any injury or damage caused by the participant.
  • This waiver applies to claims of negligence, but does not apply to claims of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

13. Ideas & Shared Mission

FencingBuddies is on a mission to make fencing as popular as pickleball. This Competition invites young fencers to share their ideas and solutions toward that shared goal. By participating:

  • You are contributing ideas to help grow the sport of fencing for everyone.
  • Ideas shared during the Competition become part of the broader conversation about growing fencing. FencingBuddies and the fencing community may be inspired by, build upon, or independently pursue similar directions.
  • FencingBuddies will credit participants when directly referencing their specific pitch in promotional materials (e.g., "Inspired by a pitch from [Name] at our 2026 Competition").
  • This Competition does not create any employment, consulting, or business relationship between participants and FencingBuddies.
  • Participants are free to develop and pursue their own ideas independently after the Competition.
  • By registering, participants and their guardians acknowledge that no compensation, royalties, or ownership claims will arise from FencingBuddies or others pursuing similar ideas in the future.

14. Code of Conduct

  • All participants, guardians, and attendees are expected to behave respectfully and professionally.
  • Disruptive, disrespectful, or inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification and removal from the event.
  • FencingBuddies reserves the right to disqualify any participant at any time for violation of these rules.

15. Accessibility

FencingBuddies is committed to making this event accessible. If a participant requires accommodations (e.g., extra time, physical accessibility, assistive technology), please contact admin@fencingbuddies.com at least 7 days before the event so we can make appropriate arrangements.

16. Cancellation & Changes

  • FencingBuddies reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the Competition at any time.
  • In the event of cancellation by FencingBuddies, all registration fees will be fully refunded within 14 business days.
  • Venue and schedule changes will be communicated via email to all registered participants.

17. Agreement

By completing registration and payment, the registering parent/guardian confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to these Competition Rules, the Parent/Guardian Consent, the Photo & Video Release, and the Liability Waiver on behalf of themselves and the participating fencer(s).

Questions about these rules? Contact admin@fencingbuddies.com

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