High school fencing

Fencing at the high school level has varied in popularity. Fencing was once part of many schools' physical education curriculum, and many schools had clubs and would compete in inter-school tournaments. In the second half of the 20th century, fencing gradually faded from physical education curricula in the United States. This has been attributed to worries about teaching children to use weapons or that it teaches violence and requires expensive equipmentFact|date=March 2008

However, youth fencing has remained a club sport at some schools, and the last several years have seen an increase in fencing clubs and tournaments at the high school level. The United States Fencing Association has encouraged this through the Regional Youth Circuit program [US Fencing Youth Development Website, [http://www.usfaryc.org/Welcome.html Regional Youth Circuit] ] . High school fencing season is generally in winter. [ [http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/content/view/6/99/ United States Fencing Organization] ] High school competitive fencing has grown significantly in the state of New Jersey, one of the few states where it remains a varsity sport.

In many European countries fencing is growing more popular each year. In Scotland many new competitions have arisen to get these new fencers into fencing at higher levels, such as the Leon Paul Youth Development series where fencers fit in as much fencing as possible against as many of those in their age and weapon group to gain experience.

The Georgia High School Fencing League was founded in 2004 and has grown to include nine schools and over 200 fencers. Member schools hold their own practicesat their schools and come together once a month to fence other member schools. AGHSFL sanctioned tournament is held in September, October, November, January, andFebruary with the GHSFL Championship tournament being held in March. Each tournamenthas a separate event for men and women.