Trials of the Saber

Syndicate Saber United is excited to host the 2023 Trials of the Saber event at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2023! This immersive, story driven tournament is open to any and all PFF attendees who wish to come, whether you’re participating in the tournament, just want to spectate, or simply hang out with your fellow Star Wars fans at this thrilling event! We will have prizes and fun not only for the participants, but for the audience and attendees as well.

Want to try your hand at saber fighting, but don’t want the pressure of the ranked tournament? Didn’t get a chance to sign-up before the bracket was full? Want another bout after your time in the ranked tournament? You’re in luck! We’re happy to announce that in addition to the official arenas for the tournament, we will have an additional, non-ranked arena as part of the event where those 18 years or older can experience the thrill of saber combat on a walk-up basis!

PLEASE NOTE: All details and rules on this page are subject to change, and even during the event rulings may negate any rules or stipulations listed on this page given found circumstances.

Event information

Trials of the Saber is an exciting new event coming to Phoenix Fan Fusion for 2023! This year we will only be able to accommodate a maximum of 48 participants. You may sign-up through the Friday and Saturday of PFF at Syndicate’s Table in the Star Wars Neighborhood (Exhibitor hall, booth 66). Participation will be afforded in order of sign-up at the table.

All participants must:

• Be 18 or over on the day of Sunday, June 4th in order to participate

• Sign a waiver and hand it to a member of Syndicate Saber United

  • Hard copy waivers will be available for you to sign as you check-in the morning of June 4th

• Be in good health, as saber combat can be a physically and mentally taxing exercise

If you aren’t able to make it into the first 48, fret not! We will still be taking a wait list of participants so that if, for any reason, a participant is unable to attend you can be called in on the same first come, first serve basis to ensure a full level of participation.

Saturday evening of Phoenix Fan Fusion, we will email the first 60 sign-ups and let them know when and where to meet for orientation and a brief bit of mentorship in this style of combat. Please plan to be inside the Phoenix Convention Center at 10:15am on Sunday, June 4th to attend this MANDATORY orientation if you are participating!

Tournament Details

Trials of the Saber is a single elimination bracketed tournament of multiple rounds of 1v1 fights. Participants must be present for the full duration of the event or else forfeit their fight and standing in the participant list

Each fight will be first to 5 points, or maximum of 3 minutes

If opponents are tied at the 3 minute mark, then we will allow a tie-breaker face-off

A single point is awarded for a single hit to any valid target zone as determined by your referee followed by a reset

You may fight in your favorite cosplay, but be warned that you do so at your own risk of damage to your cosplay or injury to yourself

Target zones will not be affected by any costumes or clothing, just like in real life a saber goes right through your armor, no exceptions (You don’t have Beskar or Cortosis, right?)

Masks or any vision restrictive headgear will not be allowed for safety reasons as deemed by your referee

Syndicate will provide a saber for you to use, no need to bring your own!

Also disinfectant wipes

Above all, be a good sport and have fun!

This event is meant to be, first and foremost, a fun experience for everyone involved!

Tournament Rules

All participants will be required to adhere to the following rules when fighting in the tournament or the un-ranked arena:

Participants may not be a current or former member of Syndicate Saber United

Participants must listen to the ref at all times, they are there to ensure the safety and fun of all involved!

Target zones for combat are the entire body EXCEPT the following areas:

• No hits above the armpit line on the shoulders and especially the head

• No hits to the chest/pectoral region

• No hits to the groin region

• No hits to the hands

No stabs or thrusts, only hit your opponents with the side of your saber - thrust to the side of your opponent and hit them with the side of the tip!

No ‘hard’ swings - go for speed, not strength!

Excessively hard hits will incur a warning if not outright disqualification

No strikes while jumping

No throwing sabers

No half handing saber - only hold and use the saber by the hilt/handle

Simultaneous hits will result in a reset with no points awarded

Any trips or falls will result in a reset (after the participant is fit to continue)

Stepping outside the demarcated zone of combat will result in a reset

Don’t abuse this to force a reset, though. The ref will be watching!

Close toed shoes are required, no slips on such as sandals or excessive heels that may pose a safety hazard

Gloves are highly recommended

Any props, personal gear, personal items and PFF loot must be left outside the combat zone

No participant may be under the influence of any substance inducing a mind altering state. Absolutely no exceptions. Be like Obi-Wan. Refuse the Deathsticks,