In NCAA competition, teams compete in three weapons: epee, foil and sabre. Both men and women compete with three fencers per squad.

Dual meets are round robin format, with nine bouts per weapon for a total of 27 bouts per gender.

A bout is won by scoring five touches against an opponent within a three minute time limit. Touches are scored differently in each weapon.

Epee: The entire body is the target. Touches must be scored with the point of the weapon. Whoever hits first scores and if both fencers touch at the same time, both score.

Foil: The target is limited to the torso. The arms, head and legs are not viable targets. Touches must be scored with the point of the weapon. The referee determines the correctness or "right of way" of the fencers.

Sabre: The target is limited to the body, above the waist, including the arms and head. Touches are scored with the blade of the weapon. The referee determines the correctness or "right of way" of the fencers.