2021-2022 Athlete Handbook

1 2021-2022 . Athlete Handbook USA Fencing 2021-2022 . Athlete Handbook USA Fencing 210 USA Cycling Point, Suite 120 Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Phone: 719-866-4511. Fax: 719-325-8998. Website: Email: National Office Staff Listing: Staff FIE Website: Published: October 2021. 1. Acknowledgements REVIEW COMMITTEE. In order to ensure accuracy of information and correctness of language and clarity of presentation, the following individuals were members of the review committee: Brandon Rochelle Tournament Committee Chair Kris Ekeren CEO. Dwight Smith Athlete Representative Francesca Russo Athlete Representative Bob Bodor Director of Membership Services Christine Strong Simmons Sr.

2 Director of Sport Operations Kate Reisinger Sr. Director of Sports Performance Glen Hollingsworth Events Manager DISTRIBUTION LIST. The current membership is notified of the posting and revisions to the current edition of the Athlete Handbook via the USA Fencing website at The Handbook is the property of USA Fencing and is available at Permission is granted for reproduction of any portion of this book. Hard/Bound copy of the Athlete Handbook can be ordered from USA Fencing via email to with payment of $50 (includes shipping). Please contact the USA Fencing National Office with any document/link issues: Preface: This book is written for fencers, coaches and parents to help them gain an understanding of the competitive and developmental programs of USA Fencing.

3 It contains information that will allow fencers to progress in the sport of fencing to as high a level as they are capable. Lack of familiarity with the information contained herein is not justification for an appeal. When there are modifications to any of the programs described herein, such changes will be posted to the USA Fencing website at The posted Athlete Handbook will be updated and an e-blast (USA Fencing E-Newsletter) will be sent to the membership notifying them of the changes to the Handbook . All National Team changes must have the explicit approval of the national coach or coaches and the Director of Sports Performance.

4 2. Details on the operations of the organization are described in the latest edition of the USA. Fencing Operations Manual available on the USA Fencing website at The Operations Manual explains the competitive opportunities for all members and the manner in which competitions should operate within the tenets of the organization and the sport. The Athlete Handbook and Operations Manual provide fencers, coaches, administrators, and parents the information pertinent to all aspects of USA Fencing programs. Periodically, USA Fencing and the National Weapon Coaches will communicate by email special notices to the membership and/or fencers on the National Point Standings.

5 Fencers must keep the USA Fencing National Office informed of their current email address as this is the primary communication path to fencers and coaches associated with weapon squad programs, team notifications, and updates to the Handbook . It is just as important that fencers keep the National Office updated with respect to one's current mailing address to ensure receipt of information mailed by USA Fencing and the National Weapons Coaches. USA Fencing will post the latest information on the USA Fencing website. You can contact USA Fencing by email: The current Athlete Handbook is the source book for details on elite Athlete programs: National Point Standings, team selection and international competitions.

6 Nothing in this Handbook overrides the rules of fencing unless specifically noted. Changes in selection procedures will only be valid if communicated in writing by direct communication to athletes in the top 24 in Senior, top 16 in Junior, top 12 in Cadet and/or top 8 in Youth 14. rolling point standings and posted on the USA Fencing website as well as modified in the Athlete Handbook . Fencers who have questions regarding their opportunity to compete that are not answered by USA Fencing may contact the Office of the Athlete Ombuds. The Office of the Athlete Ombuds offers independent, confidential advice to elite athletes regarding their rights and responsibilities in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and assists athletes with a broad range of questions, disputes, complaints and concerns.

7 Phone: 719-866-5000. Email: Website: Athlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy: (A) In general. The Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall maintain as confidential any information communicated or provided to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds in confidence in any matter involving the exercise of the official duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds. (B) Exception. The Office of the Athlete Ombuds may disclose information described in subparagraph (A) as necessary to resolve or mediate a dispute, with the permission of the parties involved.(C) Judicial and administrative proceedings. (i) In general.. The ombudsman and the staff of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds shall not be compelled to testify or produce evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to any matter involving the exercise of the duties of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds.

8 (ii) Work 3. product. Any memorandum, work product, notes, or case file of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds (I) shall be confidential; and(II) shall not be (aa) subject to discovery, subpoena, or any other means of legal compulsion; or (bb) admissible as evidence in a judicial or administrative proceeding. (D) Applicability. The confidentiality requirements under this paragraph shall not apply to information relating to (i) applicable federally mandated reporting requirements; (ii) a felony personally witnessed by a member of the Office of the Athlete Ombuds;(iii) a situation, communicated to the Office of the Athlete Ombuds, in which an individual is at imminent risk of serious harm; or (iv) a congressional subpoena.

9 Click here to view the Athlete Ombuds Confidentiality and Privacy Policy in the Federal Register. ABOUT USA FENCING. USA Fencing, formally known as the United States Fencing Association (USA Fencing), is a nonprofit corporation formed under the laws of the State of Colorado. The Internal Revenue Service has recognized the organization as a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and contributions qualify as charitable deductions for the donor to the extent permitted by law. Information about such contributions may be obtained from the National Office. USA Fencing is the official governing body for amateur fencing in the United States.

10 The Federation International d'Escrime (FIE), the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and other organizations recognize its exclusive jurisdiction. It is the officially designated National Governing Body (NGB) of fencing by the USOPC. USA Fencing is the sole representative of Fencing to the FIE the governing body for all official international fencing competitions including World Fencing Championships and the fencing competitions at the Olympic Games. Any fencer wishing to participate in official international competitions must have an FIE license secured by USA. Fencing and be entered into each event by USA Fencing.