skip navigation

USA Fencing's Commitment to SafeSport in America

02/21/2018, 8:15pm CST
By USA Fencing

Dear USA Fencing Members,

Nearly five years ago, USA Fencing introduced its Safe Sport Policy, which codified our commitment to, among other things, a safe and positive environment for athletes’ physical and social development. The Safe Sport program has grown and evolved to include educational initiatives and the hiring of a Safe Sport Coordinator, Suzie Riewald, who not only holds a doctorate in sports psychology and is an expert in the field, but was an elite distance runner herself who understands the challenges of being an athlete, parent and coach.

USA Fencing remains committed to the tenets of Safe Sport, and we look forward to continuing to expand related programs in the future to create a positive and welcoming environment for all in the fencing community.

In 2017, USA Fencing entered into a partnership with the U.S. Center for Safe Sport – an organization dedicated to preventing abuse in sport. Through this partnership, USA Fencing Coach and +CheckEd members have access to Safe Sport Training. The Center is charged with handling sexual misconduct cases for USA Fencing members and those of all other Olympic Sports.

Whether you are an athlete of any age, coach, referee, volunteer, parent or staff member, the sport of fencing was founded on fundamental principles of honor and respect.

We encourage anyone who has knowledge of Safe Sport violations (including bullying, assault of any variety or sexual harassment) to report them to the USA Fencing Safe Sport Department at S.Riewald@usafencing.org or 719.866.2616 or the Center for Safe Sport at 720.531.0340 or via the Center’s online reporting form.

As members of the fencing family, we must come together to create a safe environment for each other as well as future generations of fencers. Please visit www.usafencing.org/safe-sport to learn more about USA Fencing’s Safe Sport initiatives and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or ideas you have to create a positive experience for all within our community.

Yours in Sport,

USA Fencing Board of Directors
USA Fencing National Office
USA Fencing Athlete Council
USA Fencing Referees’ Commission

Tag(s): Updates