2026 Referees' Commission Election
Three seats to be filled on the Referees' Commission
The 2026 Referees’ Commission election follows a two-step process designed to ensure transparency, fairness and broad representation. This page outlines how the election works, who can participate and key dates to know.
The election process begins with the selection of the Referees’ Commission Nominating Committee.
Eligible referees will elect three peers to serve on this committee, which is responsible for identifying and vetting candidates for the Referees’ Commission election.
What the Nominating Committee does
- Solicits applications for Referees’ Commission positions
- Reviews credentials and conducts interviews
- Nominates up to two candidates for each open position (unless only one candidate applies)
The Nominating Committee does not choose the winners of the Referees’ Commission election. Its role is to help ensure a qualified and representative ballot.
Who serves on the Nominating Committee
- Referees’ Commission Chair (if not running for reelection); otherwise, a vice-chair not running for reelection serves as chair
- One additional Referees’ Commission vice-chair not running for reelection
- Three active referees elected by eligible referees
- Two athletes selected by the USA Fencing Athletes Advisory Council
- One Board member selected by the Board of Directors
Apply to serve on the Nominating Committee
Deadline: 5 p.m. MT, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
How to apply: Email nominations@usafencing.org with “RC Nominating Committee” in the subject line
Nominating Committee election
Jan. 22–29, 2026
Once the Nominating Committee completes its work, the Referees’ Commission general election will take place.
Positions up for election in 2026
- Vice Chair of the Domestic Assignments Committee
- Vice Chair of the Rules and Examinations Committee
- Vice Chair of the International Assignments and Development Committee
These roles help guide referee assignments, education, evaluation and international development.
Eligible voters for both elections are licensed referees who have officiated at least two qualifying national or international events during the 2023–24, 2024–25 or 2025–26 seasons.
- Jan. 6: Application window opens for RC Nominating Committee
- Jan. 16 (5 p.m. MT): Application window closes
- Jan. 22–29: Nominating Committee election
- Feb. 2–10: Call for Referees’ Commission candidates
- Feb. 12 – April 5: Candidate interviews
- April 15: Final candidate list submitted
- April 29: Candidate bios and videos posted
- May 13: Referees’ Commission general election opens
- May 27: Election closes
- May 28: Winners announced
- Aug. 1: Four-year terms begin
Note: The 2026 election also includes votes for the USA Fencing Board of Directors and the Hall of Fame.