Governance Task Force Recommends Modernizing Makeup of USA Fencing Board to Enhance Its Commitment to Members

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — At its June 7 meeting, the USA Fencing Board will review a slate of governance reform recommendations from the Governance Task Force designed to keep pace with a rapidly growing membership and the evolving standards of Olympic and Paralympic sport governance.

As part of USA Fencing’s unwavering commitment to transparency, we’re sharing the highlights now — before the Board has cast its vote — so every member can follow the conversation from the very start.

Broader Chair eligibility: Today, only At-Large directors may serve as Board Chair. The proposal would allow any voting director — elected, appointed or athlete — to be considered for this important leadership role, broadening the talent pool and aligning USA Fencing with about 80 percent of other National Governing Bodies (NGBs).

An “8 + 4” Board structure: Twelve voting directors in total — eight At-Large and four Athlete Directors. 

• Four At-Large directors elected by the membership (no change).
• Four At-Large directors appointed for needed expertise (at least two must meet independent-director criteria).
• Four Athlete Directors elected by — and from — Olympic, Paralympic & Snr World Championship  athletes (meeting USOPC requirements).

All directors represent the full membership. This mix offers balanced expertise, a strong athlete voice, and the flexibility to add directors with critical skills.

Retiring the petition pathway: Instead of collecting signatures, prospective directors would come through the Nominating Committee (NomCom), which will be required to present “n + 2” candidates for every open seat. (In other words, if there are two open seats, there must be at least four candidates.) If necessary, the proposed bylaw changes allow for a modification of the slate of candidates by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Members still choose who wins these seats, but every name on the ballot will have been vetted for experience and strategic fit. Roughly 73 percent of other NGBs rely solely on a NomCom-vetted slate.

Additional Changes: 

• Requiring conflict-of-interest disclosures and background checks for all director candidates and non-voting members of the Board
• Clarifying that, except for tournament officials, USA Fencing employees or contractors may not serve as voting or Special Board Members without clearance by the Ethics Committee
• Setting candidate eligibility 60 days before an election (replacing the fixed Feb. 1 date)
• Authorizing the Board, by two-thirds vote, to shorten the bylaws-review window in an emergency
• Capping Special Board Members at two and repurposing the seats to meet strategic needs rather than assist the Chair
• Aligning director-removal procedures with Colorado law, including a recall-election option for elected directors
• Making Election Committee deliberations confidential
• Eliminating the requirement for annual “meetings of the membership”
• Removing the ability of members to amend bylaws by petition — a practice already discontinued by about 81 percent of NGBs
• Empowering the NomCom to designate the appointed “flex” seat as independent or general, depending on Board needs
• Allowing the Board, by majority vote, to adjust the NomCom slate
• Designating the Board Chair as the organization’s “President” for FIE and WAS purposes
• Removing obsolete reciprocal-seat language for Amateur Fencing Organizations
• Consolidating bylaw language on non-voting roles, updating outdated references (e.g., IWAS → WAS), and codifying staff/Board liaison positions

USA Fencing is on track to approach 70,000 members by the time the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and Paralympics kick off. A right-sized, skills-based Board helps the organization stay nimble as it scales programs, safeguards athletes, and pursues new commercial opportunities. 

Streamlining nominations and expanding leadership eligibility also mirrors best-practice trends across the Olympic movement, strengthening the sport’s credibility with sponsors, donors, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Before the June 7 vote, USA Fencing will host a virtual open forum with Governance Task Force members (date and registration link coming soon) so you can ask questions in real time.

Should the Board vote to advance the recommendations, a 45-day member comment period will open immediately. All USA Fencing members will receive a link to an Airtable form where they can submit feedback. After collecting and considering member input, the Board will meet on July 22 to decide whether to adopt the changes.