USA Fencing Adopts Sport Integrity Policy to Protect Fair Competition

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing's Board of Directors has adopted a Sport Integrity Policy designed to safeguard the fairness and credibility of fencing at every level of competition. 

The policy, which took effect on Feb. 14, 2026, outlines expectations for all USA Fencing members and establishes clear rules around sports betting, competition manipulation and the handling of sensitive information.

Here's what fencing families need to know.

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee requires all national governing bodies to maintain a sport integrity policy that meets minimum standards established under USOPC compliance guidelines. The USOPC approved USA Fencing's proposed policy on Jan. 23, and the USA Fencing Board of Directors adopted it at its Feb. 14 meeting.

Beyond that mandate, the policy reflects a broader commitment across the Olympic and Paralympic Movement to address evolving threats to fair competition — including corruption, competition manipulation and the misuse of non-public information. The policy is consistent with the IOC Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions and applicable IPC codes.

The Sport Integrity Policy applies to all USA Fencing members and participants. That includes athletes, coaches, officials, referees, support personnel, employees, Board members, committee and task force members, and independent contractors with access to competition-related information.

The policy establishes four core prohibitions:

No betting on USA Fencing events. Members may not engage in any form of sports betting or wagering — directly or indirectly — on any USA Fencing sanctioned event. That includes wagers placed through licensed or unlicensed sportsbooks, through intermediaries or third parties, or using cash, credit, digital assets or any other form of payment. The prohibition covers all sanctioned events, from local and regional competitions to national championships, World Championships, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

No manipulating competitions. Members may not influence or attempt to influence any competitive aspect of a sanctioned event in a way that allows the outcome to be determined by anything other than the competitors' merits. This includes results, scores, margins, statistics, conduct, specific in-competition incidents and decisions made by officials.

No sharing inside information for betting purposes. Members may not disclose non-public information — such as injury status, team selection decisions, competitive strategy or training details — to anyone who does not have a legitimate need to know, if that information could be used for sports betting.

No directing others to violate the policy. Members may not ask, encourage or facilitate third parties to bet, share inside information or manipulate competitions on their behalf. Members also may not accept benefits or anything of value connected to sports betting, disclosure of inside information or competition manipulation.

All members have a continuing obligation to report any conduct, incident or information they know or suspect may violate the policy. Reports should be made promptly to USA Fencing and/or the USOPC. Failure to report a known or suspected violation is itself considered a policy violation and may result in disciplinary action.

Members also have a duty to cooperate with investigations, including sitting for interviews and providing documentation when requested. Failure to cooperate may result in sanctions.

USA Fencing provides multiple channels for reporting integrity concerns.

1. USA Fencing directly. Contact General Counsel at j.saxon@usafencing.org or the Member Safety & Organizational Compliance Coordinator at m.boland@usafencing.org, or submit a report through the USA Fencing website.
2. USOPC Integrity Portal. Submit concerns confidentially and/or anonymously online at usopc.ethicspoint.com or by phone at 877-404-9935.
3. IOC Integrity Hotline. Report suspected manipulation of an Olympic or Paralympic competition to integrity@olympic.org.
4. Athlete Ombuds. Team USA athletes can contact the Athlete Ombuds at ombudsman@usathlete.org or visit www.usathlete.org for independent, confidential advice on sport-related matters, including connecting with legal counsel or mental health resources.

Yes. USA Fencing has a zero-tolerance policy for retaliation against individuals who make good-faith reports or cooperate with investigations. A report made in good faith will not result in discipline, even if the concern is not ultimately substantiated. More details are available in USA Fencing's Whistleblower & Anti-Retaliation Policy.

USA Fencing will provide annual education to members and participants on sport integrity risks, reporting obligations and ethical decision-making. Completion of training may be required for eligibility or accreditation.

Read the full USA Fencing Sport Integrity Policy here.