Apply by Jan. 16 to Join the Referees’ Commission Nominating Committee

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Before the Referees’ Commission election gets underway, referees across the country have an important first decision to make.

USA Fencing is now accepting applications — and soon, votes — for three referee representatives to serve on the Referees’ Commission Nominating Committee, the group responsible for identifying and vetting candidates for the upcoming Referees’ Commission election.

The Nominating Committee election is a distinct and essential step in the overall process. Once it concludes, the committee will help set the stage for the Referees’ Commission election later in 2026, when three leadership positions will be on the ballot: Vice Chair of the Domestic Assignments Committee, Vice Chair of the Rules and Examinations Committee, and Vice Chair of the International Assignments and Development Committee. 

The Referees’ Commission election follows a two-step structure designed to promote fairness, transparency and broad representation.

First, eligible referees elect three of their peers to the Nominating Committee. That committee then solicits applications, reviews credentials and interviews candidates interested in serving on the Referees’ Commission. From there, it nominates candidates for each open position, creating the final ballot for the general election.

In short: The Nominating Committee doesn’t decide the winners — but it plays a key role in deciding who appears on the ballot.

USA Fencing is seeking three active referees to serve on the eight-member Nominating Committee. To be eligible to serve, applicants must have officiated at least one national-level event — such as a North American Cup, July Challenge or National Championship — during the 2024–25 or 2025–26 seasons.

The three referee members of the committee will be elected by their peers. If there is a tie, winners will be determined by a coin toss.

In total, the Referees’ Commission Nominating Committee includes:

• The Referees’ Commission Chair, if not running for reelection. If the Chair is running, a vice-chair not seeking reelection will chair the committee.
• 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 USA Fencing Board of Directors.

Once formed, the committee will:

• Solicit applications for Referees’ Commission positions
• Review credentials and conduct interviews
• Nominate up to two candidates for each open position (unless only one candidate applies)

Those nominations will then move forward to the Referees’ Commission general election later in the year.

Eligible voters in the Nominating Committee election include licensed referees who have worked at least two qualifying national or international events during the 2023–24, 2024–25 or 2025–26 seasons.

A simple majority determines the outcome.

Referees interested in serving on the Referees’ Commission Nominating Committee should email nominations@usafencing.org by 5 p.m. MT on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Include “RC Nominating Committee” in the subject line.

The election, overseen by the USA Fencing Election Committee, will take place Jan. 22–29, 2026.

• Jan. 6, 2026: Application window opens for RC Nominating Committee
• Jan. 16, 2026: Application window closes (5 p.m. MT)
• Jan. 22–29, 2026: Nominating Committee election
• Feb. 2–10, 2026: Call for Referees’ Commission candidates
• Feb. 12 – April 5, 2026: Candidate interviews
• April 15, 2026: Final candidate list submitted
• April 29, 2026: Candidate bios and videos posted
• May 13, 2026: Referees’ Commission general election opens
• May 27, 2026: Election closes
• May 28, 2026: Winners announced
• Aug. 1, 2026: Four-year terms begin

Note: The 2026 election will also include votes for the USA Fencing Board of Directors and the Hall of Fame.