2026 USA Fencing Referees' Commission Election Results

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Eligible USA Fencing referees have elected three new vice chairs to the Referees' Commission. The results, now certified by the Referees' Commission, are as follows:

• Vice Chair of Domestic Assignments: Sean Shumate
• Vice Chair of Rules and Examinations: Matt Tucker
• Vice Chair of International Assignments and Development: Kelly Koehler

All three will begin four-year terms on Aug. 1, 2026.

Eligible voters were licensed referees who officiated at least two qualifying national or international events during the 2023–24, 2024–25 or 2025–26 seasons. For each of the three positions, voters could select one candidate or abstain.

The general election opened May 13, 2026, and closed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 31, 2026.

A total of 196 of 332 eligible voters cast ballots, a turnout of 59.04%. By comparison, the 2024 Referees' Commission election drew 173 votes from 299 eligible voters, a turnout of 57.86%.

Vice Chair of Domestic Assignments

Vice Chair of Rules and Examinations

Vice Chair of International Assignments and Development

The newly elected vice chairs will begin their four-year terms on Aug. 1, 2026. The Referees' Commission is responsible for the recruitment, development and evaluation of referees; the appointment of referees to national and international competitions; the maintenance of the Rules of Competition; and advising USA Fencing on matters of concern to the referee community.

For more about the 2026 election, visit usafencing.org/2026-referees-commission-election.