2026-27 Membership Fees: What's Changing, What Isn't and How to Lock In This Season's Rates

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing has announced its membership pricing for the 2026-27 season, and current members have a clear opportunity before the new rates take effect: renew by Aug. 1, 2026, and you'll pay this season's prices.

Renewals open June 1. The early-bird window closes Aug. 1.

Here is a complete breakdown of what's changing, what's staying the same and what the adjustments mean for you and your club.

USA Fencing has worked for several years to limit increases in member fees by growing non-dues revenue from partnerships and merchandise, reducing the pressure on what members pay. That strategy has worked, but it can only go so far.

For 2026-27, targeted adjustments to individual membership categories reflect a combination of factors: rising operational costs, continued investment in events and athlete services heading into the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic cycle, continued investment into collegiate development at the NCAA and collegiate club levels, and expanded requirements around SafeSport compliance. As outlined in USA Fencing's proposed 2026-27 budget, the goal is to make modest adjustments only where needed while protecting the programs and protections members count on.

Members who want a deeper look at how the numbers fit together can read the full breakdown at this link.

Clubs can breathe easy. Standard and reduced-fee club membership rates are holding flat for 2026-27. No action is needed beyond the normal renewal process. For more information on Club Memberships and their associated benefits, go to https://www.usafencing.org/clubs.

1. Competitive Membership: $99 → $109

The most widely held individual tier rises by $10. Competitive membership covers full access to regional, national and international USA Fencing competitions, national rankings, voting rights, member insurance at sanctioned events, and exclusive member benefits — including college-related services like USA Fencing’s College Connect recruiting platform and three different College Fairs each year. Spread over 12 months, $109 works out to less than $9.10 a month.

2. Collegiate Competitive Membership: $55 → $69

Designed for athletes with a primary affiliation to an NCAA varsity or collegiate club program, this tier rises from $55 to $69 — the first increase in several years, and still a meaningful discount from the standard Competitive rate as USA Fencing continues to grow its collegiate footprint.

3. International Competitive License: $149 → $150

Required for non-U.S. citizens or athletes representing another country at USA Fencing sanctioned events, including North American Cups, this license rises from $149 to $150. The increase reflects cost structures tied to FIE licensing requirements.

4. +CheckEd Add-On: $30 → $40

Required for referees, bout committee members, armorers, volunteers and board members, this add-on — which includes background screening and SafeSport training — rises from $30 to $40. This change is a direct result of increases to the cost of background screenings.

5. +Coach Add-On: $30 → $40

Required for Life and Life Installment members who coach at USA Fencing clubs or sanctioned events, this add-on also moves from $30 to $40.  This change is a direct result of increases to the cost of background screenings.

6. Parent Membership: $19.99 → Free

Parent Membership drops to free for 2026-27. Two things are worth noting clearly about this change.

First, the good news: any parent, grandparent or caregiver who wants to stay connected to USA Fencing can now do so at no cost. If you know a fencing family member who has never joined, now there is no reason to wait.

Second, an important policy note: because voting rights are reserved for dues-paying members, the free Parent Membership will not include voting rights beginning in 2026-27. Parents who wish to vote in USA Fencing elections should consider an Access Membership ($29) or higher.

7. All other individual membership categories are unchanged.

Members enrolled in AutoRenewal for the 2026-27 season will automatically renew at 2025-26 rates — the same early-bird policy as last season. No extra steps needed; the system handles it before the Aug. 1 deadline.

For 2026-27, adult athletes 18 and older who self-identify as having regular contact with minor athletes will be required to complete SafeSport training. If that applies to you, details on completing the required course will be available in your member portal. USA Fencing's commitment to a safe environment for every fencer — especially our youngest members — remains a non-negotiable part of how we operate.

Renewals open June 1 at member.usafencing.org. Current members who renew before Aug. 1 will pay 2025-26 rates. Questions about your membership type or renewal status? Contact USA Fencing at information@usafencing.org.