USA Fencing

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – The current mask mandate and COVID-19 testing protocols will remain in effect for the June North American Cup.

The mask mandate also remains in place at all sanctioned regional and local events through at least June 7.

USA Fencing is continuing to evaluate all health and safety protocols and any updates, including determinations for the USA Fencing National Championships and July North American Cup, will be made at a later date. All updates will be posted at https://www.usafencing.org/.

Health and Safety Best Practices for the Resumption of National Events
Health and Safety Best Practices for the Resumption of Regional Events
Health and Safety Best Practices for the Resumption of Local Events

The measures covered in the above documents have been developed based upon the recommendations given by accredited health authorities, including USA Fencing’s official medical service provider, The Mount Sinai Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, USA Fencing Sports Medicine, and various tournament-related individuals, groups and committees within USA Fencing.

Participants in all sanctioned events, including the June NAC in Richmond from June 4-7, are advised to review the best practices, including the following areas:

Credential Access

The June NAC will NOT be open to outside spectators; however, each competing athlete will receive credential access for one additional individual, which may be a coach OR another accompanying individual, such as a family member. Athletes can register this person at the time of registration.

Each current USA Fencing Member or Affiliate Club that has athletes competing also now will be permitted to register as many coaches as they wish to send. This credential is in addition to the plus one allocated to each athlete. All registered coaches must have a current Coach membership or +Coach add-on. Clubs have been sent a link to register coaches for the June NAC.

All credentialed individuals are subject to the COVID-19 test restrictions as listed below.

Mask Mandate

As announced in October 2020, all participants in USA Fencing events MUST wear a face mask that covers mouth and nose at all times, including competition. This includes athletes, coaches, staff and officials.

Mandatory COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines

All participants in the June NAC, including athletes and staff as well as all coaches or other credentialed individuals, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result in order to enter the facility. The COVID-19 PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to the start of travel for all credentialed individuals.

At this time, fully vaccinated individuals also must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

Health Checks

Everyone at the June NAC must submit to daily health checks before entering the venue, including:

• Verification of negative PCR test results (first time to venue only)
• Completion of daily health questionnaire and pass of onsite temperature check (< 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Individuals will receive a color-coded wristband for the appropriate hall for their competition and should not attempt to go into any of the other halls at any time (unless they advance to the video replay rounds in the finals hall where they will receive a credential for access to that room).

Venue Safety

Epee, foil and saber events at the June NAC will be held in separate halls, which can only be accessed by those credentialed for each event in a hall. After a competitor has been eliminated from competition, all competitors must leave the venue immediately. Coaches and competitors will only be allowed in the dedicated room of the competition for their event. Tournament staff and officials also will be limited to access only the rooms in which they are working.

The venue opens for all participants, plus-ones and coaches at 6:30 a.m. on each competition day. Halls for the afternoon events will open 90 minutes prior to the posted start time.

For any questions, please email nationalevents@usafencing.org.