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Clubs to Receive One-Time Membership Extension to Aug. 31, 2022, as USA Fencing Works to Provide the Best Insurance Coverage Amid Difficult Conditions

07/22/2022, 12:15pm CDT
By Bryan Wendell

Club memberships for the 2021-22 season, which were set to expire on July 31, 2022, will now expire on Aug. 31, 2022.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing today announced a one-time, one-month extension to our club membership, which offers benefits for clubs that include general liability and abuse insurance coverage, the right to host sanctioned events and the ability to field a team at national events.

Club memberships for the 2021-22 season, which were set to expire on July 31, 2022, will now expire on Aug. 31, 2022.

All rights and benefits enjoyed by Premium Clubs, including their existing general liability and abuse insurance coverage, will remain in place during this one-month extension with no lapse in coverage.

We will announce more details about 2022-23 memberships for clubs by Aug. 15.

Why Are Club Memberships Being Extended?

In an effort to be as transparent as possible, we wanted to share why this extension is happening and what’s coming next. 

As many who follow news in the insurance sector already know, this is a very difficult time for those who hold insurance policies — especially those in the sporting community.

Because of this, USA Fencing needs a little extra time to continue negotiating with providers to receive the best possible package for our members. Clubs should expect changes to their insurance policy as we work to provide the highest quality coverage possible. Clubs should also expect changes to the membership fee they will pay for the 2022-23 season.

Even though the coverage and fees may change, we’re committed to continue providing a high-quality benefit to our clubs in the 2022-23 season and beyond — even in this difficult market.

After all, we understand and appreciate that clubs are the backbone of our sport. We know that every Olympic, world and national champion — including fencers at the senior, junior, cadet, veteran and parafencing levels — starts their fencing career at a club, and we want to do everything we can to support these great institutions.

What Isn’t Changing?

Please note that this extension applies only to memberships held by clubs.

Memberships held by individuals (Non-Competitive, Access, Competitive, etc.) still expire on July 31. 

Also, the extension does not apply to SafeSport training, which is required for members who are 18 and older and have regular contact with minors, per the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies, or MAAPP. Members’ current SafeSport training certifications will still expire on July 31 and must be renewed annually.

Individual memberships and SafeSport training certifications can be renewed at member.usafencing.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Club Membership Extension

What is changing?

Club memberships for the 2021-22 season, which were set to expire on July 31, 2022, will now expire on Aug. 31, 2022.

Why is this change happening?

One of the many benefits offered to Premium Clubs is general liability and abuse insurance coverage. Because of the much-publicized challenges in the insurance market, especially in the world of sports, USA Fencing needs a little extra time to continue negotiating with providers to receive the best possible coverage package for our clubs. 

Does this mean club membership fees are changing?

Yes, we do anticipate a change to the club membership fee for the 2022-23 season. We will use this additional time to obtain the best policy for our clubs in this challenging environment and to handle any fee changes in the most equitable way.

When will coverage details and other information be announced?

We expect to share this news by Aug. 15 and will announce it by email to clubs and on our website at this link.

What happens to club memberships during the one-month extension?

All rights and benefits enjoyed by clubs during the 2021-22 season will continue unchanged during this one-month extension with no lapse in current policies.

How will this affect the club membership “cycle”? 

The cycle will not change. This ensures that club memberships will continue to align with individual memberships. Club memberships for 2022-23 will expire on July 31, 2023.

Does this extension apply to individual memberships?

No, this extension applies only to memberships held by clubs.

Memberships held by individuals (Non-Competitive, Access, Competitive, etc.) still expire on July 31 and can be renewed at member.usafencing.org.

Does this extension apply to SafeSport training?

No. SafeSport training, which is required for members who are 18 and older and have regular contact with minors (per the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies, or MAAAP), will still expire on July 31 and must be renewed annually. Members can complete this training at member.usafencing.org.

Does the extension apply to Affiliate Clubs as well?

Yes, this extension applies both to Premium Clubs and Affiliate Clubs. (Learn more about the two types of club membership here.)

Tag(s): Updates