USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As part of USA Fencing's commitment to transparency, we're sharing the full report from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee's audit of USA Fencing. 

The audit, published on Feb. 24, 2023, focuses on the policies and procedures at USA Fencing in these key areas:

• Governance and Compliance
• Financial Standards and Reporting Practices
• Athlete Protections and Rights
• Sport Performance
• Operational Performance

Of the 48 criteria being assessed, USA Fencing was found to be compliant in 35, needing improvement in four and deficient in eight. One area was deemed "not applicable."

We encourage interested members to read the full audit, linked below, but are highlighting these areas the USOPC deemed "deficient" because we either have already started to address them or have a plan in place for doing so.

USOPC finding: USA Fencing does not have a formal onboarding process for new board or committee members.

Additionally, there were two board members that did not complete the USOPC training.

While management confirmed that CEO evaluations are conducted annually, no evidence of a written performance evaluation was provided.

USA Fencing plan: 

USA Fencing has implemented an onboarding process for all committee and board members. Additionally, newly appointed board members will participate in a virtual onboarding session. The most recently appointed Board members completed this session on December 19, 2022.

USA Fencing will ensure the newly onboarded and active Directors complete the USOPC training.

On December 16, 2022, the USA Fencing Board of Directors approved a Compensation and Review Group which will conduct a written CEO evaluation annually and an interim review every 6 months. A written CEO evaluation was provided on February 16, 2023.

Due Date: August 31, 2023

USOPC finding: There are elements missing from USA Fencing's Code of Conduct in the areas of organizational expectations, reporting, resolution, policy owner, and resources.

USA Fencing plan:

USA Fencing Board of Directors will review an updated member code of conduct on April 16, 2023. Once approved, the code of conduct will be posted on the website.

Due Date: April 30, 2023

USOPC finding: There are elements missing from USA Fencing's Conflict of Interest Policy in the areas of applicability, disclosures, and resources.
USA Fencing did not have anyone in the organization complete a conflict of interest disclosure form in the past year.

USA Fencing plan: 

An updated Conflict of Interest Policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors. Once approved, the policy will be posted on the website.

USA Fencing hired an Athlete Safety and Compliance Manager with responsibilities that include oversight of the conflict of interest process.

USA Fencing has started the process to ensure all conflict of interest forms for the 2022-23 season are obtained, reviewed, and actioned according to the updated Conflict of Interest Policy and compliance requirements.

Due Date: June 30, 2023

USOPC finding: USA Fencing does not have a gift and entertainment policy.

USA Fencing plan: A Gift & Entertainment Policy was approved by the Board of Directors on February 16, 2023. The policy has been submitted to NGB Audit and posted on the website.

USOPC finding: There were numerous expenses tested that lacked appropriate support and/or evidence of approval. Additionally, two transactions were completed prior to approval.

USA Fencing plan: USA Fencing has had significant employee turnover within the last two years, particularly within the finance team. The current team has implemented improved systematic grant-tracking processes. These changes will allow for appropriate document retention including approvals.

Due Date: September 30, 2023

USOPC finding: USA Fencing does not have national classification policies and procedures.

USA Fencing plan: National classification policies and procedures will be written and posted on USA Fencing’s website.

Due Date: June 30, 2023

USOPC finding:  

The USA Fencing Grievance Policy reviewed is in a draft form and is not posted on the website.
Out of the grievance cases reviewed, the following significant issues were identified:
There were multiple cases where a hearing was not provided within a reasonable time. In addition, there was one complaint where notice to the respondent was provided 394 days after the complaint submission.
USA Fencing was unable to demonstrate appropriate processes were followed, including providing the notice to respondents, communicating the decision to all parties, disclosing hearing panel members, and confirming the absence of conflicts among the hearing panel.

USA Fencing plan: USA Fencing hired a full-time compliance manager and has noted improvements with documentation and communication.
An updated Complaint and Hearing Procedures Policy and the creation of a Grievance and Disciplinary Committee was approved by the Board of Directors on February 16, 2023. The policy was provided to NGB Audit and will be added to USA Fencing’s website. The updated procedures outline timelines for the grievance process. Going forward, USA Fencing will follow the updated policy, ensuring that hearings and communications are conducted in a reasonable timeframe and documents are appropriately retained.

Due Date: June 30, 2023

USOPC finding: There are elements missing from USA Fencing's Whistleblower and Anti-Retaliation Policy in the following areas: applicability, content and expectations, and reporting.

The Whistleblower and Anti-Retaliation Policy has not been finalized and is not posted on the website.

USA Fencing plan: A Whistleblower & Anti-Retaliation Policy will be reviewed by the Board of Directors. Once approved, the policy will be posted on the website.

Due Date: June 30, 2023