USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The USA Fencing Board of Directors on June 10 approved a new membership fee structure for the 2023-24 season, and we wanted to inform our members of the changes right away. 

This new structure is marked by a few notable changes, including: 

• A fee increase of between 10% and 25% for all member types 

• An opportunity for anyone who renews their membership by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2023, to do so at 2022-23 season prices

• A merging of the Non-Competitive and Access categories into a single Access membership

Please note that the renewal period will open on July 1, 2023. We’re communicating this today to give members as much notice as possible.

A quick glance at the new fees might cause some concern for members, but a closer look at the numbers in the context of the realities facing USA Fencing and our national economy paints a more understandable picture. The changes in USA Fencing's membership fees are closely aligned with increases in the cost of living over the past several year. These changes, naturally, impact the operational costs of organizations like USA Fencing.

In the name of transparency, we’ve put together a comprehensive look at our 2023-24 budget — revenue and expenses — that you can read here.

To help members save a bit of money, we also have a special offer for this season: Anyone who renews their membership by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2023, can do so at 2022-23 season prices.

*Note that the Non-Competitive and Access memberships have been combined into a single Access membership for the 2023-24 season.

In a time of rising costs and economic uncertainty, it's important to understand the reasons behind changes in price structures. While no one enjoys paying more, the increase in membership fees for USA Fencing is in line with wider economic trends and the rate of inflation. As members, this understanding helps us better appreciate the value we receive as members and through our participation in this vibrant and exciting sport.

Q1: Why are the membership fees for USA Fencing increasing for the 2023-24 season?

A1: The membership fee increases for USA Fencing are a product of a general increase in prices for goods and services that also impacts the operational costs of organizations like USA Fencing.

Q2: I've noticed that the Coach membership fee has increased by 25%. Why is this?

A2: The Coach membership fee has increased to account for the added value of our coach education programs. We are continually striving to enhance these programs and the increased fee reflects the additional benefits that these improvements bring to our coaches.

Q3: The Life membership fee has also increased by 25%. Can you explain why?

A3: The increase in the Life membership fee is in part due to the fact that we are seeing members remain with USA Fencing for longer than ever before. Despite the increase, the Life membership still offers incredible value. Anyone who fences for 16 years or longer will see the membership pay for itself, and locking into a Life plan now protects against future membership fee increases.

Q4: What if I renew my membership before Aug. 1, 2023?

A4: If you renew your membership by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2023, you can do so at the 2022-23 season prices. This is a great opportunity to secure your membership for the coming season at the current rates.

Q5: I'm currently on the Life Installment plan at the $120/year rate. Will my annual cost change?

A5: No, if you are currently on the Life Installment plan at the $120/year rate, your annual cost will not change. You will continue to pay the same rate as when you first enrolled in the plan.

Q6: Why are the Plus Coach and Plus CheckEd add-ons more expensive this year?

A6: The Plus Coach and Plus CheckEd add-ons have increased from $20 to $30 for the 2023-24 season. This is to reflect the additional value that these programs bring to our members, specifically in our coaching education and athlete safety programs.

Q7: Why have the Non-Competitive and Access memberships been combined?

A7: The Non-Competitive and Access memberships have been combined to streamline our membership categories. The new combined Access membership allows for easier understanding and management of memberships while providing all members at this level with the superior benefits afforded to Access members.

Q8: I recently purchased a new Non-Competitive membership that has the expiration date of July 31, 2024. What will happen to my membership?

A8: Any non-competitive memberships with the expiration date of July 31, 2024 will be changed to an Access Membership for next season. 

Q9: When can I renew my membership for the 2023-24 season?

A9: The renewal period opens July 1, 2023. We're sharing this message today (June 10) to give members as much notice as possible of this upcoming change.

Have more questions about the increase? Please don't hesitate to reach out to USA Fencing at information@usafencing.org. We are committed to ensuring that our members understand these changes and the reasons behind them.