USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Fencing continues to support Ukraine and its people as they defend themselves from the senseless aggression and violence from Russia and Belarus.

At the same time, we understand that there are fencers who may be Russian or Belorussian, reside in the United States, and contribute in positive ways to the USA Fencing community. 

As long as they have denounced the actions of Russia and Belarus and display no physical manifestation of Russian or Belorussian affiliation within the venue, these individuals are permitted to return to USA Fencing competitions, per the decision of the USA Fencing Board of Directors on April 16, 2023.

In the case of our 2023 Summer Nationals tournament in Phoenix, Russian and Belorussian fencers are permitted to compete in non-championship events (such as Division I) only if they have met our Board-mandated requirements. As of June 28, three fencers have completed those requirements.

At the April 16, 2023, meeting of the USA Fencing Board of Directors, the Board voted to allow Russian and Belorussian participation in USA Fencing competitions, provided they meet the following criteria, including No. 1 and either No. 2 or No. 3 below:

1. They display no physical manifestation of Russian or Belorussian affiliation within the venue, including but not limited to uniforms, warm-ups, equipment bags, or accessories.

2. For the previous three years, they have not held an FIE license indicating Russian or Belorussian sport nationality, unless they have officially been approved for a change of sport nationality from the FIE.

3. For the previous one year they have not competed in USA Fencing competitions or functions and have renounced their support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine by executing a declaration to that effect.