USA Fencing

Update, Feb. 6: The RCNC has chosen to extend the nominations deadline to Friday, Feb. 16. This article has been updated accordingly.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The USA Fencing Referees' Commission (commonly known as the RC) is more than a group of outstanding referees. It’s an integral part of our sport's heart and soul, ensuring fairness and respect at every level of competition. 

Today, the Referees’ Commission Nominating Committee (RCNC) is calling for nominations for a new group of four to join the Referees’ Commission.

The RCNC is seeking passionate individuals ready to serve four-year terms in pivotal roles: 

• Chair

• Vice-Chair of the Domestic Development Committee – Grassroots

• Vice-Chair of the Domestic Development Committee – National

• Referee Ombuds

These positions are critical in shaping the future of fencing, from grassroots to national levels.

These seats are currently held by Tasha Martin (Chair), Patrick Webster (Vice-Chair of the Domestic Referee Development Committee) and Sue Borgos (Referee Ombuds). 

Notably, the Vice-Chair position for Domestic Development has been split into two distinct roles, allowing for focused growth at both the grassroots and national levels.

If you're ready to contribute to the Referees’ Commission, please send an email to nominations@usafencing.org by 5 p.m. MT on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Remember to include “Referees’ Commission” in the subject line and provide the following:

• Name of person being nominated

• Position(s) you're interested in

• Referee resume

• Brief summary of why you're the ideal candidate

Chair: As the Chair, you will coordinate the activities of the RC and oversee the Ethics Panel, communications,awards and parafencing. This role requires a minimum of five years in a leadership position within USA Fencing and at least 10 years of national refereeing experience. (See more in the position description.)

Vice-Chair, Domestic Development Committee – Grassroots: In this new role, you will oversee the local and regional referee development programs, which will provide the training materials and development pathways to improve the competency of referees and aid in their progression. (See more in the position description.)

Vice-Chair, Domestic Development Committee – National: In this position, you will provide the training materials and development pathways to improve the competency of referees and aid in their progression at a national level. (See more in the position description.)

Referee Ombuds: As the Ombuds, you will develop a panel with one person in each region to determine the issues that exist for the referee corps and work with the members of the RC to develop solutions. (See more in the position description.)

• Jan. 2, 2024: Window opens for applications for RC Nominating Committee 
• Jan. 12, 2024: Window closes for applications for Nominating Committee (at 5 p.m. MT)
• Jan. 22–29, 2024: Nominating Committee election
• Feb. 1–16, 2024: Call for eligible referees to submit their name for consideration for the Referees’ Commission positions up for election
• Feb 19 – April 5, 2024: Nominating Committee conducts interviews of eligible RC candidates
• April 15, 2024: Final list of candidates for RC election sent to Election Committee.
• April 29, 2024: Bios, one-minute candidate videos posted to USAFencing.org 
• May 13, 2024: General election* opens
• May 27, 2024: General election closes
• May 28, 2024: Winners announced
• Aug. 1, 2024: Four-year terms begin for the newly elected RC members

*Note: The 2024 election also will include a vote for the Board of Directors and the Hall of Fame.