A Message From the President of USA Fencing

Dear USA Fencing Members,

During the past 10 days, the world has become a different place. Schools and universities have shuttered. Businesses have closed. Everyday tasks such as going to work or the grocery store have all changed.

Last week, our elite athletes were preparing for Olympic qualifiers and fencers around the nation were in clubs practicing with teammates, taking lessons and preparing for upcoming tournaments.

In the face of a pandemic like most of us have never seen in our lifetimes, we have been forced to postpone or cancel tournaments that we all have come to know as part of our schedule, including the Div I / Parafencing Championships, March and April NACs and the Anaheim SJCC as well as regional and local events around the nation.

These decisions were made to keep the safety and well-being of all members of the fencing community protected, but we know that these were events that thousands of fencers were training for and looking forward to. Because not only were these tournaments competition opportunities, but also places where athletes, coaches, referees and staff connect with members of their fencing family around the nation and even the world.

In light of the current federal governmental guidance to limit interactions to groups of 10 or less, on Tuesday, we notified our Member Clubs that, after consultation with our insurance provider, club events and activities conducted between now and at least April 6 will not be sanctioned by USA Fencing and, therefore, will not be covered by our insurance. This includes practices, lessons and any other club gatherings.

While most clubs had already taken this time to postpone activities, we understand that these clubs are small businesses and we are working to provide best practices to our club owners to prepare for the future.

We encourage each of you to continue to support your clubs as they prepare to resume classes.

Fencing is more than a sport. We are, indeed, a family and we know that we will emerge from this crisis stronger and enthusiastic to return to the fencing strip.

We hope that each of you stay healthy and look forward to seeing you soon.

Best Wishes,

Donald K. Anthony Jr.
USA Fencing President / Chairman

Kris Ekeren 
USA Fencing Executive Director

P.S. For continued updates, please visit www.usafencing.org/coronavirus.