The January NAC included Veterans events, as usual, and it was my first with a major Veterans presence since I’ve joined USA Fencing. It was just fantastic to see the atmosphere and warm, friendly — but competitive — environment created by our veterans. It was, quite frankly, inspiring. That aside, seeing Kat Holmes OLY’s emotional victory together with key victories across our Division I events made for yet another successful NAC — and our most successful in January ever. We’ll soon be releasing the schedule for 2023-2024’s season, and though we won’t be back in one of our key cities (Louisville) next season, we think you’ll enjoy the destination for the January NAC.
Speaking of that, we’ve written about how those events are allocated a number of times, and I do believe some of the concerns raised by membership will be somewhat addressed by our 2023-2024 schedule, although we are already working with cities into the 2024-2025 season. Just this last week we’ve been discussing the January and April 2025 events. As our sport becomes more successful, and the costs rise, it is becoming more and more challenging to satisfy all that we need from a NAC and all that our members need to see. That means, ideally, a good airlift, healthy hotel rates, and a financially affordable venue that is big enough to host our events. It also means avoiding whenever possible states who have laws that put our women’s members’ health at risk or discriminate against our LGBTQ+ communities.
Hearing from members is key to how we move forward. More and more of you are happily taking the opportunity to “hit reply” and start those conversations that are only serving to improve us. But a more formal way to reach out is our inaugural member survey. This survey will help us create a Customer Service Satisfaction Score and will be combined with new customer service management software we are currently trialing here at USA Fencing to measure our service to you, the member.
Members also will have the chance to have their say in our direction and leadership in a few months when the At-Large Director elections take place. Right now, we are in the petition phase, which means that folks who were not nominated by the Nominating Committee are able to petition onto the ballot. This period lasts through March, and so far two people have been added to the ballot (subject to verification). This process is, in turn, overseen by the Election Committee.
A lot of chatter has been around the Y8-Y10-Y12 review group, and I first want to take a moment to thank the members of that group who have come together and worked on an aggressive time schedule to help our sport engage our youngest athletes. This month, the group will provide their report to the USA Fencing Board of Directors at its upcoming Feb. 16 board meeting. The group will not be recommending the removal of national competition for Y10 and Y12 while they recommend the formalization of Y8 at the regional level. Instead, the group will make recommendations in line with limiting burnout and encouraging fun within these age groups, likely to include the engagement in other activities or sports at these ages — an idea that was universally endorsed by the group.
Also in front of our board is a significant update to the USA Fencing bylaws addressing a number of issues. These will then enter a comment period where the membership can have their say. A number of these updates simply correct typos or grammar, but there are some more fundamental updates which give a clear pathway to how a Chair is removed, clarify the role of the “Vice Chair” or “Vice President” as it has been known, to clarify term limits for the Chair, Treasurer and currently named Vice Chair roles, a change to create a Grievance and Discipline Committee. The latter is aligned with new disciplinary procedures which simplify our disciplinary procedures (outside, of course, of those in the exclusive jurisdiction of either the U.S. Center for SafeSport or the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency) and give the G&D Committee authority to act, with the board now our appellate body and not our direct discipline committee. I want to thank Donald Alperstein who has been an exceptional volunteer resource in this process, together with Stephen Hess and Christina Pachuta.
Our members have been heavily put to work elsewhere, with our Membership Review Group, Multi-Sport Membership Review Group and Events Review Group well underway, our CEO Advisory Group and finally the High School and Fighting for Fencing Collegiate Group all seated or on their way to being seated.
Finally, as we enter February, back to that Junior Olympics, and our first team competitions of the season. The Junior Olympics is a special competition where we really highlight the future of USA Fencing, and we’ll see some collegiate opportunities at the Junior Olympics too. February also marks Black History Month, which means we pay special attention to the rich history of USA Fencing’s African American population — keep an eye on our social media as we mark the occasion all month long.
That’s quite enough from me, but if we can help you in any way, just hit reply.
|