Dear Fencing Parents, Fencers, Coaches, Referees, USA Fencing members, and Everyone who loves fencing:

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Fair Fencing Organization (FFO) is a nationwide nonprofit representing thousands of fencing families committed to improve fairness, transparency, professionalism, and safety within the sport of fencing. Over the past few years, we have witnessed many troubling actions by USA Fencing (USFA), the National Governing Body for fencing in the United States. These actions and policies have been disconnected with vast majority of the members. The USFA board, according to its bylaws and the applicable non-profit organization law, is supposed to perform the fiduciary duties on behalf of ALL USFA members, but has failed to serve and protect the interest of majority of its members.

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There is a long list of issues with USA Fencing, ranging from corporate governance and financial accountability to transparency, conflict of interest, and weaponization of the disciplinary actions. These issues include:

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• Breach of fiduciary duties entrusted by USFA members

• The unlawful removal of the democratically elected USFA President Peter Burchard

• Withholding crucial information from members regarding the selection process of USFA board replacement candidates

• Infringement on the rights of the female athletes by allowing biological male to participate in women's sports

• The wrongful application of DEI policies in NAC site selection, prioritizing cities/states based on a "LGBTQ map", leading to the exclusion of the Southern states and the disastrous 2025 January NAC, where thousands of members were trapped in Kansas City

• Selective silencing and disciplining of members  

• Intimidation of USFA members to deter participation in AAU tournaments, aiming to solidify USFA’s monopoly

• Paying below minimum wage to referees in tournaments while diverting the financial resources to matters unrelated to fencing

• Conflicts of interest in officer appointments, nominations, and business dealings with related parties

• Using another corporate shell for channeling funds in violation of the sole purpose of such shell company and potential violation of IRS code

• Forcing clubs to purchase insurances with a mandate that 100% participants must be USFA members

      

Since February 2024, we have made several attempts to communicate with USFA Board and leadership regarding some of the issues. Our efforts have been met with disregard, as demonstrated by the USFA Board’s December meeting, which revealed their utter lack of respect for member concerns. For more context, please refer to our public letters to the USFA and our open letter to the community:

 

https://www.fairfencing.org/press-release/1st-open-letter-to-usfa-bd

https://www.fairfencing.org/press-release/open-letter-to-usa-community-122124

https://www.fairfencing.org/press-release/2nd-open-letter-to-usfa-bd

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The problems with USA Fencing extend far beyond these letters. The organization has been hijacked by a small group of people with special interests and activists driven by radical political ideologies. They use USA Fencing as a platform to advance their personal political beliefs and to satisfy their own emotions of moral high ground. Sadly, the interests of the fencing community come second - if they come at all.

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After years of efforts to bring changes from within, we came into a conclusion that this organization can only be transformed by external force. To that end, we are working with lawyers to launch a class action lawsuit against USA Fencing. This lawsuit is solely directed to hold the USFA leadership accountable, including those who influence and control the USFA management behind the scene. FFO acknowledges its appreciation of USFA staff members, referees, and many volunteers who have made tremendous contributions to the development of this great sport.  

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We are here to respectfully ask for your financial support. Your entire contribution will go directly toward funding this lawsuit. Donations can be made either via our GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/Hold-USA-Fencing-Accountable) or via Zelle using our FFO ID: info@fairfencing.org. Please include your name and contact info (email) when you make a contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a fairer and more transparent fencing community.

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FFO is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 93-2129552), Your donation to FFO is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Your donation of even $5, will empower us to expand our programs, strengthen our initiatives, and provide valuable resources that positively impact fencers, coaches, referees, and the broader fencing community.

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We will keep you informed about the tangible impacts of your contributions including a monthly update on the donations and expenditures. For the latest news on our initiatives and success stories, we invite you to visit our website at https://www.fairfencing.org/press-release, or feel free to reach out to us directly at info@fairfencing.org.

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Thank you for your generous support. Together, we will make significant strides in exposing corruption and restoring integrity to the sport of fencing.

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With sincere appreciation,

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Fair Fencing Organization

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Please scan the GoFundMe barcode with your camera or the Zelle barcode in your bank app to make your donation to Fair Fencing Organization.