Proposals

As we proceed through the stages developing a strategic plan, we will begin posting short write-ups of proposals here.  These are intended to give a feel for the types of solutions which we are examining, as well as provide a focus for feedback from members of the US Fencing community.

Will everything go into effect exactly as outlined here?  No, of course not.

Hopefully this area will help serve as the beginnings of dialog about where we should be going and how best to get there.

We welcome feedback at usfanominees@gmail.com

Have a suggestion for topics you’d like to see covered?  Comments about an article that’s already been posted?  We’d love to hear from you.

Kalle, Jerry, Ro, Mark, Greg, and Brad
usfanominees@gmail.com

Proposals:

  • The First 100 Days - Here’s what the USFA nominees will do for the organization to manage its growth and support its athletes — what we will do for you and for all fencers across the country during our first 100 days in office.
  • Reorganization of the USFA National Office and Budgetary Responsibilities - Over the last several years it has become obvious that the USFA does not have the structure or processes in place to ensure efficient operation, either from the standpoint of serving the needs of the membership or from the standpoint of managing expenses.  Here is our plan to remedy the situation.
  • Veteran Fencing - Delia Turner, a member of the Veterans Committee, posted a very good set of questions to the “2008 USFA Elections” forum on fencing.net.  Our answers to those questions provide a good outline of the future direction that we propose Veteran Fencing take in the US.

  • Technology - While some details remain to be worked out, and certainly many parts of this proposal require the feedback and approval of the full Board of Directors prior to implementation, in principle what is contained in this report is what we would like to see over the next quad.

  • Volunteer Development - We live and die by the efforts of our volunteers.  Here’s how we plan to develop and support this vital resource.
  • Scholastic and Collegiate Programs - As part of the continued growth of our sport in this country, and in light of the truly staggering explosion in the number of junior and youth competitors, it is well past time for us to expand our efforts with regards to scholastic and collegiate programs.  Here’s our plan to support such programs.
  • Parents - One of the topics of on-going membership concern has been the role of parents of athletes in our sport.  Parents are vital to the success of our organization, both directly and indirectly through their children.  Yet all too often they are marginalized, whether through intent or neglect, and pushed off to the side or, most commonly, simply ignored.
  • Referee Development - Over the last several years fencing in the United States has grown at an increasing pace.  Along with that growth we have seen an explosion in interest in learning how to referee, in the demands for quality referees, and in questions about refereeing.  To guide this growth and ensure the continued success of US Fencing, we should add additional structure to our current system and monitor its growth.  Here is a multi-step proposal to accomplish these goals.
  • Youth Development -One of the great successes of the last four years is the National Youth Program. The development of the RYC/SYC system quickly surpassed our early expectations and youth fencing is rapidly becoming our largest membership block. The idea of creating appropriate competitive opportunities to develop and maintain a broad youth base has been embraced by clubs, parents, and coaches across the US. What’s next?
  • High Performance -

    Part of the stated mission of the Unites Sates Fencing Association is “to develop fencers to achieve international success,” and one of the organization’s five goals is “earn international medals”. To better achieve this and to move the successes of our athletes forward, we must create new structures that allow for more focused and professional planning to develop and benefit our athletes.

  • A Plan for National Circuit Events - Athlete development has too long been a synonym for elite development; but every coach and club owner knows that the higher the level of every fencer in the club, the greater chance of developing a champion. As an organization, we need to build a competitive structure beyond local division events to provide more and better competitive opportunities for fencers at all levels. The SYC model used in the national youth program can provide a framework to create a national circuit for fencers currently categorized as Div III, II and IA.
  • Club Growth - One of the primary factors in the rapid growth in the membership of US Fencing over the past five and ten years has been the explosive expansion in the number of clubs across the country.  Clubs are, of course, where most members get their first “fencing experience” and where most regularly go to practice, learn, and improve.  Here’s how to help expand the number of clubs and help those clubs grow.