February 2025 Board Meeting Recap: Board Passes Y8 Format Passes, Welcomes a New “Member of Honor”

The Board approved a new Y8 format, named USA Fencing’s first “Member of Honor,” reaffirmed inclusivity for international athletes, referred a national anthem policy to the Tournament Committee, and withdrew or defeated several proposals regarding the Hall of Fame, conflict-of-interest rules, the Coaches Committee, and DEIB.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a jam-packed session on Feb. 15, 2025 — held in the heart of the Junior Olympics in Charlotte, N.C. — the USA Fencing Board of Directors advanced a new Y8 competition format, inaugurated the first-ever “Member of Honor” award, and debated a sweeping set of governance proposals — including items on Hall of Fame policies that were ultimately withdrawn to allow more review. 

The Board also weighed motions on national anthem practices, Coaches Committee bylaws, conflict-of-interest rules, and the organization’s commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). Below is a motion-by-motion breakdown of each decision.

Result: Withdrawn to allow the Hall of Fame Committee additional time to review

Result: Withdrawn to allow the Hall of Fame Committee additional time to review.

Result: Withdrawn to allow the Hall of Fame Committee additional time to review

Result: Passed with the required two-thirds majority.

Summary: The Board named Donald Alperstein as the first-ever “Member of Honor,” recognizing his decades of service as a former USA Fencing President, legal counsel, FIE representative and lifelong volunteer.

Result: Moved to Executive Session and ultimately withdrawn.

Summary: A motion regarding a prior USFA Presidential transition was withdrawn, given that the matter dated back several years and most current Board members lacked first-hand knowledge.

Result: Defeated by roll call vote

Summary: A proposal to tighten conflict-of-interest rules did not pass. The Ethics Committee will revisit its current policies, which involve recusal and formal notification when conflicts arise.

Result: Passed by voice vote.

Summary: Updates allow fencers to use #0 or #2 blades, permit full or shortened strips, grant local organizers freedom to choose a suitable format, and confirm there will be no Y8 national championship or ranking points.

Result: Passed by roll call vote.

Summary: The Grievance and Disciplinary Committee introduced clearer guidelines, adding transparency to an “informal resolution” track for minor infractions and streamlining how lesser complaints are managed.

Result: Passed by voice vote.

Summary: To better match individual expertise, the Board reshuffled its committee liaisons, ensuring each group has active, knowledgeable representation.

Result: Passed by voice vote with an amendment to include athletes from all nations recognized by the FIE and World Abilitysport.

Summary: The Board reaffirmed USA Fencing’s commitment to welcoming athletes from all 23 North American nations. Leadership specifically addressed recent Canadian concerns, underscoring our longstanding tradition of cooperation and inclusivity.

Result: Withdrawn

Summary: A proposed charter establishing the Coaches Committee’s scope and composition was taken back for further revisions before a final vote.

Result: Defeated by roll call vote.

Summary: A proposal to expand the committee from six to 10 members and revise membership rules did not advance, with Board members noting the committee is still new and evolving.

Result: Passed by roll call vote — Motion referred to the Tournament Committee 

Summary: A motion calling for a consistent policy on playing the national anthem at tournaments was forwarded to the Tournament Committee for further study, balancing tradition with event logistics.

Result: Defeated by roll call vote.

Summary: The motion to dismantle the DEIB office in favor of alternate models was rejected, reaffirming USA Fencing’s ongoing commitment to its inclusivity programs and clarifying that federal executive orders cited do not apply to the organization.

You can take a deeper dive by visiting the full minutes, posted here.

For more insight into the meeting from our Board chair, read his recap.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for June 7, 2025, via Zoom. Members are invited to attend or watch online.