Posted April 18, 2025

1. What is the new Transgender & Non-Binary Eligibility Policy?
Under the new policy, USA Fencing-sanctioned events will offer two categories:

• Women’s Category: Exclusively for athletes of the female sex.
• Men’s Category: Open to all athletes not eligible for the Women’s Category, including transgender women, transgender men, non-binary and intersex athletes, and cisgender male athletes.

This applies to all divisions and levels, including Division I, IA, II, III, Junior, Cadet, Youth, Veteran, and any other competition under USA Fencing’s sanctioning.

Mixed events, where all competitors compete together regardless of sex or gender identity, will continue to be sanctioned by USA Fencing at the local level.

2. When will this policy go into effect? 

The policy is not currently in effect and will only be implemented if explicitly required by oversight bodies such as the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Fencing Federation (FIE), World Para Fencing (WPF), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), or as mandated by U.S. federal law.

3. Why was this policy adopted?
This policy was proactively adopted by the USA Fencing Board of Directors in anticipation of possible future mandates or directives from the oversight bodies mentioned above, or due to potential federal legislation. At this time, such directives have not yet been issued.

4. Does this mean transgender athletes can no longer participate in USA Fencing competitions?
No. Transgender athletes may still compete, and USA Fencing warmly welcomes them to the strip. However, under the new policy — if and when it takes effect — individuals competing in the Women’s category must be of the female sex. 

Transgender athletes who are not eligible for the Women’s category are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Men’s category or in mixed events. This policy applies uniformly across all sanctioned events.

5. What about non-binary or intersex athletes?
Non-binary or intersex athletes continue to be welcomed and encouraged to compete in USA Fencing events. Under the new policy — if implemented — only individuals who are of female sex may enter the Women’s category; all athletes regardless of sex or gender identity are welcome in the Men’s Category or in mixed events.

6. Does this affect local, regional, and non-points events like Division IA, II, and III?
Yes. The policy applies to all USA Fencing-sanctioned events, regardless of whether the event awards national points.

7. Is this a permanent policy?
The policy may be revised based on further guidance from one or more oversight bodies, legal rulings, or emerging best practices in community and fairness.

8. Can USA Fencing implement a policy that permits transgender athletes to compete on the basis of their gender identity?
USA Fencing, as a USOPC-recognized NGB, must follow the legal and regulatory framework that governs amateur sport in the United States. USA Fencing is bound by the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act and USOPC compliance standards. Diverging from the requirements of our oversight bodies and/or federal law could jeopardize USA Fencing’s status as the recognized NGB and its ability to send athletes to international competition.

9.  What about individuals in non-athlete roles, may they identify and continue to participate as they so desire?
Yes, this policy applies solely to athlete eligibility categories and does not affect non-athlete roles. USA Fencing remains fully committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Individuals in non-athlete roles — including referees, coaches, armorers, volunteers, and staff — will continue to have their gender identity fully respected at all USA Fencing events.

10. Whom can I contact with questions or concerns?
Members may contact the USA Fencing National Office for confidential inquiries or to request a discussion regarding eligibility or accommodations.