The growth and success of USA Fencing is based on clubs operating independently of a centralized system where each coach or club owner pursues his/her unique coaching philosophy, strategy, and fencing techniques to develop the best athletes possible. The recent USA Fencing initiative mandating  the Foundation of Fencing Coaching Course is a step back in the fencing development in the U.S. For the many coaches who have already demonstrated success on their own by producing top national, international, and Olympic fencers, the USA Fencing initiative is insulting.

We, the undersigned coaches and club owners, firmly believe that it is not USA Fencing's role to mandate and instruct the U.S. successful coaches and club owners on how to coach and develop our privately owned clubs. We do not support the current Foundation of Fencing Coaching Course. We believe that the Coach's Certificate (or Coach's License) should include the following modules only:

• Safe Sport Course
• Criminal Background Check
• Fencing Safety Rules

The Foundation of Fencing Coaching Course should be optional for coaches who would like to improve their coaching skills.

Please sign the petition below to show your support of this position and share with other coaches and club owners.