Membership FAQ

USFA Membership - Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Membership

• What is a Professional Membership?  The Professional membership is the new coach membership.  Benefits for the Professional Membership are the same as for the Competitive members with the following additions:
• 10% Discount on Standard or Premier Club Membership; plus discounts for national education and with participating vendors
• Certificate of recognition
• Coach Credential - provides free admission, and access to the floor as a coach at USA FENCING National Organized tournaments
• General Liability Insurance Coverage up to $1M 

• Is a background screen required for this membership?  Yes.  In order for your Professional membership to be active (and for you to be covered under the Coaches’ Liability insurance policy) you will need to successfully complete a background screen.  You will be prompted to visit the NCSI website to complete your screen when you sign up for the professional membership online.  If you sign up by fax or mail, you will be sent a link to the NCSI information via email or mail if you do not provide an email address.  For those registering for a Professional Membership the cost of this screening will be covered by USA Fencing.   

• I already have a current Coach membership.  Do I need to sign up for the Professional membership now?  As with Life Members, those with an existing Coach Membership will pay an annual fee equal to the difference between the Professional membership cost and the annual competitive membership cost ($65) to remain covered under USA FENCING’s insurance.  This $65 charge covers the cost of your background screen and coaches' liability insurance.  Please contact us at the National Office for details.  If you do not need coaches' liability insurance, you do not need to pay the annual fee or complete the background screen. 

• I am on a Life Membership Installment plan (formerly Supporting Membership).   Do I need to sign up for the Professional membership now?  As with Life Members, those on a Life Membership w/Installment plan will pay an annual fee equal to the difference between the Professional membership cost and the annual competitive membership cost ($65) to remain covered under USA FENCING’s insurance.  This $65 charge covers the cost of your background screen and coaches' liability insurance.  Please contact us at the National Office for details.  If you do not need coaches' liability insurance, you do not need to pay the annual fee or complete the background screen. 

• I already have a current Life membership.  Do I need to sign up for the Professional membership now?  Life members will pay an annual fee equal to the difference between the Professional membership cost and the annual competitive membership cost ($65) to remain covered under USA FENCING’s insurance.  This $65 charge covers the cost of your background screen and coaches' liability insurance.  Please contact us at the National Office for details.  If you do not need coaches' liability insurance, you do not need to pay the annual fee or complete the background screen. 

• I don't need liability insurance, but I still need floor access (or a coach's credential).  Is there a separate charge for this?  Currently there is no separate charge for this service.  If a charge is implemented in the future, you will be able to purchase this credential separately if you do not want to purchase the Professional membership. 

• Is there a 3-year Professional Membership?  No.  This membership is contingent on a successful annual background screen.  Therefore multiple years are not offered at this time. 

Competitive Membership

• What are the benefits of Competitive Membership? 
• Right to Compete
• Right to Vote (within established rules)
• American Fencing Magazine- Quarterly Subscription
• Online membership profile 
• Membership Card 
• Secondary Medical/Accident insurance
• Discount with Participating Vendors
   
• What happened to the Junior/Senior/Veteran membership categories?  All of these categories were merged under one heading: Competitive.  If you held one of these memberships you will now be listed as Competitive only.

• What happened to the Supporting Life membership?  This category is now called Life w/installment. 

• Have the cost/benefits changed for competitive memberships?  The cost and benefits remain the same.

Non-Competitive Membership

• What happened to the Associate membership categories?  These memberships are now all merged under one heading: Supporting.  If you held one of these memberships you will be listed as Supporting. 

• Do you have a non-competitive membership?  Yes, this category is now called Supporting.

• Have the cost/benefits changed for non-competitive memberships?  The cost has been lowered to $40.  The benefits remain the same.

Family Membership 

• Explain the changes to the Family membership?  Previously the Family membership included two competitive members and two non-competitive members. The Family membership is now two competitive memberships offered for one price: $110.  Additional family members living at the same address may be added for $50 each. 

• What about parents?  The non-competitive membership price has been lowered to $40.  Parents who want to also be members but not compete can register for a Supporting membership. 

• I have a current Family membership.  What will happen to my family members?  Your memberships will be considered valid through their expiration dates, at which point you would be asked to renew under the new rate structure. 

One Day Membership

• Can I sign up for a One-Day membership for a NAC, ROC, RYC or SYC? No, One-Day memberships are not valid for these events.

• Can I sign up for a One-Day membership at the event? No. These memberships can only be purchased online. No paper One-Day applications or payments will be accepted.

• If I sign up for a One-Day membership, can I convert it or upgrade it to a full membership later? No. One-Day memberships are not upgradeable, convertible or transferable.

• What if I earn a classification at the event? Your classification will be recorded when the results are received from the sanctioning Division or Section.

• Can I sign up for multiple One-Day memberships? Yes, there is no limit to the number of One-Day membership you may purchase, however if you will compete in several events, it may be of greater benefit for you to purchase the annual membership.

General 

• How to I become a Member of USA Fencing?  We would encourage you to use our new online registration system here.  If you would prefer not to renew online, the USA FENCING membership form is located on our website here.  Please complete and return to our National Office for processing.  Don’t forget to sign the waiver and include payment.  There must be a separate form for each person.

• I sent my membership form in – where is my membership card?  Membership applications are processed daily.  Membership cards are mailed weekly.  Typical receipt time is between 2-4 weeks, however it can take up to 4-6 weeks after we receive your membership form for you to receive your card. 

• 4-6 weeks!  I have a competition before then!!  OK, don’t panic.  It’s no problem.  You just need to include a note with your membership form requesting a “Letter of Good Standing” to be emailed or faxed to you.  This will serve as proof of membership until you receive your card.  If you register online you will receive a confirmation automatically and can login to your profile at any time to print a copy of your membership card.  If you register by fax or mail, please contact us at information@usfencing.org for confirmation.

• I turned in my membership form at a local tournament – why haven’t I gotten my card yet?  We have to have your membership form before we can process your membership.  It’s up to the organizers of that competition to turn in your forms.  If we don’t have it, please contact the organizer of that competition and follow up with them.

• How long is a membership good for?  The membership year is from August 1 to July 31.

• Is membership prorated at any point during the year?  Membership is not prorated, however, brand new members who join for one year following April 1^st will have their memberships extended through the following season.  (Example: If you are brand new and join after 4/1/10 your membership will expire 7/31/11 rather than 7/31/10.) 

• Can my USA FENCING membership be upgraded to a family membership?  If you have a one-year membership that is current, you can upgrade to a family membership by paying the difference between the two membership types and submitting applications for the additional family members.  Three-year memberships are not eligible to upgrade. 

• The information on my membership card is incorrect.  Please contact us at information@usfencing.org or 719-866-4511.

• I have lost my membership card, how do I get a new one? Please contact us at information@usfencing.org or 719-866-4511.  There is a fee of $10 to replace the card. Replacement form located here

• How can I get information on fencing in my area?  Under the Find a Club link you may select your state.  You may then visit your Division or Section website for local schedules, results and information.