Greetings, it’s Meredith Delgado. You know me as a bout committee chair both here in Illinois and at Regional and National events I want to remind all of you about the National Withdrawal policy as we head to Minneapolis this weekend.
In June 2021 a policy was put into place that requires a fencer who knows they will not be competing in their National events to notify USA Fencing of their withdrawal the day prior to their event no later than 5 pm (tournament time zone). Failure to notify them could result in a fine of $250 and suspension of membership until it is paid.
The notification is simple. It’s as easy as sending an email to withdrawals@usafencing.org. Include the fencers name, their event(s) and their membership number. Include a brief description of your reasoning for withdrawal.
It is also important to notify USA Fencing immediately if you need to withdraw the day of your event. Send the email as soon as you know you are not fencing.
If you are in the venue and become ill or injured make sure to go to Sports Medicine and have the appropriate paperwork completed. If your event is starting immediately you or someone should notify the tournament bout committee chair right away so they know you are having your paperwork completed. With later starts it’s best to visit both Sports Medicine and the Bout Committee Chair.
It is always best to send your email immediately to USA Fencing as per above once you know you are not going to fence, for whatever reason. I can’t promise you won’t get the fine, but communication is key to this policy.
