By Paul Osborne

USA Fencing has opened up the application process for four new members of their Board of Directors ©USA FencingNovember 26 - The application process for four positions on the USA Fencing's Board of Directors has opened with the Nominating Committee currently seeking candidates for two At-Large director positions and a single position for Elite Coach director and Age-Group Parent director.

The roles have become available following USA Fencing bylaws which state that each of these positions be held for a maximum two year term – although members can serve for an indefinite number of terms - with elections being held on even years - At-Large directors, of which there are four, have two sets of elections, one on even years and one on odd years.

The deadline for applicants is December 23 2014 with successful candidates commencing their two year terms on September 1, 2014, upon the conclusion of the previous member's tenure.

Currently holding the roles of At-Large directors are David Blake and Jerry Benson.

Blake is the founder, owner and coach of Prise de Fer Fencing Club in North Billerica and has held positions on the board since 2008.

Benson has been an active member of USA Fencing for over 30 years and has founded five fencing clubs in Oklahoma including the Redlands Fencing Centre in Oklahoma City.

The Age Group Parent director and Elite Coach director roles are held by Kirtsen Crouse and Wes Glon respectively.

The American Fencing team came second behind Italy in the team foil event of this year's World Championships in Hungary ©Getty ImagesThe American Fencing team came second behind Italy in the team foil event of this year's World Championships in Hungary ©Getty Images


All prospective candidates must be current voting members of USA Fencing in "good standing" with members able to nominate themselves or another individual they feel is suitable for the position.

Age Group Parent director candidates must also, at the time of selection, be the parent or guardian of a youth, cadet, junior or under-23 fencer and shall have demonstrated sustained dedication to the sport of fencing.

Candidates for the Elite Coach position must also meet the following criteria set out by USA Fencing bylaws:

"A - Been identified as his or her primary coach by no fewer than two athletes who stand in the (1) top 24 on the senior point list; (2) top 16 of the junior point list; or (3) top eight of the cadet point list at the conclusion of the USA Fencing National Championships of the most elite level for the year of selection of the Elite Coach Director or for the prior year."

Or

"B - Been identified as his or her primary coach by an athlete selected to a United States Olympic fencing team, a United States Open World Fencing Championship team or a Pan American Games fencing team within the preceding 10 years."