Fencing Officials Commission - Referee Rating Process

Referee Classifications

To obtain a Referee Classification in a particular weapon, a candidate must first attend a Referee Seminar, then pass the written General Section as well as the specific weapon section of the FOC Referee Examination. Within one year of successful completion of the written portion of the exam, a candidate must also pass a practical examination. The written examination is to be taken without any references (e.g., the Rules, Penalty Chart and consultation with others).

A score of 90% or better is required in the general section and each of the weapons being examined. The required passing scores are as follows:

General 54/60
Foil 27/30
Épée 27/30
Sabre 27/30

Ten domestic classification (10, the lowest, thorough 1, the highest) and the international (FIE) classifications are recognized by the USFA.

A level 10 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and a successful practical exam at a level equivalent to the finals of an E rated competition
A level 9 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals of a D rated competition.
A level 8 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals of a C rated competition.
A level 7 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals of a B rated competition.
A level 6 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the finals of an A rated competition.
A level 5 rating requires a passing score on the written exam and a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the round of pools in an Open North American Cup competition. A level 5 rating must be earned before subsequent ratings can be earned.
A level 4 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the Direct Elimination round of 64 of an Open North American Cup competition.
A level 3 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency at a level equivalent to the Direct Elimination round of 16 of an Open North American Cup competition.
A level 2 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency in the finals of an Open North American Cup competition.
A level 1 rating requires a demonstrated proficiency at any level of an Open North American Cup competition.

Notes
It is now a requirement to pass a practical referee exam in order to obtain any rating. Passing the written exam and completing the Referee Seminar Program, will yield a “P” designation in the referee database.

Demonstrated proficiency means repeated and consistent work at that level, over the course of at least two seasons. A single appearance in a finals does not entitle one to a rating increase. Indeed, a season’s work can be erased by a single bad performance. If this seems unfair, ask a fencer about the consequences of a single bad performance on his/her standing at any level.

Beginning with the 2007 – 2008 season, referees demonstrating inconsistencies in knowledge, practice, or application of the rules and conventions of fencing, as well as sloppy, unprofessional or unethical behavior, or repeated offenses against the Referee Code of Conduct, will be considered for rating reduction.

In order to be considered for a rating increase, the referee must demonstrate consistent skill and knowledge with the rules and practice of refereeing, as well as exemplary conduct as a referee.

Successful completion of an advanced referee program will be required to be considered for a 4 rating (details of the advanced referee program will be released in the near future)

All referees with a rating of 4 or higher will be expected to complete the advanced referee program at least once every two years. Failure to do so will be grounds for rating reduction.

Referees with a 3 or a 2 rating, who have shown themselves to be proficient in the international rules and to have demonstrated the highest standards in referee conduct and skill will be placed in the International Referee Development program. Successful completion of this program will entitle the referee to be considered for submission to sit the FIE examination, when such is offered, and for assignment to referee at Cadet and Junior World Cup competition. (Details of the International Referee Development program will be released in the near future.)

The Commission publishes periodically (at least annually) a list of nationally and internationally rated referees and is responsible for maintaining the quality of the list. Referees' classifications may be changed by the Commission. Classifications of referees will be lowered automatically one level if the referees of not referee at their rated level for a period of two years. After two more years of not refereeing at their rated level, the referee classification will be removed. Lists of rated referees published by the Commission will indicate the most recent year of activity.

One must be a current member of the USFA to be retained on the list of referees. Referees who allow their memberships to lapse for more than one year will lose their ratings; to regain their ratings, they must retake the examinations and attend the Referee Seminar.

In order to assist a candidate in obtaining a referee rating, the Commission has established the following policy regarding examinations at national competitions. One must understand that the examination of referees may not be considered as the primary function of a national competition. Every effort will be made to allow for examinations at these competitions as long as they do not interfere with the proper conduct of the competition.

Only those candidates who have attended an FOC-approved Referee Seminar and passed the written examination may be considered to take the practical examination.

Only those candidates who have submitted a request in writing to the Commission which has been endorsed by an FOC Examiner in that weapon may be considered to take the practical examination. Such written notification must be received at least three weeks prior to the competition.

Only those recommended candidates who present themselves to the commission representative thirty minutes prior to the start of the competition may be considered to take the practical examination.

Written examinations may be administered if a request in writing is sent to the Commission. Such written notification must be received at least three weeks prior to the competition.

Nationally rated referees who wish to be observed for a possible increase in classification must send their request in writing to the Commission. Such written notification must be received at least three weeks prior to the competition. The referees must then present themselves to the Commission representative thirty minutes prior to the start of the competition.

The Commission representative may have to deny a properly presented request for an examination if, at the discretion of the Commission representative, it would not be in the best interest of the competition (e.g. those who could act as examiners must be utilized as referees). Examinations, written or practical, may not in any way disrupt the competition.

The commission is the sole authority for the submission of candidates to the FIE for examination or removal as an international referee. A nationally rated referee with a rating of 2 or higher in one or more weapons who would like to be examined by the FIE should send the request, in writing, to the Commission. The Commission will notify the candidate if the request is approved an, if it is, when and where the candidate may take the examination. If the Commission is considering removal of a US referee on the FIE list due to inactivity, etc, the commission will notify that referee, in writing, that removal is being contemplated prior to any action being taken.