July 26, 2020
NJ Division fencers and coaches: As we commence reopening activities, adherence to NJ State Government requirements and guidelines can help ensure safety and avoid setbacks. As applicable to sports and recreational practices, the State of NJ currently requires that; all individuals (including parents, coaches, staff, etc) shall wear cloth face coverings while indoors (as well as outdoors when social distancing is not possible), unless doing so will endanger the subject's health. Athletes/participants should wear cloth or disposable face coverings when not engaging in vigorous activity, such as when sitting, or when interacting with staff or other participants. USA Fencing's national office has also made a non-mandatory recommendation that face coverings be used during fencing activity, though face coverings are not required by the State of NJ while persons are engaged in high intensity aerobic or anaerobic activities. Face coverings should not be worn when doing so may endanger the individual’s health. Clubs should also continue to follow other guidelines and restrictions including, but not limited to restrictions on maximum capacity, scheduling to limit unnecessary overlap of groups/athletes, and COVID-19 related cleanliness and hygiene. Individuals, including coaches, players, and families, should stay home if they have tested positive for, or are showing COVID-19 symptoms. Thank you for respecting the State government and USA Fencing guidelines and keeping our community safe. (See NJ Executive Order 163, and NJ Dept. of Health "Guidance for Sports Activities")
May 26, 2020
USA Fencing has developed suggested precautions for fencers and their families, club owners, coaches, administrators and division leaders as we think about our return to fencing. Recommended practices will continue to evolve and are no substitute for professional medical and legal advice, but this is a great start as clubs think about reopening:
USA Fencing Return to Fencing Guidelines
