The Mission of the USFA is to:

*       Direct, administer and promote the sport of fencing in U.S.

*       Develop programs, services and opportunities that enable members from recreational to Olympian to reach their maximum potential.

*       Select athletes and cadre for international competition, including the Olympic, Pan American and FIE World Championships.

Goals

 

1. To Expand Membership

 

Objectives:

1. To grow current club base by 50 by July 2002 through incentives, recognition, services and benefits provided.

 

Action Steps:

Increase communications between clubs through internet site and through interclub activities/competitions.

Coordinate with PR Committee for support materials -- “Fencing in a Box.”

Provide activities for the E & U fencers to ensure inclusion in club activities.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

WWW information is developed, activities for E & U fencers are developed and PR materials are developed and disseminated by close of 2001.

(VP Domestic/Chair of Clubs/Div.Sect)

Current club base increases by 50.

(VP Domestic/Chair of Clubs, Div. Sect./Ex. Direc.)

 

 

2. To maintain current level of USFA membership programs

 

Action Steps:

Continue Recognition Dinner at the National Championships.

Continue Development Grant & Equipment Grants.

Develop an Olympian Alumni Association.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Recognition Dinner continues at 2001 Nationals.

(Executive Director & President)

Development Grant & Equipment Grants Continues.

(Treasurer)

Alumni Association is developed in 2002.

(Executive Director & President)

 

 

3. Develop a plan to manage rapid membership growth and provide needed infrastructure (staff/equipment, etc.) to support current and new membership.

 

Action Steps:

Develop a staffing and office needs four-year plan based on membership numbers and projected growth.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Plan is written, approved and presented to the Board of Directors by Objective completion date: 4/2002.

(Executive Director/President)

 

 

4. To partner with at least one Community Based Organization (ex: Boy’s & Girls Club, Y’s, etc.) to further increase USFA membership

 

Action Steps:

Select a CBO and develop a grant proposal to access USOC grant pool.

Work with PR Committee to develop “Fencing in a Box” materials for

distribution to organizations and CBO’s.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Select a CBO by Spring 2001 and submit grant according to USOC

grant deadlines. (President & Executive Director)

PR Committee develops “Fencing in a Box” materials

by Fall 2001. (Secretary/ED)

 

5.      To increase membership to 20,000 members by July 2002

 

Action Steps:

Continue Recognition Dinner at the National Championships.

Continue Development Grant & Equipment Grants.

Develop an Olympian Alumni Association.

Reach out to College, High School & Club coaches w/ a USFA Introductory Solicitation package.

Select a Community Based Organization (ex: Boy’s & Girls Club, Y’s, etc.) and develop a grant proposal to access USOC Grant Pool.

Work with PR Committee to develop “Fencing in a Box” materials for distribution to organizations & CBO’s.

Develop a strategy to retain current members.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

To obtain 20,000 members by date: 7/31/02

(All USFA Committees/EC/Executive Director)

 

 

2. To Increase USFA Revenues

 

Objective:

 

1. To develop and implement plans for corporate, private, or grant solicitation,

and value in kind contributions.

 

Action Step:

Provide a plan for fundraising and VIK efforts with funding targets.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Plan is written and presented to the BOD by July 2002 and

$50,000 is initially targeted as a financial goal.

(Executive Director/President)

 

                       

2.      To increase Life Memberships

Action Step:

Offer short-term installment payment plan

Target existing members and send a letter

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Objective Completion Date: 7/31/01

Add 10 new life members

 

 

 

3. To Increase Public Interest in Fencing

 

Objectives:

1. To develop a public relations and media campaign.

 

Action Steps:

Define target audience(s).

Develop campaign strategy.

Establish PR markers.

Determine cost per activity.

Determine return on investment.

Determine implementation strategy.

Review current of media/PR materials, determining future needs and budget.

Set deadlines for completion of new materials.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Complete all action steps and planning process by Aug. 2001

(Secretary/Executive Director)

 

 

2. To integrate plans for PR needs into overall staffing/office plans

 

Action Steps:

Research PR needs and integrate into four-year staffing/office plan, based on membership numbers and projected growth.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Plan is written, approved and presented to the Board of Directors by Sept. 2001.

(Executive Director/President).

 

3. To ensure our National Circuit Events and Key International World Cups

are audience & media friendly in terms of the “look” and “feel” of the competitions.

 

Action Steps:

Develop a standard presentation format for the finals in particular, and how it fits appropriately with the overall “look & feel of the entire competition.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Criteria is developed by March 2000.

(Chair of TC/VP Domestic/Secretary)

 

Jr. Olympics in February to be the trial competition with focused “look” & “feel.”

(Chair of TC/VP Domestic/Secretary)

 

 

4. To Enhance the Efficiency and Organizational Effectiveness of the USFA

 

Objective:

 

1. To create a consensus organizational four-year strategic plan, communicate the operational requirements to reach the goals, and implement and evaluate the

plan annually.

 

 

Action Steps:

Develop the plan, integrate BOD input and approve at Feb. meeting.

Restructure organizational committees to better achieve goals,

(each committee to have clear role & scope and objectives for 1- 3 years).

Review USFA staffing and make adjustments to accomplish goals.

Review annually performance evaluation measures of the plan.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

All committee restructuring is approved by the board of directors by Feb. 2001. (ED & Executive Comm)

Review committee roles, scope and objectives for the one to

three years and approve Feb. 2001. (ED & Executive Comm)

Hold a staff/officer retreat in Aug.2000 and determine staffing changes by Feb 2001. (ED & Executive Comm)

Report card issued to BOD on the performance evaluation measures

by Summer Nationals BOD meeting. (ED & Pres.)

 

 

2.      To review and amend the Operations Manual on an annual basis.

 

Action Step:

Appoint a Operations Manual Task Force by Nov./00.

Review current Operations Manual by 2/2001.

Annually review & report any changes to manual.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Objective Completion Date: Summer National 2001 and annual

updates thereafter.

 

 

3.      To provide better membership service through ensuring limited number of fixed or rotating sites for Summer Nationals.

 

                        Action Step:

                        Tournament Committee to Establish 1-3 permanent sites for Summer Nationals.

 

                        Performance Evaluation Measure:

                        Objective Completion Date: July, 2001

 

4.      To provide better membership service through automated tournament entries processing.

 

Action Step:

Online entries programming adopted and installed with USFA.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Objective Completion Date: 4/20/01

 

 

5.      To provide better membership service, assist Divisions in achieving basic administrative standards.

 

Action Step:

Division Administrative Clinic held at Summer Nationals.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

                        Objective Completion Date: July, 2002

 

 

 

5. To Develop a Coherent Coaching Structure

 

Objectives:

 

1. To raise the proficiency level of coaching.

 

Action Steps:

Assess present strengths and weaknesses.

Hold coaching seminars at National Tournaments.

Ensure National Coaches involvement at Coaches College.

Incorporate Sport Science.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Increase by eight the non-staff coaches attending seminars at

National Tournaments. (VP Coaching & NTD)

Two national coaches participate in Coaches College, 2001.

(VP Coaching, Chair Coaching & NTD)

Increase by 20% younger age fencers in older point standings.

(VP Coaching)

Hold Black Star Seminar (advanced coaching seminar) beginning with the 2001 Coaches College.

 

 

2.         To identify, recruit and train coaches for competitive level of coaching.

 

Action Steps:

Identify, recruit and train individuals with potential for competitive coaching including:

coaches of top athletes in each age categories

retired athletes

incoming foreign coaches

Recognize and reward accomplishments of coaches.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Provide 8 - 12 National Weapon Coaches seminars and recruit identified coaches to attend. (NTD)

Restore Club Award Program – cash bonus to clubs producing top level fencers.

(VP Coaching & VP International)

Coach Recognition Program –to give public recognition to coaches of top fencers.

(VP Coaching)

 

3.       To Create New and Strengthen Existing Educational Opportunities:

 

Action Step:

Hold coaching seminars at national tournaments.

Hold national and regional camps.

Develop local and regional educational paths (college credit).

Provide 8 - 12 National Weapon Coaches seminars and recruit identified coaches to attend.

 

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

Hold 8 - 12 National Weapon Coaches Seminars – inviting athletes’ coaches

(NTD)

Train and certify 150-200 coaches in the Coaches College (Coaches College Dir.)

Hold at least three USFA Area Seminars. (Coaches College Director)

 

Certify 10 physical education instructors through the Coaches College and area seminars. (Chair Coaches College & VP Coaches)

To educate targeted number of coaches through the Coaches College Program.

(Chair Coaches College & VP Coaches)

Ensure 10 participants in wheelchair program by summer 2002. (VP Coaching )

Develop a coaching training and certification accreditation process for local/regional coaching development by August 2001. (Chair Coaching Development Committee)

 

 

6.      To Establish the USA as a Recognized International Force in the World Fencing Community

 

Objectives:

 

1. Achieve success in qualification and medal performance for individuals and team at the World and Olympic level.

[3 teams and 1‑2 fencers in each of the non team weapons.]

 

Action Steps:

Create and implement a High Performance plan for youth, cadet, junior, senior and veterans by Feb. 2001. [Work with current plan & integrate NTD approach to implementation].

Hire a National Training Director

Identify National Coaching staff [Oct. 2000].

Create a High Performance Committee which incorporate coaches.

 

Performance Evaluation Measures:

High Performance plan implemented with integration of NTD approach,

resulting in improved Plan by Feb. 2001. (VP International)

National Training Director in place October 2000. (Pres. & ED)

National Coaching Staff identified by November 2000. (NTD &VP Intern.)

High Performance Committee named at October Board Meeting. (VP Intern.)

Three teams and 1-2 fencers in each of the non-team weapons qualified for 2004 Games.

World Cup Medals (Senior & Junior) Gold – 2, Silver – 3, Bronze – 5 medals achieved.

World Championship (Senior & Junior) Gold – 1, Silver –2, Bronze – 2 medals achieved.

Meet High Performance plan competitive objectives.

 

 

2. Enhance political influence in the FIE and Pan American Fencing Confederation

 

Action Steps:

Obtain a minimum of 4 US members on FIE Commissions [Dec. 2000].

Place at least 1 member on FIE Executive Committee [Dec. 2000].

Place at least 1 member on Pan American Fencing Confederation and at least two commission representatives [Nov. 2000].

Place representatives (1) on World Championships and Olympic Directoire

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

FIE Commission Positions (at least four total ) are obtained in December 2000.

(President & Chair of FIE Task Force)

Pan American Positions obtained (three total) in November 2000. (President & Chair of FIE Task Force)

 

3.      Train qualify and ensure utilization of referees at international competitions

 

Action Steps:

Integrate referees into High Performance Plan.

Transfer international experience to domestic referees.

Establish communication mechanisms for coaches and referees to analyze trends in international refereeing.

 

Performance Evaluation Measure:

FOC to work with High Performance Committee. (VP & FOC Liaison)

Complete action steps and objective by Jan. 2003. (VP & Director of Technical Programs & NTD)