9/29/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Fencing.
En garde. With the correct stance and your blade in hand, you get ready to lunge and attack. As a fencer, you might prefer a foil, épée, or saber. Whatever your favorite blade, you will also need balance, explosivity, and agility to outmaneuver and outscore your opponent. You have dedicated hours to practicing your offensive blade work and parrying. Now put on your mask and lamé. You are ready to bout on the piste. When we protect fencers, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Fencing Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Fencing has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Fencing is a combat sport that is also highly technical. There is both internal and external pressure of perfectionism and criticism, which can lead to emotional abuse.
- Fencing requires specific equipment, and if it is not properly used or maintained, it could cause injury and harm to athletes.
- Coaches often have complete authority over athletes, and coaches with high reputations often go unquestioned, allowing authoritarian coaching practices to become normalized.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
3/25/2026
A Columbia fencer was accused of sexual assault in 2013. Fencers say head coach Michael Aufrichtig engaged in a ‘cover up’ to protect him.
3/15/2026
Suit involving ex-Penn State assistant fencing coach settled
8/30/2025
U.S. Olympic fencer Curtis McDowald suspended for five years
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Fencing Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Governing Bodies, and Coaching within Fencing.
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8 Key Characteristics of a Great Fencing Coach
Coaching
Gain an understanding of how to be a good fencing coach.
Fencing - Fit to Play
Physical Safety
Exercises to improve mobility and prevent injury in fencing.
What Are the Different Fencing Gear Safety Levels?
Governing Bodies
Learn about gear safety ratings, how gear is tested, and who sets the rules.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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