Referee Resources

We are proud to offer some of the highest compensation rates in the region for our hard working referees. Our honorarium rate is based on the referee’s National Rating (their highest rating in any weapon). You can find out what yours (or anyone’s) is here.

N1/N2/FIE – $225
R1 – $200
R2 – $190
L1 – $165
L2 – $140
P – $110

While the honorarium is a flat rate per day in order to simplify calculating costs for tournament organizers and referees, the Division may provide additional compensation for those referees traveling an unusual distance. In addition, hotel accommodations are provided — as needed — for Division events.

We try to have coffee and donuts (or similar) available in the morning of each division competition, but we cannot guarantee breakfast.  If we know we cannot provide breakfast, we will let people know to eat prior to arrival at venue.

How to Become a USA Fencing Certified Referee

Find out more about the process at:https://www.usafencing.org/referees-process

In order to improve and increase the referee pool that supports our Division, we offer Virginia Division Members reimbursement of the referee clinic and membership upgrade fees associated with becoming a USA Fencing certified referee.

Reimbursement Process:

1. Take and pass the Online Referee Exam

Review the USA Fencing Rulebook and Study Guide to assist you in preparing for the exam. To pass the Referee Exam, you must pass the General Rules Exam and at least one weapon-specific exam.

2. Attend a Referee Clinic hosted by The Virginia Division

The Virginia Division hosts two certified referee clinics each season. Clinics are announced on our Schedule, and will be posted on AskFRED for registration.

3. Take a Practical Examination administered by a Referee Examiner

Observation tournaments are scheduled in conjunction with Virginia Division Referee Clinics to allow for prospective referees to take the practical examination immediately following the clinic.

4. Upgrade your USA Fencing Membership to +CheckEd

All USA Fencing referees must be a current member of USA Fencing. Referees age 18 and over must purchase the +CheckEd add-on to complete a background check and SafeSport training. Referees under the age of 18 do not need the background check or Safesport training. All referees must sign the Referee’s Contract, located in your USA Fencing Referee Profile.

5. Referee at 2 Virginia Division Sanctioned tournaments

Upon completing steps 1 through 3, please email the our Treasurer with a screenshot of your Written Test result for an initial reimbursement of $55. Upon completing steps 4 and 5, send another email to our Treasurer with the names and dates of the tournaments in order to receive the balance reimbursement of $55.