The United States Fencing Coaches' Association was organized in 1941, At the first N.C.A.A. fencing
championships, under the name of "The National College Fencing Coaches Association of America". later, to
reflect a broader constituency, the name was changed to "The National Fencing Coaches Association of
America". In 1982, the current name was adopted and in 1985 the United States Fencing Coaches'
Association was incorporated as a not for profit organization.
The United States Fencing Coaches' Association is a national academy of the Academie d'Armes
Internationale, (AAI), the world organization of fencing masters. The diplomas awarded through the USFCA
are recognized by the A.A.I. and it's member national academies throughout the world. Delegates from the
USFCA attend the bi-annual AAI congress, and teams of fencing masters from the United States compete in
the AAI World Fencing Masters Championships. The USFCA is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), and the USFCA cooperates with the United States Fencing Association (USFA) in the
support of the development of American fencing.
The USFCA works to develop the quality of instruction in the sport of fencing and to serve the diverse needs
of those who teach fencing in the United States. A USFCA member shares a commitment with hundreds of
others who are devoted to the improvement of US fencing though the associations' activities.
Accreditation
The heart of the USFCA’s service is the certification and accreditation program. This program is supervised
by the certification and accreditation board, consisting of fencing masters elected by the membership. This
USFCA program provides the coach a measurement of his or her knowledge and ability compared to his
peers, presents him with an appropriate diploma recognized by the AAI, and allows the USFCA to maintain
high member coaching quality and consistency throughout the country.
Certification is granted on three levels: Moniteur, Prevot d’Armes, and Fencing Master. The initial level,
moniteur, is designed primarily for those wishing to teach or coach fencing who wish to gain experience and
knowledge in teaching, such as physical education teachers or amateur coaches who might specialize in one
weapon. This rating can be acheived by passing a written and practical examination under the supervision of
two USFCA fencing masters or prevosts.
The Prevot d’Armes level is the second step toward the fencing master degree. Prevot candidates must pass
a thorough test comprised of oral, written, and practical parts covering all three weapons. The practical
examination is given by a board of three USFCA fencing masters. The highest level of accreditation, fencing
master, requires an exhaustive practical and oral examination, given by a board of USFCA fencing masters,
as well as a written thesis.