USA Certified Referee Seminar & Observations w/ Sean Shumate, PLY

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December 12, 2025
Registration closes December 10, 2025 — in about 6 days
Renard Fencing Academy 5210 E 65th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220 US Map
Online Payments Not Accepted
USA Fencing Certified Referee Clinic hosted by Sean Shumate, PLY. Observations offered during the RFA Holiday Bash on 12/13 and 12/14. See details.

Date & Time:

Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm. We will do our best to begin promptly and move through the clinic material efficiently.


Parking:

Available on-site directly in front of RFA and around the side of the RFA building unit—members of the host club will be available to direct parking.


Clinic Information:

If you are interested in becoming a certified referee or wish to understand the rules of fencing in more depth, mark your calendars to attend this USA Fencing-certified Referee Seminar and clinic provided by Sean Shumate, PLY. 

The Referee Clinic will provide you with a broad understanding of the role, responsibilities, and duties of a referee, as well as refine your sense of right-of-way, timing, and application of the penalties.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

  1. Aspiring referees – This seminar is a required step in becoming a rated referee in USA Fencing
  2. Coaches - To learn the current rules and see how actions are currently being called
  3. Athletes - To improve their fencing and be better positioned to advocate for themselves at competitions
  4. Parents - To gain a foundational knowledge of the rules and a better concept of the sport in general
  5. Current referees - To refresh their knowledge base and update their profile with current ratings.


Cost: 

There are two different rates for the seminar. Payments may be made in cash, by check, or via Venmo.


  1.  For individuals wanting to become a USFA-rated referee/ be observed at the RFA Holiday Bash: $75

NB: Those who are 18 y/o or older and plan on being observed at the RFA Holiday Bash must have a Background Check and SafeSport (i.e., CheckEd+) completed before the tournament.

Refer to USA Fencing's membership page to access CheckEd.You may also choose to be observed at a later date.

: Written referee exams may be taken promptly after the clinic—ask Sean at the clinic for more information.


  1. For individuals interested in learning the rules, but not becoming a USFA-rated referee: $50

 

Sean’s Referee experience includes:

  1. FIE B rated referee in Epee and Saber
  2. National (and Regional) Event referee coordinator/lead assigner
  3. Refereed the last four Paralympic Games
  4. Domestic referee for over 20 years
  5. Certified referee instructor and observer
  6. Current member of the USA Fencing Referee Commission:
  7. Vice Chairman of Domestic Assignments
  8. Member of USA Parafencing Resource Committee
  9. WAS Rules Commission


About the Certified Referee Clinics:

Attending an official RC-sanctioned clinic is the first step in becoming a certified USA Fencing referee. The next step is the successful completion of a written exam consisting of a general section and one or more weapon-specific sections; a score of 90% or greater is required on each section to be awarded a "P" rating. Once the "P" rating has been earned, the candidate may be evaluated for a rating (L1, L2, R1, R2, N1, N2) at a tournament.