USA Certified Referee Seminar & Observations w/ Sean Shumate, PLY
In order to use AskFRED to register for events, all users must have a registered and successfully confirmed user account.
Registration closes December 10, 2025 — in about 6 days
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:
- Aspiring referees – This seminar is a required step in becoming a rated referee in USA Fencing
- Coaches - To learn the current rules and see how actions are currently being called
- Athletes - To improve their fencing and be better positioned to advocate for themselves at competitions
- Parents - To gain a foundational knowledge of the rules and a better concept of the sport in general
- 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.
- 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.
- For individuals interested in learning the rules, but not becoming a USFA-rated referee: $50
Sean’s Referee experience includes:
- FIE B rated referee in Epee and Saber
- National (and Regional) Event referee coordinator/lead assigner
- Refereed the last four Paralympic Games
- Domestic referee for over 20 years
- Certified referee instructor and observer
- Current member of the USA Fencing Referee Commission:
- Vice Chairman of Domestic Assignments
- Member of USA Parafencing Resource Committee
- 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.