USA Fencing Referee Clinic with FIE International Referees Bill Becker and Lindsay Stapleton – June 5-6

Who Should Attend:

1. Aspiring and current fencing referees of Epee, Saber, or Foil
2. Athletes and coaches looking to deepen their knowledge of fencing rules
3. Parents and spectators interested in understanding the rules of fencing

Referee Instructors:

William (Bill) Becker

• FIE-licensed international referee

• Nationally rated referee in Epee, Saber, and Foil

• Over 20 years of international refereeing experience

• Over 12 years on the Grand Prix and Senior World Cup Circuit, including the Senior World Championship

• Recognized as FIE Elite Referee - the organization's highest distinction

Lindsay Stapleton

• FIE-licensed international referee

• Highly respected referee educator and Current Grassroots Referee Development Chair for USA Fencing’s Referees Commission

• Over 15 years as a national and international saber referee

• Officiated 5 NCAA Championships

• Currently serves nationally as a Certified Referee Instructor, Observer, Ethics Committee member, National Events Hirer and National Event Head Assigner

For more information about the process and requirements to become a new US-rated referee or to continue your rating, please see this link:

USA Fencing | Becoming a Referee

Cost: $85 per person.

Date: Fri, June 5 - Sat, June 6, 2026

Schedule:

1. Friday, 3:00-9:00pm - Referee Seminar led by Bill Becker and Lindsay Stapleton - Epee, Saber, Foil
2. Saturday, starting at 9am - Referee Practical Examination (optional) given by Referee Examiner at the Saved by the Bell Tournament

This is a unique opportunity to complete a referee seminar AND practical examination to earn Referee Rating in one weekend! Clinics are not offered very often - take advantage of this opportunity.

Location:

Davis Fencing Academy, 8080 SW 81 Dr, Miami, FL 33143

Contact:

Jeff Davis: jeff@davisfencingmiami.com (for questions about the clinic details)

Learn from two expert referees to enhance your refereeing skills, deepen your knowledge of the intricacies of fencing, and become a certified referee!

To become a certified referee in the US you need to:

- attend a referee development seminar

- pass the online referee exam (more info)

- complete practical examination administered by a Referee Examiner to earn referee rating

This referee clinic will cover a wide range of topics, including:

1. requirements for becoming a certified referee in foil, épée, and saber
2. responsibilities of a referee and ways to improve officiating skills
3. referee terminology, hand signals, and professional presentation
4. standards of conduct and referee ethics
5. penalty card procedures and P-card applications
6. equipment and weapon inspection procedures
7. protest and appeal protocols
8. referee communication and bout management
9. how to properly interpret and call fencing actions
10. strip regulations and competition rules

This referee clinic is intended for developing referees, coaches, athletes, and parents.

Referee Clinic is $85 per person. Complete payment through AskFRED

Online Referee Exam can be purchased and completed through USA Fencing website.

Practical Examination can be completed on Saturday, June 6 during the Saved by the Bell Tournament.

This clinic will be held at Davis Fencing Academy of Miami.

Address: 8080 SW 81 Dr, Miami, FL

If you cannot arrive right on time, please email: jeff@davisfencingmiami.com

Please feel free to email jeff@davisfencingmiami.com or text 305-748-0700 with any questions you may have.

Meet the Instructors...

Bill Becker is one of the most experienced and respected sabre referees in international fencing. With more than 20 years as an FIE-licensed international referee and over 12 years on the Grand Prix and Senior World Cup circuit, he has officiated at the sport’s highest levels, including World Championship finals in both foil and sabre. Bill has also been recognised as an FIE Elite Referee — the organisation’s highest distinction — reflecting the respect he has earned from referees, coaches, and athletes worldwide.

Beyond international refereeing, Bill has held numerous leadership roles within USA Fencing, including service on the Board of Directors and Referees Commission. As both a coach and competitor, he brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to referee education, having developed World Championship athletes while continuing to compete successfully and medal at the national and international level himself.

Lindsay Stapleton is a highly respected referee educator with more than 15 years of experience as a national and international sabre and foil referee. She is an FIE-licensed international referee and currently serves as the Grassroots Referee Development Chair for USA Fencing’s Referees Commission, helping lead referee education, instructor training, and development pathways across the country. Lindsay has also officiated five NCAA Championships and serves nationally as a Certified Referee Instructor, Observer, Ethics Committee member, National Events Hirer and National Event Head Assigner.

In addition to refereeing, Lindsay has coached at leading clubs and universities throughout the United States while remaining an active Division I sabre competitor. Her combination of elite officiating experience, referee development expertise, and practical coaching insight makes her an exceptional instructor for referees at every level.