Official Referee Certification Seminar
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Registration closes March 21, 2026 — in about about 2 months
Online Payment Required To Register
Presenting NorCal's Annual Referee Certification Seminar with Maestro & FIE Referee Peter Burchard. The cost of offering this seminar is subsidized by our division to encourage referee development and continuing education in the Bay Area. This seminar is for ages 12 and up. Seminar fee: $15
Sunday March 22nd
9:00am - 5:00pm
(doors open at 8:45am)
Lunch break midday. Bring or buy locally. There are many choices of restaurants, cafes, and markets within 1-2 blocks of the club.
Street parking only. If BART-ing, our closest stop is North Berkeley (0.7mi). Off-street bike parking available.
This is an official refereeing seminar leading to certification. Review the Referee Certification Process
Participants that complete the seminar and pass a written exam are eligible to be observed for a referee rating during the Ref Observational Event on Sunday March 29th at Halberstadt.
To be eligible for practical testing (being observed and evaluated while refereeing) participants must attend the entire seminar and provide proof of passing a written exam available at: https://member.usafencing.org/store/exams
The seminar is open to competitive and recreation fencers alike.
Parents/guardians, and others interested in deepening their understanding of the latest competitive fencing rules and conventions in each weapon are welcome.
It is an intensive full day of detailed learning so this seminar is for ages 12 and up.
Maître d’Armes Peter Burchard has served as an international referee for over 25 years. He served on the Fencing Officials Commission from 1988 through the inception of the current Referee’s Commission. Maître Burchard is both a Certified Referee Instructor and Examiner. He is an avid referee mentor in the Bay Area and beyond.
Registration opens on 01/20/2026
Registration closes on 03/21/2026