About a year ago, I expressed concerns about national governing bodies, such as US volleyball and US fencing, operating without accountability. Now, these organizations seem to openly admit their failures, as they risk women’s safety and opportunities while drafting policies. Female athletes, including myself, feel the repercussions of a lack of oversight from these bodies, and it often seems like it takes a major incident for Congress and the White House to get involved.
This month, USA Fencing introduced its revised policy on transgender and non-binary eligibility. This followed a troubling incident where female fencer Stephanie Turner had to withdraw from her own competition due to safety concerns stemming from allowing male athletes to compete against her. Consequently, she received a disqualification card as a result of her decision not to face an opponent deemed eligible.
The official message from USA Fencing could be seen as nothing more than exclusionary, rather than comprehensive.
The situation extends beyond just Stephanie. There are reports from Reduxx revealing that more men are competing in women’s events under the guise of identifying as female. This situation highlights how some governing boards appear compromised, as shown by their earlier decision not to play the national anthem at championships. Their policies reflect alignment with viewpoints from various activist sources regarding healthcare and LGBT issues.
Congress is recognizing these national governing bodies through the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which typically allows for a level of regulatory independence. But it’s not just about basic rules; this authority shapes eligibility standards, influences university guidelines, and even affects how we are represented in international competitions.
The evolving landscape of sports governance certainly raises eyebrows, especially with movements aimed at inclusivity that sometimes feel politically charged. The apparent inaction from the USOPC has made these sports bodies an extension of political agendas, without sufficient accountability.
Recently, Senator Ted Cruz sent a letter to USA Fencing, insisting on the adherence to President Trump’s executive order aimed at protecting women in sports. He highlighted that there are already existing obligations for fairness and safety, yet the executive order appears to further clarify these responsibilities.
Cruz’s concerns prompted questions about how many men are participating in women’s categories and how organizations are adhering to compliance.
The House’s Doge Subcommittee invited both Stephanie Turner and USA Fencing’s Board Chairman Damien Lehfeldt to testify in early May. When he declined the invitation, the committee issued a subpoena for his testimony. Chairman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that if USA Fencing continues to violate legal standards, it should lose its status as a national governing body.
Ironically, USA Fencing seems to be facing scrutiny from multiple fronts, which might be a good thing.
During the committee’s hearing, Lehfeldt mentioned he was “ready to pivot” if changes were made to the Ted Stevens Act or if directed by the IOC. But this raises another question: why should women have to rely on the federal government for protection? Why isn’t the USOPC advocating for female athletes?
Without the accountability of elected officials, these governing bodies risk implementing policies that harm women and contradict the core values of our nation. It’s crucial for Congress and the White House to reinforce oversight through the USOPC, ensuring that our country remains a place of equality and opportunity for all, rather than a battleground for political disputes.
