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Success, Quality, and Commitment

About Fencing Institute of Texas, Inc.

The Fencing Institute of Texas is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operated by a Board of Directors with a special interest in developing the sport of fencing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Neither members of FIT nor anyone on the board may receive remuneration from the organization. The only paid individuals are our coaching staff. All fees collected and donations made to the organization are dedicated to the growth of fencing in the community. Donations made to Fencing Institute of Texas are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Vision, Mission, Mandate

The Fencing Institute of Texas' vision is to develop the sport of fencing (Olympic, classical and theatrical) in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In order to do this, the Board of Directors has taken on the mission of increasing awareness of the sport through media events, tournaments, and other venues; and making the sport of fencing available to those who might not have an opportunity to experience the history and majesty of this sport.

Working with the Dallas 2012 Committee, City of Dallas and City of Arlington, FIT Board of Directors developed a 5-year plan to bring National Tournaments to the Metroplex.  In doing so, we heightened awareness for this sport enabling several new clubs to develop.  Our area grew from 3 to 12 clubs during this 5 year period.

We envision a premier school of fencing, coaches dedicated to the development of their students, and Olympic and World Cup winners! FIT Coaching staff and supporting instructors must pass stringent requirements before being hired at FIT.  We expect our instructors to continue their personal education by attending either the USFCA or USFA Coaches Colleges.  FIT Fencing Masters have attained the highest level of competency through university degree programs and pedagogy.

FIT Policy concerning Safety

The Safety Rules are posted in the FIT Salle.  All fencers and spectators are expected to observe these rules at all times.  

Mishaps and injuries may occur.  These should be reported immediately to one of the Coaching Staff, the General Manager, or a Board of Directors Member.  All persons participating in programs or fencing at FIT shall complete a "Consent for Treatment" form in the event that an emergency situation shall arise.  These forms are transported with the individual to a local hospital when required and allow the Emergency Medical personnel to begin immediate treatment of the individual.

FIT Policy concerning Safety for Children under the age of 10

  • No one under the age of 10 shall be allowed to participate in Competitive Team practices without written permission from a FIT Fencing Master.  Written permission shall only be granted in cases where the safety of the fencer and the safety of other participants will not be compromised, and the fencer has passed stringent tests of skill and attention span abilities.
  • No children under the age of 10 may be unattended in the salle.  Parents or siblings who are participating in classes, private lessons, or bouting are not considered "in attendance." 
  • Attended children must be confined to the front area by the tables and couch.  They must be escorted to the rest room area and may not be allowed to play in the hallway or bathroom, or allowed outdoors unattended.
  • All drink and food items are to be confined at the table area.  All trash pertaining to these food items must be removed and deposited in appropriate trash receptacles, and the area cleaned prior to leaving the club (this includes under the table area, also).

No discrimination, no harassment

The Board of Directors shall not tolerate any discriminatory act or act of harassment, sexual or otherwise, from staff members, other fencers, or observers. If you are uncomfortable at anytime, for any reason, please notify a member of the Board of Directors immediately for a private consultation.   We want your fencing experience to be rewarding and positive.

FIT Policy concerning Sexual Harassment

This organization is committed to maintaining an environment that is free of harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome or unwanted sexual conduct, requests for sexual favors, and verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that adversely affects a fencer, or an employee’s employment terms or conditions, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Such conduct is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Fencing Institute of Texas (FIT) encourages the reporting of all perceived incidents of sexual harassment either through an informal or a formal procedural mechanism. Anyone who retaliates against a fencer or an employee who reports harassment will be subject to disciplinary action.

To resolve a complaint of sexual harassment informally, either notify the offender that his or her behavior is unwelcome or, if you are uncomfortable discussing it with the offender, notify anyone on the FIT Board of Directors or the supervisor of the alleged harasser. The FIT Board of Directors or supervisor will then attempt to resolve the situation. If the alleged harasser is the executive director, notify a member of the Board of Directors.

To initiate the formal procedure, notify someone on the FIT Board of Directors or another member of FIT management. Your complaint will be investigated. To the extent possible, the complaints, interviews with colleagues, and any documents discovered or generated during the investigative process, will remain confidential. The results of the investigation will be reported to the Chairman of the Board of Directors who will determine a course of action. The response can include various kinds of disciplinary action including termination of club privileges, or termination of employment.

If the alleged harasser is the executive director, a committee of the board will be established to investigate the complaint and determine a course of action. The committee will be charged with initiating and conducting the investigation within a reasonable period of time.

FIT will conduct follow-up interviews to determine that the appropriate steps were taken and the issues were resolved.

FIT also encourages all employees to report sexual harassment involving FIT employees and third parties conducting business with FIT employees. The General Manager will investigate any such complaints, to the extent practicable. The FIT Board of Directors will determine what, if any, action to take.

Conflict of Interest Policy

A conflict of interest is defined as an actual or perceived interest by a staff  or Board member in an action that results in or has the appearance of resulting in, personal, organizational or professional gain. A conflict of interest occurs when an employee or Board member has a direct or fiduciary interest which include

  • Ownership with
  • Employment of or by
  • Contractual relationship with
  • Creditor or debtor to
  • Consultative or consumer relationship to):

a member of the Board of Directors/Trustees or an employee where one or the other has supervisory authority over the other or with a client who receives services. This also includes any bias or the appearance of bias in a decision-making process that would reflect a dual role played by a member of the organization or group. (An example, for instance, involves a person who is an employee and a Board member, or a person who is an employee and who hires family members as consultants.)

It is in the interest of the organization, individual staff and Board members to strengthen trust and confidence in each other, to expedite resolution of problems, to mitigate the effect and to minimize organizational and individual stress that can be caused by a conflict of interest.

Employees are to avoid any conflict of interest and even the appearance of a conflict of interest. This organization serves the DFW community as a whole rather than only serving a special interest group. The appearance of a conflict of interest can cause embarrassment to the organization and jeopardize the credibility of the organization. Any conflict of interest, potential conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest is to be reported to the Board Chairman or General Manager  immediately. Employees are to maintain independence and objectivity with clients, the community and organization. Employees are called to maintain a sense of fairness, civility, ethics and personal integrity even though law, regulation or custom does not require them.

Employees, members of employee's immediate family, and members of the Board are prohibited from accepting gifts, money or gratuities from the following:

  1. Persons receiving benefits or services from the organization;
  2. Any person or entity performing or seeking to perform services under contract with the organization; and
  3. Persons who are otherwise in a position to benefit from the actions of any employee of the organization.

Employees may, with the prior written approval of the Board Chairman or General Manager, receive honoraria for seminars and other such activities while on personal days, compensatory time, annual leave or leave without pay. If the employee is acting in any official capacity, honoraria received by an employee in connection with activities relating to employment with the organization are to be paid to the organization. [Refer to the disciplinary sections of the personnel policies.]

For Officers, Directors, Committee Members, Staff Members, Institute Faculty and certain Consultants

No member of the FIT Board of Directors, or any of its Committees, shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her participation with the Fencing Institute of Texas. Each individual shall disclose to the Fencing Institute of Texas any personal interest which he or she may have in any matter pending before the FIT and shall refrain from participation in any decision on such matter.

Any member of the FIT Board, any Committee or Staff who is an officer, board member, a committee member or staff member of a borrower organization or a loan applicant agency shall identify his or her affiliation with such agency or agencies; further, in connection with any credit policy committee or board action specifically directed to that agency, he/she shall not participate in the decision affecting that agency and the decision must be made and/or ratified by the full board.

Any member of the FIT Board, any Committee, Staff of Institute Faculty shall refrain from obtaining any list of FIT clients for personal or private solicitation purposes at any time during the term of their affiliation.