USA Fencing Teams Up With RealResponse

09/01/22

USA Fencing Teams Up With RealResponse to Launch 320-ENGARDE — A Texting Hotline for Anonymous Reporting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., and CHARLOTTE, N.C. — USA Fencing, the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States, has joined forces with the award-winning team at RealResponse to offer 320-ENGARDE, a new texting hotline that allows members of the fencing community to safely report suspected abuse, issues or other potential violations of USA Fencing policies.

By texting 320-ENGARDE (320-364-2733), fencers, coaches, parents and others in the community can submit a report — either anonymously or on the record — about anything concerning that they experience, witness or learn about.

Put simply, this texting hotline will encourage fencers to remain “en garde” both on and off the strip as the fencing community rallies together to recognize and report abuse or other issues of concern.

When a text message is sent to 320-ENGARDE, the contents are confidentially and securely stored in the RealResponse platform. Anonymity is preserved because none of the reporter’s contact information, including their phone number, can be viewed by USA Fencing.

After a message is received, a designated USA Fencing representative can respond via text message to gather additional information — all while allowing the submitter to remain anonymous (if they chose) throughout the process.

The underlying goal behind 320-ENGARDE, says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews, is to streamline the reporting process by offering an additional tool to members.

“At USA Fencing, we believe that reporting a concern should be as simple as picking up your smartphone,” Andrews says. “Our partnership with RealResponse and the debut of 320-ENGARDE gives members a vital resource that’s easy to use, easy to remember and anonymous.”

David Chadwick, founder and CEO of RealResponse, says his team is “proud to add USA Fencing to the growing number of national governing bodies that RealResponse partners with.”

“The proactive work that Phil and his team have undertaken to ensure the health and well-being of all in the organization is commendable,” he says, “and we look forward to helping them in this very worthwhile and much-needed element of their business.”

While 320-ENGARDE is a powerful tool, it doesn’t replace other reporting options offered through FenceSafe, USA Fencing’s suite of safety resources. Other reporting options remain available, allowing members to share concerns through an online form, email or phone call.

-30-

About USA Fencing

USA Fencing is the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States. Our mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions, and achieve sustained competitive international excellence. In USA Fencing, our athletes are strong and competitive both on the fencing strip and in life — a reminder that fencing provides physical and mental benefits that last a lifetime. Learn more about USA Fencing at usafencing.org.

About RealResponse

Originally founded in 2015 and then expanded in 2020, RealResponse is a partner with more than 100 colleges and universities as well as with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL, the NFLPA, USADA, the NWSL and several member clubs, and a growing number of governing bodies including USA Track and Field, USA Swimming, and USA Gymnastics, giving more than 150,000 athletes and staff the ability to anonymously share feedback and concerns in a safe and secure manner. RealResponse is an online platform that allows for real-time reporting, surveys, and as a document repository. Organizations can also benchmark metrics to peer and national averages to identify areas of competitive advantage and vulnerability. Additional partnerships with international organizations, colleges and professional sports properties are expected in 2022. In 2021, RealResponse was recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal as one of the “Fifty Most Innovative Companies in the Region.” For more information about RealResponse, visit realresponse.com.

Questions or Interview Requests?

Please contact Bryan Wendell, USA Fencing Director of Communications, at b.wendell@usafencing.org.