CLUB AND CLASS FEES
There are two sorts of fees: class fees (which only apply to classes you attend) and semester/season fees (which are the same no matter how many classes you attend). Equipment rental is available for Level 1 (beginner) students.
For the classes, you will purchase a 5-class punch card. When you use up all the punches, just purchase another one for your next 5 classes. Punch cards never expire. This system allows for snow days, staying home when you are sick, etc. The cards are good for all classes, so as you move up from Level 1 to Level 2, you just keep using them. If you attend more than one class in the same week, you only have to punch your card once.
Group class punch card: $65 for 5 classes
Session fees (club dues and equipment rental) are collected at the first practice in September, January and April.
Season fees (US Fencing Membership) are paid at or before your first practice of the season and expire July 31.
Total due at first Level 1 class for a new student: $115, plus equipment deposit ($65 for punch card, $20 equipment fee, $30 USA Fencing membership). For your 6th through 10th class, you will need to purchase a second punch card ($65).
Equipment
Due to covid hygiene concerns, we have gone to a "lending library" system with fencing equipment rather than sharing it or dumping it into a common duffel bag. You will sign out a set of equipment (mask, jacket, glove, foil) for your exclusive use during the class. You will give me a postdated check for $100 as a deposit, which I will not cash, and will return to you when you turn in your rented gear. There is no charge if equipment breaks under normal use (I'll just give you a replacement). However, equipment lost or damaged due to improper use or storage (your kid brother slashing at trees with your foil, your dog chewing up your glove, etc) will be charged replacement value.
All rental equipment must be returned within a few days of the last class of the session, even if you are interested in renting again. Normally, you can just turn it in at your last class However, if your last class is cancelled or you have to miss it unexpectedly, you will be responsible for dropping the equipment off at my house in Addison, or shipping it back to me.
Rental equipment is for Level 1 students only. When you move up to the Level 2/3 group, you will be expected to purchase your own equipment to free up the rental stock for newer students. A basic set goes for about $200, although deals on used gear are sometimes available, especially for kids. Click on "Old Posts" to see a blog on where, what and how to order.
Club dues
Helps cover operating expenses, due at the first practice in September, January and April
First time Level 1 students: none (pay USAF membership fee instead)
Repeat Level 1 students: $15 per session
Level 2/3 students: $25 per session
Competitive Squad members: $50 per session
USA Fencing Membership
All students are required to be USAF members in order for the VFA to be eligible for insurance through the USAF's member club program. The least expensive membership is at the "Access" level. Access members may fence in local (divisional level) tournaments, but not regional or national ones. Access membership is sufficient for most VFA fencers. You may begin the season as an Access member and upgrade to competitive status at any time if you decide to enter a regional or national tournament. I will collect the $30 access membership fee directly from new Level 1 students, and new club members will fill in the appropriate paperwork on their registration forms. All returning club members must renew their membership on line at usafencing.org prior to their first practice. All memberships expire July 31 annually, so those who pay USAF dues in the fall or winter may continue through the season without needing to pay again. Those who join for the first time after April 1(spring session beginners), have a membership which is good for all of the following season .
ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Not even if I get sick and can't teach you, or you get sick and can't participate. All I can offer is that class cards never expire, and if you have to drop out after very few classes, I will credit your club dues and rental fees for when you return.
We encourage prospective club members (especially children) to visit and observe during the session before you actually start (for example, visit in the fall with an eye toward starting in the winter). We would rather have you decide that fencing really doesn't appeal to you as much as you had thought, or that the atmosphere of the club doesn't work well for you, than to have you pay and reserve a place in the class and then feel disappointed!