TFA POLICIES
GENERAL
The Texas Fencing Academy (TFA) policies are defined to set expectations between TFA members and TFA in such areas as private lessons, make-up lessons, and long absences. These policies are subject to change without further notice at any time.
This document summarizes TFA’s policies in the following areas:
1. Private Fencing Lessons Policy: scheduling, cancellation, make-ups
2. Make-up classes
3. Vacation notice and payments
4. Holiday schedule (group lessons, private make-ups)
PRIVATE LESSONS POLICIES
1. Private fencing lessons are provided to students only at the discretion of TFA and are subject to availability of the coach and space at TFA. TFA reserves the right to discontinue private lessons for any student at any time. TFA does not typically revoke private training, but may exercise this right due to unusual circumstances.
2. Please note that your private lesson slot is reserved specifically for you and TFA does its best to keep it unchanged throughout the entire season (Aug 1 – July 31 each year). As the club grows it becomes increasingly difficult to schedule and reschedule the lessons and it becomes more important that fencers show up on time, keep their scheduled time slot, and avoid cancellations within reason.
3. All private lessons are managed via online software and it is responsibility of a fencer/parent to manage cancellations and makeup lessons per TFA policy.
4. All private lessons are paid at the end of the month based on actual number of private lessons taken in this month. If fencer or parent forgot to cancel a private lesson in the system it will be charged in full and no makeup or credit will be given. It is a responsibility of a fencer or parent to cancel private lessons on time to avoid charged for non taken lessons.
5. Cancellation policy:
5.1. All private lessons must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.
5.2. Sometimes it is unavoidable to cancel a lesson on the same day (for example, in case of sudden sickness, family emergency). In that case TFA will allow a last-minute cancellation. This type of cancellation is only allowed up to two times per fencing season (August 1 – July 31 each year).
5.3. If the student repeatedly misses or is late to his/her private lesson, TFA will reconsider providing private lessons to that student.
6. Tardiness. Students are expected to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the private lesson to allow time for warming up and stretching. If the student is late, the lesson will be shortened accordingly. If the student is more than 10 minutes late, the lesson will be cancelled and considered an unexcused cancellation. No make-up will be given.
7. Make-up private lesson:
7.1. In general if there are existing free slots in the coach’s schedule (in regular club hours such that the coach does not need to make a special trip to the club for the lesson) then the the student can book one of these slots using online scheduling software.
STRIP COACHING
Strip Coaching is part of Fencing Education and Coaching, and it’s not an option – you cannot opt out! This is an important part of success and learning for fencers.
TFA will decide how many coaches and who among coaches will go based on the number of fencers participating in the competition. The decision is solely of TFA based on these and other factors.
Fees: (Updated 8/1/2022)
Local (no hotel required) – $60 per event
Local Travel (hotel required) – $95 – per event
Travel (flying required) – $210 – first event, $95 – each additional event
All strip coaching fees are to be paid before competition, and will be charged automatically (+$5/event late fees) after the competition if not paid on time. This is a critical aspect of competitive fencing, or else we would not insist on it!
VACATIONS AND LONG-TERM ABSENCES
TFA aims to provide an adequate experience to all fencers at all levels and strives to create a balance of occupancy, scheduling, and instruction in each class.
1. For an absence of three weeks or fewer, monthly tuition must be [aid in full.
2. For an absence of 21 days of more :
2.1 In order to guarantee your spot in the same level/class when you return, the class fee will be 50% of the regular class dee for the same level.
2.2 If you do not meet the above criteria, you effectively cancel your class and club membership.
TFA will decide how many coaches and who among coaches will go based on the number of fencers participating in the competition. The decision is solely of TFA based on these and other factors.
