SOUTH BROOKLYN FENCING CLUB

Policies & Rules

Last Updated: August 25, 2026

Thank you for being a member of South Brooklyn Fencing Club (SBFC). Our policies are designed to provide a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all students, families, coaches, and members.

By participating in SBFC programs and activities, members and their families agree to follow the policies and rules outlined below.

1. PRIVATE LESSONS

  • Private lessons are available only to club members who represent South Brooklyn Fencing Club (SBFC).

  • Private lessons are available in 20-minute or 40-minute sessions and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

  • Double lessons are available only with prior approval from a coach.

  • A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule a private lesson.

  • No-shows will be charged the full lesson fee.

  • Private lessons do not have make-up sessions. A lesson may only be rescheduled when the cancellation is made at least 24 hours in advance.

  • If a student arrives late, SBFC will do its best to provide the lesson. However, the lesson may be conducted with the first available coach, and the full lesson fee may still apply.

  • Private lesson fees do not include tournament coaching or US Fencing Association (USFA) membership.

2. PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS

Late Payments

  • A $25 late fee will be charged for payments made more than 5 days after the due date.

Refunds & Credits

  • SBFC does not offer refunds.

  • When applicable, we are happy to change the service purchased or provide a credit toward another service.

  • Credits and gift cards are non-transferable.

Group Class Payments

  • Group class tuition is charged on the 1st of each month.

Cancelling Group Classes or Automatic Payments

  • To cancel group classes or automatic payments, please notify SBFC by email at least 5 days before the beginning of the next billing cycle.

Lesson Package Payments

  • For lesson packages, payment will be charged or an invoice will be issued when the student has one lesson remaining in the current package.

3. CLASSES, CAMPS & MAKE-UP CLASSES

Group Classes

  • Class fees do not include tournament coaching or USFA membership.

  • If a student misses a group class, SBFC may provide a make-up opportunity in another class of a similar level, subject to availability.

  • If none of the available classes works for your schedule, please contact us to discuss available options.

  • Make-up classes are available for Beginner-level students only.

  • Make-up classes are available only while the student remains actively enrolled in the program.

  • SBFC does not offer refunds for missed classes.

Camps

  • Camp dates may be changed, provided there is space available in the requested camp.

  • If a student cannot attend a camp, SBFC may provide a voucher for a future camp.

  • Camp fees are non-refundable.

Please make sure you are able to attend before registering for a camp or program.

4. CLUB PRACTICE & TOURNAMENTS

  • A valid USFA membership is required to participate in all SBFC programs and activities where USFA membership is applicable.

  • Students must wear appropriate athletic attire during practice.

  • South Brooklyn Fencing Club does not permit dual club representation.

  • Members representing SBFC at any event must have an SBFC patch or sticker on their fencing equipment or uniform, as applicable.

  • Students are responsible for their own fencing equipment.

  • Before attending a tournament, each student is responsible for checking and testing their own equipment to ensure that it is in proper working condition.

  • South Brooklyn Fencing Club follows a SafeSport policy. All SBFC coaches are professional members of the US Fencing Association and are SafeSport certified.

5. SOUTH BROOKLYN FENCING CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT

South Brooklyn Fencing Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for everyone.
All students, parents, members, coaches, visitors, staff, and volunteers are expected to treat one another, the facility, and the sport of fencing with respect.
By using SBFC facilities or participating in SBFC programs and activities, you agree to follow this Code of Conduct and understand that violations may result in disciplinary action.

5.1 Sportsmanlike Conduct

Fencers are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.

Behavior that would result in a warning or black card at a fencing competition may result in a warning or black card at the club.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Swearing or inappropriate language

  • Name-calling, insults, or negative talk toward others

  • Throwing equipment

  • Hitting or kicking the floor, walls, or other property

  • Yelling or disruptive behavior

  • Misuse of fencing or club equipment

5.2 Serious Misconduct

Behavior that would result in a black card at a fencing competition may result in a black card at SBFC.

Serious misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Throwing equipment in a dangerous manner

  • Willfully damaging club property

  • Dangerous, reckless, or vindictive fencing

  • Shouting matches, fighting, or threats

  • Extreme unsportsmanlike conduct

  • Refusing to follow reasonable instructions or directives from a coach or SBFC board member on duty

A fencer who receives a club black card may be required to leave the facility immediately.

5.3 Suspension

A fencer who receives a black card, or whose behavior is considered particularly serious or egregious, may be suspended from South Brooklyn Fencing Club.

During a suspension, the student will not be permitted to participate in club activities or use SBFC facilities for the duration of the sanction.

6. STUDENT SAFETY & DEPARTURE POLICY

For the safety of our younger students:

  • All students enrolled in low-level programs who are under 16 years old must notify their class coach before leaving the facility.

  • Students may not leave class without permission.

  • Students may not leave early without notifying and receiving permission from their coach.

  • Students who are being picked up must remain inside the facility until their parent, guardian, or authorized adult arrives, unless otherwise approved by SBFC staff.

These rules are in place to help ensure the safety and supervision of our younger fencers.

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

South Brooklyn Fencing Club appreciates the cooperation of all our members and families in following these policies.

Our goal is to maintain a safe, respectful, professional, and positive environment where every fencer can learn, train, compete, and enjoy the sport.

Thank you for your cooperation and for being part of the South Brooklyn Fencing Club community.

South Brooklyn Fencing Club