TEAM K FENCING MEMBERSHIP POLICIES

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Version: 1.0

1. Membership Start and Affiliation

1.1 Membership Start
Memberships start from the date you sign the Membership Agreement Form.

1.2 USA Fencing Requirement
All fencers must hold an active USA Fencing membership in order to participate in TeamK programs and competitions.

• • Access Membership – $34 (practice and club activities only)
  • Competitive Membership – $99 (required for tournaments)

1.3 Affiliation with TeamK
TeamK must be listed as the primary club on the United States Fencing Association (USFA) Membership form and on www.askfred.net entries.
Members must represent TeamK Fencing at any USFA-sanctioned competition and wear their TeamK patch on: The shoulder of the non-dominant arm sleeve

1.4 Team.K Membership Fees

1.4.1 Initiation Fee: $125 (applies when starting or restarting membership)

1.4.2 Base monthly membership fee: $160

1.4.3 Membership fees are non-refundable

1.4.4 Non-Compliance : Failure to follow these rules may result in paying non-member fees.

2. Membership Benefits and Available Services

Members have access to various services, which may incur additional fees:

• Group Classes – organized according to age
• Private Lessons – one-on-one lesson
• Special Camps – summer or winter camps, workshops, etc.
• Strip Coaching (Tournament Coaching) 
• Equipment Rental/Repair Services – equipment testing, repair, assembly, and related services
• Participation in additional services requires active membership.
• Policy and rules are subject to change by TeamK Fencing management.

Eligibility

• All participants must be active TeamK members.
• Program participation is determined by age, skill level, and Head Coach evaluation.

Registration & Payment

• All programs (group classes, camps, special sessions, etc.) require prior registration and full payment before participation.
• Membership fees are non-refundable.
• Group class fees, private lesson fees, camp/program fees, and strip coaching fees are non-refundable and are subject to the current TeamK Fee Schedule.

Attendance

• Participants must arrive on time for all scheduled activities.
• Missed group classes or sessions will not be refunded or not have makeup. 
• Group class schedules may change during the summer or winter camps.
• Group classes canceled because of tournaments or holidays will not have makeup sessions.

Program Type

• Members may choose between Recreational programs (focused on fun and skill development) and Competitive programs (focused on tournament preparation and advanced skill development). 
• Participation in the Competitive program requires meeting the Advanced Class – Competitive Commitment requirements.

3. Class Placement and Level Changes

3.1 Beginner Requirement: All beginner fencers are required to complete a minimum of 10 private lessons before joining group classes.

3.2 Class Placement: After completing the beginner requirement, group classes will be assigned according to age. Class placement and any changes to membership level will be determined through an evaluation by the Head Coach.

3.3 Approval of Changes: Only official TeamK coaches may approve any changes in a fencer’s group class level.

3.4 Advanced / Competitive Class Placement: To be considered for the Advanced / Competitive Class, fencers must meet the requirements outlined in the Advanced Class – Competitive Commitment section.

4. Private Lessons

4.1 Booking and Scheduling:

• All private lessons must be booked and scheduled by the Coaches, or
• Purchased as a lesson package through the TeamK website, after which fencers can book available time slots online.
• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on coach availability.
• All private lessons must be booked and scheduled by the Coaches, or
• Purchased as a lesson package through the TeamK website, after which fencers can book available time slots online.

4.2 Lesson Packages:

• 10-pack private lessons are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
• Unused lessons will automatically expire after 6 months and are non-refundable.

4.3 Cancellation Policy:

• Reserved private lessons must be canceled at least 24 hours before the appointment.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours (including emergencies) will be charged in full.

4.4 Coaching Authority:

• Only official TeamK coaches (permanent or invited) are authorized to provide private lessons.

 4.5 Head Coach Lessons

• Head Coach private lessons are reserved for Advanced Class fencers or those actively competing in national and international tournaments.
• Fencers must consistently attend regular private lessons and group classes before being eligible.
• Fencers must successfully pass an evaluation by the Head Coach before becoming eligible for Head Coach lessons.
• Head Coach lessons focus on advanced tactics and competition preparation.
• Scheduling is subject to the Head Coach’s approval and availability.
• Lesson rates differ from regular private lessons.

5. Advanced Class - competitive Commitment

5.1 Membership Requirement
Advanced Class (competitive Class) fencers are required to make the following commitments:

• Take a minimum of two private lessons per week
• Attend all scheduled group classes
• Participate in winter and summer camps, and special clinics
• Compete in regional tournaments, national tournaments, and Summer Nationals

5.2 Program Requirements and Expectations

1. Full Commitment
   • Advanced & competitive Class athletes are expected to make fencing their top extracurricular priority.
   • Conflicts with other activities should be resolved in favor of fencing.
2. Attendance
   • Fencers must attend all scheduled classes:
     • Monday & Friday: 6:20 PM – 9:00 PM
     • Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
     • Saturday Open Fencing: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3. Tournaments
   • Participation in all recommended tournaments is mandatory.
   • Tournaments should take precedence over non-fencing events.
4. Trust in the Process
   • Athletes and families must trust the coaching staff and follow the long-term training plan.
   • Each athlete’s journey is unique, and progress may occur at different rates.

5.3 Training Roadmap

Athletes in the Advanced & Competitive Class are required to:

1. Training & Lessons
   • Take a minimum of two private lessons per week
   • Regularly attend all group classes and open fencing sessions
2. Competition Participation
   • Compete in all eligible national and regional tournaments
   • Hire strip coaches for national and regional events
3. Conditioning & Recovery
   • Maintain proper nutrition, stretching, and recovery practices
   • Follow a structured training program, including strength training, conditioning, and independent footwork practice
4. Seasonal Commitment
   • Attend both winter and summer training camps
5. Self-Management
   • Keep written notes on training sessions and competition experiences

6. Payment & Refund Policy 

6.1 All members must follow club rules and guidelines.

6.2 Membership is non-transferable.

6.3 Participation in additional services (private lessons, camps, etc.) requires active membership.

6.4 Membership fees, private lesson fees, and camp/program fees are non-refundable, even if the member does not attend or participate.

7. Membership Payment Policy

7.1 An initiation fee of $125 applies when starting or restarting membership.

7.2 If you put your membership on hold and then return, a re-initiation fee of $125 applies.

7.3 A base monthly membership fee of $160 must be paid. Additional services (private lessons, special camps, etc.) require separate payment, and you must be an active member to use them.

7.4 All membership payments are due on the 1st of each month. A late fee of $50 will apply after 5 days.

WEBSITE MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT POLICY

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Version: 1.0

1. Membership Auto-Payment

• All memberships are processed through automatic payment (auto-pay) via the Team K website.
• The first payment is charged on the date of purchase, and subsequent payments are charged every 30 days.
• Starting January, 2026, all membership payments must be made online through the Team K website.
• Membership payments cannot be made offline (Zelle, check, or cash are not accepted for membership fees).

2. How to Sign Up

• All memberships must be purchased through the Team K Fencing website.
• Each student must have an individual account created under the student’s name.
• The parent’s or guardian’s email and phone number should be used for the account’s contact information.
• Within 24 - 48 hours after signup, your user role will be updated, and you will be able to purchase a membership online.
• A valid membership is required to unlock access to private lesson booking.

3. How to Book Private Lessons

• Private lesson booking is available only when membership is active and in good standing (auto-pay enabled).
• Lesson packages may be purchased online through the website or offline at the club (Zelle, check, or cash).
• For offline purchases, your website account will be updated within 24 hours to reflect remaining lessons and enable online scheduling.
• Each coach’s available booking hours will be visible on the online schedule.
• Bookings made outside available hours or without coach confirmation may be canceled.
• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on coach availability.

Double Lesson (40 minutes) Booking

• If you would like to book a double lesson (40 minutes), you must reserve two consecutive time slots.
• Both time slots must be available and booked individually to secure a 40-minute lesson.

4. Private Lesson Usage and Expiration

• Purchased private lessons are valid for 180 days (6 months) from the purchase date.
• Any unused lessons after 180 days will automatically expire.
• Private lessons must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Cancellations within 24 hours (including emergencies) will be charged in full.
• If the Head Coach is unavailable due to tournament travel, lessons may be rescheduled with another available coach upon request, according to the Head Coach’s original schedule.

5. Membership Cancellation and Re-initiation

• If a membership is canceled, a $125 re-initiation fee will apply when rejoining.
• Exception: The re-initiation fee does not apply if returning to participate in Team K’s Korea Camp immediately following Summer Nationals (July).
• Placing a membership on hold (e.g., extended training abroad) is considered a cancellation, and the re-initiation fee applies upon return.
• If membership is canceled (but not deleted), purchased private lessons remain valid for 180 days.
• If membership is deleted, all remaining private lessons will be immediately voided.

6. Tournament Coaching Deposit

• Tournament coaching deposits may be paid online through the Team K website.
• Paying online simplifies confirmation of coaching support.
• Coaching reservations are not secured until the deposit is received.
• Deposits are non-refundable, except when Team K cancels the coaching service.
• Any remaining balance may be paid before the start of the tournament.

7. Offline Payments (Non-Membership Fees Only)

The following items may still be paid offline via Zelle, check, or cash:

• Private lesson packages
• Tournament coaching balances
• Camps and workshops

Membership fees cannot be paid offline.

BEHAVIOR & SAFETY POLICY

Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Version: 1.0

1. Purpose

This policy is intended to supplement existing club policies regarding fencing classes, lessons, and membership.
It establishes expectations for behavior and safety to ensure a secure training environment.
These guidelines are general to cover a broad range of behaviors, and may be updated as new situations arise.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all fencers, parents/guardians, coaches, and other individuals present at Team K Fencing facilities.

3. Behavior Rules

Disruptive or potentially harmful behavior is strictly prohibited within or immediately outside the club.

Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to:

1. Running unsupervised inside the club
2. Shouting, wrestling, or hitting others (with or without objects)
3. Entering dangerous proximity to fencers engaged in bouting, footwork, or other fencing activities

4. Responsibilities

• Fencers and Parents/Guardians must know and understand these policies : Behavior & Safety Policy, along with other applicable club policies, including the Membership Policies, Strip Coaching Guide, and Website Membership Payment Policy.
• For minor fencers, parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their child while at the club.
• Coaches will monitor as feasibly as possible when parents/guardians are not present.
• Other fencers and adults/guardians are encouraged to assist in monitoring.
• If unacceptable behavior is observed before a coach is aware, parents/guardians or fencers should address it directly with the involved fencer.

5. Safety Practices

• Fencers must hold their weapons with the tip down when others are nearby.
• Proper fencing gear (mask, glove, jacket, knickers, long socks and athletic shoes) must be worn in order to participate.
• Fencers are responsible for situational awareness at all times.
• All individuals must take care to avoid tripping over floor reel wires during bouting.
• The purpose of these policies is to maintain a safe environment and ensure uninterrupted training.

6. Equipment and Health

• Required equipment during fencing: Mask, glove, fencing jacket, knickers, plastron, plastic chest protector, long socks, clean athletic shoes.
• Any illness, injury, or medication must be reported to the coaches prior to lessons or group classes.
• Participation is prohibited while under the influence of substances causing drowsiness or disorientation.

7. Violations and Consequences

• Violation of any part of this policy may result in disciplinary action by a coach.
• Individuals not complying with Team K Fencing rules may be subject to expulsion without refund.

Strip Coaching Guide

1. Application and Notification

Fencers who wish to receive strip coaching at a tournament must notify Team.K coaches of the tournament name and event in advance, following the deadlines below:

• Regional tournaments: at least 1 month prior
• National tournaments: at least 2 months prior
• International tournaments: at least 3 months prior

If meeting the above deadlines is not possible, please inform the coaches as soon as possible.

2. Purpose of Strip Coaching

Strip coaching is designed to strengthen the relationship and trust between the fencer and the coach, providing immediate, personalized feedback to help improve performance during competition.

2.1 The purpose of strip coaching may vary depending on the fencer’s age, experience, and training goals. Rather than focusing solely on winning individual bouts, strip coaching emphasizes understanding, applying, and developing strategies for long-term growth.

2.2 It allows coaches to observe how fencers respond to feedback, informing the design of future training sessions and lessons to optimize progression.

2.3 Consistent, long-term coaching has a significantly greater impact than occasional or one-time sessions, much like ongoing tutoring provides deeper academic development compared to last-minute study sessions.

2.4 Participation is optional; however, we highly encourage all fencers to take advantage of this opportunity. Please note that associated costs apply.

3. Coaching Conflict – Detailed Information

Coaches will make every effort to ensure that each fencer receives effective coaching. However, due to competition schedules, certain limitations may arise:

• When more fencers request strip coaching, the cost per fencer decreases; however, some may not receive coaching in every bout.
• When fewer fencers request strip coaching, the cost per fencer increases; however, each fencer will receive more focused attention.
• When multiple coaches attend, coaching opportunities increase, but overall costs also rise.
• If multiple fencers are competing at the same time, it may not be possible for all of them to receive coaching. Please note that this situation may occur for any fencer.

Specific Considerations:

• From Y8 through Men’s & Women’s Y10, Y12, Y14, Cadet, Junior, and Senior events, schedule overlaps may result in some fencers not receiving coaching.
• During pool or direct elimination (DE) rounds, if multiple fencers compete simultaneously, not all can be coached at the same time.
• In events held across multiple halls or distant strips, logistical challenges may prevent coaches from reaching all fencers promptly.

4. Fee Information

Daily Coaching Fee 

• 10 single-lesson pack
  (Excluding expenses such as transportation, hotel , etc.)

Cost Calculation:

• The total fee (Per diem + Transportation + Hotel + etc) is divided among the number of fencers receiving coaching (1/N basis).

Deposit:

• $100 per event, due at least 2 weeks prior to the tournament (non-refundable).
• Example: 2 events → $200 deposit
• Please note that once the deposit is paid, it is non-refundable and non-transferable, and you remain responsible for paying the full coaching fee.

Final Payment:

• The remaining balance is due before the start of the tournament.

5. Team.K Member Policies

Team Patch Requirement:

• All Team.K fencers must wear the Team.K patch at any USFA-sanctioned competition.
• Placement: non-dominant arm shoulder or back leg thigh.
• Available at the Team.K desk for $20.

Primary Club Registration: Fencers must list Team.K Fencing as their primary club on both USFA membership and AskFRED entries.

Coaching Restrictions: If two Team.K fencers face each other in the same event, no coaching will be provided during that match.