Club Rules & FAQ
Membership & Payments
Monthly Payments
- Membership fees, group classes, and private lessons are payable at the beginning of each month.
- All lessons must be prepaid.
- Missed group classes and private lessons may be rescheduled as make-up lessons, subject to availability.
HST
In accordance with CRA requirements, Tim's Fencing Academy is required to charge 13% HST on all services.
Private Lessons
Cancellation Policy
Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel a private lesson.
Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged in full.
Open Fencing
Open fencing is available to all current Tim's Fencing Academy members in good standing.
Non-members are welcome with payment of the applicable guest/drop-in fee.
Competition Coaching
Local Competitions
Examples include:
- OFA Youth Circuit
- Ontario University Open
- Ontario Provincial Championships
Coaching Fee:
- One private lesson credit per event.
National Competitions
Examples include:
- Canada Cups
- North American Cups (NACs)
Coaching Fee:
- $100 CAD per event.
Travel Expenses
Travel expenses (hotel, flights, transportation, etc.) will be shared equally among participating athletes.
Training Attire
For all fencing bouts and drills involving weapons:
- Fencing pants are mandatory.
Athletic clothing is acceptable ONLY for fitness training and private lessons that do not involve fencing.
Safety
Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Please:
- Handle weapons responsibly at all times.
- Be aware of others around you.
- Wear your fencing mask whenever moving through active fencing areas.
- Follow all coach instructions immediately.
- Report damaged equipment or unsafe conditions to a coach.
Adult members are encouraged to assist coaches by helping monitor safety during busy training sessions.
Club Etiquette
Help us maintain a welcoming environment by:
- Treating fellow fencers, coaches and visitors with respect.
- Encouraging new members.
- Demonstrating good sportsmanship both inside and outside the club.
- Representing Tim's Fencing Academy positively at competitions.
Club Cleanliness
Everyone shares responsibility for keeping the club clean.
Please:
- Store fencing bags in the storage room (at the back of the club).
- Never block the stairwell (fire code requirement).
- Clean the armoury workbench after use.
- Return club jackets to their hangers.
- Dispose of garbage and empty bottles (even if it’s not yours)
- Eat only by the entrance at the table.
- Clean the table after eating.
Photography & Videography
Tim's Fencing Academy may take photos and videos during practices, camps, clinics, and competitions for coaching, promotional, and educational purposes, including use on our website and social media.
Parents and spectators are welcome to photograph or record their own athletes but should respect the privacy of other members. Athletes may record their own fencing for training purposes, provided it does not interfere with coaching or club operations.
If you or your child do not wish to appear in club photos or videos, please notify the club in writing (fencingcoachtim@gmail.com or timfencingacademy@gmail.com ), and we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request.
Weather & Club Closures
Tim's Fencing Academy remains open during most winter weather. If severe weather or other circumstances make it unsafe to operate, we will notify members of any closures as early as possible by email and/or our club communication channels.
If the club remains open, families should use their own judgement when deciding whether it is safe to travel. Missed classes due to severe weather may be made up, subject to availability.
Code of Conduct
Tim's Fencing Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
The Academy reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership in cases involving:
- Unsafe behaviour
- Harassment or bullying
- Repeated disrespect toward coaches or fellow members
- Conduct that negatively impacts the club environment
Our goal is to never have to enforce these measures, and we encourage everyone to contribute to a positive training atmosphere.