Traverse City Fencing Club Policies
Traverse City Fencing Club (TCFC) is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization. The club reserves the right to terminate a membership for any cause, including, but not limited to, failure to follow club policy.
TCFC Membership
Club membership is required for participants to fence at TCFC. Membership at TCFC allows a fencer to use the club facilities for open practice on available strips not in use for class or private lessons. Benefits of the membership also include the right to wear club uniform and compete for the Traverse City Fencing Club, and the right to attend events and meetings hosted by the Traverse City Fencing Club.TCFC membership requires completing the online registration form and selecting your membership level. Membership requires enrollment in automatic monthly payments. Enrollment can be canceled at any time by logging into your website profile. Unused membership payments are not eligible for a refund. All members of the club must sign a waiver to participate in fencing activities at the Traverse City Fencing Club. A parent or legal guardian will sign for their child under the age of eighteen (18).
Fencers who are not currently members may pay the daily drop in fee to fence at an open practice. Drop in fee fencers must have taken a fencing class or have previous fencing experience. Drop in fencers are subject to these same terms and conditions.
Application to USA Fencing
The United States Fencing Association (“USA Fencing”), the official body which regulates the sport of fencing, now mandates that every fencer become a member of USA Fencing in order to fence at any USA Fencing member club or in any fencing event. It is the responsibility of the member to apply, upgrade or renew their USA Fencing membership.
Private Lesson
Private lessons are available and must be scheduled directly with the coaches. There is an additional cost for private lessons.
Safety
Safety is a club priority. All fencers and visitors will place safety first. At no time should fencers engage in any bouting unless in full dress code. The brandishing of any weapon towards anyone not fully dressed and protected is prohibited. Careful transportation of weapons is critical, and weapons should be pointed towards the ground at all times when traveling throughout the club.When fencers are bouting, referees or spectators should use common sense and be safely situated to protect themselves and avoid accidents. Fencers should use common sense and concern while maneuvering near strips and throughout the club. Dust, dirt or water on the floor and/or strip could create dangerous situations leading to injuries. Report any spills immediately to the management to avoid any problems. No food and drinks allowed next to the fencing strips.
If you are injured while at TCFC, you should report this to the management immediately to ensure proper action. In addition, if you witness any harassing behavior or are the subject of any behavior which is uncomfortable to you, please report this to the management so it may be properly addressed.
Handle all club equipment with care. Fencers must use caution and care when utilizing all equipment in the club, including the electronic scoring devices and the reels attached to the strip. These items are costly and can be easily damaged if mishandled. Broken equipment must be immediately reported. Personal property left at the club is at the owner’s risk. TCFC does not take responsibility for missing or damaged personal items.
Risk of Sport Activity
Participants acknowledge that fencing is a sport activity that carries physical, mental and emotional risk. Participants will need to use common sense and understand that accidents and injuries do occur. Participants will need to assume these risks and follow safety protocol in order to participate in fencing activities. Athletes that have health conditions that may be adversely affected by participation in fencing activities, will determine whether they are capable of safe participation for themselves and assume those risks.
Club Etiquette
TCFC fencers will treat themselves, coaches, and fellow fencers with utmost respect. TCFC is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. TCFC strives to promote a diverse and inclusive fencing environment free of bullying, harassment, victimization and discrimination and to foster dignity and respect for all. TCFC members will welcome and help each other both on and off the strip. Fencers should be considerate of other fencers, including those younger and less experienced.
Fencers should bout freely and accept requests to bout with others respectfully. Fencers should try to accept requests to bouts as often as they can, regardless of the opponent’s ability. All fencers start somewhere, and we are all beginners at some point needing a more advanced fencer to help us improve. Fencers should participate in shorter bouts when fellow fencers are waiting at the strip to fence next. This consideration is required to share the strips, promote fencing amongst all our members, and give everyone equal time on the strip.
Fencers are encouraged to come to the club for open practice to improve skills, to work on techniques learned during class and private lessons, to build stamina and promote comradeship with other members. Your fencing can be improved only by fencing.
In addition, members attending tournaments represent Traverse City Fencing Club to the wider fencing community. Members are bound under Traverse City Fencing Club, USAF, and US Olympic Committee (USOC) codes of conduct when fencing in competitions.
Cell Phone Use and Camera Use
As a courtesy to other members, you may not speak on your cell phone or utilize any video chat applications while on the fencing floor. You may not take photos or videos in TCFC to promote your or third party’s business, products or services. You may not intentionally film another individual without their permission. If you post on social media a photo or video that was taken at TCFC and another individual appearing in the content complains, TCFC reserves the right to ask you to remove the post.
Dress Code
All participants must wear adequate protective equipment while fencing. Fencers must be covered from head to toe with protective equipment. Masks, gloves, fencing jackets, underarm protectors, chest protectors, knickers and socks are required for members while fencing with each other. Sweatpants or warm-up pants that allow free movement are acceptable for only the novice fencer. The footwear should be a dust free indoor sneaker, i.e. court shoes, flat soled sneakers, tennis shoes or fencing shoes. Street shoes are not acceptable in class.
For your convenience, the TCFC provides a complete line of quality fencing equipment.
Holiday and Closures
TCFC will be closed on major holidays. Any unscheduled closing – i.e. due to inclement weather – will be announced on Facebook and members will also be notified by email.