General

Prime Fencing Academy policies are designed to set expectations between PFA members and PFA in areas such as private lessons, makeup lessons, and long absences. These policies are subject to change without further notice at any time.

This document summarizes PFA's policies in the following areas:

• Private Fencing Lessons Policy: scheduling, cancellations, makeup lessons

• Makeup classes

• Vacation notice and payments

• Holiday schedule (group lessons, private makeup)

Private Lessons Policy

• Private fencing lessons are provided to students only at the discretion of PFA and are subject to the availability of the coach and space at PFA. PFA reserves the right to discontinue private lessons for any student at any time. PFA does not typically revoke private training but may exercise this right due to unusual circumstances.

• Private lessons are provided to youth fencers only when they are active members of one of the classes. Private lessons cannot be taken when a student does not participate in a group program.

•  For adult fencers, private lessons can be taken only when an adult fencer has a current PFA membership.

•The only exception from this rule is when a fencer is injured and temporarily cannot participate in a group class or activities due to medical reasons.

• Please note that your private lesson slot is reserved specifically for you, and PFA does its best to keep it unchanged throughout the entire season (August 1 – July 31 each year). As the club grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to schedule and reschedule the lessons, making it more important for fencers to show up on time, keep their scheduled time slot, and avoid cancellations without reason.

• All private lessons are paid at the beginning of the month based on the actual number of private lessons taken in the previous month. If a fencer or parent forgot to cancel a private lesson, it will be charged in full, and no makeup or credit will be given. It is the responsibility of a fencer or parent to cancel private lessons on time to avoid charges for non-taken lessons.

• Cancellation policy:

• All private lessons must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

• Sometimes, it is unavoidable to cancel a lesson on the same day (for example, in case of sudden illness, family emergency, or work-related issues). In that case, PFA will allow a last-minute cancellation as long as it is canceled before the lesson's start time. This type of cancellation is only allowed up to two times per fencing season (August 1 – July 31 each year).

• If the student repeatedly misses or is late to their private lesson, PFA will reconsider providing private lessons to that student.

• Timeliness: Students are expected to arrive at least 5 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 canceled and considered an unexcused cancellation. No makeup will be given.

Group Classes:

Make-up classes are offered when a fencer attends another class to compensate for missing their regular class. Generally, PFA does not provide make-up classes due to constant competitions attended by fencers. Missing class while attending a competition is not considered a valid reason for requesting a make-up class. Availability of make-up class options is not guaranteed by PFA, except in cases of illness. Make-up classes must be taken during the current season and while the student is an active member of PFA. No roll-over to the new season or after quitting PFA is allowed. Failure to complete a make-up lesson before the end of the season (July 31st) results in forfeiture without credit or refund for missed regular classes.

Strip Coaching:

Strip Coaching is a mandatory part of Fencing Education and Coaching. PFA decides the number of coaches and selects them based on the participating fencers in the competition.

Fees: Local (no hotel required): $50 per event Travel (hotel required): $100 per event. All strip coaching fees are charged based on the events a fencer registered for at the time of competition withdrawal.

Vacations and Long-Term Absences: PFA charges full-month tuition for all months during the school year and does not put classes on hold for vacations or school breaks. Exceptions include injuries preventing class attendance for more than three weeks and senior students taking a break for college applications between October and December. During summer vacation, classes can be put on hold, pro-rated, or paid per attendance based on the published fee schedule.

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