NJFA Policies

Private lessons are provided at the discretion of NJFA and are subject to coach and space availability. NJFA reserves the right to discontinue private lessons for any student at any time, though it rarely does so outside of unusual circumstances.

• Youth fencers may take private lessons only while active members of one of the general classes.
• Adult fencers may take private lessons only with a current NJFA membership.
• The only exception is when a fencer is injured and temporarily cannot participate in a group class for medical reasons.

Your private lesson slot is reserved specifically for you, and NJFA does its best to keep it unchanged throughout the season (August 1 – July 31). As the club grows it becomes increasingly important that fencers show up on time, keep their scheduled slot, and avoid cancellations within reason.

All private lessons are managed via online software; it is the fencer's or parent's responsibility to manage cancellations and makeups per this policy.

Lessons are paid at the beginning of each month based on the number of lessons taken the previous month. If a lesson is not cancelled in the system, it will be charged in full with no makeup or credit. It is the fencer's or parent's responsibility to cancel on time to avoid charges for lessons not taken.

• All private lessons must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.
• Same-day cancellations (sudden illness, family emergency, work) are allowed if made before the lesson's start time — but only up to twice per season (Aug 1 – July 31).
• If a student repeatedly misses or is late, NJFA may reconsider providing private lessons.

Students should arrive at least 10 minutes before the lesson to warm up. If you arrive late, the lesson is shortened accordingly. More than 10 minutes late and the lesson is cancelled as an unexcused cancellation, with no makeup.

Makeups are possible only if a free slot exists in the coach's regular club hours (so the coach doesn't make a special trip); book it through the online scheduling software.

In general, NJFA does not offer makeup classes. Fencers constantly attend competitions, and providing makeups for all of them isn't possible — missing class to compete is not a reason for a makeup.

NJFA does not guarantee makeup availability, but will attempt to provide one if a fencer misses due to sickness (not vacation, competition, school activity, or other events).

Makeup classes are specifically designated classes on Saturdays, 8am–1pm. No other class may be attended as a makeup.

Makeups can only be taken in the current season and while the student is an active member; they don't roll over to a new season or after a fencer leaves. The season ends July 31. No credit or refund is given for missed classes or unused makeups.

NJFA charges full monthly tuition during the school year and does not put classes on hold for vacations or school breaks. The only exceptions for placing an account on hold are:

• A fencer injured and unable to attend for longer than 3 weeks.
• A senior taking a break to work on college applications, October through December.

During summer, classes can be put on hold, prorated, or paid per attendance based on the fee schedule published each May. Any change to a summer payment plan must be emailed to the club at least by the 15th of the previous month; fees collected due to failure to notify are not refunded.

All classes are charged automatically at the beginning of the month. To withdraw, notify NJFA in writing before the 15th of the current month to avoid the next month's charge. There are no withdrawal fees, and no prorated payment for the final month — you may attend through the end of the month you paid for.

Because classes are capacity-limited, withdrawing on or after the 15th means the next month is charged, with no refund or credit (including prorated). You may complete training in the month charged.

Additional charges may apply for services provided before withdrawal — weapon repairs, private lessons, or strip-coaching fees — usually billed a few weeks later upon receipt of invoices.

NJFA is closed on holidays and some days during Summer Nationals per the published schedule. There are no prorated fees or refunds for classes that fall on these days.