MEMBERSHIP TYPES, COSTS AND BENEFITS
NWFC is a non-profit fencing membership training facility. Anyone utilizing the Northwest Fencing Center facilities more than two days in a calendar month (excluding fencers attending a multi-day camp, clinic, or coaching academy) is required to register as a NWFC member. Membership fees assist the club to provide affordable fencing programs for athletes of all ages.
Annual membership fees are valid for a single fencing season (September 1 - August 31) and prorated when joining after October 1. Member registration begins by enrolling online at the NWFC MEMBER PORTAL. The front desk will process your membership and confirm class enrollment, skill level, and appropriate fees. Please review the current list of benefits and requirements, all subject to change at any time. Memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable.
All NWFC members must maintain a valid membership with USA Fencing Association. Full information here: www.usafencing.org/membership
RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS
TRIAL - New Fencers: Minis, Homeschool, Youth One or Adult/Teen Epee (3 Months)
$60
Valid for one or two new fencers within the same family, living in the same residence, and enrolled in beginning classes: Mini Fencers, Homeschool, Youth One or Adult/Teen Epee. NWFC will submit registration for a non-competitive membership with USA Fencing. At the completion of three full calendar months, continuing fencers must transfer to an appropriate membership category.
JUNIOR - Ages 4-18
$180
Valid for one fencer age 4-18. A Parent/Guardian must register the student and assume responsibility for all fees and requirements during membership under full NWFC rules for this membership category. Upon each member's 18th birthday, they shall transition to the appropriate Individual membership.
INDIVIDUAL - Ages 18+
$180
Valid for one fencer age 18 or older.
FAMILY - 2+ Fencers
$240
Valid for two or more fencers within the same family living in the same residence on a permanent basis. Dependent children under the age of 18 may be included with this membership. A Parent/Guardian must register the student and assume responsibility for all fees and requirements during membership under full NWFC rules for this membership category. Upon each member's 18th birthday, they shall transition to an Individual membership.
YOUNG ADULT - Alumni Ages 18-23 (Multi-year membership)
$180
Valid for one fencer age 18 to 23 who has been active at NWFC for the two previous seasons. This special membership is valid for up to five years from the fencer's 18th birthday until the end of season in which they turn age 23.
NON-RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS
For fencers who live in excess of 100 miles from NWFC.
GUEST (Up to 30 days)
$30
Valid for short-term visiting fencers once per year. All class, open bouting, camp/clinic and private lesson fees apply. Coach sponsorship or approval required.
ASSOCIATE INDIVIDUAL
$450
ASSOCIATE FAMILY - 2+ Fencers
$600
Associate memberships are valid for athletes who are dedicated to training long-term but unable to attend classes on a regular basis. Associate members will train with our coaches and athletes periodically throughout the fencing season. Participants at this member level must be sponsored and approved by an NWFC Lead Coach.
Unique Associate Membership requirements/restrictions:
All training (classes, open bouting, camp/clinic, private lessons, etc.) fees apply.
Athlete must list NWFC as primary or secondary club.
Non-resident (live in excess of 100 miles from NWFC).
Coach sponsorship or approval required.
Not eligible for Grants or Scholarships.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Please review the current list of benefits and requirements, all subject to change at any time on our website at: https://nwfencing.org/membership/
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS & TERMINATION
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Valid USA Fencing Membership - Register online with USA Fencing and update your NWFC member account with your USFA membership number.
NWFC members must list Northwest Fencing Center as their primary club with USA Fencing Association, except Associate Members and Young Adult members fencing in college, who may list NWFC as secondary.
Must live within 100 miles of NWFC, with the exception of Associate and Young Adult - Alumni members.
Billing
Monthly Statements are emailed the 25th each month. Tuition and all other unpaid account charges are due and auto-paid on the first of each month.
Auto-payment
On the first of each month, the balance due for all previous month's charges, current tuition, and camp fees are auto-paid utilizing your pre-selected method of payment. Failed auto-payments will have five days to pay the balance due before incurring a $15 late fee. Accounts not paid in full by the 15th of each month may be placed on suspension. Please contact the Executive Director to discuss repayment options.
ACH Rebates
Accounts auto-paid through the member system using ACH (checking account) on the first of each month will receive a rebate equal to 1.5% of such payment applied to their account.
Returned Check Fees
Returned payments will incur a fee of $25 and will forfeit any related ACH rebate credit(s). If unpaid by the fifteenth of the month, account may be placed on suspension.
Late Fees & Account Suspension
Accounts not paid by the fifth of each month incur a $15 late fee. Accounts not paid in full by the fifteenth may be placed on suspension. Please contact the Executive Director to discuss repayment options.
Signed Waivers, Permissions and Policies
All waivers, permissions, and policies must be electronically signed online as a part of the registration process, and whenever updated by the organization.
MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION
Voluntary Resignation
A Member may resign from NWFC by giving fifteen (15) days advance written notice after all club charges are paid in full. Annual membership fees are not refundable.
Involuntary Termination
a) NWFC reserves the right at any time to terminate the membership of any Member for failure to comply with the Rules and Regulations adopted by NWFC or for conduct NWFC determines improper or harmful to the best interest of the NWFC. A terminated Member will remain liable for all dues and other debt incurred prior to termination. The membership of any Member which is thirty (30) days in arrears in his/her account to NWFC, at the option of NWFC, may be terminated by NWFC without notice.
b) NWFC reserves the right at any time with or without cause to terminate the membership of any Member pursuant to the request of or direction of United States Fencing Association. The membership shall automatically terminate upon notification to the member by NWFC. Such notice shall be in writing, by either mailing, email or hand delivering the notice of termination to the Member.
SIGNED WAIVERS, PERMISSIONS & POLICIES
The following must be signed as a part of the registration for all NWFC activities and whenever updated by the organization:
Assumption of Risk
Fencer, and parent/guardian if Fencer is a minor, should understand that (1) sport involves risks such as injury, fatigue, and equipment failure, (2) fencing involves strenuous movements and aggressive, physical contact, and (3) NWFC does not provide medical insurance for fencing injuries. In fencing, minor injuries are common; significant injuries, possible; life-threatening injury, very rare. Fencer chooses to fence at NWFC and, for that opportunity, shall know his/her physical condition, fence safely, be responsible for his/her physical safety, and follow NWFC Rules and Code of Conduct. Fencer and Parent/Guardian while Fencer is under 18, assumes the risks of any injury, medical condition, or property loss that he/she incurs as a result of fencing or related activities at NWFC.
Permissions for Minor
If Fencer is younger than 18, Parent/Guardian gives permission (1) for Fencer to participate in events at NWFC and (2) if Fencer needs medical treatment and Parent/Guardian cannot be promptly contacted, for NWFC staff or qualified medical practitioners to render first aid or emergency treatment.
Liability Release
I agree to forever hold harmless and indemnify the Salle Auriol Fencing Club Inc., DBA Northwest Fencing Center, its directors, officers, staff, coaches, instructors, members, guests, volunteers, successors, and assignees from all claims, liability, and demands or actions for personal injury, property damage, expenses, legal cost, or other losses related to my (or, if Parent/Guardian, my child's) fencing activity at NWFC. This Release shall be binding on my personal representatives, heirs, and assigns.
Image Use Policy
NWFC may receive and use for any purpose, images of its members wherever they are participating, and of other persons, whether identifiable or not, at NWFC facilities or events. Subjects may request NWFC to discontinue such use of their image.
Privacy Policy
We gather information from the online portal membership enrollment in order to collect billing, fencer, medical, insurance, allergies and parent or guardian contact information. By supplying your e-mail address, you permit NWFC to communicate with you electronically. The individual information supplied when enrolling, while essential for our organization, will not be divulged to a third party at any point of time or for any reason.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Northwest Fencing Center (NWFC) is open to anyone with an interest in promoting or engaging in the Olympic sport of fencing. Membership and participation at NWFC are a privilege, not a right, with obligations. NWFC expects all members, non-member participants, guests, coaches, and staff to follow these Rules and Code of Conduct.
Non-Discrimination
Participants and guests of NWFC treat other participants, guests, staff and instructors in a manner free of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Physical Safety
Physical safety is the highest priority at the NWFC. All participants will exercise control of their actions and demeanor while fencing or otherwise participating at NWFC. All participants will exercise good judgment as to the degree of force in fencing that is reasonable and appropriate to the age, size, and experience level of their opponents.
Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship, like physical safety, is another priority of the NWFC. All fencing encounters will be conducted in a respectful and courteous manner regardless of whether the encounter takes place during open bouting, at a tournament or during class. All participants will salute their opponent and the referee,(if any), before and after each encounter, and to shake hands with (or otherwise acknowledge) their opponent after each bout, in a sportsmanlike manner.
Scoring/Referees
In non-refereed bouts, discussions of priority and valid touches are to be resolved quickly and amicably between the participants, or voided/ thrown out. In non-electric bouting, fencers will acknowledge touches against them. In refereed bouts, the decision belongs solely to the referees and the decision is final; unless, at a tournament, it is a question appropriate for the bout committee. Fencers and guests are expected to treat all referees with respect, regardless of the outcome of any call or encounter.
