General Policies

RRFC has a zero tolerance policy regarding the abuse of drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol. The abuse of such items, either at the club or on RRFC (Red Rock Fencing Center) trips will not be tolerated.
RRFC welcomes students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or physical disability.
The Owners of RRFC will not tolerate any discriminatory act or act of harassment, sexual or otherwise, from staff members, other fencers, or observers. If you are uncomfortable at anytime, for any reason, please notify the Director, Frank Van Dyke immediately for a private consultation. We want your fencing experience to be rewarding and positive.

The staff and instructors of the RRFC (Red Rock Fencing Center) believe that anyone who has the desire to learn should have the opportunity to fence. Even those with health problems or physical limitation have the opportunity to learn fencing. Our coaching staff will assist you in developing a program around any limitation you may have.
We want everyone to be happy and feel comfortable at the RRFC. If there is a problem of any kind, please let the Director, Frank Van Dyke know about it. We attempt to guide students to the instructor most suited to their weapon, fencing style and personality; however, should your child want to switch to a different instructor, this is not a problem.
No discrimination or harassment is tolerated by any member of the RRFC family.

Please bring a towel to workouts and classes. If you sweat heavily, and you will, bring an extra T-shirt or two. Please make sure your fencing uniform is clean and with special regard to keeping your gear odor-free. Deodorant should be used - colognes and perfumes should not.

Safety

Safety is everyone's responsibility. Although fencing is a combat sport, observance of some simple rules will prevent most injuries.

1. Wear proper attire.
Proper fencing attire is comprised of mask, glove, white jacket, underarm protector or plastic vest and knickers. An athletic cup is recommended but not required. Add a lame to the list if doing foil or sabre. The proper attire is important for classes and lessons as well as competition. Knickers do not have to be worn for classes or lessons; warm-ups or sweats are adequate. No shorts are allowed for classes or lessons as they leave legs unprotected. Fencers may wear shorts while exercising or warming up, but should change into warm-ups, sweats or knickers once classes and lessons commence.

2. Never enter the strip area without your mask. Always wear your mask when bouting or taking lessons. NEVER point a weapon at anyone unless they are on a strip and wearing a mask. Always point blades at the floor when walking around and rest the point on your foot when talking to others.

3. Always wear your protective equipment (underarm protector, proper clothing, breast protector, etc.) while fencing or taking lessons. Examine your weapons and protective equipment prior to bouting.

4. Make sure your strip surface is clear of all debris, weapons, masks or other items which may cause trips, slips or falls.

5. No sport drinks, fruit juices or sodas on the training floor - plastic water bottles only.

6. Bring what you need to keep your hair under control. Neck jewelry is worn at your own risk.

7. No horseplay on the strips and never attempt to make contact with someone who is bouting on another strip.

8. Never enter or exit the fencing area by crossing a strip where bouting is occurring. Always use the walkway, but be aware that fencers may come across this area at any time.

9. Come physically prepared to fence. Fencing requires vast amounts of energy and uses tremendous stores of body fluids and nutrients. If you have been ill, or are not feeling well, don't fence.

10. Warm up before bouting or lessons even if you are a recreational fencer.

11. Practice good fencing techniques, posture and footwork to prevent bad habits which lead to injuries.

12. Bout only when a coach or instructor is present.

The training apparatuses around the Center are used primarily for solo or group practice and for private lessons. This equipment is not to be used without the Fencing Master's (Ed Richards) or the Head Coach's (Frank Van Dyke) permission. It is best to assume that you do not have permission until you have asked either one of us. The Nautilus equipment and free-weights are for circuit training only and is not an open gym or playground. Only members who have signed up for the circuit training are allowed in that area. If you wish to try out the machines then please contact our resident trainer and he will be more than happy to assist you.

Instructors, Coaches, Trainers

Red Rock Fencing Center (RRFC) is available to outside Instructors, Coaches, and trainers. They may bring their students and clients to RRFC for lessons, but only after they have been cleared by both the Head Fencing Master and Head Coach. A fee will be assessed for non-membership time in the RRFC. Please see or call the Head Coach for details. (702) 256-2600.

Students or members are not authorized to teach, unless they have been directed to train an individual student within a group class taught by an RRFC Instructor, assigned a class of their own to teach within RRFC, or certified to teach without supervision. This is to assure that the integrity of the sport is maintained at a high level and that prospective students are not led astray by unqualified individuals.

RRFC does offer an Apprentice Program for aspiring instructors. Unless you are actively enrolled in this program, you will not be called upon to teach, no matter how much experience you may have in the sport taught here or anywhere else. Students, particularly Senior Students and Members, are encouraged to lend guidance and leadership in the group classes or during open bouting.

Membership

No cannot have a membership in another club and a membership in Red Rock. You must represent one or the other, not both.

All individuals must become a member of Red Rock Training Center prior to taking any programs from Beginning Level to Team Level. It is also a requirement for USFA insurance purposes that all RRFC fencing club members participating in open fencing sessions be current members of the United States Fencing Association. All applications and forms are at the front desk.

Fencers who wish to compete for RRFC in local, regional and/or national tournaments must have membership in the Red Rock Training Center's Fencing Club - Red Rock Fencers (RRF)

ALL fencers who participate in classes and lessons at RRFC must complete and sign a waiver prior to their participation. Waivers are in effect for the entire fencing season, August through July.

Student Classes

All classes are on a continuing time basis. There is no time limit for each stage or class level.You advance at your own pace and training dedication level. This is not a cookie-cutter type school of fencing. We invoke a relaxed and fun environment but make no mistake in that this is not a playground or is it just a 'social fencing group'. The classes are geared to train you for the higher levels of fencing and for some it takes longer than others.

Students are urged to set and maintain a regular schedule of class attendance. If you are going to be late or unable to attend, CALL and INFORM US, please. Your presence or absence affects the entire class.

The relaxed atmosphere of the Fencing Center should be tempered by the serious attitude of the students. You are expected to take all aspects of the training seriously. From the seemingly endless practice of fundamentals to the more dynamic drills and exciting sparring on the strips, every facet of training is intended to make you a more well-rounded fencer. Focusing solely on areas you find interesting or entertaining is a grave mistake.

Students are responsible for acquiring their own fencing gear after the Beginning Level. Fencing gear is ordered or purchased at the club Pro-shop during open hours or by appointment. All appointments outside of the normal business hours are through the Director, Frank Van Dyke.

Program participants

It is a requirement that a membership to Red Rock Training Center be established before any programs can be applied for. See Membership requirements above.

The 2 levels of programs that are offered at RRFC are divided in levels of intensity and quantity of personal instruction with staff personnel. You may change from one level to another as you wish. Refunds from changing levels are given back as credits for the next payment. No cash, credit card, debit, or check refunds.

Programs are payable in monthly or yearly payment options through credit card, debit, money-orders, or checks. We accept Visa, Master Card, checks, cash and all debit cards. Your Program fee must be kept current and active in order to fence in the open bouting times or participate in any of the Centers activities. We give only a one week grace period.

Competitions

RRFC Coach's Policy is to send a coach to a tournament if 1 or more fencers request coaching for that tournament. The 1 or more fencers will be asked to pay coaches fees if it is not a local event which will cover travel, lodging, and per diem for the coach. Coach's fees can run the range from $40 to $300 and above in rare situations (International events) depending on where, how long, and how many RRFC fencers are sharing the fees.

Usually at least one of our coaches will remain at RRFC; however, for large team events where a number of young fencers are competing, it may be necessary to send two or more coaches.

It is the fencer's responsibility to notify the RRFC Fencing Club Director (by completing an "Intent to Compete" form or verbal request with the Head Coach) that they want a coach at a tournament. Forms are at the front desk.

The deadlines for notification and payment of coach's fees are:
NAC-30 days in advance (so we can get the lower airfare and reduce YOUR costs)
Sectional events-2 weeks in advance
Local-1 week in advance

When competing at a local, sectional or national competition it is important to remember the tournament is not over until a victor is established. An RRFC fencer who has lost his/her bout is not necessarily free to leave the venue. If other RRFC fencers are still competing, fencers need to remain at the venue to cheer on and support their teammates. At RRFC, fencing is a team competition. An individual fencer's victory reflects on the entire club. You would want the same if you are the one going to the finals.

Pro-Shop

Red Rock Fencing Center's Pro-Shop is open 7 days a week during RRFC's operating hours. Items can be purchased on site or through e-mail orders to director@redrocktrainingcenter.com

The Pro-Shop display case in the Center is for members to see, feel and try on fencing products before ordering or on-site purchasing.

If the item is in stock then all purchases are final unless the item is returned in new condition. If the item leaves the new packaging for any reason then it is not considered new anymore.

All refunds follow our Refund policy. RRFC members receive a 20% discount on all fencing gear.

Refund policy

All refunds for any purchased fencing gear, programs or classes are ONLY refunded through credits. Credits can be applied towards other fencing gear, programs or classes.

Problem Resolution

From time to time there will be a need for problem resolution. If the problem is a class student or fencing member we will take the 3-step approach to solving the problem.

Step 1. Take the situation aside and talk directly to the person one-on-one and see why there is a problem and how it can be solved or better understood.
Step 2. If the problem persists then a consultation with the parents and child or adult couple will be scheduled to see where the lines of communication can be better understood and an end to the problem can take place.
Step 3. If the problem still ensues then termination from the program will be taken. No refunds or partial refunds will be given for any programs that may have been purchased or pre-purchased.

If the problem is not someone's behavior or character and it is of the facility itself then please let us know of your concern or suggestion. We may not have thought of everything and we want you to be safe and feel comfortable while at the Center.

The Owners of RRFC believes our coaching staff should be allowed to concentrate on the task of fencing. Therefore, the task of managing and operating the business is left to the Owners of RRFC. If you have any questions or concerns about the way business is done, please contact either Faith or Frank Van Dyke who are the owners and operators of RRFC.

Respect

Finally, as this is an Olympic-Style Fencing Center it should be understood that the one hard, fast rule is still RESPECT. Humor is encouraged and welcomed, but never at the expense of respect for all who enter here. Moreover, when non-member fencers from other clubs visit, students and members of RRFC should make it a point to personally meet them and pay their respects with a warm welcome and simple handshake.

Fencing Veterans are given equally high stature in this Club, for they can teach us from first-hand experience. Listen to what they have to say, they are only trying to help you get better. Again, know who they are and give them the respect they have most certainly earned.