Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Fencers

I am interested in learning to fence. What opportunities are available to me at Bay State Fencers?	If you are a beginner enroll in Adult Fencing Basics. This is an eight week class that introduces the novice fencer to the game, the etiquette and the history of the sport. All equipment and uniforms are provided. . See "Programs: Adults 15+" in our Fencing section for more information
I already have some fencing experience. What opportunities are available for me at Bay State Fencers?	If you already have some fencing experience or if you are returning to the sport and you are interested in taking classes at Bay State Fencers enroll in one of our Adult Fencing Programs in foil, epee, or saber. These programs are ongoing and enrollment is rolling. Equipment and uniforms are provided if you do not own your own equipment or uniform. . See "Programs: Adults 15+" in our Fencing section for more information If you already have fencing experience and are interested in bouting and conditioning please join us for Open Fencing. Bay State Fencers offer Open Fencing six days per week during the fencing season and five days per week in the summer. . See "Open Fencing" in our Membership section for more information
Can I benefit from private lessons?	Private lessons give the fencer the opportunity to work one-on-one with their Coach to develop skills, to work on technique and strategy and to develop a supportive coach-athlete relationship. Working privately with a coach will also allow you to develop as an athlete. Most fencers begin by scheduling one 30-minute private lesson per week with their Coach. . See our Coaches section for more information . Private Lesson Policies
How do I select a Coach?	Fencers are paired with a Coach who is strong in the weapon the fencer has selected, who is available to give private lessons at convenient times for the fencer, and who is a good personality match for the fencer. Please feel free to discuss your child's needs with the Director and he will help facilitate a strong coach-athlete relationship. . See our Coaches section for more information
What does it mean to have a Coach? What is the proper etiquette for having a Coach?	Selecting a Coach is a big step in a fencer's athletic life and having a private coach is both a privilege and a responsibility. Coaches are committed to assisting fencers attain their athletic and competitive goals by developing an individualized program of training for each fencer, private lessons are often an integral part of this program. In turn fencers are expected to demonstrate respect for their coach by practicing good etiquette. This includes: Arriving for lessons on time and by being ready to fence at the scheduled lesson time. If the fencer is late the coach must be contacted directly by cell phone. Paying the coach for each private lesson in advance or at the time of the lesson. Advance purchase lesson cards are available at the desk otherwise coaches accept cash and checks at lesson time. Forgetting to pay for a lesson is very insulting. No further lessons will be given until the coach is paid in full. Only working with one private coach at a time. Coaches invest a great deal of time and effort in developing a program of training for the fencer. Conflicting methods of training can be detrimental to a young fencers athletic development. . See our Coaches section for more information

 Bay State Fencers - 561 Windsor Street, Suite A 401 . Somerville, MA 02143 . 617-591-0101 . info@baystatefencers.com