Costs to participate in
the Salem High School Fencing League

What does it cost to participate?

There is a $50 per student activity fee. This fee covers the cost of the gymnasium, officials, etc. for all meets and the championship. It also includes weekly practice (Mondays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. at SCF). This fee does not include any other use of SCF's facilities or staff. Participants are not required to be members of SCF.

Additionally, you will need to acquire equipment. You will need a foil, jacket, mask, glove, underarm protector, knickers, breastplate (for females), and knee-high socks (white or school colors). Most of this equipment is quite durable and will last for a number of years with good care.

With careful shopping, one can purchase this equipment new for $150-200. Used equipment is sometimes available for sale by fencers who have outgrown theirs. Be very careful when purchasing equipment on eBay and other online auction sites. Ask your your club or an SCF staff member for further guidance.

What if I cannot afford the activity fee?

We do not turn anyone away for financial reasons. There are a number of ways to qualify for reduced activity fees:

• Reduced fees ($20 per student) are available to those who qualify for reduced price school lunches. Just bring a copy of the notice from the school district that says you qualify for reduced price lunches.
• Super-reduced fees ($10 per student) are available to those who qualify for free school lunches. Just bring a copy of the notice from the school district that says you qualify for free lunches.
• Students who are on food stamps or TANF automatically qualify for super-reduced fees ($10 per student).
• Students who are homeless or who are in foster care automatically qualify for super-reduced fees ($10 per student).

Additionally, if you do not receive reduced or free lunches from the school district (e.g. you do not attend public school), you will qualify for reduced fees ($20 per student) if your household income is at or below the levels in the chart below:

Students who also new to fencing can apply to Salem Classical Fencing for financial assistance with learn-to-fence classes and equipment. (Note: we hope to be able to provide equipment to all high school fencing league participants as part of the activity fee next season.)

What if I cannot afford the equipment?

Your best option will be to see if there are other members of your club who may have "hand-me-down" equipment that will fit you. Or, your club may have done some fundraising and may have enough money to purchase loaner gear for new fencers. You may also be able to borrow equipment from other fencers who will not be competing in that particular meet. Ask your club for guidance.

If you are also a member of SCF, you can apply for an equipment grant (sorry, but equipment grants are not available to non-members).