this was the email that came last week from BFA.
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All,
Before I lay out our new information, communication is the key to
making all of this work. If you have issues, please talk to me so we
can figure out solutions. If you have undue hardship please talk to
me. Quitting fencing is not a good solution to issues created by the
new system..
As most of you know, SOAS raised costs on us in July and are now
repeating that. Unfortunately, that means that I have to pass the
costs on to the members. The membership will be absorbing only a
small portion of the cost in order to keep the rates as low as
possible. The bulk of the deficit is to be made up through our new
students and new programs out west. We continue to look for and
negotiate for more cost effective solutions.
New fees go into effect September 1, 2008. Membership begins on this
date for all existing fencers. New fencers coming out of programs
begin their membership upon graduation from class. This operates
similar to a gym membership. Membership are revolving and there is
not a annual date for membership payment.
We essentially are creating only two types of membership. The
details of each our outlined below as they stand today. As
membership grows we will adjust times and days accordingly to
accommodate all fencers. As numbers increase, fees will be re-
evaluated.

COMPETITIVE PROGRAM MEMBERSHIP:
This is the primary membership level that includes extensive group
training and weapon specific training with designated coaches. The
program operates on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays at the same times
as we are currently operating.
Cost: $80 / month

RECREATIONAL MEMBERSHIP:
The recreational membership is geared toward fencers not interested
in the competitive level training of the program fencers. Rec
fencers are permitted to participate in common warm-up. When the
program fencer break into individual weapon work, rec fencers can
open fence. Available times are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
See schedule below for details.
Cost: $60 / month

FLOOR FEES:
Fencers not actively members of the Academy can fence with us and pay
a floor fee. Floor fees allow for the common warm-up and open
fencing only.
Cost: $20 per visit within 70 miles of Academy, $10 per visit for
travelers from greater than 70 miles.

LESSON FEES:
Individual private lessons are available to all fencers in addition
to membership or floor fees. Lessons are available in all weapons.
If you want to be a champion fencer there is no path that does not
include private lessons. The single fastest way to improve is via
the private lesson. Everyone is encouraged to take private lessons
as often as possible. Each lesson is approximately 20 – 25 minutes
in length.

1 lesson $25
4 lessons $80
8 lessons $150
12 lessons $210

Lesson policy: lessons are a privilege. You are paying for your
coach's time. It is his time. How that time is spent or not spent
is entirely up to him. Lesson time is not a guarantee of specific
content and time can be forfeited without refund if a student is not
prepared for his/her lesson. Please give up to 24 hours notice on
lesson cancellation.

MEMBER BENEFITS:
Membership allows you to participate in all common warm-up, all open
fencing times and other workshops and events provided specifically
for members.

PAYMENT:
Payment of membership is due the first of each month. Floor fees are
due BEFORE fencing on that day. Fees are considered late after 7
days and are subject to a late fee of $10. Payment can be made by
cash or check or on the Bladepoint website by credit card. It is
very important that you be on time with payments.

SCHEDULE:
Our current hours are listed below. We are expected to open
Wednesday evenings around the New Year.

MON TUES THURS SAT

Individ Lessons 6p–9p 5:30p–9p 9a–3p
Begin Classes Carmel 6:30p–7:30p 10a–10:45a
W Side 11a–12p
Common Warm-up 6:30p–7:15p 6:30p–7:15p 12:30p–1p
Competitive Prog 7:15p–7:45p 7:15p–7:45p
Open Fencing 7:45p–9:30p 7:45p–9:30p 1p–3p

CHANGES:
Membership policies, schedules and prices are volatile at the moment
due to the drastic increase in our expenses. Each area will be re-
evaluated as we increase membership and have opportunities open to
us. Current membership policies will be posted on the web in the
members area for all to view and shortly at the Academy.
We are a team, and I hope you will help us to build and grow in order
to get the times and costs that you would like to see. Please work
with us to make sure everyone has the best fencing experience.

Thanks.