RYF is a registered USA Fencing Member Club, and as such, all participants are required to hold an individual USA Fencing membership. This includes:
Fencers (youth and adults)
Coaches and instructors
Visitors who participate in fencing activities
Parents or adults holding club-related positions
Depending on your role and level of participation, you may choose the appropriate membership type (e.g., Access, Competitive, or Coach membership). For more details and registration instructions, please visit the USA Fencing Membership Guide.
For beginner, you can sign up to the 90-day Trial membership for free. If you decide to continue fencing you can upgrade to the normal membership after the 90 days trial period. Be sure to select "Rochester Youth Fencers" as your affilidate club.
RYF provides a set of fencing equipment for beginners to take home for health and safety reasons. Typically, this includes:
Jacket
Mask
Non-electric (manual) weapon
Glove
Chest protector
Fencing bag
As fencers progress, we may also provide the following electric gear for intermediate and advanced fencers:
Electric weapon
Lame
Body and mask cord
The loaned gear can be used continuously until one of the following conditions applies:
The fencer will not enroll in any RYF Community Education fencing class.
The fencer has been using the loaned fencing equipment for more than one year.
The fencer has acquired personal fencing equipment.
We kindly ask fencers to return loaned equipment to RYF promptly so it can be optimally utilized by other students in need.
RYF welcomes and encourages visiting fencers from other clubs to join our regular open format sessions for free, offering a great opportunity to practice and exchange experiences. However, if a visiting fencer plans to attend regularly more than 33% of the scheduled sessions in a Open Fencing class, we kindly request you enroll in the Community Education "Open Fencing" class to help cover the operating costs.
Visiting fencers must be a registered member of the USA Fencing.
RYF offers classes in different skill levels throughout the year. If you enroll in any class other than the "Open Fencing" session, you are welcome and granted the privilege to join and practice during any Open Fencing hours. For example, if you enroll in the beginner class, you are encouraged to practice during Open Fencing hours to maximize your practice opportunities.
To help promote fencing in our community, RYF offers scholarships to youth in need of financial assistance. RYF's policy may grants one scholarship for every five students enrolled in any RYF fencing class listed in the Rochester Community Education program. Additionally, Rochester Community Education provides scholarships funded by government grants for students enrolled in the "Rochester Middle School After-School Fencing Program." For more details on scholarship and grant opportunities, contact Rochester Community Education.
For advanced fencers interested in individual private lessons, RYF offers scholarships for those with financial need. Please contact any RYF coach to discuss this opportunity.