How the Schedule Works

Training at NCF Boulder follows a consistent daily structure. Understanding how arrival, preparation, instruction, and pickup fit together helps practices start on time and run smoothly.

This structure represents our default training day. At certain points in the season, particularly around competitions and major calendar transitions, parts of the schedule may be temporarily adjusted. When that happens, we aim to preserve clarity, supervision, and safety, even if timing or format changes.

Arrival & Open Hours

During the regular season, Monday through Friday, the facility opens at 3:00 PM, unless otherwise posted.

This early opening allows students to arrive after school, transition into the space, and prepare for training. Being in the facility does not mean instruction has started.

During Open Hours, students may:

  • arrive and settle after school

  • do homework or read quietly

  • organize or check fencing equipment

  • get water or a snack

  • socialize quietly

Open Hours are supervised, but they are not instructional time.

Siblings are welcome to remain in the foyer and adjacent table area during Open Hours. Wi-Fi is available in these areas.

Food, Drink, & Storage

Students may have food and drinks during Open Hours, using designated seating areas. For safety, food and drinks must be kept off the fencing floor.

NCF provides simple after-school options, including granola bars, fruit, popsicles, and Monin SodaStream flavorings. Filtered room-temperature water, ice, and cold water are always available. Frozen hand towels are kept in the freezer and may be used at any time, during training or afterward, to cool down or freshen up. Students are encouraged to stay hydrated throughout the afternoon. Students may also bring food from home. A refrigerator, freezer, and microwave are available for personal use.

Students are expected to exercise good judgment around food choices and must have parent permission for what they choose to eat when a parent is not present.

Lockable lockers are available for both youth and adults to store bags, valuables, shoes, and personal items during training. Lockers are issued with a key on a wristband.

Students are expected to keep shared spaces tidy at all times, including training areas, seating areas, and locker rooms. Personal equipment and clothing should be stored properly when not in use, and shared areas left ready for the next group. Maintaining an orderly space is part of being ready to train and allows the facility to operate safely and efficiently throughout the day.

On Deck (Required for Youth Classes)

Youth classes include a required preparation period called On Deck.

On Deck takes place immediately before class (for example, 4:15–4:30 PM for a 4:30 PM class).

Although formal instruction has not yet begun, On Deck is part of the structured training window and is required for youth classes. It exists so students are fully prepared when class starts.

During On Deck, students typically:

  • check in

  • change clothes and gear up

  • get water

  • organize or adjust equipment

  • resolve minor equipment issues

  • settle socially and mentally

When space and conditions allow, students may begin light warm-up on the fencing floor during On Deck. This supports readiness but does not replace or extend instructional time.

On Deck is a time window, not a single check-in moment. Students are expected to use this time to arrive prepared so class can begin promptly.

Class Start

Formal instruction begins exactly at the posted class start time.

For example, a class listed as starting at 4:30 PM begins instruction at 4:30 PM — not earlier.

Students are expected to be present, geared, and ready to train at that time. On Deck exists specifically so instruction can begin cleanly and without disruption.

Late Arrival & Attendance Updates

We understand that after-school schedules don’t always run perfectly.

If a student arrives late, they may join class if it is safe and appropriate to do so, at the coach’s discretion. Because On Deck is designed to support a smooth class start, late arrivals may miss part of instruction if they are not ready when class begins.

For routine absences or late arrivals, families do not need to email in advance.

If you would like to let us know that your child will be late, absent, or leaving early, please text the main NCF number at 303-641-6557. This helps with supervision and planning but is not required for routine schedule changes.

Private lesson cancellations or changes must be managed through www.thefencingtrainer.com, in accordance with lesson policies.

Lessons

A lesson at NCF Boulder is a 30-minute private lesson with a coach.

On the schedule:

  • Lesson indicates one 30-minute lesson slot

  • Lesson x2 / x3 indicates multiple lessons running simultaneously

  • The number reflects staffing capacity, not shortened lesson time

Each lesson remains a full 30 minutes.

Fencers are expected to be ready at their assigned lesson time, meaning they are checked in, warmed up, dressed, and prepared to start promptly.

If a fencer arrives early, a coach may call them in early if scheduling allows. Seeing lesson blocks on the schedule does not guarantee that a specific coach is available at every moment.

Private lessons are scheduled and confirmed through www.thefencingtrainer.com. Lesson blocks shown on the schedule represent general availability windows, not real-time bookings.

Class Capacity

Class sizes at NCF Boulder are intentionally limited to support safety, quality instruction, and appropriate supervision.

Some classes have specific enrollment caps. For example, Intro to Fencing has a maximum class size of six students.

Capacity limits help ensure adequate coach attention, safe use of space and equipment, and a productive learning environment.

Competitions, Camps, & Seasonal Adjustments

While NCF Boulder’s daily schedule is designed to be consistent, competitions, camps, and seasonal transitions occasionally require temporary adjustments to normal routines.

These adjustments may include:

  • modified class times

  • reduced or combined classes

  • changes to Open Hours or On Deck timing

  • altered private lesson availability

Schedule adjustments most often occur:

  • during major competition weekends

  • immediately before or after travel events

  • during seasonal transitions (school year ↔ summer, summer ↔ fall)

When changes are needed, families will be notified in advance whenever possible. Updates are communicated by email and/or posted schedule notices.

Even when timing or format changes, expectations around supervision, safety, preparation, and pickup remain in effect unless explicitly stated otherwise.

After Class & Pickup

After class, students wait inside the facility until their parent or caregiver arrives.

Once a parent pulls up, students may go directly to their car. For safety, supervision, and traffic flow, students should not wait on the stairs outside the facility.

If pickup is running late, families may text 303-641-6557 so staff are aware.

These expectations help ensure a smooth and supervised end to the training day.

Closing Note

The goal of this structure is to balance consistency with the realities of a competitive fencing season. When schedules shift, we aim to communicate clearly while maintaining a safe, well-supervised training environment.

This structure allows us to start on time, train effectively, and support students before, during, and after practice—every day.