Dear Fellow Fencer,

This is the first increase in fees which has occurred in quite a while.  Still, I think it is important to share with you the factors which have prompted this change.

What Motivated These Changes?

Two years ago, the NEUSFA Executive Committee decided to provide paid referees for all tournaments (not just qualifiers).  I think that everyone will agree that minimizing the need for self-refereeing in tournaments has been a very positive change.

It is important to note that we initially chose not to raise fees even though our tournament expenses dramatically increased. It was our hope that we could, over the course of a season, make enough to cover our costs. We have been monitoring expenses very closely over the past year and the need to raise fees has become increasingly apparent.

Do I Need to Pre-Register for Non-Qualifier Events?

Over the last two years, we have increased our use of askFRED as a way to advertise our events.  Many of you also find it to be helpful when you know in advance who else is coming to fence.  But it has always been our policy that the use of askFRED was strictly optional.

Beginning today, we are strongly encouraging you to pre-register for all non-qualifier Division events. It is a great help to us to know in advance how many fencers to expect. For those non-qualifying events where we are committed to providing referees for all pools and DE's, pre-registration (with pre-payment) will earn you a $5 discount on the entry fees.

Please Bring Exact Change

For tournaments where the entry fee has risen to $15, please bring a $10 bill and two $5 bills (one for the entry fee and the other for the refundable deposit). Needless to say, ATM's do not dispense $1 and $5 bills so please plan ahead to ensure that you have the exact change. (Of course we will continue to take checks!)