PARTICIPANT MEMBERSHIP POLICY

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the operational requirements for participants of Blades of Avalon, including membership fees, payment schedules, attendance expectations, and administrative procedures. It supports consistent management of participants and ensures clarity around how membership functions.

2. Membership Structure

The club offers one participant membership type that grants access to all regular education & training sessions. This membership type also grants members in good standing voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and Special Topic Meetings.

Members may choose between the following payment agreement options:

1. All Sessions, Billed Monthly – paid once per month
2. All Sessions, Billed Bi-Monthly – discounted fee agreement, paid once every two months
3. One Handed Sessions Only, Billed Monthly – paid once per month
4. One Handed Sessions Only, Billed Monthly – paid once per month
5. New Harbour Sessions Only, Billed Monthly – paid once per month
6. Theory Sessions Only, Billed Monthly – paid once per month

Membership remains active only while payments are up to date.

3. Fees & Payment Terms

3.1 Fee Schedule

Payment Agreement	Payment Schedule	Benefits
All Sessions Monthly	$225 Every Month*	Access to all regularly scheduled training sessions, education sessions, plus opportunities to volunteer at community demonstrations, events, etc.
All Sessions Bi-Monthly	$330 Every 2 Months*
One Handed Monthly	$150 Every Month*	Access to all regularly scheduled ONE HANDED training sessions, education sessions, plus opportunities to volunteer at community demonstrations, events, etc.
Two Handed Monthly	$150 Every Month*	Access to all regularly scheduled TWO HANDED training sessions, education sessions, plus opportunities to volunteer at community demonstrations, events, etc.
New Harbour Monthly	$150 Every Month*	Access to all regularly scheduled NEW HARBOUR training sessions, education sessions, plus opportunities to volunteer at community demonstrations, events, etc.
Theory	$40 Every Month*	Access to all regularly scheduled EDUCATIONAL sessions, plus opportunities to volunteer at community demonstrations, events, etc.

* NL HST (15%) added to all membership fees at time of billing. All prices are in CAD.

The Annual Membership Agreement fee is discounted by a little over 26% compared to 12 months of Monthly Membership Agreement fees. That's $720/ year that you can put towards more gear, or whatever your priorities are.

3.2 Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods include; Credit Card via BladsNL.ca (Service provider: Stripe)

Alternative payment methods can be accomodated upon request.

3.3 Late or Missed Payments

A grace period of 7 calendar days may be provided at the discretion of the Board of Directors. If payment is not received within the grace period, training access will be suspended until the account is brought up to date.

3.4 Refunds

Monthly membership fees are non-refundable.
Annual membership fees are refundable with the following conditions:

• The first $330 installment payment is non-refundable
• Subsequent bi-monthly payments are refundable on a pro-rated basis for the number of full months remaining before the next payment installment is due. The maximum refund is $165.

Exceptions may be considered for medical leave, relocation, or other exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

4. Enrollment Requirements

To activate membership, participants must submit:

• Completed membership form (online)
• Acknowledgment of having read, understand and agreement with the liability waiver (online)
• Emergency contact information (online)
• Acknowledgment of the Safety Manual (online)

Membership is not active until all acknowledgments and initial payment are received.

5. Participation Entitlement

Members may access all regularly scheduled training sessions, education sessions, and have the opportunity to volunteer at community demonstrations, events, Blades of Avalon Inc. committees, etc.
The club does not guarantee a minimum number of sessions per month; schedules may vary due to
holidays, instructor availability, or facility constraints.

6. Suspension & Cancellation

6.1 Member-Initiated Cancellation

Members may cancel their membership by providing electronic written notice (email).
Membership fee refunds are subject to section 3.4 Refunds.

6.2 Blades of Avalon-Initiated Suspension or Termination

Blades of Avalon may suspend or terminate membership for:

• Non-payment
• Repeated failure to follow the Blades of Avalon - Safety Manual
• Behavior that disrupts training or endangers others
• Behaviour that is considered by the disciplinary committee to be harassment or abuse

Blades of Avalon-Initiated Suspension or Termination is determined by the members of and policies that
govern the disciplinary committee. This ad-hoc committee is struck by the Blades of Avalon Inc. Board of
Directors as required.
Membership fees refunds are subject to section 3.4 Refunds.

7. Trial Registration

Non-members are permitted to register for one free trial session, in which they will be exposed to training methods and weapon styles. 

Additional trial sessions are discouraged, but may be arranged for a fee of $40 per 3 hr session.

8. Administrative Records

The club maintains:

• Membership status
• Payment history
• Emergency contact information

All records are kept confidential and used solely for club operations.

9. Policy Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated at the board of directors’ discretion.

END OF DOCUMENT