NEW MEMBERS AT THAMES ROWING CLUB

We need to have a more clearly defined system for new members at TRC, so that application forms, payment and election to the membership can all be sorted out at the right time and with the minimum of hassle.

Please help cut down on the amount of telephoning and chasing up that I have to do when I receive application forms that are not complete or accompanied by payment. Please help to ensure that new members are not rowing for months and months without having applied for membership or paid any money.

I have very little way of knowing who the new members are (especially in the men’s squad) if I do not have regular updates from the coaches. Please could you make sure that you keep in contact with me throughout the year to let me know who is training in your squad. My email address is jhumphreys(at)blacksunplc.com or you can call me on 07939 157530.

Please follow the instructions below, and let your squads know how it works – it should be a very straightforward system to follow:

New Senior Squad Members

· Coaches to provide each new member with a 2002/3 application form immediately upon arrival.

· New members to complete the top section of the form immediately including all contact details, signature of ability to swim 100m and signature of proposer and seconder.

· Coaches to collect completed application forms along with the following items:

· Cheque for the joining fee (£60 full/£30 otherwise). This will not be cashed for one week (see payment details below)

· Proof of student status if applicable

· Cheque for full fees or completed standing order section of the form –

if possible (see payment details below)

· These items should be stapled together or put in an envelope, and left in the new tray marked ‘completed application forms’ at the top of the stairs. Please do not hold on to application forms and cheques. I will make sure cheques are not cashed until the right time.

· Payment:

· A cheque/cash for the joining fee must be paid immediately. However, this will not be cashed until a week later. If the applicant decides they do not want to join, and tells me within the week, their cheque will be returned to them.

· Preferably, the completed standing order form or cheque for full membership fees should also accompany the application form and joining fee. The cheque may be post dated for four weeks later, because new senior members will have until week five after their arrival to settle up their fees.

· Coaches and I will chase members for completed cheques or standing orders for the full membership fees after four weeks if they have not accompanied the application. Applicants will not be put forward for election to the membership until they have settled up with a cheque or standing order. NB – If they are not elected, they cannot race.

New Novice Squad and Veteran Members

· As above, but the cheque for the joining fee may be post dated for four weeks later, and will not be cashed until four weeks after the applicant’s arrival. If the new novice informs me during that four week period that they do not wish to join, their cheque will be returned.

· Full fees will then be due four weeks after that.

· Coaches please make sure that the applicant’s novice status is clear on the application form so that I do not mistake the applicant for a senior member.

· Once again, please do not hold onto the application forms for novices, but pass them onto me immediately via the tray at the top of the stairs.

If any of this is unclear, please give me a call or an email.  Thanks for your co-operation.

Jenny Humphreys

Hon Secretary (Membership)