IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL
TEMPORARY & SPORTS PREFERRED
SQUASH SECTION MEMBERS (SP MEMBERS)
You will be aware that for those of us who have joined the club under the Sports Preferred (SP members) scheme, there are various commitments that have to be made for a period of 4 years.
This commitment recognises that you have joined one of Asia's premier sports and social clubs on advantageous terms, and without the need to spend a considerable amount of time waiting for a membership. There is also a significant cost benefit.
The purpose of this communication is to:
(a) Remind and re-emphasise the need for that commitment
(b) Clarify what we mean by commitment
(c) Ensure that there is no ambiguity or misunderstanding
The Squash Section of the Club is your "Sponsor" and every year we seek to attract and allocate places for new members based upon a variety of factors.
However, demand for places is high and we adopt a rigorous selection process to ensure that we bring in players with a range of skills and willingness to participate in the life of the Section.
The key phrase here is "life of the Section" which means that it is expected that members will participate not just in playing competitive league squash but will also support the many activities that are arranged throughout the year.
Commitment means:
(1) A minimum monthly spend on F&B of at least the same amount as the monthly subscription (currently $1,300 pm), assessed as an average over six monthly periods.
This is a mandatory condition imposed by the Club and is monitored by the central membership office.
Please note that spending relates to F&B in the various outlets and does not include things such as items bought from the pro shop, training, payments for tours, ordering wine.
If you are unsure about exactly what this means then please ask.
(2) Playing or being available to play in at least 75% of the main Winter League matches
In this regard, when your convenor emails you each week to ask for availability, it is your obligation to reply promptly. Please don't expect the convenor to have to keep chasing up.
If you do not reply, then you are deemed not to be available, and it will be recorded as such.
Also it is your responsibility to make sure that your email address and telephone numbers are correct. If you are not hearing anything then get in touch with your convenor to find out why.
Additionally we would expect those who are not chosen to play to make an effort to turn up at home matches to support their team, and this would include remaining back after the match to entertain the opposing team.
(Please note that participation in the Masters League does not count since it is a social league, but would certainly be taken into consideration under section 4 below)
(3) Participation in at least 4 functions per annum
Functions refers to formally arranged social events, tours, tournaments and ad hoc matches/events.
It does not include turning up for Club Nights (but see section 4 below).
There are 3 major social events each year. The Start of Season party in September; the Christmas Party in December and the End of Season party in May.
There are also numerous overseas tours and locally held tournaments and matches which are usually publicised well in advance.
It is expected that you will come along and participate in at least 4 of these each year, which would include attendance of at least one of the 3 major socials referred to above.
(4) Being seen around the Section
This is very subjective, but what we are getting at here is that in addition to being involved in formal activities it is expected that you make active use of the facilities for social games, training and socialising, etc. You should be an active participant in the Ladder.
Coming along to Club Nights and participating in the Masters League also falls into this category.
Certain people are "familiar faces" around the courts and others are conspicuous by their absence.
Club Management requires us to closely monitor commitment, and a review and report of all SP members during their 4 year commitment is undertaken every 6 months.
The outcome of these reports are discussed by the Squash Committee and a decision taken as to what action (if any) is necessary.
Action would take the form of a formal letter to remind people of the commitment, or perhaps a quiet word from an appropriate person such as the Team Convenor.
Ultimately, if commitment is not met despite reminders, then the Section will withdraw its support to free up the place for someone on the waiting list.
This means that your membership will be terminated by the General Committee of the Club.
We want to emphasise that there is no intention to adopt a heavy handed approach, and every opportunity is taken to encourage all members (SP or otherwise) to be active participants.
Indeed, this is the whole reason for this communication as we start the 2010/11 season.
However, as mentioned earlier SP members have made a commitment to the Club and the Section at the outset, and the Club takes the view that we are obligated to meet that commitment.
On that note, if your workload or social life means that you simply cannot honour the commitment this is not a valid excuse for not participating (unless it is for just a short period of time).
The point here is that you cannot make the commitment to the Section, join on advantageous terms, and then not turn up because of other commitments elsewhere. This is a choice that you need to make.
If anyone has any queries please feel free to contact any of the Committee members.
Squash Committee
September 2010