Topic: The Same Male and Female Club Memberships? (Read 3327 times)

kenbriooo · « **on:** February 13, 2021, 07:14:47 PM »

Evening, bit of a controversial one here potentially...

We are discussing the upcoming membership and match fees for the coming season and need to make a decision as a committee by the next meeting. Over the last few seasons we have grown a healthy ladies section who train every Wednesday night along with regular fixtures and festivals during the summer. On the male side we have two Saturday teams, a sunday team for the first time in a long time this season and a midweek T20 side. The men train on a Thursday and play their home T20 games on a Thursday too.

Now previously the ladies have had a reduced yearly membership in relationship to the men, but it has been suggested and argued that it should be the same this year. While the men play more games, they ultimately pay more in weekly match subs and the women if wanted could be selected for any of the mens teams.

So my question is how do your clubs juggle this? Do you have the same membership fees for both genders, or is one reduced compared to the other? Any other thoughts and opinions on this would be great to hear.

Jlscarroll17 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2021, 07:28:46 PM »

I think you have to base it off the woman�s game, you can�t make them pay more as they don�t play as much as the men�s teams so I think it would be unfair, however if they want to be considered for the men�s game or are selected then they just pay the same weekend match/tea that the men pay. It�s very similar to junior cricket, the clubs I have played for the juniors memberships are always less than the seniors and juniors are selected for senior weekend cricket and no one complains.

ppccopener · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2021, 07:40:13 PM »

Hmmmm. I would like to see the reasoning on the basis the women can play in he mens games, why the annual membership fee should not be exactly the same regardless of gender.

The men play more games and therefore pay more match fees, but the club subscription should be the same.

That is the only way club members can be equal. It could be that there is a big difference now in membership fees, let's say

150 per year for men

50 per year for women.

As a club presuming you are not financially struggling, these two amounts have to be brought in line with each other.

Unless I'm missing something that is the only way to have equality.

You can't have half equality when it suits and half when it doesn't.

SD · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2021, 07:44:21 PM »

Our fees for juniors, students and seniors are the same irrespective of gender. As well as being unlawful to do otherwise, it opens up the issue of charging subs at all. There are always a number of players who for work or family reasons will be unable to play a full season but pay the same as someone who commits to play every week. The argument for charging these players less is just as strong if you base it on number of games you will play in

Buzz · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2021, 07:58:00 PM »

I know this may be contraversial, but why not ask the ladies at the club what they think... Do you have a lady captain and a few senior players who your committee could discuss the options with?

Of you could demonstrate that the money was going to be used to further the ladies section and those on lower incomes will be looked after, you could have a constructive conversation.

Jimbo · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2021, 08:36:28 PM »

Depends on the depth of your women's section as well. If you're trying to get more teams out in the long term then it may make more sense to do incremental increase towards parity with the men's fees in order to encourage long term sustainable growth. If you suddenly bump it up then you may find you put off potential members and alienate existing ones.

AaronW95 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2021, 11:01:22 PM »

I don�t pay any membership as I get paid to play, however my club is very cheap for standard people regardless of gender. However we have a wealthy backer that pumps a lot of money in, the full first team near enough get paid. A reason I signed for my club this season...

�35 for juniors, inc a playing shirt

�60 for adults and women, inc a playing jumper and playing shirt plus warm up shorts and shirt and t20 kit (if needed) and a 15% off bar card

�10 match fee for all players. Paid, 2nds, women etc

Other clubs I�ve played membership ranges between �60-�90, with a reduced rate for females usually �20 cheaper

Jimbo · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2021, 11:22:25 PM »

Quote from: AaronW95 on February 13, 2021, 11:01:22 PM

I don�t pay any membership as I get paid to play, however my club is very cheap for standard people regardless of gender. However we have a wealthy backer that pumps a lot of money in, the full first team near enough get paid. A reason I signed for my club this season...

�35 for juniors, inc a playing shirt

�60 for adults and women, inc a playing jumper and playing shirt plus warm up shorts and shirt and t20 kit (if needed) and a 15% off bar card

�10 match fee for all players. Paid, 2nds, women etc

Other clubs I�ve played membership ranges between �60-�90, with a reduced rate for females usually �20 cheaper

That sounds pretty phenomenal but is there not a concern about the long term sustainability of that? Sounds an awful lot like the story of clubs that have ended up folding when the backer passes away, experiences financial difficulty or loses interest.

Byo · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2021, 11:27:42 PM »

Quote from: Jimbo on February 13, 2021, 11:22:25 PM

That sounds pretty phenomenal but is there not a concern about the long term sustainability of that? Sounds an awful lot like the story of clubs that have ended up folding when the backer passes away, experiences financial difficulty or loses interest.

If he's getting paid I very much doubt he cares and has probably played for a number of clubs over the years. I imagine he goes to the club that pays the most!! Apologies if that is harsh but really annoys me!!!

SD · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2021, 12:26:28 AM »

Quote from: Jimbo on February 13, 2021, 11:22:25 PM

That sounds pretty phenomenal but is there not a concern about the long term sustainability of that? Sounds an awful lot like the story of clubs that have ended up folding when the backer passes away, experiences financial difficulty or loses interest.

That is exactly the model that leads to clubs folding or going through painful periods of decline. From experience, it often isn't too healthy during the good times either given than one person can dictate everything that goes on at the club.

Jimbo · « **Reply #10 on:** February 14, 2021, 07:47:09 AM »

Quote from: Byo on February 13, 2021, 11:27:42 PM

If he's getting paid I very much doubt he cares and has probably played for a number of clubs over the years. I imagine he goes to the club that pays the most!! Apologies if that is harsh but really annoys me!!!

Not going to blame a good player for taking the opportunity to get paid for playing cricket. We don't know the guy's circumstances so I don't think it's fair to make comments.

I will say though that club officials who allow their club to take that risk and build everything on a platform that could be lost overnight do my head in. Keeping the club going long term should be the first responsibility of the club committee.

alba caerulea · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2021, 08:13:31 AM »

Yes he has said on a previous thread that he has had alot of clubs in not many years and goes to whoever offers the most money.

Whilst it wouldn't be for me as I would feel you miss out on so much that is good about club cricket, I dont think you can have a go at any players who do this. @AaronW95 has said that this is his main source of income along with coaching, which his current club let him use their facilities for. I don't have a problem with people in other industries seeking the best deal so why cricket?

If anything its the club owners and the committee that should be looked at for running this kind of system. Its high risk to rely on one income stream like that without progression planning. But don't think you can blame players for getting a good deal if someone wants to pay them.

kenbriooo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 14, 2021, 08:14:18 AM »

Let me add some more details.

We are ok financially, could do better but could be worse! Subs are �50 for the year and previously the ladies have not paid anything. We then charge two rates for match fees, so that have paid membership and those that have not. This is quite a good option for those that know they cannot play too many games and maybe put off by paying �50 and then only playing 3 or 4 games etc.

We have the ladies captain on the committee who would like the reduction for ladies to continue, while the mens captain would like to see parity. Personally I feel that the equal subs makes sense and to keep the option in place for the two tiers of match fees.

Oh and don't worry we don't pay anyone to come and play for us, they do it for our witty banter and good humour alone!

alba caerulea · « **Reply #13 on:** February 14, 2021, 08:24:51 AM »

Quote from: kenbriooo on February 13, 2021, 07:14:47 PM

Evening, bit of a controversial one here potentially...

We are discussing the upcoming membership and match fees for the coming season and need to make a decision as a committee by the next meeting. Over the last few seasons we have grown a healthy ladies section who train every Wednesday night along with regular fixtures and festivals during the summer. On the male side we have two Saturday teams, a sunday team for the first time in a long time this season and a midweek T20 side. The men train on a Thursday and play their home T20 games on a Thursday too.

Now previously the ladies have had a reduced yearly membership in relationship to the men, but it has been suggested and argued that it should be the same this year. While the men play more games, they ultimately pay more in weekly match subs and the women if wanted could be selected for any of the mens teams.

So my question is how do your clubs juggle this? Do you have the same membership fees for both genders, or is one reduced compared to the other? Any other thoughts and opinions on this would be great to hear.

My opinion on this is that IF the ladies/girls are given the same opportunities in say - coaching, training, facilities (ive seen ladies in mixed teams not be able to change/shower after the match as there aren't separate dressing rooms) and fairness in selection and club events then the membership and match fees should be the same. But that is a massive if - and I suspect in the majority of voluntary clubs not all these criteria are equal.

As mentioned already - Female representation on the committee would also be fair if you really want to progress ladies cricket at the club.

My club only run a Ladies softball team so not anything like equal to the mens system and not sure they pay anything. Its more a way of introducing new female players to the game. A social event on Friday evenings with family bbq and bar open

Jimbo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 14, 2021, 08:32:49 AM »

Nailed it @alba caerulea there has to be an equality of offering if you're going to charge a blanket fee for men and women.

Author Topic: The Same Male and Female Club Memberships? (Read 3327 times)

kenbriooo

The Same Male and Female Club Memberships?

Jlscarroll17

Re: The Same Male and Female Club Memberships?

ppccopener

Re: The Same Male and Female Club Memberships?

SD

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Buzz

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Jimbo

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AaronW95

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Jimbo

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Byo

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SD

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Jimbo

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alba caerulea

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kenbriooo

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alba caerulea

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Jimbo

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