A local club to me has started charging £20 for the first visit to the club for induction and first shoot, to see if you like the sport and the club before joining.

As they are not a business but a members club and own the club outright is this the right way to promote our sport of target shooting.

What do you guys think?
Some time ago we gave up the drip feed, try and teach everyone who came along approach. We instituted a system of formal 6 session induction courses with a maximum of 4 students on each. That is the only way of joining for other than those who are current members in good standing of another HO Approved club. We charge 3 months subs for the course plus £2.00/session range fee. At the end of the course, if you wish to continue as a probationary member you must pay the balance of the current year's subscription. We now have a waiting list for courses and a much improved retention rate for new joiners. A spin-off is that club instructors and coaches also have a more structured commitment plus the satisfaction of seeing students making real progress through their efforts.

Not being a business is irrelevant, the members input still has a value and should be charged accordingly. If you don't value what you offer, then no one else will.


Rutty