Everyone enjoys being recognized as part of a group. Encourage this recognition with official silk screened club shirts. Many clubs award these shirts as soon as the member has an amateurcard and has paid the first month s club dues. Others offer the shirts for sale through the skate shop.
Some local programs have used a point system to help motivate their club s members. Pointscan be earned for participation in contests, club moneymakers, club meetings, classes and sessions. Points could even be awarded for timely payment of club dues. Depending on eachskater s point total, the awards could include free sessions, a percentage of the cost of regional and national competition, amateur card fee, or locker rental. By clearly defining how points can be earned and the awards for participation, the club s members will take an even more active role in supporting the competitive program.
Another way to help maintain a high level of interest in the club s members is to get involved in local, state, regional and national championships. People like to win, they want to test their skills against other skaters, and if provided the support and opportunity they ll do their best to put their club on the top.
Also, recognize the accomplishments of a club s members by placing their pictures and/ormedals at a prominent location in the facility. Not only will this encourage existing clubmembers, but it will go a long way toward attracting the attention of potential members.
There are other activities for the club. Within specific guidelines, they can become involved in charitable activities. The General Rules book tells how to help out without jeopardizing amateur status. Club skaters can also help with certain kinds of skating demonstrations.
Make sure the public knows what the club is up to by applauding their accomplishments at the facility and by working with local press on coverage of their activities. It needn t involve much work. Give the club a bulletin board, for example. Announce their activities over the p.a. when the general public is present. Call the area sports editors to tell them about upcoming meets and phone in the results promptly. Take full advantage of a club s publicity potential.