3 Apr 2009 - Match Fees For The 2009/2010 Season
As the 2008/2009 football season draws to an end, next season draws ever closer and as a club, we are already preparing for another year of football fest for our members.
One subject matter which I would like to share with you is that of match fees.
Traditionally, Bookham Colts have operated the collection of match fees on a weekly basis on the touchline. Although this is the most tangible method of applying such a charge, the collection and administration has always been a significant overhead for all of our Colts managers, as well as an onerous task for our Treasurer. We also find that we are one of the only sports clubs left in the area where this approach is still in operation.
One of the strategies we are taking as a club is to try and alleviate our voluntary staff of effort that could be better spent elsewhere.
Some squads have piloted the approach of match fee payment up front as a one off payment for this season and it has worked very well. It has been welcomed by parents, who have been left to enjoy the match without thinking about paying fees and managers who have been able to concentrate on the more relevant job of running a football match. Therefore, from next season, we shall be charging match fees as lump sums.
The fee is to be split into two equal charges of £30 each. This equates to 20 matches at the existing £3 charge per match. The figure of 20 matches is the average of matches played by each team in the club this season. So, if your team is fortunate enough to enjoy a significant cup run, you will effectively benefit from free matches and the cost shall be born by the club.
To ease in the collection of these fees, we are going to apply the following policy:
Both cheques are to be supplied along with the completed club registration. However, we ask that the cheques are post dated 1st September 2009 and 1st February 2010. That way, the club will only bank half of the match fee at the start of the season and the other half well into the season. This, we feel, not only eases payment for members, but also reduces any financial advantage that the club could be seen to be seeking.
If it transpires that any player is unable to play the majority of matches because of illness or injury or rotation, the club will refund on a pro-rata basis without any administration charge. Cases shall be dealt with on an individual basis.
Instruction of match fee payment is included on the club registration form.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their help in the collection of match fees in this and in previous seasons. Your assistance is valued and greatly appreciated. However, from next season, you too will be able to relax and enjoy the matches without this task in hand.
I hope you enjoy the remainder of the current football season and look forward to us all indulging in yet another feast of football delight from September.
Regards
Jeff Potts
Bookham Colts Chairman