Compulsory association membership for members of affiliated triathlon clubs is being introduced throughout Australia for the 2014-2015 season. Some States such as Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales have already introduced compulsory membership. This is part of a national drive to bring consistency of member services and benefits to all States and Territories.
This means that as of 2014/2015 all members of clubs affiliated with Triathlon SA must also be Triathlon SA / Triathlon Australia members.
Making membership compulsory will ensure that all regular participants will contribute to maintaining strong and healthy clubs as well as reinforcing the vital role Triathlon SA plays in the governance and development of the sport. It also means that all club members will have equal access to a host of member benefits and services.
Triathlon South Australia Membership Benefits
- Supporting investment in the ‘whole of sport’ through the delivery of junior, club, development and participation initiatives and programs.
- Nationally recognised affiliation with Triathlon Australia including racing licence.
- Ability to earn points individually in the Triathlon South Australia State Series and Junior State Series, as well as for your club in the Triathlon South Australia Club Championships.
- Access to State Development programs for 12-19 year old athletes.
- Exemption from the additional One Day Membership race fee from sanctioned races throughout Australia.
- Opportunity through qualification to represent Australia at World Championship events in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon.
- Regular member communication for information concerning races and events through member newsletter, website and social media.
- Access to member-only discounts from sponsors and Triathlon SA partner organisations.
- Priority entry to many sell-out races across Australia and New Zealand.
- 24 hour full season Personal Accident Coverage when competing or training for sanctioned races Australia-wide.
- 24 hour full season Public Liability and Third-Party Indemnity Insurance when competing or training for sanctioned races Australia-wide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will making membership compulsory grow the sport of triathlon?
A strong state sporting body allows for a more effective and consistent delivery of member services. Increased revenues through compulsory membership will provide for greater resources to help clubs and their members achieve their goals. These resources will result in increased participation across all areas of the sport including athletes, coaches, volunteers and technical officials. Sports with strong membership bases are in a better position to service their members, increase their level of professionalism, attract more Government and commercial funding, increase the profile of the sport and invest in the development of juniors, clubs and participation programs and initiatives.
Why has the board of Triathlon SA chosen to go this way?
The Board in SA has taken the view that it is their duty to Govern the sport and in doing so take the lead on issues such as this. The Board felt that the level of exposure to clubs and members was unacceptable if the situation of voluntary membership was allowed to continue. As of the 2014/15 season the Boards of all State and Territory Associations have also chosen to go this way.
How does a club attract new members under compulsory membership?
Clubs can attract new members by operating under Triathlon SA’s ‘Tri Before-You-Buy’ policy. The policy allows a non-member, to participate in club/squad conducted or endorsed training sessions, events and races for a maximum period of 14 days from the first participation attendance. If it is sanctioned club event or race they will be required to pay the applicable one day membership (ODM) fee. In the case of a training session there is no fee applicable. Club/squads must keep a register of all non-member participants who attend a training session, event or race.
How can clubs monitor the ‘Tri Before You Buy’ policy?
This is principally an honour system. Clubs should have an idea of who is participating in their training sessions and must keep a register of all non-member participants who attend a training session, event or race. It is in the best interest of the clubs that members commit to join after a trial system. Remember, this will only apply to the small percentage of people who have not already become members.
Can club members pay for their club membership and TA membership in the one transaction?
Yes. All clubs have been set-up with a registration system through Active Works. When someone registers for TA membership, they can declare they are a member of a club and pay the appropriate club fees at the same time. These fees are then paid directly to the club meaning a single registration process and financial transaction for the member. Clubs will have full access to their section of the Active Works system providing the ability to track club membership and maintain a database of all club members.
What happens if non-members turn up to a training ride etc.?
If the athlete is a TA member they are free to participate if you wish to allow this. Non-members should be encouraged to make prior arrangements through the ‘Tri Before You Buy’ policy, ie. pre-register for the session or use a sign-on book at the starting location. Non-members who join the session part-way through should be turned away.
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