15. Match fees policy

Match and tournament fees policy

The Club is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and is funded by its members for the benefit of its members and relies on dedicated support of members prepared to umpire, captain, coach and carry out the numerous roles as officers of the club needed to run an organisation with its own clubhouse, pitches and money raising activities on a day to day basis.

The membership fees paid by members are assessed by reference to a number of factors including the age of members, the circumstances of members and the anticipated training and playing.

Currently our adult members pay the highest annual membership although arguably our colts (who play both adult and youth hockey) should pay the most. Our policy remains to invest in youth and give incentives to former colts to return to the club after university.
What however do the membership fees cover?

The ethos of the club is to treat all members equally irrespective of which team they represent whilst supporting excellence and seeking to become (once again) one of the most successful clubs in the country at all levels. To that end the club’s policy is to give some financial support to those teams playing at the highest level whether in the National league or in national tournaments as success attracts new members which benefits the club as a whole.

We no longer charge for match fees for any adult league matches nor those in the Home Counties league or the Mercian league for colts. The entry fees for the National league, East league, and colt leagues are covered by the club.

The club also pays the entry fees for the first round of all England Hockey junior competitions and Essex round competitions which apply to all junior teams. Players or parents will however be expected to make a contribution towards entry to County, Regional or National competitions as well as the cost of travel and accommodation at such tournaments.

Membership fees do not include the cost of kit or equipment and any new kit ordered for, say for example, a National final, will of course be the responsibility of those players fortunate enough to participate.

The club has a prestigious record for indoor hockey having won the televised men’s senior event and the inaugural u18 boys indoor championship beating Beeston 6-1 in the final. Only a limited number of members however play indoor hockey and it would be inequitable to expect all members to cover the cost of those who do play indoors. Players and parents will be expected to make a contribution towards the cost of hiring indoor training facilities and entering the Essex, East and National events.