Club Membership

Some time ago there was a thread on the Scottish Athletics website Bulletin Board about the responsibilities of coaches to athletes. The coach was supposed to organise the coaching, the coach was supposed to have a fast track to physio or medical assistance when required, the coach was supposed to intervene for the athlete with the selectors in the case of unfair selections, the coach was supposed to help the athlete get sponsorship, etc. One coach had the temerity to suggest that some of the responsibilites heaped on his head were really down to the club. Then came a whole new thread: what should the club do for the athlete? The club should get entries in for team events, the club should provide training facilities. coaching, transport (or financial help for transport), advice on training and injuries, the club should this, that and the other.

Although very much an athletes' man (the sport is after all all about the competitors) I sent in a post that asked what the athletes responsibilities were. I expected simple things like turning up for training in time, supporting the club by attending functions, competing in the club uniform and so on. But....nothing came. Like nothing at all. Well, there were two emails to me privately. One said that he would not even attempt to answer the question in public. The other said that I was mad even to put the question. I don't think so. If we are afraid to put their responsibilities as members of a club or of a training group to our members, then we are failing them and failing the club or group.

What are the responsibilities of club members towards the club? I have some answers but just think about this and I'll come back to it in a couple of days - what are your responsibilities to the club of which you are a member?