A Blended Model of Affiliation
6th August 2020
We are excited to announce that we are launching a blended model of affiliation for our members and clubs this season. In line with our strategic goal of advancing our organisational infrastructure to enable all to enjoy the sport of netball, for life, we have been working on ways to better connect with and empower our clubs and members on their netball journey.
As a result, we have now introduced mechanisms to facilitate individual member affiliation. Working with GO!Membership, we have developed and enhanced the Club Secretary guidance, information and processes available for club member affiliation. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean all members have to affiliate individually. Instead we hope this development provides clubs and members with greater flexability to decide which method suits them best.
We recognised that members often feel disconnected from their governing body and are often unsure of the benefits of membership. Some do not even realise they are affiliated at all! So, with the continued development of our sport so dependent on the growth of membership and the wider awareness of netball, we knew we had to adapt. This has led us to create an ongoing development strategy for Netball Scotland Membership based on the three key principles of awareness, empowerment and development.
Improved Club and Member Communications and Guidance
To increase awareness amongst existing members, this season we have updated the guidance and information surrounding membership. This includes PDF and Video Guidance, enhanced benefits and services, membership e-flyers and improved member communications through e-mail, social media and consultation.
Development of Individual Affiliation & Flexible Payment Options
To promote greater flexibility, we have developed individual member affiliation procedures and from the 13th of September will also introduce a monthly payment option for all individual licence types. All individual member licence types will be able to be purchased by spreading the cost over 4 consecutive months. For example, a £10 Junior Membership would be charged at £2.50 per month from the date of purchase. (plus, a £1.50 admin fee added to the first month’s instalment only)
Enhancement of Club Secretary Affiliation Process
We have also enhanced the existing affiliation processes to empower members and clubs. There is improved guidance for the Club Secretary to better facilitate the Member renewal process and the option for both individual renewal and bulk renewals.
In addition, the Family Module process allows members and clubs to group family members together under one email address and navigate between profiles through one members login.
You can find all the information in the club secretary and member guidance here!
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CLUBS?
We ask that clubs communicate to their members how they would like them to affiliate for the new season, and specify whether the club will be encouraging members to affiliate themselves or whether the Club Secretary will upgrade their licence using the updated processes and guidance available.
We encourage all clubs to utilise the developments to the membership affiliation process in any way that works for them. We call it a blended model because you can use one or all options available depending on the needs of your club.
To improve member awareness of their affiliation automatic emails will be triggered to every member starting on August 7th giving them information on:
- What they get for their membership
- How to login to their account if they have never done so before
- Affiliation options and guidance on how to update their basic details and navigate their account
The guidance section of the website is attached below. Guidance around Go!Membership will be available for both members and clubs in PDF and video formats.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MEMBERS?
For member’s, this process is intended to make them aware of their membership to Netball Scotland and introduce what services and benefits are available to them. We want to reintroduce ourselves to all our members and make them feel connected to the sport and the governing body. Over the next month we will begin releasing information, guidance and resources to not only make the case for member affiliation for the new season but empower our members to take control of their own membership journey.
This new blended model also offers our members more flexibility in affiliation and payment options if they require it, which we hope will open more opportunities for people to participate in our sport.
If you would like any more information or have any comments please email membership@netballscotland.com. We want our Members, Clubs and Local Associations to be fully aware, informed and empowered every step of the way.
