In addition, I think I will adopt a semester "fee" of $5.00 per student. If I have trouble with it, I'll drop it, but right now, we really could use the funds to purchase a few items for the club. Most notably, a starter set or two, and possibly some extra weapons and masks. Been having a little trouble getting everyone suited up properly (ie: students forgetting items at home), so it'd be nice to have some backup equipment. Plus with a couple of starter sets on hand, new students will be able to use it before making the decision to buy. I'm going to charge a $2.00 per useage fee for a set for students that do not have anything, but for students who just forgot an item, it'll be pro bono. I think that's fair for everyone all around.
I'm going to add two new categories to the website: an archive section for past announcements and news, plus a "how to" section for various tidbits of somewhat useful information. Check them out and let me know what you think.
After our Round Robin pools, and before the Direct Elimination competition, we had a short business meeting. The tourney raised $66.50 in entry fees and concessions. There was $12.75 in expenses for the tournament and $10.00 donation towards ORFC for help running the event which leaves $43.75 for "club stuff." Some of you may question that $10.00 donation, but I'm looking at it as being a "let's try to be on good terms with these guys so they might help us in the future" gift. After discussion with the members who attended, it was decided most of that money would go towards buying a few sabres so that current members could try out a new weapon without having to purchase it first. I agree that this would be an acceptable expense and will do my best to get as many as I can--most likely two if I finagle something off eBay.
This brings us to another topic. Club equipment. My long range goal right now is to procure about four or five base sets for the club so that new students could borrow equipment for a couple of weeks or if veteran students forget something, they could borrow it from the club. In addition, I'd like to offer the two places where we practice a semester gift for using their facilities; I had a hard time finding free practice space and I would like to show some gratitude to these organizations. For this reason, I am debating of instituting a semester fee; nothing serious, just something to help this endeavor get off the ground. Most likely, something around the lines of $10 per student for both Fall and Winter classes. In addition, folks without equipment could "rent" basic sets (can't take it home) for $5 a month. If I do this, I want to keep the cost low so as not to dissuade potential students. As a personal belief in self empowerment, I'd recommend the students pay for this themselves, but that's just me.
Reasons for doing this: gets in money faster than having a tournament or two a year. In turn, the group as a whole can possibly start getting some nifty items that normally wouldn't be affordable to the individual.
Reasons for NOT doing this: I really LOATHE the idea of one person being in charge of group money. I don't think the group could possibly set up a non-profit organization as this time, and setting up a checking account is even more ludicrous. That means currently the "club money" is being stored in an empty peanut butter jar in my sock drawer--also not an ideal solution. What happens if a parent questions where all the money has gone?
So, if anyone has any suggestions that may help here, I'm all ears.
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last revised: 03/2006