Q&A
During the Annual General Meeting the following questions were raised by members. Below is an overview of the responses provided by The Committee.
Q: Is it sustainable to keep all 9 men's teams and 7 women's teams?
Response: The Committee has already started discussions ahead of next season to better assess player retention earlier in pre-season. This will help us determine the level of effort required for recruitment. Based on our current projections, which include a 5% increase in membership, we believe we will be able to sustain all 16 teams. However, there are still unknowns that we need to navigate over the summer to ensure that any decision we make is both practical and financially viable. Regardless, we are committed to providing hockey at all levels and ensuring that all members have access to competitive games.
Financial Report & Resolution
Q: How will the new fees impact umpire and coach payments?
Response: Rather than receiving 'free match fees', umpires and coaches will need to invoice the club, and the payment amount will remain at £12 per match.
Q: Will members still be able to pay in installments?
Response: Yes, members will still have the option to pay in installments. To make the membership increase more manageable, we plan to open membership in July, allowing for more monthly payment options.
Q: How will this impact members who receive discounted membership e.g. students / graudates?
Response: A lower upfront concession membership will remain in place. The club will continue to support those who need financial assistance, and any member facing affordability challenges is encouraged to reach out to the treasurer. We will always work to find a solution.
Q: Has any analysis been conducted comparing our fees to other clubs?
Response: Yes - we are on the more expensive end when compared to clubs across London. But when looking at clubs around us with a similar size and set up our fees are broadly in line. Clubs with lower costs often benefit from affiliations with schools or local councils which helps reduce their pitch expenses.
Q: Are the advertised membership fees a barrier to new members joining?
Response: We will adjust our advertising to emphasise the availability of monthly payment options. The committee will also explore if we can offer any discount for new members in their first year.
Q: Why has the Cumberland requested the change in membership fees?
Response: The Cumberland sets the membership prices for each section of the club (tennis, squash, cricket, and hockey) each year. These fees will increase to help sustain the club's reserves, which will continue to rise with the increasing costs of running the club.
Q: Do the Cumberland understand our contribution will go down?
Response: We provide monthly financial updates to the Cumberland. Historically each year we have been budgeting to break even but the expectation from the Cumberland going forward is for a higher surplus, enabling WHHC to contribute to the club reserves. For next season our draft budget shows a £3,685.54 surplus. Given the number of unknowns, we have agreed to review our draft budget with the Cumberland again in July once we have a better understanding of our costs for the upcoming season.
Q: Will the resolution impact pitch time or result in hidden costs?
Response: No, we have created the budget for next season with the membership changes in mind, ensuring it aligns with the offerings from this season. Any reductions in offerings e.g. pitch time or match-teas, would be a result of changes in other factors, like rising pitch costs.