Joining

Joining as a Playing Member

There are a number of ways folk get to learn of the Club’s existence: the Sign overlooking the road, LTA sources, Exeter’s ‘Fit to Succeed’ initiative, the public library’s database, and so on. The most common way, however, is by word of mouth or personal recommendation. (There’s nothing like it!)

Those interested in joining Summerway’s Playing Membership should arrange a family visit to the Club at a mutually agreed date and time with the Membership Secretary. This is currently Mr Jim Harle, who may be contacted by e-mail using this web site’s e-mail facility or by telephone on Exeter (01392) 213248. The emphasis will be on making sure that the Club suits the junior player, and the junior player suits the Club. There is no obligation on either side occasioned by a visit, so do feel free to arrange to see the Club even if you are not sure whether Tennis is your sport or Summerway the best place to pursue it.

The next step is completion of the Prospective Members Questionnaire (PMQ) forms. These will be supplied at the time of your visit. If there is a distinct enthusiasm for joining, these may be filled out straight away and so pass on to the next and last step at the end of the visit. Submitting the PMQ forms is still not binding on either side. Please do not be put off by the forms. They merely exist to ensure that the right decision is being made by all concerned.

The last step is the issue of the “Application for Membership” form. It is strongly recommended that this is taken away and returned to the Membership Secretary by post, allowing time for thought and discussion within the family. When this form is submitted with the appropriate joining fee, the new Playing Member will be integrated into the Club’s administration. After this work is done, the new Member will appear appropriately on all new relevant documents and lists.

Obviously, no “Application for Membership” forms will be issued if all places have been taken for that season. Instead, the player will be put on the Waiting List and contacted early in the following year. If there is delay in applying for a place and the Club Playing Membership happens to reach full capacity, sadly any subsequent applications cannot be accepted until places become available.