Welcoming a new member into your club is very important.  They are far more likely to talk about their club and promote it to friends and relatives in their first 2 years of membership than at any other time.

A number of clubs provide their new members with information packs. 

These could include:

• a welcome letter from the club management committee
• a free name badge
• fridge magnets/stickers
• a membership book
• a yearly program booklet
• information about Pianola (if you use it)
• information about club sponsors (and any membership benefits)
• a club Newsletter;  and
• an ABF Newsletter.

The ABF Masterpoints Centre will issue a New Members Information Kit to a new member (or their club if no address provided) via email.

I would suggest that you also consider providing :

1. your Club's Code of Conduct and, if you have recorders, the names of your club recorders and an outline of their role (in the unlikely event that they may need to know this) 
2. a copy of the ABF's membership benefits flyer - which can be accessed here;  and
3. an Expression of Interest form to volunteer - provide opportunities for people to get involved.

I know of one club in Western Australia where they hold a Sunday luncheon for new members once a year.  This is very well received.

It is essential for new players to understand that your club is keen to ensure that they enjoy their playing experience at every session!  You may choose to place some of the ABF 'Please be Considerate' posters around your play and teaching areas.  These can be accessed here for downloading.

I played at a club overseas recently and this was the spectacular view from the play area!

Whilst the view was quite breath-taking, the 'culture' of the club left a lot to be desired. 

My partner and I were unimpressed with:

• a lack of comfort (it was very hot and the club administrator said it cost too much to use the air-conditioner)
• no announcements before start of play (no welcome/ what movement / how many boards/ there would be a sit-out for 4 boards)
• movements were not called - people just moved when they finished their boards
• access to cold water ceased half way through the session
• my partner and I followed a very slow pair and the Director said he would not hurry them along as he did not want to upset anyone (what about us?)
• players did not welcome us to their table - they appeared very bored and just spoke to each other;  and
• results were not posted on their website within a few days (I lost interest and haven't looked again).

Another club in close proximity to this one was held in a rather uninspired church hall (no view).  Again, it was very hot (ceiling fans were on) but at this club the Director:

• welcomed us formally to the club
• outlined the movement for the session - including number of boards to be played and time allocated for each round
• explained how we could access refreshments (cold drinks and ice cubes)
• managed the session competently and in a friendly, welcoming manner for all players;  and
• posted the results on the web site immediately after the session.

This Director also enquired whether my partner and I would like to play at any future sessions and if we would need a partner to do so.

No prize for guessing which club we would happily play in again.

As at 31 October 2015:

Facebook Total Users:   14,000,000

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Have you Liked the ABF Facebook site yet?  Check it out here.  It is a great way to keep up to date with the latest news.

If you have any marketing queries please contact Sandra Mulcahy at marketing@abf.com.au or on 0417 920 816. 

Please note, however, that I will be unavailable between 7-23 November.