I would like to propose that the PDGA consider doing a partial or restricted renewal membership. Every year there are more and more valued members that are getting less and less interested in competitive disc golf due to combined reasons of health, finances, and convenience. Since the fees to renew have more than tripled since the early years, it becomes hard for some members to justify the investment when they have only been playing in two or three tournaments each year.
If we offered a renewal of half price with the same magazine option as a full membership, and allowed the partial members to pay a $5 fee for every tourney they played, then the renewal would be easier to maintain and justify. I truly believe that if the PDGA would act on a proposal of this nature that by the end of two years the revenues would increase with renewed interest.

I had an idea much like that but you would buy tournaments.
Like You could be sanctioned for 1-3 tournaments for so much then 4-8 tournaments for so much and so on then offer a full membership

While I see some logic in these proposals...they both present paperwork nightmares.

The By-Laws have this:
2.3.3 Supporting members are individuals who are interested in disc
golf who agree to uphold and comply with the requirements of Supporting
membership as established by the Board of Directors from time to time.

But the requirements/benefits have never been established, to my knowledge. This might be an opportunity to do something like this thread suggests.
I decided to continue my active membership for the 5 year maximum just before the fees went up. Since for health reasons I knew that I would likely never throw another competitive round I could not justify yearly $75 dollar dues, but Active Membership was required if I were to continue to TD events like I have for over 20 years, or to volunteer as an Official.
Maybe when/if the board defines the Supporting membership they could include voting rights and serving on committees along with some kind of limited play.

As far as a paperwork nightmare, isn't that what computers are used to eliminate?

Various ideas along these lines have been discussed and something will eventually be done. The hangup has been the PDGA database which wasn't set up to handle different levels of membership. However, this capability will be added as part of the new website revisions project. So we may hear more about plans in 2009. We already have a start with the new package for non-members who pay the $10 this coming year and get the packet of goodies and a PDGA number.

Various ideas along these lines have been discussed and something will eventually be done. The hangup has been the PDGA database which wasn't set up to handle different levels of membership. However, this capability will be added as part of the new website revisions project. So we may hear more about plans in 2009. We already have a start with the new package for non-members who pay the $10 this coming year and get the packet of goodies and a PDGA number.




Chuck that last idea is a dumb one. I bet we are using our membership fees to pay for that too. Yet we send in $75 a year for a nice thank you.

$50 bucks flat per year. Buy the mag if you want it. Lazy pros pay more at tournaments in the side bets. You get a maintained rating for your $50. $5 extra for non-members but non-members play where the TD puts you.

Bother the TD or staff get fined $1 each time.

This was my first question when I read about the new entry level memberships from non-members...what about the non-current members? We have some members in my area that fit in your catagory....they dont play as much (sanctioned events) anymore and might like to support the PDGA but cant justify a full membership. I hope something does come along, as Chuck suggests it might, later this year.

as long as there is profit at the end of the tunnel, it will happen. Interesting behavior for a non-profit but history proves it to be true.

dont hold your breath for 2009. because it needs a technology solution it will need strong support from the BoD. unless something fundamental has changed, that support is not there. if it is, its still a technology solution. the pdga doesnt have a good track record with those. its too bad too - the longer the association goes without a cheap membership that also provides ratings the easier and sweeter the opportunity for a new entity to fill the void.

UPA Membership Info (http://upa.org/membership)

Looks like the UPA once again beat the PDGA to it...

However, I believe you must be a player member to play in UPA sanctioned events so they have a more exclusive policy in that regard.

However, I believe you must be a player member to play in UPA sanctioned events so they have a more exclusive policy in that regard.



Nope. I play in a sanctioned winter league and haven't been a current member since 2005. You can play by paying a $10 non-member fee (it has been $10 for at least 10 years or so).

You cannot play in the national championship series without being a member...

Gotcha. With twice the number of members as the PDGA, they are certainly doing many things well. I know Stork keeps the Board apprised of how well the UPA has done some things.

This is a topic worthy of consideration. Having just turned 59 and spending a week in critical care, I'm doing better but in returning to my friends and my course I find my competitive edge has withered with my muscles. I've been seriously ill for the better part of a year and a half now, and being a blue collar worker all my life, my income has shown the brunt of it. I'm sure I'm not alone out here with a sad sack story, and I'm not looking for consoleing. I feel that an effort could be made to accomodate those of us in this type of shape.
Also, I want to will my PDGA # to my grandson. Shouldn't this be a simple matter?

Skip,

Hopefully, as the PDGA gets more sophisticated with data management, there will be more member tiers for guys like you and me, who still want to support the PDGA, but since we don't play many events, have a hard time justifying the $75 hit.

re: willing your # to your grandson. You can go ahead and do so, but the PDGA will not recognize the transfer. Since your playing stats, division, etc, are tied to your #, I can't imagine the Association would be willing to transfer a number from one person to another. He can get a number for $10 now, you know.

How do you buy a PDGA # for $10? I don't see that option anywhere...

This year the numbers will be doled out when players pay the $10 non-member fee at a tournament.

A senior citizen discount is a great idea. Discounted membership privileges for players over a certain age. The PDGA already provides discounted renewal costs through the Affiliate Club Program and the family memberships. In fact, these two renewal discounts can be combined if family members also participate in the ACP. Adding a senior discount option on the membership/renewal application seems like it would be a somewhat simple revision.

I think numbers for $10 only comes if the player is willing to give up their info.

Give up what info? The PDGA number has to be attached to something. Are you saying that there will be players who want to stay under the radar by not supplying the TD with a fully filled out entry form? I would take a dim view of a TD who would let a player purposefully not fill out completely an entry form in order for that player not to be tracked by the PDGA.

I was only inquiring for my 2 yr old son...Seems too complicated, plus he might think disc golf is lame anyway...

I was only inquiring for my 2 yr old son...Seems too complicated, plus he might think disc golf is lame anyway...



Dave, Sign him up as a junior with family membership through Socal affiliate club and it costs only 15 bucks which covers a FULL membership including PDGA Disc and Mini with his number on it, plus other goodies.

If he doesn't want it when he's older it only cost you 15 bucks. If he does - much like with Lorelei, he'll have a PDGA # 10-20,000 numbers lower than the other juniors in his division if he plays Events when he's older.

15 bucks Dave - you can afford it. :D

Keith

As I understand it, I won't be able to post after Feb. 28th. For that reason I want to bring this thread to the front again. My first post said I was having some problems which are still ongoing. I've recently spent 15 days in Critical Care again and am in such a weakened state that I've only worked a few days this year. Don't misinterpret this. I do not want a hand out from any of my good friends out there, please. I'm truly sincere in my effort to get a change made to accomodate the many of us out here, like Fossil and myself, who would like to continue our efforts of support with tournys as well as playing once or twice in special events to renew old acquaintances. Half price renewal and a $10 fee to play is still more than it looks like you'll get from me for awile. The doctors do give me reason to look forward to a transplant and a healthier future. The time is now!!!!!!!!!

Why not make an option available to those who have put in 20+ years keeping their membership current? Some sort of discounted rate to help those who want to be involved and have proven their dedication to the sport and org. Something with a little more benefit than a lame bag tag that may or may not even get to the player. With this type of discount that shows the pdga really appreciates their long-time members, it's possible more of those who are on the fence about the cost issue may decide to keep their membership current and possibly even donate extra (Ace or Birdie Club).

Skip,

I thought the posting cutoff was 2/15, but reading the post again "Grace Period" in "PDGA Announcements", that applies to your stats, not your posting ability.


I'm sorry to read that you had another bout. I'm looking forward to seeing you kick some SGM butt this year, so heal up, take your time, and start slow - a few minutes putting, then work your way up if you can.

I went ahead and bit the bullet this year and renewed. I discussed this with one of my most trusted DG buds, who doesn't play in that many events, and he said that he "would never not renew", just for the fact that some of his dues go toward the promotion of the sport, and he has a good point.

But like you, I wish that I didn't have to pay the same amount as a player who will be playing in 8 or more events, who pays the full $$ just to save money, without regard as to what the PDGA does with the money.

I like the idea of giving old timers a break in renewal fees. I like even more the idea of giving past board members a free renewal :D

But like you, I wish that I didn't have to pay the same amount as a player who will be playing in 8 or more events, who pays the full $$ just to save money, without regard as to what the PDGA does with the money.

The active tournament players do pay more in the $2, $3 or $4 PDGA fees at each event.

I like the idea of giving old timers a break in renewal fees. I like even more the idea of giving past board members a free renewal
You booted your chance to vote that in when you were on the Board...

In all fairness to Bill, Chuck, he served when the PDGA was in it's infancy and the topic of long time members would not have been a prominate one. Do I detect a bit of resentment and arrogance in your tone? If you didn't intend it, then your wording is a little abrupt. Bill, it's really not so much that I don't feel I should pay as much as the regular players. The sick and elderly living on fixed incomes and dealing with medical bills mounting have to set priorities, and though I may be a little better off than most of them, I'm still dealing with the same problems. To date my insurance is covering about 80 to 90% of my bills that total about $50,000 and I now have to negotiate with the hospital how I will work to cover my share of a $40,000 transplant bill. In the mean time I've worked enough this year to make about $1000. I'm not wanting to depress anyone or ask for help, please. Everyone is having it tough these days. I do feel these facts help to make my point. Thanks for your time.

Sorry, you probably didn't realize Bill and I are pretty good buds over the years and it was just a little tweak in response to his Board bonus post. :) (Here's the smiley I should have put there for everyone else to know that)

The PDGA should consider implementing a Senior Citizen discount.

Having slept on it, I think I may have shared too much personal info. I would like to add that my beautiful wife of 35 yrs., Sharon, has a very good job and we are doing okay. I don't want this to be about me individually. It is about politics, which I do enjoy paricipating in.

Skip,

I first met Chuck, IIRC, at the 96 Worlds, excuse me, the 96 Pro Worlds at South Bend, and over the course of time, we have become "buds". I always seek him out at any event we both happen to be at (which has been like, two since the 2004 Worlds, but that's beside the point), and I enjoy catching up with him and finding out what has been keeping him busy.

I wasn't sure that he remembered me being on the board (OMGosh, has it been 20 yrs already!), but he did pick up on my comment, and I took no offense at it, because I knew the spirit in which it was offered, and it also happened to be true! But, we were so busy with so much other stuff then, and it was so hard to get motions voted on, not to mentioned passed, since we had to use snail mail for everything, it never passed my mind. Besides, back then everyone paid the same renewal dues - I would be happy if we could just go back to that!

But thanks for sticking up for me.

And, don't worry about sharing too much - it is the refreshing post on here that does! Many moons ago, I fessed up on here to a less than stellar moment I had after a tournament, and I received some kudos for doing so. Those that know you, know you, and know what direction you are coming from; and those that don't know you, well, it's their loss.

About the only reason I renew every year is so that I can be the TD of the event that I've been running for the last 10 years. How about a discount for TD's? (I don't know if this has been covered elsewhere, but it should). :)

Brett,

If the main reason you renew is so you can be a TD of a PDGA sanctioned event, then there is a special place in heaven reserved for you!

Thank you for your renewal, and for being a faithful TD of a PDGA-sanctioned event. You are helping the Association, and you are helping the sport.

About the only reason I renew every year is so that I can be the TD of the event that I've been running for the last 10 years. How about a discount for TD's? (I don't know if this has been covered elsewhere, but it should). :)

I can hear it now:
"Our IT infrastructure isn't advanced enough to allow for different tiers of membership."
and/or
"We don't have enough clerical manpower to process & account for multiple classes of members."
and/or
"If you are dissatisfied with the status quo (or even notice the merest of deficiencies in it), then just don't renew."

I can hear it now:
"Our IT infrastructure isn't advanced enough to allow for different tiers of membership."
and/or
"We don't have enough clerical manpower to process & account for multiple classes of members."
and/or
"If you are dissatisfied with the status quo (or even notice the merest of deficiencies in it), then just don't renew."

All you would need is an Access file with columns for the different membership levels and then you can filter out the different levels as needed.

All you would need is an Access file with columns for the different membership levels and then you can filter out the different levels as needed.

You know that & I know that, but do you think an IT staff that can't successfully code a 15 question multiple-choice online exam does?

Skip,

........ Besides, back then everyone paid the same renewal dues - I would be happy if we could just go back to that!.........

And the dues for everyone were $20.00, ---- yes yes yes I know that everything is more expensive now and the organization does much more. Though not as well in some cases.
I rejoined for the max of 5 years in September of 2006 ($277.50) just before the dues went up again, though I have not played in a PDGA event since 2001. That is probably why I don't get my membership renewal card etc unless I contact the office and request it personally. Seems like we may need to raise the dues even more so we could have enough staff to send a 2010 (2008, 2009) membership package paid for back in 2006 without an annual follow up request.
Frustrating in a way since I have never let my membership lapse since I joined in 1984! I must say that Addie has always followed up my request to have the package sent after she is contacted each spring.

My serving of crow, I got my package today, March 1st, without contacting the office.

Last year I was injured for most of the year. But in late August I renewed to be able to play an A-Tier event, because you have to be a member in order to play. So, I asked how long this would last and was told that it would last the rest of the calendar year. I asked a few questions, like can I pay 1/2 or can't this last through next year. Basically I was told that there is nothing they can do and I'll have to renew again next year.I haven't read the past posts here and this may have been covered, but I wish they had something set up for these situations or at least work w/ each individual case by case.