03/14/2024
Well said!
There are often complaints that PSA clubs are full, or are only taking new members in through a lengthy process. It can be discouraging to a new person trying to get into the sport. It is, however, important to look at this from a clubs perspective. Why are PSA clubs so selective with new members?
The training director and the decoys are donating their skills and trade for free. It took them years of their own time, money and effort to get them to where they are now. They bring this to the club to share craft, knowledge and experience they could very well be profiting off of. Given the fact they are donating all this to the club, for free, it is important to have members who want to learn, fit in well, and show respect via commitment and attendance.
Every member should bring something to the club, whether this is decoy work, administration help, a spotter on the field or just clean up crew. A club works because everyone gives something and wants to help each other.
Attendance and commitment are a huge part of being a club! Poor attendance not only affects trial plans, but also affects other club members. With every member contributing, others may be relying on your skill for that session. It also can be disrespectful for your training directors and decoys, who can’t miss days, that someone isn’t respecting their time. Inconsistent attendance also makes it difficult to plan how long club sessions will last and if there’s room for more members.
You end up spending a lot, and I mean a lot, of time with your fellow PSA Club members. From club a few times a week, to travel for trial and seminars, these people often become a second family. The culture of the club can make or break a good club. Not every member needs to love each other but these should be people you enjoy being around for the hobby and who support each other.
Lastly once part of a club, you and your dog become a reflection of that club, the other members, decoys and training director. You step out on the field and bomb it… that reflects on the club. Which is also why the dog you’re bringing to the table may be a factor in getting in. On the other hand, you place at nationals, that also reflects directly back onto the club. Clubs want to be sure the members involved reflect positively upon all their hard work, on and off the field.
If you’re struggling to get into a club now, consider these points and show a club why you bring value as a member.
If you’re a current member of a PSA club or a prospective member and this all just sounds like too much, most training directors offer private lessons. That may be a better fit.
Cultivating a cohesive, supportive and successful club is no easy feat. It is with good reasons most clubs require some time spent in the front end to become an official member.
