Frequently Asked Questions about membership with BGCC

Please go to the new BGCC web-site
www.bgcc.canoe.org.au

Any forms on this website are now out of date.

Membership is available for the new financial year, up to 30th June, 2009. Within each membership category, the following definitions apply:

Joining Fee
A one-off joining fee of $25 is charged for Adults and $10 for Juniors.

Boat usage fee
One-day users of club boats will be charged and extra $5. 

Photos of club members:
New and renewing BGCC members are asked to provide a passport style photo of themselves with their application form. To be kept in the Club Shed.

Membership is available for the remainder of the financial year, up to 30th June, 2009. Within each membership category, the following definitions apply:

Junior: Under 18 on 1st July 2008
Adult: 18 on or before 1st July 2008.
Pensioner: Valid Senior or Valid Pensioner Card
Family: For three family members plus any number of related children (juniors) living at the same address.

1. What membership should I get?

   BGCC provides a selection of membership categories, as listed on the membership form: Full Competitive Member; Recreational/Non-Competitive Member; Social Member; Trial Member; and Single Event Member.

   Full Competitive Member is a member who wishes to take part in  AC and non-BGCC, as well as BGCC, events. These include events such as Australian Championships and competitions held by other club and state organisations.  For this year, those wishing to take part in Paddle NSW organised events such as the NSW Marathon Series of Races and NSW State Championships will need to also register with PNSW (at:  www.paddlensw.org.au) 

   Recreational/Non-Competitive Member is a member who only wishes to paddle only within the club at club sanctioned events. Such club events include the weekly time trial and the Wednesday night canoe polo. A recreational member may NOT take part in inter-state and AC events.

   Social Member is a member who may partake in all non-paddling club activities and also act as a volunteer for the club. This person is NOT able to paddle in any club, State or AC events.

   Trial Member is a short term member who wishes to trial the sport for a maximum of 3 months. This membership is equivalent to a "Full Member" as above for the period of the 3 months. This membership is only available once to a non-member, who must then decide to either become a full time member (full, recreational or social) of the club, or that BGCC is not for them.

   Single Event Member is provided for people wishing to take part in a single event (such as the BASH). This membership is only available for two days after which it expires and the person would be required to become a trial or full member if they want to continue paddling with the BGCC.

2. What does the money pay for?

   Your membership covers your affiliation to AC (bulk of payment) which includes your insurance. The remainder covers BGCC's costs including:

   • Shed rental
   • Trailer (maintenance and registration)
   • Blazing Paddles (production and postage)
   • Equipment (purchase and maintenance)
   • Club affiliation with AC

3. Is a defacto relationship considered a family?

   Yes.

4. Do I need to be a competition member to compete in local polo and time trials?

   No. Recreational membership is sufficient.

5. Can I bring a friend along to try paddling?

   Yes. However the person will need to decide whether to become a single event member (E01) or a trail member (T01 or T02). They will also need to be vetted by a club coach so they can be helped to choose an appropriate boat and shown how to safely use it.

6. What is the membership year?

   July 1 to June 30

7. Is membership available in smaller than a year block?

   Yes, you can purchase a once only 3 month trial membership (T01 or T02) or a single event membership (E01).

8. What do I have to sign?

   You are required to sign:

   • The Front and the Back of the Australian Canoeing Membership Form

   Unfortunately your membership can not be processed until you have signed in the above places.

9. Why do I have to join Canoeing Australia Inc.?

   Australian Canoeing Inc., through your BGCC membership, provides the insurance component of your membership. They also insure the club as a whole.   For further information see the AC web page at http://www.canoe.org.au/library/acrules.html

10. Do I receive a receipt?

    Within a month of submitting your completed 6 or 12 months Membership application, and subject to acceptance, you will receive a membership card from AC.

11. Who do I pay my money to?

    You pay your money to "Burley Griffin Canoe Club" which then forwards the appropriate amounts to AC.

12. Can I pay by credit card?

    No, but you can pay by cheque, money order, postal order or cash.