As we get closer to being able to return to training and playing with our clubs we would like to update you on some changes to your GBWR membership.
Recently we let you know that we are changing to a common membership year which will run from 1 April to 31 March each year. We hope that this will make it easier for members and clubs by having the same point in the year for everyone to renew their membership. The membership fee will be the same regardless of when you renew, but will be reduced to 50% of the fee from 1 October for new members joining in the second half of the year.
2021/22 reduced membership rates
We know that not everyone is going to start back with their club straight away so we have reduced the cost of membership for 2021/22 to reflect this. Please remember that you must renew your membership before you start back training with your club. This is to ensure that everyone has the appropriate insurance when attending training and competition.
| Membership | Normal cost | Reduced cost |
| Full | £55 | £40 |
| Associate | £22 | £16 |
| Junior | £28 | £20.50 |
| Junior Programme | £6 | £4.50 |
| Junior Associate | £22 | £16 |
| Non-resident Associate | £44 | £32 |
Changes for juniors
On purchase of membership, all categories of junior membership (Junior, Junior Programme and Junior Associate membership) enter a ‘grace period’ for one month. During this time the juniors can attend training, but supporting documents (phrased as ‘credentials’ on the membership portal) are required to attend competition, or continue training after this period. These credentials are reviewed by the junior programme manager of GB Wheelchair Rugby and, unless any queries arise, will be authorised to permit the junior to participate fully.
We are also making it easier to manage these supporting documents. All requirements remain the same, however the documents will now need to be submitted each year when membership is purchased or renewed. With supporting documents now aligned to the common membership period, we hope this will make it easier for members to manage renewals and supporting documents at the same point each year. The parental consent form will also be available to complete via an online form.
Full detail on junior memberships
What happens next?
As you may recall from emails last year, we issued membership extensions which took most memberships to 31 March 2021 – these memberships will expire and you will renew as normal.
Due to previously operating memberships on a rolling basis, we are aware that the extensions cause some memberships to expire later in the year – we are also aware that some members renewed, or purchased membership for the first time, at full cost since we entered lockdown last year (11 March 2020). For these members, we will be ending your membership as we introduce the new common membership year. You, or the club which paid for your membership, will be refunded in full for any membership purchased since lockdown and we will be in contact shortly with further detail on this. In doing this, you will be able to take advantage of free membership since lockdown last year, and the reduced cost for the forthcoming year.
How to renew your membership
Our membership portal is currently being updated and you will be able to renew your membership from 7 April 2021.
If you are a member who usually renews their own membership you will be able to continue to do this in the usual way through the membership portal. If your club usually renews your membership, your club admin will be able to do this in the usual way.
Renew your membership here (from 7 April 2021)
Going forward
For future years membership will continue to be renewable from one month prior to expiry, which will now be 1 March each year for all members. We’ll be in contact with details each year to remind members and clubs.
Questions
If any questions, please contact daniel.hook@gbwr.org.uk.
