Definition
The enrolment fee (also called registration or sign-up fee) is a one-off payment the member or family makes at the start of each season when registering the player. It typically covers specific items: sports kit (shorts, shirt, hoodie), federation card processing, admin costs, accident insurance if any and, in some clubs, the first monthly fee included.
It must be regulated in the statutes or internal rules: when billed, what it covers, whether refundable on early withdrawal, and whether siblings get a discount. Best practice is to itemise it on the invoice to avoid disputes.
When does it apply?
Applies once per season when registering a member. Most clubs bill it between July and September when the activity starts. Some clubs split it in two (half at enrolment, half on receiving the kit) to reduce friction on a large single payment.
Practical example
Common mistakes
- Not itemising the fee: families ask 'why so much' and without itemisation the club takes the hit.
- Charging enrolment without a signed contract: a cancelling member can claim a refund.
- Forgetting the refund policy: clarify in the RRI from which date it's non-refundable.
- Mixing enrolment with first month in a single non-transparent charge: confusing for accounting and members.
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