How do you get people to join clubs?

RayCun

Following on from the Irish Runner thread.

Massive, ongoing recreational running boom. Most of those runners aren't in clubs. How do you get them in?

What's worked for your club?
What do you think would work, but hasn't been tried?
What has persuaded people you know to go from running on their own, or in informal groups, to join a club?

gerard65

Would'nt want to be in any club who'd have someone like me as a member:pac:
Whats the benefit of joining a club?

RayCun

Short answer - training in a group is better (more fun, more challenging), you're more motivated in races, and you get to race in things that are only for club runners.

But we've had the why join a club? threads before. I don't know if we've had threads about what has worked for getting people to join.

gerard65

I can do all that not been in a club. You'll have to sell it better than that. Maybe thats whats wrong - nobody sells it.

robinph

Woddle having crazy ideas is what worked on me. That eased me into the concept and now I'm in another club and winning medals.

Really not sure what would have enticed me into a club othwise, but BoardsAC was the right thing at the right time. It is tricky to convince people of the benefits until they join a club though.

shels4ever

You will get more people to join clubs by having more events. Not just the usually road races etc. If each club house had a full bar you would prob see membership go up also - lots of people coming in on sunday to watch to footy, just like the GAA clubs .

robinph

Chat to people after races. Tell them that they are plenty good enough and clubs cater for all abilities.

Most people won't believe you though.

Make sure that as many of the clubs members are taking part in races and that it's not just the fastest that get looked after. People will tell their friends and they will then join.

sideswipe

robinph wrote: »

Chat to people after races. Tell them that they are plenty good enough and clubs cater for all abilities.

Most people won't believe you though.

Make sure that as many of the clubs members are taking part in races and that it's not just the fastest that get looked after. People will tell their friends and they will then join.

This^^

Plenty trying to sell races...none trying to sell clubs.

johnners2981

I'm in the opposite boat, I love running and would love to join a club.

Not sure how to go about it though or even if there are any in my area.

I've never ran a timed 100m/200m/400m and it's a hope of mine to run some competitive sprints, mainly due to reading some of the training logs here on boards. But I'd say I'd be more competitive in 1k-8k races though.

Plus it'd also be nice to be doing some proper race training and not just doing my own stuff

ThisRegard

I'd like to join a club but it's the commitment to scheduled sessions that's the problem I have.

One of the great things about running is being able to go out to suit yourself, be it around family commitments or getting caught up with work. I'm still contemplating joining up but I'd probably only ever make one session a week.

RacoonQueen

johnners2981 wrote: »

I'm in the opposite boat, I love running and would love to join a club.

Not sure how to go about it though or even if there are any in my area.

Where are you based?

rom

For me I don't want someone giving me non constructive criticism even if I am doing a lot wrong. Now I must say I am not in a club but am going to join one for the long weekend runs but I am not much interested in the track sessions. If its coached like everything else in Ireland then there might be one good coach for every 3 that negative. Also I think that the reason is that why people go mad that Jedward ran the LA marathon in a time that they would a lot better than if they actually trained. There is a lot of people who don't want to be great or the best they can be at running but there probably is little place for them in a club setup. For example tag rugby has a huge take up, why cause its advertised as fun and a social thing. Its a setup where people are not too worried about ability as its not taken as the end all and be all. If there was more places to cycle and cycle lanes then more people would be on bikes. Its a way to keep fit for for most people. I think once people get to stage where they want to run more than do any other sport then thats when they join a club.

Woddle

Selling it to family and friends is a start, maybe stress the family part. I was the first in my family to join tallaght, I then got my daughter involved as well as a kid my parents look after. Then I invited two of Emily's friends up, I then followed that up with my uncle and three cousins and as of last week my uncle has sold the club to his friend and his wife. That's 11 people and I think what's sold them all was a super track, friendly (no pressure) atmosphere and information. My uncle and his three daughters had no idea that 150 people are running on a Tuesday and Thursday evening on a hidden track and park at the back of a gym. Get the kids in and make it fun and more will follow.

RayCun

ThisRegard wrote: »

I'm still contemplating joining up but I'd probably only ever make one session a week.

That's pretty common. I was talking to Chinguetti today about clubs, and one problem he raised was that he didn't want to let people down by not showing up for a session.
But that's more of a problem for small, informal running groups - where it's just you and a couple of mates saying "meet here for intervals". In a club where there's 50 people who could be there at any given session, it doesn't matter if some have to bail at the last minute.

rom wrote: »

Now I must say I am not in a club but am going to join one for the long weekend runs but I am not much interested in the track sessions...There is a lot of people who don't want to be great or the best they can be at running but there probably is little place for them in a club setup... Its a setup where people are not too worried about ability as its not taken as the end all and be all.

It's really about picking the right club for you. Go along to one or two sessions, see what the standard is like, see what kind of training they do, see what the atmosphere is like.

menoscemo

RayCun wrote: »

That's pretty common. I was talking to Chinguetti today about clubs, and one problem he raised was that he didn't want to let people down by not showing up for a session.
But that's more of a problem for small, informal running groups - where it's just you and a couple of mates saying "meet here for intervals". In a club where there's 50 people who could be there at any given session, it doesn't matter if some have to bail at the last minute.

+1 on that. I am in Tallaght and I only turn up once every fortnight for sessions (if that) as they often don't suit my schedule. Still feel more than welcome when I do turn up as most of the lads are the same; they don't turn up for every session.

robinph

There are two "official" club training sessions each week, I mostly only turn up to one of them lately and it makes no difference if you turn up or not you do what you want to do.
There are then several other more informal sessions through the week for different things and different people turn up to the one that is relevant to them, or fits around what they want to do. Some people go along for track stuff with our partner club, some people go for a long run every Saturday and then stop for coffee and several cakes at a cafe afterwards...etc
Then there are people that I only see at races because for whatever reason they can't or don't want to turn up for the training sessions.

There is never any pressure on people to turn up, only that if you put your name down for a team race you turn up or that you help out in some way at the club races if you can.

"I'm not good enough" is not a reason to not join a club, they are probably just not promoting their ... erm... more normal runners as much as they should be.
"I don't want the pressure" is not a reason as the clubs will never be putting you under more pressure to do anything than you want, although if you turn out to be the next superstar in some event they may.

johnners2981

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Where are you based?

Muineachan

the_syco

How about print off a few t-shirts that say

Bobs Running Club
Dublin

search for "bobs running club" on facebook

And then go running in two groups; one at a fast paced jog and another bunch going at a more casual jog along somewhere that others may be running, with the people at the back having some leaflets that they could hand out?

Two groups, so you'd get those who want to run fast, and those who run slow now, but want to join a running club.

MrCreosote

Get rid of the club running vest as the preferred attire. Ok maybe to have it on during a race but it should be covered before and immediately after with something more suitable. They send out the wrong message.

robinph

MrCreosote wrote: »

Get rid of the club running vest as the preferred attire. Ok maybe to have it on during a race but it should be covered before and immediately after with something more suitable. They send out the wrong message.

We have a long and short sleeve tshirt that people can get as well. You only have to wear the vest if competing in some race at the sharp end. A lot of people just use the tshirt as training tops so you get people dressed in identifiable club gear at most sessions.

I don't think bothering people actually on their own runs is a good idea, but having people out there running in club gear, not looking as if they are on a starvation diet and running at a pace which doesn't need a high speed camera to be able to spot them, and looking as if you are having fun. People see you out there enough and they will eventually think you are a fun bunch of people who they would like to join.

gnu

I'd love to join a club. None of my friends run and it would be lovely to have some running company sometimes or even just know some people who get how fantastic it feels to run And since I finished my 5k plan I've been a bit lost and never sure if I'm doing too much or too little so would love guidance on strength and cross training. I up my mileage then cut back if something hurts, very frustrating.

I saw that DSDAC has a Meet and Train group for the Women's Mini Marathon and thought it would be perfect until I saw their slow group was faster than my pace (unless I'm really really pushing it). Everything I've read seems to agree that newbies like me shouldn't push too hard I'll get a proper injury if I try to keep up, I already have niggly knee and foot pains that come and go and don't want anything to set in. So what would encourage me to join a club is simply having a slower "slow lane" for people like me. Once I am faster (if it ever happens!), I do plan to join a club though.

RacoonQueen

johnners2981 wrote: »

Muineachan

Monaghan Phoenix AC? I think Domer who posts on here is involved with them.

Donelson

An open day! and some ricecrispy buns.,

Seriously, all of us here have a good idea what goes on in a club, but if your new to running or sport in general, I can only guess what goes threw your head.

Second, no one likes being the newbie, and definitely not the only newbie, so if there was an open day then hopefully you could get a few newbie's to sign up together.

jb-ski

But do club's want new members??

What do you do with new members?
Who coaches them, mentors them, babysits them?

I would definitely encourage ALL runners to get involved in a club, but remember that it is a CLUB typically run by volunteers so be prepared to give something back.
Ask if you can help out with something.

Otherwise go to Bootcamp or Running camp, pay your 6/9 euro per session, have some fun and everyone is happy.

I'm sure the top clubs would love a few more 'elite standard athletes', I'm really talking about the average fun :eek: runner who wants to improve their race times etc & join a network of other runners.

RayCun

jb-ski wrote: »

But do club's want new members??

What do you do with new members?
Who coaches them, mentors them, babysits them?

I would definitely encourage ALL runners to get involved in a club, but remember that it is a CLUB typically run by volunteers so be prepared to give something back.
Ask if you can help out with something.
Otherwise go to Bootcamp or Running camp, pay your 6/9 euro per session, have some fun and everyone is happy.

Some of the more established members can take the opportunity to give something back, by coaching, mentoring, and babysitting them? Sending people to Bootcamp instead of trying to integrate them into the club structure looks like short-termist thinking. How can we complain about the money going to commercial races and out of the sport, if we send people to commercial trainers, and out of the sport?

gymfreak

Donelson wrote: »

An open day! and some ricecrispy buns.,

Seriously, all of us here have a good idea what goes on in a club, but if your new to running or sport in general, I can only guess what goes threw your head.

Second, no one likes being the newbie, and definitely not the only newbie, so if there was an open day then hopefully you could get a few newbie's to sign up together.

I think that's pretty much it in a nutshell!! Open days are definitely a great way of getting new members. I know I've tried out a few different sports/gyms because I went to an open day and met friendly people that encouraged me to join.

With regards to running clubs, I was doing a good bit of running a year ago and emailed a running club about beginner sessions/to just give them the heads up that I'd be heading down..received no email in response so just assumed that they werent interested in beginners so left it at that!

I still think Open Days are a great way for beginners to get their foot in the door:)

BeepBeep67

To be honest 90% of club members join from word of mouth and the other 10% are probably runners relocating and looking for a club. I'm not sure what gains can be made from actively recruiting (effort vs reward).
Have a strong club ethos, focus on offering your existing members a great experience and they will spread the word for you.

jb-ski

RayCun wrote: »

Some of the more established members can take the opportunity to give something back, by coaching, mentoring, and babysitting them?

Of course 'they' can!

Ideal world vs Real world:).

I'm just not convinced that all clubs want/need/can deal with large amounts of new members, so they don't recruit aggressively for that reason.

The 'send them to Bootcamp' was aimed the 'here's a few bob, i'm not interested in getting involved with a club' cohort, and that's perfectly legitimate & they may decide to move into the club scene later.

I haven't read the Irish Runner thread so didn't realise this thread was also about money going to commercial races and out of the sport, don't get me started on that one:mad::).

(i'll answer your original question later re what we've done in our club,however in the meantime i'm interested in seeing what the response is like here. J )

MrCreosote

jb-ski wrote: »

I'm just not convinced that all clubs want/need/can deal with large amounts of new members, so they don't recruit aggressively for that reason.

I haven't read the Irish Runner thread so didn't realise this thread was also about money going to commercial races and out of the sport, don't get me started on that one:mad::).

You don't think the two things are linked- clubs not bothered with new members and commercial races taking over?

pconn062

MrCreosote wrote: »

Get rid of the club running vest as the preferred attire. Ok maybe to have it on during a race but it should be covered before and immediately after with something more suitable. They send out the wrong message.

I'm a bit confused about this, what do you mean they send out the wrong message?

jb-ski

MrCreosote wrote: »

and commercial races taking over?

not sure where i said anything about 'commercial races taking over'


Anyway back on topic, I have now read the very interesting Irish Runner article, & understand RayCun's original question.

Get 2/3 enthusiastic motivated people who are allowed work independently of the 'committay'.
1 social media guy, 1 designer/printer type, 1 'zealot'.
Decide on most likely local audience i.e. young single folk, young/not so young couples/parents.
Put up posters locally e.g. Fit4Life group training time, link to Club website & Facebook page.
Put up more posters locally.
Be visible on local runs as group.
Get club T-shirts, Jacket (need not be expensive)
Run a Couch-2-5k programme.
Have plenty of social evenings; presentation on nutrition, from Physio, top athlete etc etc.
And most importantly 'meet & run', 'meet & run', 'meet & run', take pictures of group at every opportunity and post to FB.
Have fun on training nights, vary training sessions.
And much more.....

Challenges to overcome;
How much for membership??
Getting 'coaches', mentors, leaders.
Retaining a club 'vibe', (not a 'so what do I get for my money' issue).
Be prepared for resistance from die-hard 'Athletics Club' folk who may be uncomfortable with all these 'fun-runner' folks who haven't spent 40 years standing around mucky fields & are now 'taking over' (using computers, doing things differently & all that modern stuff!)


I still would like to see EVIDENCE that clubs & the AAI are really interested in increasing adult 'fun-runner' membership.

MrCreosote

pconn062 wrote: »

I'm a bit confused about this, what do you mean they send out the wrong message?

Just what robinph said. They send out the message that club=fast, starvation diet, monk-like existance. Better to have club members advertising the club with more normal clothes.

Of course they are more comfortable during the race. I wear one myself usually, but this thread isn't about that, it's about getting new members into clubs.

pconn062

I'm going to put a different spin on this. I think running for a club is something that should be earned. When I started back running again a few years ago, I started training with a group who were coached by a super runner from the local club. After that I was mad to join the club but he told me to work on my times and try and get them down before joining. So I did that for a year have since joined the club.
A club is concerned with keeping standards up and if they simply accept everyone and drop wearing club singlets, this will deplete the standard. I think if someone is serious about joining a club they should contribute to the overall standard and work on their times to become more competitive before they join (that's assuming they are not competitive already). Most clubs have a Fir4life group that train newbie runners and if these runners are serious, in due course they can join the club and run in the club colours.

ultrapercy

MrCreosote wrote: »

Just what robinph said. They send out the message that club=fast, starvation diet, monk-like existance. Better to have club members advertising the club with more normal clothes.

Of course they are more comfortable during the race. I wear one myself usually, but this thread isn't about that, it's about getting new members into clubs.

This is just silly. If people are that sensitive or insecure there isnt much can be done to help them. Maybe clubs could employ a therepist or something, other than that....

rom

jb-ski wrote: »

not sure where i said anything about 'commercial races taking over'


Anyway back on topic, I have now read the very interesting Irish Runner article, & understand RayCun's original question.

Get 2/3 enthusiastic motivated people who are allowed work independently of the 'committay'.
1 social media guy, 1 designer/printer type, 1 'zealot'.
Decide on most likely local audience i.e. young single folk, young/not so young couples/parents.
Put up posters locally e.g. Fit4Life group training time, link to Club website & Facebook page.
Put up more posters locally.
Be visible on local runs as group.
Get club T-shirts, Jacket (need not be expensive)
Run a Couch-2-5k programme.
Have plenty of social evenings; presentation on nutrition, from Physio, top athlete etc etc.
And most importantly 'meet & run', 'meet & run', 'meet & run', take pictures of group at every opportunity and post to FB.
Have fun on training nights, vary training sessions.
And much more.....

Challenges to overcome;
How much for membership??
Getting 'coaches', mentors, leaders.
Retaining a club 'vibe', (not a 'so what do I get for my money' issue).
Be prepared for resistance from die-hard 'Athletics Club' folk who may be uncomfortable with all these 'fun-runner' folks who haven't spent 40 years standing around mucky fields & are now 'taking over' (using computers, doing things differently & all that modern stuff!)


I still would like to see EVIDENCE that clubs & the AAI are really interested in increasing adult 'fun-runner' membership.

This is exactly my point, why would someone want to join Fit4Life over a club when they have ability. Looking at today's results from UCC 10K 2,4,8 females are all fit for life and O 40. Fit4life says that same thing to me that tag rugby does. I think (correct me if I am wrong) that everyone has the potential to be a great runner and can win if they just work hard enough but fit4life is basically get fit and they may up getting very good as a result which is a better focus a more positive focus for most people if you ask me. Even the name fit4life is a good name. its all positive. There are clubs that are a bit elitist and I think they are doing a dis-service to the sport. Like someone may not be the fastest runner but their kids could be etc. I just know that the choice of the club I am going to join this is the main factor.

jb-ski

@PConn,

interesting idea.

'A friend of mine' is in a club where they are adamant (obsessed) that anyone who trains with/runs with/ steps on track is AAI registered so how do you propose 'registering/insuring' non-club members?

I think the AAI could have a national AAI/Fit4Life membership along the lines of TI membership, maybe giving discounted entry fee to all AAI permitted Races/Runs. (not a new idea i know)

MrCreosote

ultrapercy wrote: »

This is just silly. If people are that sensitive or insecure there isnt much can be done to help them. Maybe clubs could employ a therepist or something, other than that....

Not at all. The club clothing is advertising the club. Just like any other form of advertising it's sending out a message. One of the main reasons people don't join is that they feel clubs are too elitist/cliqueish for them- the running vest just confirms that.

ultrapercy

MrCreosote wrote: »

Not at all. The club clothing is advertising the club. Just like any other form of advertising it's sending out a message. One of the main reasons people don't join is that they feel clubs are too elitist/cliqueish for them- the running vest just confirms that.

They should get over it then and worry about something worth worrying about. If we pander to them we only validate their insecurities and they will never grow up. Maybe Il get the therapist gig, I have the lingo from watching Dr. Phil.

MrCreosote

ultrapercy wrote: »

They should get over it then and worry about something worth worrying about. If we pander to them we only validate their insecurities and they will never grow up. Maybe Il get the therapist gig, I have the lingo from watching Dr. Phil.

They will get over it. They just won't join the club. It's not pandering, it's advertising-making joining the club a desirable thing to do.

ultrapercy

MrCreosote wrote: »

They will get over it. They just won't join the club. It's not pandering, it's advertising-making joining the club a desirable thing to do.

Yes, but is a person who is intimadated by a vest worth anything more than a membership fee to a club? Sport is competitive thats a fact, some things cant be changed nor should they.My own club has done very well from Fit4Life. Our membership is up and our teams are all competitive at national level in all the categories. Its more by accident than design and more credit to the individuals themselves for embracing that competition. Its great to see someone in their 50s taking part in sport at a competitive level for the first time and win medals. This has happened at our club. Sport like life has winners and loosers, children know this and accept it. How do some people unlearn this wnen they reach adulthood and become more childish than any child?

MrCreosote

ultrapercy wrote: »

Yes, but is a person who is intimadated by a vest worth anything more than a membership fee to a club? Sport is competitive thats a fact, some things cant be changed nor should they.My own club has done very well from Fit4Life. Our membership is up and our teams are all competitive at national level in all the categories. Its more by accident than design and more credit to the individuals themselves for embracing that competition. Its great to see someone in their 50s taking part in sport at a competitive level for the first time and win medals. This has happened at our club. Sport like life has winners and loosers, children know this and accept it. How do some people unlearn this wnen they reach adulthood and become more childish than any child?

It's not like there is no alternative to the skimpy vest. All I'm saying is that other types of clothing sends out a more inclusive message, and it's a pretty simple thing to change.

As for the competitive nature of sport- we had a big long circular argument over on the other thread about this. Sport does not always need to be competitive for people to get enjoyment out of it.

MrCreosote

pconn062 wrote: »

I'm going to put a different spin on this. I think running for a club is something that should be earned. When I started back running again a few years ago, I started training with a group who were coached by a super runner from the local club. After that I was mad to join the club but he told me to work on my times and try and get them down before joining. So I did that for a year have since joined the club.
A club is concerned with keeping standards up and if they simply accept everyone and drop wearing club singlets, this will deplete the standard. I think if someone is serious about joining a club they should contribute to the overall standard and work on their times to become more competitive before they join (that's assuming they are not competitive already). Most clubs have a Fir4life group that train newbie runners and if these runners are serious, in due course they can join the club and run in the club colours.

No problem with this- plenty of clubs in other sports have this attitude and even qualifying/entry standards.

But any club that does this gives up the right to complain about things like: falling membership, difficulty getting volunteers, lack of interest in club races vs commercial races, falling standards in T&F events, lack of interest in kids joining athletics clubs rather than GAA etc, financial problems in the club, and so on.

You can't block people joining a club, and then complain about missing out on the running boom.

Pisco Sour

Ah here, this a load of codswallop. Every sport has a club uniform. If you join a local GAA club and play on the Z team in Division 4A of the junior intermediate West Leitrim Championship, and don't know the difference between a sliotor and a bar of soap, you still wear the club colours. It's about representing your club.

My club in Melbourne has a huge variation in levels. There are guys who will blitz out a 51 400m, or a sub 9 steeplechase, there's middle of the roaders like myself, and then theres the back enders who struggle to get under 75 for 400m. What do we all have in common? We all represent the one club, score points for the one club, and are proud to wear the colours of that club at races.

If people are intimidated by a team jersey then there is no hope for them at all. I actually cannot believe this is even being discussed. I mean, come on!! What next, the lines on the track should be highlighted with tullips and there should be fluffy bunnies and happy unicorns waiting for them at the finish line?

I don't often say this, because it is cliche on A/R/T but these people should HTFU!!!

MrCreosote

Everybody is taking this up the wrong way. There is a choice for the club clothing. It doesn't have to be a gonty looking singlet. What's wrong with having a tracksuit or standard t-shirt as well? I'd be happier wearing something that looked good, than shivering my pasty limbs in a poncey vest.

The thread is about getting people into clubs. I've identified one barrier- it's pretty easy to remove it. Why not do that, instead of ranting about people being precious and needing to HTFU

Pisco Sour

MrCreosote wrote: »

Everybody is taking this up the wrong way. There is a choice for the club clothing. It doesn't have to be a gonty looking singlet. What's wrong with having a tracksuit or standard t-shirt as well? I'd be happier wearing something that looked good, than shivering my pasty limbs in a poncey vest.

The thread is about getting people into clubs. I've identified one barrier- it's pretty easy to remove it. Why not do that, instead of ranting about people being precious and needing to HTFU

Because it is not a barrier to people joining clubs. The fear of being too slow is a barrier. The fear of having to wear a wifebeater is not a barrier. You’re making a mountain out of not even a molehill here. I can’t imagine too many people getting their knickers in a twist over such a silly thing.

MrCreosote

04072511 wrote: »

Because it is not a barrier to people joining clubs. The fear of being too slow is a barrier. The fear of having to wear a wifebeater is not a barrier. You’re making a mountain out of not even a molehill here. I can’t imagine too many people getting their knickers in a twist over such a silly thing.

You're getting too hung up on the physical vest. Think more about what it represents. The club colours would look just as good on a t-shirt or tracka top. But without the elitist overtones.

Yes it's a little thing, but they're the things that keep people out of clubs, and they're the easiest things to change.

thirtyfoot

MrCreosote wrote: »

But any club that does this gives up the right to complain about things like: falling membership, difficulty getting volunteers, lack of interest in club races vs commercial races, falling standards in T&F events, lack of interest in kids joining athletics clubs rather than GAA etc, financial problems in the club, and so on.

You can't block people joining a club, and then complain about missing out on the running boom.

On a general theme, membership in clubs is on the increase, standards are increasing in track and field, club races are much better than commercial, kids are joining (membership up) and all clubs in all sports battle to raise funds but you will never see a club cease to exist due to financial difficulties.

As for the vest thingy, that has got to be the most stupid reason I have heard for not joining a club in a sport. Don't play tennis as I hate the whites, can't tie a Dickie bow so snooker ain't for me, would like to crowd to see my face so I any playing hurling anymore now that helmets are compulsory and I aint joining an athletic club as I don't want to wear something that makes me look competitive.

Actually, are clubs complaining of the running boom, far from it. As said the best races are run by clubs and these races are funding clubs up an down the country so its working grand at present.

RayCun

04072511 wrote: »

The fear of being too slow is a barrier.

And some people think singlets and shorts are for fast runners only. They consider themselves more t-shirt standard.

thirtyfoot

MrCreosote wrote: »

You're getting too hung up on the physical vest. Think more about what it represents. The club colours would look just as good on a t-shirt or tracka top. But without the elitist overtones.

Yes it's a little thing, but they're the things that keep people out of clubs, and they're the easiest things to change.

Do you have evidence to suggest vests keep people out of clubs?

PS: this vest thing has to be a windup, please tell me someone wanting to be in a competitive sport isnt worried about what they wear. Very precious. I have seen women train in a knickers as they forgot their gear. They looked weird but got the session done.

robinph

04072511 wrote: »

Because it is not a barrier to people joining clubs. The fear of being too slow is a barrier. The fear of having to wear a wifebeater is not a barrier. You’re making a mountain out of not even a molehill here. I can’t imagine too many people getting their knickers in a twist over such a silly thing.

You're right that the vest or tshirt is not a barrier, but also being too slow is not a barrier. They are both fears...wrong word, but I can't think of a better one. Neither thing stops anyone joining a club, they just make people think that it's not for them because they are not fast enough.

How many people do you see out training in a vest? Not very many, because it looks weird. It's just about trying to look like normal people so that you are removing the idea that running clubs are only for people who are breaking the 4 minute mile or maybe have a Kenyan grandparent.

The vest/ tshirt thing is a very minor detail, but this thread is about what are the things that put people off joining a club. The fact that people think they are not fast enough is backed up by only ever seeing people in club kit at the sharp end of a race and wearing vests that they have no desire to be seen in.

Also if you have a club tshirt then your club members are going to go out training in it and be seen advertising the club. Why do you think that most races hand out tshirts with their race name on them? It is free advertising for their race for next year. Clubs are missing a trick to not be getting in on that as well.

robinph

thirtyfoot wrote: »

Do you have evidence to suggest vests keep people out of clubs?

I'm fairly sure that I made some comment back in the mists of time on the thread that started Boards AC when discussing the club kit and not wanting to have to wear a vest. No idea how to go about searching for that post now though.