Purpose

To describe the rationale and process for determining membership fees.

Policy Statement

There are several categories of membership set out in the Constitution. Membership fees are set annually by the members at Annual General Meeting in September. Membership fees provide the bulk of Association income and determine the level of Member Services to be delivered.

Guidelines for Assessing Membership Fees

  1. Membership fees must be set to ensure DTBA can continue to operate and deliver member services
  2. Member fees should be set in specific categories (adults, juniors and life member) to ensure engagement and retention
  3. Membership fees should be periodically benchmark-ed against those of similar Associations

General Guidelines

  1. Except in the cases of Life Membership as defined in the Constitution, remission of membership fees should not be used as a prize or incentive
  2. Members who have lapsed, resigned or deferred during the current year cannot get pro-rata membership fees
  3. Reinstatement fees apply to:
    • All members who are considered to have lapsed being:
    • Those who do not renew and let their membership lapse
    • Deferred members who do not reinstate within 2 years members who fail to pay their instalment 10 days after payment schedule due date
    • Resigned members who decide to reinstate within three years of resigning and could have used the deferment option
    • Extenuating circumstances for fee waiver may be considered.

Refunds

  1. Applicants who pay online but do not complete application requirements will be refunded less a cancellation fee
  2. Refunds will not be issued to members who change categories during the year
  3. Members may be refunded all or part of their fees in extenuating circumstances. Applications for hardship refunds must be put in writing to the Committee