But had lifetime 'seats' at 4 prior gigs and was vetted for each. All 'yacht clubs'are the same in that respect.Not applicable at all. Don't mix apples & oranges. Your yacht club buddy ain't lookin' for a lifetime seat.
But had lifetime 'seats' at 4 prior gigs and was vetted for each. All 'yacht clubs'are the same in that respect.Not applicable at all. Don't mix apples & oranges. Your yacht club buddy ain't lookin' for a lifetime seat.
Most clubs have a 'culture'; a style and matter and transcends race, creed, sex, or income. Having someone give a 'high sign' to a potential member helps maintain that. Done correctly, it works. As you point out, it can be abused. But who would want to be a member of a club that didn't want you as a member? This is all supposed to be fun.I'll take another bite of this apple ... perhaps prompted by the last few comments. If you do make a decision to allow, or not allow, membership, what are the criteria? Do you state the criteria, or is it that "cut of the jib" / "our kind of people" thing? I know that many clubs (not just yacht clubs) have used blackballing or vague negative comments to keep out all sorts of folks.
What past activity could you find out about me that would make you uncomfortable having me dock my boat next to yours, or have me buying drinks at the same clubhouse?
Can you clarify "background check" - do you mean a criminal background check, or something more informal like Google searches or looking in a State sexual abuser database? I would think that something formal would require the prospective member to give you all sorts of information like Social Security Numbers or birth dates. Does your club do these, and if so, how? Should you also periodically update the background check on existing members?I can't imagine not doing a background check on someone wanting to join.
That you are a Yankee fan trying to join a Boston area YC?What past activity could you find out about me that would make you uncomfortable having me dock my boat next to yours, or have me buying drinks at the same clubhouse?
People tend to join groups that have shared interests and each club will have a culture and shared interests. It is not so much that potential members should be vetted, more the club should be vetted by the potential member. Why would someone want to join a club and spend time with people that didn't have at least some of the same interests? While I have some shared interests with the members of @Jackdaw 's club, their intense interest in racing is not one that I share. I think I'd get bored sitting at the bar and listening to endless tales about the wind shift that screwed someone just as they were about to finish.Most clubs have a 'culture'; a style and matter and transcends race, creed, sex, or income.
Beg to differ. Many have been at our club until death do us part!Not applicable at all. Don't mix apples & oranges. Your yacht club buddy ain't lookin' for a lifetime seat.
Private clubs don't have much to worry about in that regard.Then you get into the mess of discrimination issues
Based on my experience as a member in an "exclusive" sportsman's club that requires a sponsor, a surprising number of people!But who would want to be a member of a club that didn't want you as a member?
Yes, we have a contract with a company that does criminal and financial checks on potential employees as well as potential members. The application is then posted with the social security number and privacy stuff redacted after the first read by the Board of Directors. If a members knows something untoward about the individual they have until the next meeting to notify the board. There have been a few that have applied that were rejected and thankfully so.Can you clarify "background check" - do you mean a criminal background check, or something more informal like Google searches or looking in a State sexual abuser database? I would think that something formal would require the prospective member to give you all sorts of information like Social Security Numbers or birth dates. Does your club do these, and if so, how? Should you also periodically update the background check on existing members?
Not me. I'm not sure I'd want to be a member of a club that wants me to be a member. I'm not really a club guy. It's nice to have a home base. I'll agree. But talk talk talk about nothing, and gossip just doesn't suit me....But who would want to be a member of a club that didn't want you as a member? ...