Membership Satisfaction Survey Results: Part 2

This report provides additional feedback from the membership survey conducted earlier this year.

Overall, the text responses reflect a highly positive sentiment toward the management and the social atmosphere of the Club, mirroring the responses previously summarised in Part 1.

“JUNIORS ONLY” COMPETITION

Based on the survey results, there was a high degree of support for trialling a "Juniors and Novices Only" session, with many respondents expressing enthusiasm for the idea. Unsurprisingly, support was strongest among the Novice and Junior grades.

It is right to note that a minority did not support the trial. These members generally believe that the best way for juniors to improve is by playing with and against more experienced players who can offer advice and demonstrate higher standards of play.

Approximately 70% of those who answered the question were in favour.

OTHER ISSUES

Beyond the proposal for a juniors-only competition, members suggested several key areas for improvement ranging from facilities and session management to education and social integration.  Suggestions included:

Facilities and Logistics

• a kitchen upgrade, including the installation of a dishwasher
• improvements to heating and ventilation
• better organising the noticeboards to make information easier to find.

Session Management

• ensuring that sessions start on time
• consistent use of the timer clock
• firmer management of noise levels and "slow play"
• a focus on etiquette and ethics for learners
• moving Tuesday evening sessions to the afternoon

Partnering and Membership Support

• better systems for finding partners, such as a "matchmaker" who knows players' levels, a dedicated noticeboard, or a mechanism to see who is seeking a partner for an upcoming series
• displaying a list of members with grades on the notice board [this has been done]
• a "photo board" defining roles and responsibilities of the committee and volunteers

Education and Competitive Play

• a winter series of improver sessions on Saturday afternoons
• 1-1 coaching for those unable to attend evening lessons, and more "repeated lessons" on how to improve
• more teams events
• an expansion of local interclub competitions
• the introduction of an annual Club Championship [under action]
• "refresher for directors" sessions

Administration and Finance

• direct debit for session charges
• clearer explanations regarding membership cost increases rather than just annual adjustments
• listing members' first names before their surnames in the programme book