Best way to get student memberships

I’m the club sponsor for a chess club at an Early College High School that has a low-SES (read poor) student body.

We are sponsoring our first non-rated chess tournament in two weeks. But we are wanting to move into providing rated opportunities for our students. I have not affiliated our club yet (we are waiting to use the proceeds from our tournament to do so).

However, when we do affiliate, I know the next step will be to get our players memberships. What is the best way to do so? I know that there are some organizations that purchase K-12 memberships in bulk and can offer USCF memberships for about half the price. Is this a good way to go? If that is acceptable, I am looking at purchasing memberships for my players.

Are there any organizations that assist Tier 1 schools in getting memberships?

Ideas? Suggestions? Tips?

How many students?

Alex Relyea

I have 12 active students.

Yeah, I think 12 is far too few to warrant bulk memberships. Once you set up your school affiliate, you can run in-school tournaments without any membership dues. You might also solicit local businesses when they feel ready to go to outside tournaments, and more importantly see who sticks in the JTP tournaments. I mean we’re talking less than $300 here. That shouldn’t be insurmountable. Also, note that the commissions you’ll get from “selling” the student memberships will just about cover the affiliate fee.

Alex Relyea

Alex,

I appreciate your insight. I had already assumed that my numbers were well too low to warrant purchasing our own.

Is it appropriate to purchase bulk memberships for my players from other chess clubs/organizations with their approval?

The minimum number in the group member program is 25 with price breaks for getting more - up to 300.

Thanks Allen.

Are the price levels/membership available anywhere?

I wonder if I could pool with the other schools in our district. That might be a way for us to skin the cat.

You can do that. Call the office for all of the details. 931-787-1234

There is a group here that oversees programs in a large block of public and private schools. So they purchase a large block which is rolled in the club fee. they also hold a tournament inviting other schools and the discounted price is rolled into the entry fee.

The group membership program FAQ is at secure2.uschess.org/voucher/

The current group membership rates are at uschess.org/docs/forms/Group … gmInfo.pdf

Nolan,

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so very much.

I have to say that the responses I’ve received on this forum are the most helpful that I’ve experienced on any board. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to send me PMs and provide insightful, useful answers to my questions!