REVIEW OF ULSTER CLUB MEMBERSHIP RATES:

This information was compiled by a local rugby player because their club where discussing the price of subs openly, and what to charge next year.

The results are split into a per League bases. Even though Qualifying 3 is now 3 and 4 it has been kept as one league. Also added are the clubs from Junior and Minor into Q3 league and due to small numbers it would be easy to guess who was who. This is done on a 2010/2011 league bases so if you got promoted/relegated this will not be reflected in the results.

What was evident from the replies is that every club is having a problem getting people to pay subs. And nearly every submission came with the tag line “they don’t pay enough” or “too cheap”

Firstly we will look at USL

USL
100% Comp
£99 Average
£160 Max
£50 Min
This is a big spread – a bigger average and a bigger Min Fee was expected.

Qualifying 1
73% Comp
£107 Average
£130 Max
£90 Min

Qualifying 2
67% Comp
£95 Average
£173 Max
£90 Min

Qualifying 3/4/Others
76% Comp
£93 Average
£140 Max
£50 Min

(NB Comp is the % of clubs that replied with information)

Looking at the difference between USL and the Q leagues there is no gradual decline in the Average.

Now where do we go from here? The common views are that “they are so high because not enough pay” it is a bit of a catch 22. If they are low more might pay if they are high less will pay but you will get more per head.

The following are ideas that also came through as to how to get more payments.

Discounts for Students
Discounts for Unemployed
Discounts for early payment
Discounts for Direct Debit payments
Discounts on club kit
Discounts at bar and function tickets

Another point seems to be that if you do not pay you do not play. However if pushed on this would a club really not play their best team because of a player not paying.

If you would like them broken down into another way please just ask. Information is also available on where you came in your respective league table, but will not reveal other clubs prices.

We hope this helps and good luck this year getting more subs.

Raw Data Total of 38 out of 49 clubs surveyed