POLICY AND INFORMATION
Fundraisers are a major reason we are able to fund and operate this club. They subsidize club costs, allowing us to keep our annual dues reasonable and keep Saracen rugby accessible to everyone. Our most important fundraisers include:
- Bingos
- Steak Sales
- Spolumbo's Sales
- Stampeders Games
Working events and/or making sales is sometimes not feasible for club members. Those who prefer to subsidize their dues with fundraisers can continue to do so. Those who would prefer to contribute money rather than time have that option as well. Since 2015, all members are required to pay a $100 deposit in addition to set fees to become registered. Upon completing 2 fundraising events, please email the VP Administration to request a refund. It is not enough to simply sign up for two events; they must be entirely completed before a refund is issued.
FAQs
1. What if I work one event before I register? Contact the VP Administration to issue you a $50 credit before you register. If you register without having the credit issued, you must work the second shift and have the entire deposit refunded.
2. What if I work two events before I register? Contact the VP Administration to issue you a $100 credit before you register. If you register without having the credit issued, please contact the VP Administration to get the deposit refunded by cheque.
3. What if I'm unable to work events, but I still participate in raffle ticket, steak or sausage sales? As with previous years, for every box you sell, the club gets $10 and you get a $10 credit. If you sell a minimum of 10 boxes (or work 1 event and sell 5 boxes), you can use the credit to get your refund. Any additional credits can be applied to your registration next year. If you sell less than 10 boxes, the credits may only be used for next year's registration (you will not qualify for a refund this year).
4. What if I'd like to work more fundraising events? We understand that everyone's financial circumstances are different. If you work more than 2 events, not only will you be issued a refund but you will get a $50 off next year's dues. For example, if you work 5 shifts between November 1, 2015 and October 31, 2016, you will get the $100 refund this year and $150 credit for next year's dues. However, priority will be given to people who still need to complete their first 2 shifts.
5. Which events are junior fundraisers and which are for seniors? All events will be overall fundraisers for the entire club. Senior players and parents of junior players can participate at any time.
6. What if I bring a friend? Each body that you bring counts as an additional shift.
7. What if I have 2 (or more) children that play for the Saracens? Families with two or more registered members will be required to pay a $150 deposit and must work 3 fundraisers to qualify for a refund. The SportEngine system does not have the capability to set a family rate so please let the VP Administration know before you register, so s/he can issue you a credit for the difference. (eg. A senior member and their child both register. SportEngine will charge $100 for each person: $200 total. The club would then refund the additional $50). If you register without the credit, please contact the VP Administration to have a refund issued.
8. Who is responsible for starting the credit/refund process? Once you have completed both shifts (or the required sales) and are registered, you are responsible for contacting the VP Administration. S/he will confirm and have the VP Finance issue a refund.
9. How long do credits last? All credits expire by the end of the following fiscal year. (E.g. any credits earned before October 31, 2015 will expire by October 31, 2016).
10. I only managed to work 1 event (or sell less than 10 boxes of steak/ or sausage) in the season. Now what? Email VP Administration to request a credit for next year's dues. Unfortunately, refunds are only issued for the entire amount of the fundraising deposit.
11. Can I use my credits to pay for my deposit next year?
Yes!
12. What happens to my credits from 2016 steak sales, sausage sales or Stampeders games?
Before you register in 2017, please contact the VP Administration about the amount you earned in 2016.
14. Can I volunteer in other ways to get my deposit refunded? As a volunteer-based organization, we cannot financially compensate all volunteer efforts. We are deeply appreciative of everyone who chooses to help make our club a better place. The Saracens Executive Committee reserves the right to issue a full or partial refund of the fundraising deposit and/or apply a credit for the next season for extraordinary volunteers (e.g. a time commitment of 60+ hours per year). For example, the following roles will be eligible for refund at the end of the season, once the volunteer has completed their commitment:
- Head coach of a junior team = $100 refund (only one person can quality as “head coach”)
- Assistant coach and/or team manager of a junior team = $50 refund (2 available per team)
- Chair of Pneumonia Bowl = $100 refund
15. Does being a member of the Executive Committee qualify for a Fundraising Deposit refund? While the efforts of all members on the Executive Committee are tremendous and greatly appreciated, as stated in the bylaws, Executive Committee members shall not be remunerated for the duties as it relates to their role on the Executive Committee.
16. If I work lots of shifts, do I qualify for a bigger refund? We are only able to refund the Fundraising Deposit portion of your dues ($100 for individuals or $150 for families). Any refund you qualify for beyond that will be converted to a credit that can be used in the next calendar year. Unused credits will be put back into the operating fund for the club. For further information, please contact VP Administration.
Up the Mighty Saracens!