1. Why We Charge Monthly Fees

We primarily charge monthly fees to reduce the administrative workload for our volunteer Treasurer. As a large club with nearly 100 members, this system is essential for smooth financial management. Additionally, a fixed monthly rate helps our members with their own budgeting, as it ensures your outgoings remain the same every month.

2. How Monthly Fees are Calculated

To make payments simple, we spread the cost of skating evenly across 12 months. This allows you to set up a fixed monthly Standing Order. We calculate the cost by calculating the cost of 1 hour a week for the year and dividing the total by 12.

• The Formula: (Hourly Rate x 40 Weeks) / 12 Months = Monthly Fee (Rounded)

• The 40-Week Buffer: We base our calculations on 40 skating weeks per year, even though we expect to skate for 44–48 weeks (after allowing for holidays, competitions, and other planned closures).

• Unexpected Closures: These “extra” weeks act as a free buffer to cover unexpected cancellations, such as hall unavailability or bad weather.  If we do not have to cancel classes, you receive these extra sessions for free. If we must cancel a class, we do not issue a refund, as the cost is already covered by the buffer.

• Refund Rule: Refunds will only be considered if the total number of classes provided by the club falls below 40 weeks in a full calendar year. We may offer a replacement class instead of a refund.

3. Monthly Fee Breakdown (per hour)

The list below shows the cost for one hour of skating per week. We round our monthly totals for simplicity. If you skate more than one hour per week, simply multiply the Monthly Fee by your total weekly hours.

• Recreational (Skate Hire): £5.50 per hour / £18.00 per month
• Recreational (Own Skates): £4.50 per hour / £15.00 per month
• Competitive (Own Skates): £3.50 per hour / £12.00 per month
• External Skaters (From other clubs): Please speak to the Treasurer.

We want skating to be accessible to everyone. If the standard monthly rate does not work for your circumstances, please speak to us and we will try to accommodate you.

4. Extra Sessions

One-off extra sessions, such as holiday workshops or additional training, are not included in your monthly Standing Order. These will usually be charged separately at the skater’s standard hourly rate.

5. Missed Classes and Fee Breaks

• Illness and Holidays: We do not issue refunds or fee breaks for classes missed due to general illness or personal holidays.

• Serious Injury: For long-term serious injuries, we may allow a fee break. Please speak to the Treasurer to discuss your situation.

6. Pay As You Go (PAYG)

Our Pay As You Go rate is reserved for new skaters who are still deciding whether to join the club. Once settled, skaters are required to move to monthly fees and set up a Standing Order to assist with club administration.

7. Monthly Value

It is important to understand that a flat monthly rate means you get better value in some months than others. For example, some months have five weeks of skating, while December may only have two. Over the course of the year, this balances out to ensure you receive at least 40 weeks of skating.

8. Discounts and Expectations

• Sibling and Parent Discounts: We offer a 10% discount for families. These discounts are applied to the youngest skaters or the skaters with the lowest monthly fees.

• Competitive Skaters: This reduced rate supports our competitive team. In exchange, parents of competitive skaters are expected to assist with club operations and fundraising efforts.  Skaters are also expected to help less experienced skaters at certain times.

9. Payment Instructions

All fees must be paid via Standing Order into the club bank account.

• Payment Date: Fees are due on the 1st of every month for the month ahead (e.g. June fees are due on 1st June).

• Bank Reference: Please ensure the payment reference shows the Skater’s Full Name.

• Standing Order: Please select “No End Date” or “Until Further Notice” when setting up the order with your bank.