Message from the AGCSA – 4 August 2019
Good Afternoon,
As many of you would know, each year the AGCSA evaluates its operations with the Board as part of our annual review as we assess current performance and prepare for the year ahead.
Included in this year’s analysis was a review of the existing AGCSA Membership structure, to ensure we continue to offer the approach for the industry, and in keeping with the leading Members Association models being operated. This review was a lengthy process over several months, and included review of a number of Associations operating in similar industries both here and internationally.
Our findings that were presented to the Board in May were that the AGCSA is currently operating a very complex structure, with 12 different membership types – even more complexity is added when including State memberships.
We also found that the leading industry Associations operating in many industries throughout the world, were flattening their membership structures; offering uncomplicated membership types with clearly defined benefits and reducing complexity.
Where the AGCSA operates currently, is a result of the addition of a number of categories of memberships added over the past few years and it was felt now was the ideal time to review the existing structure.
This existing structure is based primarily on role, weighted towards golf course operational titles, and grows increasingly challenging when reviewing the various benefits associated to each of the 12 different membership types.
When we compare the membership structure to the volume of members in the Association that are from the sportsfields, schools, racing and other “non-golf” areas of the industry, which is our largest growth areas in new members over the past 18 months and now makes up well over 30% of all members, it was felt the existing categories were not representive of all of our members throughout the industry, and the existing structure we are operating adds unnecessary complexity and confusion.
As a result, a revised and simpler membership structure has been endorsed by the Board and will be applied for AGCSA Memberships from August 2019 onward.
New Membership Categories
The new Membership structure will group together similar membership categories and benefits, and simplify the membership categories to join the AGCSA. This will be an automated update in our member management system, so there is nothing you need to do as part of this transition process.
The new membership types effective from August 2019 are:
- Full Member
- Standard Member
New categories are being aligned to the existing rates for Superintendent membership and Groundstaff membership in 2020, as the AGCSA is committed to working hard in offering outstanding value for your membership and maintaining it at as low a cost as possible.
Existing Trade, International, Life and State Memberships are not affected by this change from the AGCSA. Both State and National memberships are still able to be combined into 1 transaction when renewing memberships or when joining the AGCSA.
Apprentice memberships are also unchanged, with the AGCSA continuing to offer free Apprentice memberships to those currently undertaking an apprenticeship to assist with their professional development.
The Transition to new Membership Categories
The following membership categories will be transitioned into the new category of Full Member, effective from June 30 2019:
- Superintendent
- Sportsturf Manager
- Assistant Superintendent (includes Super + Assistant combined bundle)
The following membership categories will be transitioned into the new Category of Standard Member, effective from June 30 2019:
- Groundstaff
- Consultant / Contractor
- Retired
The following membership types are unaffected by this change:
- Trade Member
- International
- Apprentice
- State Memberships
Please note that all current members will continue to receive existing member benefits during this transition until their next annual membership renewal date.
For most members the price of their AGCSA membership will not change. For a small number of members, the change to the new category may result in a small change (slight price increase or decrease) next year when renewing their 2020 membership at their next anniversary date. Please ensure to check your membership renewals next year for new category details.
The following table provides an outline of member benefits for each membership category, highlighting that there are minimal or no changes to your existing member benefits through this membership update, and for many, the range of AGCSA member benefits will increase from current.
This change has been designed to simplify the membership categories for the AGCSA and all members.
The alignment of membership types to the new categories has been reviewed to ensure we maintain or increase the benefits offered to members in each category as we move through this change to the new structure.
These category updates will be made automatically when annual memberships are due for renewal, and will be included on your notification from the AGCSA approaching your next renewal date.
If you would like more information on what is included in each of the category, the range of Member Benefits and Categories is available at: AGCSA Membership
Regards,
Mark Unwin
Chief Executive Officer
The Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to do?
In short, nothing.
These category updates will be made automatically by August 31st, and will be effective for your next annual memberships are due for renewal in 2020.
New categories will be included on your notification from the AGCSA approaching your next renewal date, and your next membership renewal will simply have the name of the new membership category listed.
The following membership categories will be transitioned into the new category of Full Member, effective from August 2019:
Superintendent
Sportsturf Manager
Assistant Superintendent (includes Super + Assistant combined)
The following membership categories will be transitioned into the new category of Standard Member, effective from August 2019:
Groundstaff
Consultant / Contractor
Retired
Will I lose any Member Benefits as a result of this change to Membership type?
No.
Membership to the AGCSA offers a significant range of benefits and in each case with the transition from old to new category, existing members will be receiving the same and in many cases additional benefits from their AGCSA membership after the transition.
Why are the AGCSA making this change?
The AGCSA has for a number of years operated a very complex structure, with 12 different Membership types – and even more complexity is added when including State memberships.
We also found that the leading industry Associations operating in many industries throughout the world, were flattening their membership structures; offering uncomplicated membership types with clearly defined benefits and reducing complexity.
When we compare the membership structure to the volume of members in the Association that are from “non-golf” areas of the industry, which is our largest growth areas in new members over the past 18 months, the existing structure we are operating adds unnecessary complexity and confusion.
I have just renewed my membership, do I need to do anything now?
Nothing. The new membership category updates will be made automatically by August 31st, and will be effective for your next annual memberships are due for renewal in 2020
New categories will be included on your notification from the AGCSA approaching your next renewal date, and your next membership renewal will simply have the name of your new membership category listed.
I haven’t paid my 2019 invoice yet for membership this year – do I need to get a new invoice?
No.
The new membership category updates will be made automatically by August 31st, and will be effective for your next annual memberships are due for renewal in 2020
All current memberships will be processed as per normal, and simply the membership category will be updated. membership fees for 2019/2020 year can be paid as per normal, and the update to membership categories will be undertaken automatically in our CRM system to transition from old categories to new.
For most members the price of their AGCSA membership will not change. For a small number of members, the change to the new category may result in a small change (slight price increase or decrease) when renewing their 2020 membership at your next anniversary date.
Please ensure to check your membership renewal notices for details or visit the AGCSA website for detail on the new category pricing compared to the previous structure.
Will this affect my State Membership?
No. State memberships are unchanged as a result of this update by the AGCSA.
Both State and National memberships are still be able to be combined into 1 transaction when renewing memberships or joining the AGCSA.
Where can I find out more about the AGCSA Membership Benefits?
The AGCSA is committed to offering value for money for its members, and offers the most comprehensive members benefits in the industry
The full range of member benefits and categories is available at: AGCSA Membership, with just some of our member benefits including:
Free Subscription to Australian Turfgrass Management Magazine
Discounted Members rates on AGCSATech Services
Free Access to all Turfgrass Research & Management Resources
Free access to Michigan State University Turfgrass Information Centre
Discounted Members rates for Turfgrass Conference Registration
Free Access to all AGCSA Operational & Management Templates and Manuals
Free Access to AGCSA water and environmental initiatives
Discounted Member rates for all Australian Turfgrass Education & Environmental Seminars
Discounted Members rates on Turf books and merchandise
Free access to selected Australian Golf Tournaments
You may have noted this over the past 18 months with member benefits being significantly expanded through agreements including:
Introducing Redeem Member Benefits Program to AGCSA Members
AGCSA Players Championship Volunteer Program at TPC Sawgrass
Extended FTMI Program to include the growing and changing membership base
Increased the number of AGCSA Operational & Management Templates and Manuals
Expanded member Templates and Forms covering HR, Management, Leadership and Policies
Expanded the AGCSA Environmental Management initiative
The full range of member benefits and categories is available at: https://www.agcsa.com.au/membership/become-a-member/
Will the cost of my membership change?
For most members the price of their AGCSA membership will not change. For a small number of members, the change to the new category may result in a small change (slight price increase or decrease) when renewing their 2020 membership at their next anniversary date.
Please ensure to check your membership renewal notices for details or visit the AGCSA website for detail on the new category pricing compared to the previous structure.
The AGCSA is committed to working hard in offering outstanding value for your membership and maintaining it at as low cost as possible.
Who do I talk to if I have questions on my old or new Membership category?
The team at the AGCSA is always available to discuss any queries you may have relating to this change, or to your membership benefits – or anything else! Please contact us at the office on: 03 9548 8600, or more information can be found from the AGCSA website.