Hi, at my club here in the UK we see things similar to yourself.

We do get a fair amount of youngsters in during the summer months (school
or college hols) but they drop off during the term times. One point that
seems
to fit a fair amount of returnees though is that they went gliding during
their youth. So
if your guys want to cut off older members in later times, let them carry
on.

Probably like most hobbies/sports you see the same as we do, a declining
youth
level and older and older pilots? This point affects even the instructor
levels
and is a source of much anguish in the sport.

I suggest you put some of these "older mentality" guys out to grass!

Malcolm... (aged 53 and 3/4's)


"Ulrich Neumann" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

I need your input on an issue that has led to an ongoing, heated
debate ever since my son joined our soaring club at age 14. He begun
taking lessons and soloed during a youth soaring camp organized by
another club this summer. A small but vocal group of members are
stricktly against youth- and family memberships. Kids under 18 are
considered a liability, a hazard to themself during the operation and
just not desirable members in their minds. All kinds of half-baked
legalities are being cited i.e. that the club could get dragged down
finacially if a minor would get hurt and a suit be filed by the
parents, etc. I can't shake the impression that these guys would like
to have a 'good 'ol boy county club with planes'! (Heck, the golf
carts are already there!)

Therefore my questions: Does your club have a youth/family membership
category with reduced dues and/or waived initiation fees? Does your
club have a youth program? Have there ever been any legal/insurance
issues with minor members in your club? Any input is appreciated. (you
may reply privately, if you don't want to discuss this on the net)

Ulrich Neumann