If you ever run into any club that is picky about what type of rc aircraft you like to fly and is adamant about what THEY, want you to fly, while at THEIR club, then, you know that you've found the wrong club to join. Sounds more like to me that persons club is probably family owned/operated and all are stuck in the 1940's. Generally, no matter what you take with you to the clubs field, there will most definitely be someone there who'd be more than happy to check it over and possibly even maiden it for you and let you have a go at it once it's up high enough that they can quickly recover it for you in the case you freeze up at the controls.

Happy Flying!