There is a fair possibility that here in the South, there may not be a lot of difference. In the northern parts, without some form of prodding, many modelers would wait until May -- Jul. to renew AMA. They wait until "flying season".
This causes AMA to have to do the same paperwork for a join-up at a reduced fee for AMA. Why should they have to do that? Why can't the newbie simply pay the dues and if he doesn't want to stay, then that is the cost of the investigation. My 5th-Wheel hasn't bee out of my barn for over 3 years, yet I have to pay the $65 registration fee each year just in case I do decide to go for a trip. If I fail to pay, then when I do pay it is from the day it was due. That's life. Time some of these whiners learn the facts.
With pro-rated AMA dues, then the Club Officers have to decide to either throw the bum out or be sure he is restricted until he pays his AMA dues, whenever that might be. With dues paid for a year, it is easy enough to check via web if he pays by his renewal date, yet no club officer should have to do that.
11 years ago I fixed that at Jetero.
AMA Bylaws :
>>>>>>>>>>>> ;
ARTICLE VI
Dues
The Executive Council shall set dues for all types of AMA
membership.
Any AMA member who fails to pay annual dues within
thirty (30) days after they are due and payable shall be dropped from
the membership rolls. In any event, a member’s dues must be
currently paid in order to exercise the right to vote.
<<<<<<<<<<<
Jetero extends a non-voting courtesy until Jan. 31. To renew Club, one must also have current AMA. On Feb 01, if not rejoined, both Club and AMA, said
ex-member will have to reapply as a new member
including the initiation fee and being revoted in.
It all happens on a yearly basis. No chasing. If the newbie from last Jun has not renewed AMA, then he can be counted as gone, and no chase need be made. If he does return, he's simply another newbie, AGAIN. ProRated AMA and/or club dues doesn't save anyone any significant $$ because of our Initiation Fee.
Pro-Rating AMA is of no consequence here simply because of our significant initiation and dues structure. I do not say it is a big load, however I don't subscribe to any thing that will cause the Club Officer to have to donate any more time to that job than is absolutely needed for the Club's benefit. Trying to save someone something less than $58 is not worth any change that may fall on a volunteer club member.
That's my story, I'm sticking to it and you can well stick to yours.
