FAQ

The Manhattan Beach Badminton Club is a private club for members and their invited guests only. The Club is not open or available to the public.
back to top

How do I join the Badminton Club?

You will need two sponsors who are current members of the Club. Applications can be found at our website and can be downloaded. It is filled out by the sponsors and submitted by the sponsors to the Vice-President for consideration.
back to top

I’m already a member, how can I sponsor my friends?

Once you have been a member for a year, you can begin sponsoring other members. One of the sponsor must be personally acquainted with the prospective members for at least one year.
back to top

How do I know the application has been accepted?Once the Vice

President has received the application, the names of the prospective members are posted in the Shuttlecock, the monthly newsletter available to all current members.
back to top

I’ve sponsored a member but heard the waiting list is three years? Why?

The Manhattan Beach Badminton Club is limited to only 250 regular members and new members are accepted only when a member leaves the Club. Because openings are dependent on current members leaving the club, the times before an applicant is invited to join the Club can vary.
back to top

What happens when my friends are near the top of the waiting list?
Your friends will first be invited to an Orientation meeting for prospective members where they will learn about the Club, the privileges and obligations of membership. Once they have attended the Orientation and an opening occurs for them, the Vice-President will call your friend(s) and invite them to meet the Board. As a sponsor, you will be expected to attend and introduce the prospective member to the Board. Afterward, the Board will vote on their membership and if accepted, and will invite them to join the Club.
back to top

Are memberships transferable?

No.
back to top

What is the cost of joining the Club?

For a single member, dues are $35 a month with a $400 membership deposit. A couple is $70 per month and $800 membership deposit. The membership dues includes children living at home under the age of 22.
back to top

What do I receive when my family joins the Club?

Each member will receive a passkey for their personal use which is non-transferrable. They must sign a waiver of liability which provides that they will agree to abide by the MBBC By-laws and Rules, established by the Board of Directors.
back to top

What are the hours of the Club?

The Club is open from 6am to midnight. The last member leaving is responsible for making sure all doors are locked.
back to top

Why do members have to perform workdays?

The Club is not a staffed club and functions much like a co-op. Doing work at the Club or at one of its functions is part of the Club’s social objectives. Having members perform some of the work and participate in activities, it saves money from having to hire someone from the outside to do the same service.
back to top

How many workdays do I have to complete?

A member must complete three workdays within a one year period which is June 1 through May 31. That means a couple must complete six workdays in a one year period. Our current policy is that a spouse can perform workdays for the other. In addition, each member is expected to attend the two semi annual meetings in order to fulfill their obligations.
back to top

When are the workdays held?

The schedule is posted on our website and is held on the second Saturday of every month from 8am to noon. The House Chairperson organizes the work needed and involves general maintenance projects like cleaning, washing windows, painting, fixing things, etc. The Board also allows members to complete special projects. The general rule is four hours of service = 1 workday.
back to top

What if I can’t make a Saturday workday?

There are several other ways to earn workdays. These include serving on a party committee. Other events include volunteering for the Junior International Badminton Tournament, Hometown Fair booth, Annual Rummage Sale and Silent Auction or helping at the November and May meetings. There are sign up sheets at each of the meetings to reserve a spot.
back to top

Why does the Club have two meetings a year?

As an owner, each member needs to be informed and involved in the operation of the Club. Members must attend the November meeting (second Sunday of the month) and May Meeting (third Sunday of the month.)
back to top

What if I can’t attend the meetings?

We understand things come up and that’s why a member is allowed to proxy once during the year. However, if a member fails to proxy or attend a meeting, they will be subject to a fine.
back to top

How much is the fine for a missed meeting?

Missing one or both meetings can cost from $50 or more depending on workday participation.
back to top

What if I don’t complete all my workdays in the year?

Missed workdays are on a sliding scale. One missed workday is $50. The second workday is $150 and the third workday is $250 for a total of $450 in fines.
back to top

I think I did all my workdays and received a fine? What do I do?

Sometimes mistakes do occur when a member isn’t given credit for their participation. A member has 60 days after billing to contest a fine.
back to top

What are the pool hours?

The pool is open from 6am to 10pm, 365 days. We keep it at 81 degrees temperature year round.
back to top

Does the Club offer swimming lessons for my children?

Swim lessons are not offered by the Club, but are available from a professional swim instructor utilizing the Club pool. These lessons are for members only. No guests are allowed in these private classes. Information is posted at the Club for these lessons.

back to top

My son is 19 and wants to go swimming at the Club with a friend, is that okay?

Under the By-Laws, a son or daughter of a member between the ages of 18 and under 22 can use the Club and bring one guest, provided the Junior member fills out an application, meets with a member of the Board, signs a waiver of liability and understands the rules. Signing up is free and insures that everyone using the Club knows and abides by the rules. Your son’s friend must sign in as a guest and you will be charged the guest fee.
back to top

What if my son doesn’t sign up and goes to the Club anyway?

If he hasn’t signed up and is found on Club property, then as a member, you are violation of the By-Laws, subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
back to top

My mother is in town for a month, can she use my key and bring my children to the Club?

No. She is not a member and not authorized to use the Club facility. The same rule applies to nannies, neighbors, friends, friends of friends, etc.
back to top

Since we both work, can we send our kids up to the Club with our key?

No. Any minor under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult member. This means they can’t use the Club without an adult member present. However, if arrangements are made with another adult member to act as chaperone, then your children can use the Club.
back to top

When my kids come to the Club pool, can they bring their friends?

Yes but all guests, regardless of age must be signed in PRIOR to using the pool. A charge of $5.00 per guest will be reflected in your bill the following month.
back to top

Do I have to sign in my grandchildren as guests?

Unless their parents are members, they must sign in as guests. Just because someone is related to you, doesn’t automatically make them members and give them use of the Club.
back to top

My adult children are in town, can they use the Club?

Only if you accompany them and they sign in as guests. Once your children turn 22, they are no longer Junior members, but may join as legacy members.
back to top

What is a Legacy Member?

A legacy member is for those children of current members between the ages of 22-26 who would like to join the Club. The cost is $30 per month with half of the dues going towards their refundable deposit. Once it reaches $400, they become regular members. This membership category is not subject to the waiting list.
back to top

What if we bring a friend and they don’t use the pool?

Any guest who does not use the pool does not have to sign the waiver of liability and can enjoy the Club, free of charge. This applies to both adults and children guests.
back to top

Can my kids bring pool toys to the Club?

No. We’re classified as a public facility by the County of Los Angeles which means, we are treated just like any other public pool. No foreign objects are allowed in the pool including noodles, boogie boards, swim fins, toys, squirt guns, rubber footballs, etc. It’s a safety issue.
back to top

So what can my kids bring to the pool?

Googles are acceptable. Kick boards if you are taking swim lessons. Flotation devices for beginner swimmers limited to the shallow end of the pool. Otherwise, everything else is not allowed. No exceptions.
back to top

We’d like to have a party for my daughter’s soccer team, is that okay?

All parties, regardless of size must be submitted in writing to the House Chairperson for approval. Under the By-Laws, it requires a 1/3 adult and 1/6 ratio of junior members to guests in order for a party to be approved. All parties are subject to certain restrictions.
back to top

What is the cost of reserving the Club for a party?

There is no cost for a member to reserve the Club for a party.
back to top

We would like to have a party for 20 people, on a weekday at the Club.

Any party over 20 must be approved by the Board of Directors. Certain restrictions may be placed on the group, including having a lifeguard on duty for the safety of the members and guests. If your party is approved, it does not preclude use by other members and all other members will have full access to the facilities including the pool, kitchen, etc.
back to top

What about a birthday party during the summer months?

Due to possible conflicts between members, the Board restricts parties on Friday-Saturday-Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
back to top

Can I have a graduation party?

Because of our past experiences with graduation parties, the Club has specifically prohibited this type of event.
back to top

We’re having a party at the Club with several other members. Do we need to contact the House Chairperson?

If you are bringing guests and there are more then ten people, then it needs to be managed by the House Chair to insure there are no conflicts. Any member who hosts an unapproved party or misrepresents a party can face disciplinary action by the Board.
back to top

As a member, what are my responsibilities as a parent when I bring my children and guests?

For the safety of your children and guests, the Club requires that all children under the age of 18 must be closely supervised by an adult member. That means, children are not allowed to go onto the courts or swim in the pool without an adult member present at all times.
back to top

Do we have to know how to play Badminton to join the Club?

No, but this is certainly one of the best experiences we have to offer when members join the Club and learn to play. However, we do require anyone using the courts to wear proper attire which includes shirt, shorts and gum soled sneakers. Bare feet, flip flops or hard shoes are not allowed.
back to top

Do I have to reserve court time to play Badminton?

No. However, specific times set aside for three levels of play:
Beginner, intermediate and Advanced as posted on the Club calendar.
back to top

My kids want to learn how to play, what is the best time?

For beginners, over the age of 7, Monday and Wednesday nights from 6-8pm. Intermediate Juniors play on Tuesday and Thursdays nights 6-8 pm.
back to top

I’m a beginner Adult player, when can I come to play?

For adult beginners, Monday nights from 8-10pm. Rackets are available for free.
back to top

How much does it cost to play?

Court time is free to all members.
back to top

How do I learn to play the game?

We have a full time coach, who is available for free lessons for beginners during evening hours. There is a sign up sheet on the courts to reserve a practice time. Private lessons are available at off peak times for a modest fee.
back to top

What are the other times reserved for play?

Intermediate Players - Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8-10pm.

Advanced Players - Wednesday from 8-10pm and Sunday from 2-5pm.

All other times are open to members and guests to play. If you have any questions, ask Coach for help.
back to top

Where do I buy Badminton equipment?

There are several members who sell racquets, birds, clothes, and bags.
If you have any questions, ask Coach for help.
back to top

How many guests can I bring to play Badminton?

We limit the number of playing guests to three at one time.
back to top

What is the cost for a guest to play?

There is a flat fee of $5 and $10 for peak hours which occur after 8pm
and all day Sunday. This is very inexpensive compared with other Badminton Clubs in the area.
back to top

How do I pay for my guests?

There is a sign-in/waiver of liability form located at the entrance to the courts which each guest must sign as well as the inviting member. The guest charge will be sent to the bookkeeper and will be reflected in your bill the following month.
back to top

How often can a guest play at the Club?

A guest Badminton player may come twice a month.
back to top

Can guests drop by the Club to play?

No, we do not allow drop-ins. All guests must arrive with an inviting member who signs them in. When the member leaves, so do the guests.
The inviting member is responsible for their guests while on the premises.
back to top

What is a playing member?

A playing member is a special membership for those who want to join the Club strictly for Badminton. Playing members must fulfill three workday obligations, pay monthly dues and deposit to join. They do not have voting rights and do not attend the two meetings.
back to top

How do I become a playing member?

While we have many people wanting to learn to play Badminton, we have a limited number of playing memberships available. Playing members are invited to join if they have tournament experienced or advanced skill levels in Badminton. The Adult Badminton Chairperson meets with the candidate and recommends to the Board that the person is a strong player.

If you are interested in becoming a playing member contact the Adult Badminton Chairperson. The contact information can be found on the Club's website.
back to top

What is an Instructor Member? How do I become one?

An Instructor Member must be recommended by the Junior Chairperson and approved by the Board. They contribute two 2 hours of their time per week to the instruction of juniors during junior practice hours in lieu of dues.
back to top

Who is responsible for enforcing the rules at the Club?

It is the responsibility of every member to enforce the rules. If a member or guest refuses to abide by the rules, then it should be brought to the attention of the Board.
back to top

If I have a dispute with my bill, who should I contact?

Always contact the Treasurer, who is responsible for all financial issues. Contacting the Bookkeeper will only delay the process since problems involving charges, fines and other Club business is a function of the Board.
back to top

How do we resign from the Club?

Any member wishing to resign, must contact the Vice-President in writing. This can be done by going to the website and finding the email address. Sending a resignation into the Bookkeeper is not acceptable since this a function of the Board, not the Bookkeeper.
back to top

I signed up to volunteer for a party that was cancelled. Do I still get workday credits?

Unfortunately, no. It is your responsibility to sign up for another party or event to receive workday credits.
back to top

Who are the Board Members? What do they do?

Board members are club members who donate their time to serving the Club. Each position has its own set of responsibilities and duties. Board members donate 3-4 hours a month to attend the monthly Board Meetings to manage the affairs of the Club. Board Members are not compensated and are volunteers. The Board is always looking for members to participate in the running of the Club. If you are interested in volunteering, contact the Club President via the website. Contact a Member of the Board
back to top

I would like something posted on the website and/or send an email out to the club's members, how do I do that?

Only Board members can post information on the Club's website and request emails to be sent to the membership. If you are part of a Club-related activity that you would like the membership to know about, please contact the Board Member responsible for that area (i.e. for advertising a Club party, contact the Entertainment Chair). The Club's website and email list are exclusively for Club business, and may not be used for any private, business, party or any other purpose, including political or fundraising activities. Contact a Member of the Board

back to top