Becoming a Member of Ross High RFC.
Reasons to become a member of Ross High RFC.
When your application form is completed either online or handed in to the bar, your application will be proposed to the committee at the next committee meeting (normally the first Monday of every month).
Shortly after the meeting, the Membership Secretary will contact you by email to advise of the outcome of your application. If successful, you will receive instructions on how to make payment and collect your membership card.
Click Here to apply to become a member yourself or on behalf of a young person (under 18).
If you have any questions on the membership process, or the benefits of becoming a member, please contact the Membership Secretary: [email protected]
Ross High RFC looks forward to welcoming you into the clubhouse, and together we can take the club forward.
Kind regards.
Mark Urwin
Proud Club President
Email: [email protected]
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Additional Information below from the 2026/27 Season onwards.
Ross High RFC Membership Consultation Summary, Benefits and Costs for 2026/27
Purpose
This summary presents the results of the 2026/27 membership benefits consultation across all three existing membership categories — Full Playing, Full, and Ordinary (Social). Following significant feedback from a number of members we have also agreed to introduce a new optional membership tier designed to honour our history while supporting our long‑term sustainability, the Ross High 1970 Club. The committee believes the new structure highlights what members value most and provides a clear comparison of preferred benefits side by side.
1️⃣ Key Findings From The Membership Benefits Consultation
Shared Priorities (All Membership Types)
Across all groups, members consistently rated the following benefits as most important:
- Discounted bar prices (NEW 2026/27)
- Preloaded membership card for bar use (NEW 2026/27)
- Use of club during normal hours
- Comfortable, family & dog‑friendly facilities and beer garden
- Belonging to a community
- Knowing you are directly supporting rugby in your community
These shared values define Ross High RFC’s identity — a welcoming, community‑driven club offering tangible value and pride of membership.
Distinct Priorities by Membership Type
- Full Playing Members: Focused on rugby performance, convenience, and community. High ratings for training, gym access, physio, and insurance.
- Full Members: Value governance, influence, and event access. Strong support for AGM voting rights, stakeholder status, and committee eligibility.
- Ordinary (Social) Members: Prioritise social access, comfort, and bar value. Governance and rugby‑specific benefits were rated low.
2️⃣Please see above For the Benefits Comparison Table
🏉 Ross High RFC Membership Referral Scheme – Explained
We’re introducing a new Membership Referral Scheme to help grow the club and bring new people into the Ross High RFC community. Here’s how it works, in straightforward terms.
1. When someone applies to join the club…
They’ll be asked whether an existing Ross High RFC member referred them.
2. What the new applicant needs to provide
If they were referred, they must give:
- The name of the member who referred them
- The member’s Membership Card number
- Only 2026/27 cards and onwards can be used for referrals
- Only 2026/27 cards and onwards can be used for referrals
3. Who counts as a “new member”?
To qualify for the referral scheme, the applicant must not have been a Ross High RFC member at any point in the previous two years. This ensures the scheme is focused on genuinely new people joining the club.
4. What if someone joins without a referral?
No problem at all — this scheme doesn’t affect anyone applying independently. It’s simply an optional extra for those who were encouraged to join by an existing member.
5. The reward for the referring member
If the new member’s application is accepted, the member who referred them will receive:
- £5 credited to their Ross High RFC Membership Card
- This can be spent at the Ross High RFC bar
It’s our way of saying thank you for helping grow the club.
Why we’re doing this
Ross High RFC thrives when new people join — whether they want to play, volunteer, support the club socially, or simply be part of our rugby family. This referral scheme encourages members to bring friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours into the club, helping us stay strong, sustainable, and community‑focused.
3️⃣ Insights for 2026/27 Membership Structure
Universal Benefits (All Members)
- Comfortable, family‑friendly facilities
- Community belonging
- Supporting local rugby
- Bar discounts and preloaded card
- Event booking priority
Tiered Benefits
- Governance rights → Full & Full Playing Members
- Rugby performance benefits → Full Playing Members
- Reduced hire fees → Social Members
4️⃣Introducing the Ross High 1970 Club – The Rationale Behind Our New Membership Option
Ross High RFC has always been built on community, commitment, and the belief that rugby should be accessible to everyone. As we continue to grow and strengthen the club for future generations, we’re introducing a new, optional membership tier designed to honour our history while supporting our long‑term sustainability.
What is the Ross High 1970 Club?
The Ross High 1970 Club is a premium membership option that includes all Full Member benefits, plus two exclusive additions:
- A distinct Ross High 1970 Club Lapel Badge – a visible symbol of your commitment to the club’s legacy.
- An invitation to the select Ross High 1970 Club Home Match Lunch (date to be confirmed) – a special gathering celebrating those who go the extra mile for Ross High RFC.
This membership can be paid in one of two ways:
- £236.40 one‑off annual payment, or
- £19.70 per month by standing order, recognising 1970, the year Ross High RFC was founded.
Why We’re Introducing This Membership
🏉Honouring Our Heritage
The 1970 Club is a nod to the year Ross High RFC began. It’s a way for members to show pride in the club’s roots and be part of a group that champions its future.
🏉🏉 Strengthening Financial Sustainability
Modern community clubs face increasing costs – facilities, equipment, insurance, coaching, youth development, and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment. The additional income from the 1970 Club will directly support:
- Long‑term financial stability
- Investment in youth rugby
- Improved training and playing facilities
- Continued development of a safe, social, inclusive club environment
This tier is not about creating exclusivity; it’s about giving members who wish to contribute a little more the opportunity to do so in a meaningful, recognised way.
🏉🏉🏉 Supporting Our Core Mission
Every penny raised helps us continue delivering what Ross High RFC stands for:
- Rugby for all, regardless of background or ability
- A fun, social, safe community club
- A place where people feel welcome, supported, and proud to belong
The 1970 Club helps ensure we can keep offering these opportunities for years to come.
🏉🏉🏉🏉 A Thank You to Those Who Step Forward
Members who join the Ross High 1970 Club are making a direct, tangible difference to the future of Ross High RFC. The lapel badge and match lunch are our way of saying thank you for that commitment.
🏉🏉🏉🏉🏉 How to apply to join the Ross High 1970 Club
Criteria
Applicants must fulfil the same criteria as a Full Member
- Be a former Ross High RFC Player
- or have significantly contributed to the club in a different way other than playing
- or have a significant association to rugby or our local community not covered in the first two points.
- All membership applications are accepted at the committee’s discretion.
Application
Those wishing to apply must:
- Check their eligibility with the Ross High RFC President via email at [email protected]
- Have their eligibility acknowledged by the Ross High RFC President
- Set up a Standing Order from their bank account to that of the Ross High RFC for a £19.70 monthly payment, payable on the first of the month.
- Or pay the full amount of £236.40 annually at the Ross High RFC bar.
- Can players apply? Yes, they retain their playing benefits and the additional Ross High 1970 Club benefits.
5️⃣ Ross High RFC Membership Consultation Conclusion 2026/27
Ross High RFC members share a strong sense of belonging and pride in supporting community rugby. The proposed 2026/27 structure reflects what members truly value — comfort, community, and contribution — while ensuring fairness and clarity across all tiers.
6️⃣When to pay?
- All memberships are due by the end of September.
- If paying by Standing Order – please amend your Standing Order so your first new payment is on the 1st September 2026.
- Please also email me at [email protected] to let me know you have amended your standing order with your bank.
- There are a number of members who haven't amended their standing order to reflect previous increases, please do check and amend.
Monthly Standing Order Amounts below:
- Pay via SPOND – your payment request will shortly follow this email / message.
- or Pay the annual amount at the bar from Friday 21st August.
- Your new Membership Card can be collected from the Clubhouse after your first payment for the 2026/27 season.
- There is bound to be teething problems, please be patient wish us (me) 😊
🏉 Ross High RFC – New Integrated Membership Card & Till System
Following the discussion at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, and with major support from Robert Baillie and Thomas Docherty of Integrated Delivered Solutions, Ross High RFC has signed a five‑year contract to install a new integrated membership card and till system.
The new system is being installed on Tuesday 18th August, none of the benefits listed below will be available until after this date, and upon receipt of your 2026/27 membership payment or first corrected standing order payment.
This is a major upgrade for the club, and here’s what it means for members and for Ross High RFC.
What This Means for Members
The new system is designed to make your experience at the club smoother, better value, and easier to manage. Depending on your membership type, you’ll benefit from:
1. Lower Bar Prices
Members will automatically receive lower bar prices when using their membership card, compared to non‑members.
2. A New Season Welcome Credit
Each season, your membership card will come pre‑loaded with credit (amount varies by membership type) that you can spend at the Ross High RFC bar.
3. Manage Your Spending Easily
You can top up your membership card with money at any time, making it simple to control your bar spending without needing cash.
4. Referral Rewards Added Automatically
If you refer a new member through the Membership Referral Scheme, your £5 reward will be added straight onto your membership card.
5. What happens if you lose your membership card?
You will need to pay £10 for a new card, which will have a new membership number.
What This Means for Ross High RFC
The new system also brings major benefits behind the scenes:
1. Increased Revenue
More members using their cards helps support the club financially.
2. Lower Transaction Costs
The integrated system reduces the number of individual card transaction fees the club pays.
3. Better Stock Control & Accounting
The tills link directly to our accounting software, giving accurate stock levels and cleaner financial records.
4. More Efficient for Volunteers & Bar Staff
Serving becomes quicker and easier, reducing workload and helping volunteers focus on members rather than admin.
5. Ability to Offer New Bar Initiatives
The new system allows us to introduce loyalty rewards, special promotions, seasonal offers, and other member benefits.
Important: Misuse of the System
To protect the club and ensure fairness for all members, we must be clear about misuse:
❗ Misuse includes allowing anyone else to use your membership card or your member benefits.
If this happens, it will be treated as disciplinary action, and suspension of club benefits or club membership may be considered.
Why this matters
Misuse directly harms the financial sustainability of Ross High RFC. The membership system is designed to support the club — not to be shared or used by non‑members.
Protecting the system protects the club.
In Summary
The new integrated membership card and till system is a modern upgrade that benefits you, our volunteers, and the long‑term future of Ross High RFC. It delivers better value, smoother service, and stronger financial stability — helping us continue to be a fun, social, safe community rugby club for everyone.
Please Support Our Bar staff and Volunteers During the Transition
As we all get used to the new system, there will inevitably be a few mistakes along the way. These won’t be intentional — just part of everyone learning something new.
Please be patient and kind with bar staff and volunteers
They are giving up their time to help the club, and your understanding will make the transition much smoother for everyone.
A Final Thank You
A huge thank you again to Robert Baillie and Thomas Docherty of Integrated Delivered Solutions for their extremely generous support in making this new system possible. Their contribution will have a lasting, positive impact on the club.
Should anyone wish to discuss any of the points in this email, please do contact me at [email protected]
Thank you for taking the time to read this rather long email, and well done for reaching the end.
Best regards,
Mark Urwin
Proud President of Ross High RFC
Email: [email protected]
Blawearie Road | Tranent | East Lothian | EH33 2DB
www.Rosshighrfc.co.uk
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