HOW TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP
IN THE CENTRAL PARK TRACK CLUB

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MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

The Central Park Track Club is open to all.

While we don't have time requirements as such, we are a competitive running team looking for serious runners.  Our major selling point is the quality of our twice-a-week coached workouts (Thursdays inside Central Park, Tuesdays at the East River Park track in Summer and indoors at the Armory in Winter).  If you are interested in joining our team, you should turn up to our workouts to see if what we are offering is what you are looking for.  You do not have to be a dues-paying team member to sample the workouts. Generally speaking, we think that it is a bad idea for anyone to want to sign up sight unseen and that is why we encourage people to show up at our open workouts to see if we have the right environment for you.  After all, people have different needs, styles, forms, etc.  If, after a few workouts, you feel that we are right for you, you can then fill out the application form. 

There is no pressure on members to perform at any level. Members are regarded as full-grown adults who can determine their own agenda and priorities (... well, most of them anyway). Therefore, members are not required to run a minimum number of races or a designated list of races. Given the size of this club, we can usually field enough team members in most local races without prior arrangement. Our middle-of-the-pack runners have often found themselves as the 4th or 5th runner on the five-person scoring teams.

At an abstract level, team members should make an effort to race, since that motivates them to maintain and utilize a good level of fitness. The very experienced coaching staff is available for consultation (especially over a few beers ... okay, many beers).

WHY:

Ask yourself  why you want to join this club.  There can be many reasons, such as:

  • you want to be a better runner
  • you want to be a superior runner
  • you want to be a runner period
  • you want to enjoy team running
  • you want to enjoy team competition
  • you want to race in that orange singlet
  • you want to be cheered by hundreds of people at races
  • you want to run around in the bright orange club jacket
  • you want good, attentive coaching
  • you want to do sprint workouts
  • you want to use the indoor track with the team
  • you want to do the outdoor distance workouts
  • you want to run around the park with a bunch of other people in the dark
  • you want to be a better swimmer
  • you want to be a better cyclist
  • you want to be a better triathlete
  • you want to run ultramarathons
  • you want to come to the parties
  • you want to play in the annual softball game
  • you want to meet and socialize with interesting men/women
  • you want to get plugged into a network of very diversified people
  • you want to publicize your professional services
  • you want to collect material for a dissertation on organizational social psychology
  • you want to receive the club newsletter
  • you want to see your photos published on the World Wide Web for your friends and family to see
  • and, finally, maybe because you like this web site?

All of the above are good reasons for joining the club.  We ask you to think about your reasons because we want our members to be satisfied and happy.   Above all, we want to be able to meet your expectations.  Of course, you must be wondering what reasons are invalid for joining.   Try this one: "I thought I was joining a model railroad club ... you know ... track club?"  Get it?

If you have any questions, please send e-mail to the webmaster.  

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HOW TO DO IT:

Print a hard copy of the Microsoft Word document. Follow the instructions and fill out the form. Mail the form together with the appropriate club dues to the indicated address.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:

Your application goes to the Executive Board of the Central Park Track Club, which meets at the beginning of each month.   You will then be notified by mail about your acceptance, together with other membership materials and information (such as uniforms, newsletters, etc).

CLUB TRANSFERS:

USATF Regulation #7.C.2 "Transfers between clubs/organizations: To transfer representation from one club/organization to another, an athlete must serve ninety (90) days in "unattached" status from the date of the last competition in which the athlete represented a club/organization ..."
  Walrus Internet