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| Cell phones…a curse or a blessing! ‘Tis one or other, depending upon your point of view. But one thing is certain there’s no one policy at private clubs across the country. What is reality for using cell phones in today’s private club environment? |
| It seems to be as much a cultural as a policy decision. For example, cell phones are allowed in the vast majority of places today, why not private clubs? Is it because of the private club culture, particularly the culture of long-established clubs with older memberships? Many older clubs are absolute in their policies passed by the board of directors regarding cell phones. They are verboten…banned…forbidden! |
| Not so at some clubs, with younger members who see the use of cell phones as much more related to their generational culture. These members accept cell phones and many other technological gadgets as a fact of life, and for many of them, a necessity. At some clubs there is a policy allowing use of cell phones in certain areas of clubs, for emergencies and with ringers turned off to avoid distracting club members. |
| As we find, the opinions of those in the private club industry are as varied as the policies. For some clubs that have banned the use of cell phones in and around the club, including the golf course and tennis courts, the decision has come from the board of directors. |
| “They are obnoxious and rude…at the club, whether in the dining room, bar or golf course. When members take phone calls on the golf course it holds up play and causes unpleasantries between the various playing groups, which also causes slow play. The club is meant for recreation and pleasure not for business and the cell phones have become a very big annoyance to the membership.” |
| The policy is quite similar for Noyac Golf Club, says general manager Gregg Deger. Noyac Golf Club is located on the south fork/eastern end of Long Island in a town called Sag Harbor, NY. |
| “Upon entry to the driveway leading from the parking lot, we have two signs which read ‘No cell phones beyond this point.’ This decision is a board decision. The club rule states that cell phones are only permitted in the car park area.” |
| And the same is true for a city club in Dallas, TX where Rick Coyne, president of Club Mark Corporation, is a member. “There has always been a policy against cell phones. It was a policy decided by the board, but I think well endorsed by most of the members.” |
| So why has this policy been adopted? Is it a cultural, or an emotional decision rather than a logical, practical decision in today's club environment? |
| “You know this question is really interesting, “ Coyne said. “Cell phones are an annoyance to almost everybody who’s had to endure the loudmouth sitting next to them in a restaurant, airport or even on the golf course. They’re talking as if they needs to shout to be heard over some great distance. Unfortunately, for the ignorant few we have needed to establish a policy to protect ourselves,” Coyne opined. |
| “However, where the policy on cell phones takes an interesting turn, at least in my opinion, is in the attitudes that extends over into any other kind of electronic communications. Let's face it, not just young professionals, but nearly the entire workforce is becoming dependent on connectivity, young and old alike. It's a PDA, WiFi world out there and technology marches upward and onward. |
| “For our overall betterment?
I'll leave that for another debate.
However, one thing is clear; clubs are not responding in synch with
the needs of our members. How
many clubs have business centers or wireless connectivity?
Starbucks does at nearly every store.
When you ask an executive of the explosively growth-oriented company
what business their in, it's not coffee.
It's relationships. What
business are we in?” Coyne questioned. |
| Still the fact remains some boards, general managers and members consider cell phones an annoyance. |
| “Ringing cell phones when golfers are teeing off, watching a TV event or the interruption of card games etc.,” are all part of the annoyance, says Deger. “If you notice, 95 percent of the people on the cell phone share their conversation with those around them and quite frankly no member really cares about another member’s conversation.” |
| So based on the policies, the decision to ban cell phone use in and around clubs has been well accepted generally, and with little or no effect upon membership retention or prospective members. |
| “New or prospect members would never, not join the club because of this policy. No one has left the club because of it,” Tunley stated bluntly. |
| But at the Noyac Golf Club, there have been exceptions. “For the majority the rule is pleasantly accepted. However the board has had a few members with ailing spouses challenge the rule. The board has made two exceptions. You can carry the phone with you. You must leave it in silent or vibration mode and can only be used for incoming calls in emergencies. The members readily accepted this,” Deger added. “There has been no repercussion or questioning from prospective members nor a reason for a current member to leave the club based on this rule.” |
| Will this thinking change? For many young professionals today, the cell phone is a major communication tool as suggested earlier by Coyne. So will a decision not to allow cell phone use in the club environment affect future membership sales? |
| Not in Tunley’s mind. “I don’t believe that the no cell phone policy will effect our future membership. The only area where we have major issues is when we have business groups here and they tend to ignore the rule, as it is not their club and they could really care less. This could make us re-think our golf outing policies but if we cut back on outings then our membership would have to pay higher dues. |
| “I don’t believe that our membership will demand any change in the cell phone policy. In fact they are the ones most critical of cell phone abuse,” Tunley concluded. |
| Or, the future may be as Deger suggests, “ it is more of demographics. In an area where there are many clubs with no waiting list and a prospective member has several choices it could be a deciding factor for those individuals who rely on cell phones for conducting business. |
| “Again, it depends on the culture of the club and the ages of its members. A newly developed club with young progressive members would certainly accept the cell phone usage in and around the club’s environs more readily then an older, established club.” |
| In Coyne’s mind, the technological culture is as important as demographics. |
| “First, most people agree, cell phones are a nuisance in the dining room and in closed spaces. However, we should not allow our bias to this one piece of technology jade our thinking for other forms on connectivity in the club,” he said. |
| “Clubs are no longer the homogenous and social associations they once were. Today's club is infused with mature members, Baby Boomers, Generation Xer's and their children and grandchildren. Even the grandparents are becoming web- enabled, if for no other reason to stay in touch with the grandkids. The rapid and dynamic growth of technology, its wide range of acceptance through the age groups and the overpowering knowledge that it will only get bigger and bigger, should send a resounding message. Be open to change!” |
| So will the change come? |
| "Look 20 years ago, who would have thought that fine dining would no longer be the norm in the private club of 2003. Member's needs are changing with each generation. The challenge to the club is to simply keep pace,” Coyne recommended. |
| Publisher's final thoughts |
| So while many clubs prefer to ban cells phones from the premises, or at least limit their use to certain locations, prudent use seems to be the best answer for the moment. But because of our rapid technological change today, use of these communications devices should be considered in future club decisions. No question in my mind: a no cell phone policy will have an effect on some professionals joining the club, and may cause other to leave because they need to be in contact with clients, the office, home and in some emergencies, places like hospitals. |
| One option club may wish to consider is newer technology such as Blackberry and other personal communication devices. At least with these, members, while not able to retrieve calls, can receive emails…silently. |
| At least, that's the way I see it! |
| What's your opinion. If you wish to respond to the Publisher's Perspective, or other BoardRoom articles, contact Publisher John G. Fornaro by email at john@apcd.com. |
| John Fornaro Publisher |