AU Sports Club Memberships

Loughborough Sport means Loughborough University, its departments, employees, coaches, volunteers, contractors, authorised representatives, and partner organisations responsible for delivering sport programmes, facilities, activities, and services.

Athletic Union (AU) means the body responsible for administering student sports clubs and competition programmes at Loughborough University.

Member means the individual who purchases or is allocated an AU Club Membership.

AU Club means any recognised Athletic Union sports club affiliated with Loughborough University.

AU Club Membership means the membership product associated with a specific AU Club, providing access to approved club activities and benefits.

BUCS means British Universities and Colleges Sport.

2.1 Only individuals eligible under the Athletic Union and Loughborough University regulations may purchase or hold an AU Club Membership.

2.2 To become a member of an AU Club, individuals must first register their interest with the club committee. Memberships may only be purchased by those who have been selected and formally invited to join the club by the committee.

2.3 To view, purchase, or hold an AU Club Membership, members must maintain at least a valid Loughborough Sport Purple Membership (or any replacement membership designated by Loughborough Sport).

2.4Athletes selected to train within a AU Performance Development Squad are required to attend training sessions at a designated Performance training facility. As a condition of participation, a Loughborough Sport Gold Membership is required.

2.5 Loughborough Sport and the Athletic Union reserve the right to verify eligibility at any time.

2.6 Membership may be suspended or withdrawn where eligibility requirements are no longer met.

3.1 AU Club Membership fees consist of:

• An AU Club Membership fee; and
• An administration fee which contributes towards Athletic Union operations and BUCS registration costs.

3.2 Membership fees must be paid in full before membership benefits become available unless otherwise agreed by Loughborough Sport.

3.3 Membership prices may vary between clubs based on operational requirements and activities.

3.4 Membership fees are non-transferable.

3.5 Membership fees are non-refundable except where required by law or where Loughborough Sport expressly agrees otherwise in writing.

4.1 AU Club Membership may provide access to:

• Club training sessions;
• Coaching activities;
• Internal club activities;
• Loughborough Sport facilities;
• External training venues;
• Competitive opportunities;
• Club development opportunities; and
• Other club-specific benefits.

4.2 Membership benefits vary between clubs and may change during the membership period.

4.3 Purchase of an AU Club Membership does not guarantee:

• Selection for teams;
• Match participation;
• Competition entry;
• Leadership positions; or
• Access to restricted squads or programmes.

5.1 Some AU Clubs may require attendance at trials, assessments, auditions, or selection events.

5.2 A fee may be charged for participation in a trial or assessment process.

5.3 Any trial fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated by the relevant club.

5.4 Participation in a trial or assessment does not guarantee:

• Selection into a team;
• Membership of a performance squad;
• Competition opportunities; or
• Future involvement with the club.

5.5 Selection decisions are made by the relevant club and coaching staff and are final.

6.1 Members are expected to attend training sessions, meetings, competitions, and club activities regularly and punctually.

6.2 Some clubs may operate minimum attendance requirements.

6.3 Where attendance requirements are communicated by the club, members are expected to comply with those requirements.

6.4 Repeated unexplained absences, poor attendance, or failure to engage with club activities may affect:

• Team selection;
• Competition eligibility;
• Access to club activities; and
• Continued membership benefits.

6.5 Members must notify the relevant club where they are unable to attend a scheduled activity.

6.6 Where required by the AU Club or Loughborough Sport, members must pre-book attendance at training sessions and activities using the Loughborough Sport App or any replacement booking system.

6.7 For activities taking place within access-controlled facilities, members may be required to hold a valid booking before access is granted. Members who have not booked onto a session may be refused entry, denied participation, or otherwise be unable to access the facility.

6.8 Members are responsible for ensuring they have successfully booked and, where required, checked into sessions in accordance with the instructions issued by their AU Club and Loughborough Sport.

7.1 Members must hold a valid AU Club Membership to represent the club in BUCS competition where membership is required.

7.2 It is the responsibility of the member to ensure their membership remains active throughout the period of competition.

7.3 Loughborough Sport and the Athletic Union reserve the right to remove athletes from competition where membership requirements are not met.

7.4 Additional governing body registration requirements may apply for certain sports.

8.1 Clubs may organise trips, competitions, camps, tours, training activities, and social events.

8.2 Participation in specific activities may require additional payment.

8.3 Clubs reserve the right to amend, postpone, or cancel activities where reasonably necessary.

8.4 Activities may be cancelled due to:

• Poor uptake;
• Insufficient participant numbers;
• Facility issues;
• Safety concerns;
• Adverse weather; or
• Circumstances beyond reasonable control.

8.5 Any applicable refund arrangements will be communicated by the relevant club or Loughborough Sport.

8.6 Transport and Travel - Members are responsible for travelling to and from training sessions, fixtures, competitions, and events unless transport has been specifically arranged by the AU Club or Loughborough Sport.