Membership

1. Introduction

Ranging from club to individual memberships, the Pole Sport Malta offers a membership account to suit everyone. There are many benefits to being a member with us, including discounts on tickets for the IPSF World Championship as well as advice and support in key areas such as competitions, anti-doping and insurances. As a member of the Pole Sport Malta you are also eligible to vote on certain issues and play a significant part in shaping the Federation for the future of Pole. As an instructor, athlete and coach we will support your development and provide support for national and international competitions. Please read the guidelines for more detailed information on the criteria required for each membership category. Your membership fee is annual.

2. Individuals

2.1 Pole Enthusiast

A Pole Enthusiast membership is for someone who wishes to have a personal membership to receive the benefits available as a supporter of pole whether you pole or not. 

Benefits

• 10% discount on events tickets
• Voting rights on several committee issues throughout the year
• Welcome pack
• Monthly members newsletter
• Discounts for goods in affiliated pole businesses

Criteria required for individual membership

• Completed membership form
• membership fee in Euro
• Electronic photograph – head shot

2.2 Instructors

This membership is for instructors to show they are working within the guidelines for health and safety, keep up with continuing professional development to be recognised or accredited as an instructor by the IPSF in accordance with IPSF requirements. (See school’s memberships for instructors who are part of a school membership).

Benefits – the same as individuals plus:

• Discount on all IPSF courses
• Support with anti-doping expectations
• Advice about insurances / insurance included
• Recognition and accreditation by the Pole Sport Malta
• Listing on the Pole Sport Malta  website

Criteria required for an Instructor membership

• Completed membership form
• membership fee in Euro
• Electronic photograph – head shot
• Biography of pole sports history
• Evidence of IPSF training
•  (if not supplying insurance) Evidence of insurance to cover public liability and professional indemnity with pole sports or dance specifically covered.

3.3 Coaches

This membership enables coaches to promote themselves as being of a high enough calibre within the sporting industry to work within the pole industry in accordance with expectations of the IPSF. You will be supported to continuously improve your coaching skills and ways in which to best support athletes at IPSF competitions; both nationally and internationally.

Benefits – the same as instructors plus:

• Eligibility to attend national and international IPSF competitions as the official coach with your athletes.
• Discount on IPSF coaching courses
• Discount on IPSF judges training courses

Criteria required for a Coach membership

• Completed membership form including signing up to the WADA code
• membership fee in Euro
• Electronic photograph – head shot
• Biography of sporting history
• Evidence of IPSF training
• (if not supplying insurance) Evidence of insurance to cover public liability and professional indemnity with pole sports or dance specifically covered.

2.4 Athletes

This membership is for athletes who wish to register with the Pole Sport Malta to show they support pole sport and adhere to sporting expectations laid down by the IPSF. This includes signing up to the WADA code and anti-doping regulations which can be legally enforced. As athletes you will be supported in many ways; we will ensure that standards and conditions in competitions are raised to the highest levels, we will continue to promote a fair and equal scoring and judging system that is consistent around the world and we will keep pushing forward to have your achievements recognised in world games and championships.

Benefits – the same as individuals plus:

• Discount on IPSF athletes courses
• Discount on IPSF judges training courses
• Support with anti-doping expectations
• (if not supplying courses) Advice about insurances
• Listing on the Pole Sport Malta  website
• Entry on the world ranking status

Criteria required for an athlete’s membership

• Completed membership form
• membership fee in Euro
• Electronic photograph – head shot
• Biography of pole sporting history

3. Organisations

3.1 Clubs or Studio

A Club / School membership will have to adhere to strict requirements in accordance with pole sports.  You will get many benefits and lots of support for your Club / School. To be a Club / School with Pole Sport Malta membership will show you have the highest credentials in the discipline of pole in your training environment and for each of your instructors. Your school does not have to only teach pole, just show how you incorporate the sport into your schedule and how you support athletes to reach their full potential should they choose to participate in pole sports.

Benefits

• Discount on WPSC tickets
• Discount on tickets for your National Championships in your country
• Discounts on hosting training courses
• Extra discounts for group ticket numbers
• Instructors will have voting rights on several committee issues throughout the year
• Welcome pack
• Monthly members newsletter
• Discounts for goods in affiliated pole businesses
• Support with anti-doping expectations
• (if not supplying insurance) Advice about insurances
• Recognition by the Pole Sport Malta on the website

Criteria required for a school membership

• Completed membership form
• membership fee in Euro
• All instructors to be registered with Pole Sport Malta
• (if not supplying insurance) Full insurance for public liability and professional indemnity.
• Review of school history and current classes

3.2 – Regional Organisations

A regional organisation membership will have to adhere to strict requirements in accordance with pole sports. You are likely to be a regional pole sports association. You will get many benefits and lots of support for your organisation. You will need to show how you are supporting schools, clubs, instructors and individual pole sports supporters in your region.

Benefits – the same as schools/clubs plus:

• Committee members to have voting rights on certain Pole Sport Malta issues
• Discounts on hosting training courses

Criteria required for a regional organisation membership

• Completed membership form
• membership fee in Euro
• Review of organisation history
• Report of future organisation plans for pole sports in your region

3.2 – Industry Related Businesses

This membership is for businesses who wish to have certain benefits available to them and to be promoted to our other members by offering a discount to them when they make purchases.

Benefits

• Discount on Pole Sport Malta  tickets
• Discount on tickets for the World Championships
• Voting rights on several committee issues throughout the year
• Welcome pack
• Monthly members newsletter
• Recognition by the Pole Sport Malta on the website
• Discount on trade stands and tickets at regional and national competitions
• First offers on all sponsorship opportunities

Criteria required for an industry related membership

• Completed membership form
• membership fee in Euro
• Overview of your business activities

4.   Application Procedure

4.1       Guidelines

• The membership form needs to be filled in correctly and typed; not handwritten
• All supporting documents are to be copies (not originals)
• The membership fee must be sent prior to application or with the application form
• Please contact the us if you require any assistance with your application
• All members will be required to abide by the WADA code – see details below.

The WADA code is an international agreement between all sporting organisations affiliated with the International Olympic Committee and Sport Accord to ensure fair and clean sporting behaviour for all. The IPSF has adopted the principles of WADA and is in the process of implementing an anti-doping educational programme which will include testing. Signing the IPSF policy makes it your responsibility to find out further information.

4.2       Documents Accepted

• Electronic head shot to be appropriate for your membership card
• Copies of your qualifications in fitness/sport etc.
• School/organisation reports to be on headed paper

4.3       Membership Application

Your application will be processed within two weeks from receipt of your forms. Should more information be needed you will be notified immediately. You will be informed of the outcome of your application on completion of the full application process; your welcome pack and documents will then be sent to you.  Part of your welcome pack will be sent online and part will be by post. Please make sure your email and postal addresses are correct.

Membership fees can be made either through PayPal – Pole Sport Malta , by cheque with the application form made payable to ‘Pole Sport Malta, or by bank transfer upon request.

Your photograph should be sent to info@polesportmalta.org with your name and the membership you are applying for clearly stated in the email.

Depending on the membership you are applying for, when your welcome pack is sent to you, we will also ask you to send in your details for the website. These details may include but are not limited to:

• Your logo
• A link to your website
• A short paragraph about you/your school/club/business etc.

4.5       Membership Renewal

Membership is renewed annually. One month before your renewal date you will be asked if you wish to renew your membership, and sent details of how to do so. You may cancel at any time.