CYC Home
Action on a proposal to relax restrictions on weeknight racing by non-members was postponed by the CYC Board of Directors on Monday, Sept. 14, after Director Steve Travis suggested a new approach - extending weeknight guest privileges from one year to two.
With plenty of time left to plan for the 2010 racing season, the board elected to delay action for a month while considering Travis' idea.
Before he made his suggestion, the board was considering a one-year test in which a member of any club could race weeknights, but at a fee that would encourage them to join CYC.
A number of Board members thought that the original proposal could jeopardize membership. Others said that a one-year experiment might backfire, because if the club then decided against admitting non-members to the weeknight program, non-members would view the decision as a take-away.
"That would tarnish our image," said board Secretary Suzette Connolly.
During discussion, Vice Commodore John Rahn, along with Directors Lisa Dodd, Michael Cenname and others, emphasized that CYC is a club, not a public facility, and that CYC needs members rather than clients.
Travis' proposal called for a two-year guest eligibility, with the rates being bumped up the second year.
Restrictions on weeknight racing have long been controversial, both inside and outside CYC. Proponents of restrictions say high-quality weeknight racing is unique to CYC and should be considered a benefit of membership. Opponents say the restrictions put a limit on something everyone wants - maximum participation.
The board will again take up the restrictions at its meeting on Oct. 12.