GETTING CLUB BUY-IN FOR BAT LOGIC

Club finances are always a challenge. When it comes to an investment such as installing BAT Logic’s QuickRelease system, cost is of course a vital consideration. We know that BAT Logic pays dividends in the long-term, but we also recognize that getting sign-off on that initial investment can be an uphill climb for club captains.

If you’re thinking about fitting out your club with BAT Logic’s technology, here’s how some of our clubs have done it. From creative fund-raising, to influencing the finance team, there are a variety of ways to help bring about a positive change to club life though BAT Logic.

Sharing the cost at West End Rowing Club

The move to a new system was a big culture change for New Zealand based West End Rowing Club (WERC). As is often the case, the committee could see the benefits but there was some push back on costs especially from parents. To demonstrate the technology and value of the BAT Logic system, club Captain David Vallance ordered samples of the QuickRelease System and attached them to a board along with the prices and shoes so rowers could see how the click-in-click-out system worked.

David’s recommendation was successful. The club partnered with schools that share their shed to fund the cost of 250 QuickRelease Systems and a few extra club shoes to replace the oldest ones. After the initial investment, the overall saving to the club is a $5000 per year reduction in their shoe budget.

Rent-a-rower at Virginia Rowing

At Virginia Rowing, Associate Head Coach Alan Kush looked at BAT Logic as a potential solution to their problem of poorly fitting club shoes. Initial feedback was that the cost was prohibitive but Alan talked to rowers about the benefits in the context of other sports which helped them to see a different perspective - for example, soccer players buy their own boots and rowing shoes last a lot longer, especially if they are taken out of boats after training.

In terms of funding the purchase, Virginia Rowing is a not-for-profit organization associated with the University of Virginia and although the cost for the rowing program is $2,000 per athlete only $500 is required to be out of pocket. The remainder needs to be achieved through club fund-raising, alumni donations and corporate team building. One initiative is Rent-a-Rower where athletes help people with heavy lifting jobs at home in return for a donation.

Alan presented the business case for switching to the BAT Logic click-in-click-out system and found that the finance team was surprisingly their best ally. Although BAT Logic is an investment, it removes a budget line item from finance in the future.

Tips for getting buy-in at your club

  1. Talk in the language of finance by demonstrating the long-term cost savings.
  2. View the purchase of rowing shoes in the context of other sports where athletes buy their own equipment.
  3. Recognize that a boat purchase effects only a small number of rowers within the club whereas fitting out the club with the BAT Logic QuickReleaseSystem improves the rowing experience for every athlete.
  4. Demonstrate the ease and comfort of the system to athletes.
  5. Get creative about fund-raising.
  6. Consider asking for a small part-donation to support funding.
  7. Keep club shoes for those who do find the cost prohibitive.
  8. Read our customer stories about the genuine improvement to club life as a result of switching to BAT Logic.

Sharing the cost at Asheville Rowing Club

Asheville Rowing Club is a non-profit athletic organization meaning the club rarely has the opportunity to buy new boats and adjustable shoes were purchased to keep costs low while allowing for variation in foot size. Club Captain Tom Stender found that selling the concept to the Board was difficult due to the constant pressure to not increase club dues.

In order to raise funds, the club asked for a small donation from each member as a contribution towards the BAT Logic system. The volume pricing meant the cost would be around $50 per set and a large number of the rowers contributed. Once the club had been fitted out people got excited about it and everyone could understand its value. The club says appreciation of the switch from athletes has been great.

Demonstrating cost savings at Vesta Rowing Club

Vesta Rowing club is a volunteer-based club based in London where budget is tight. Due to finances, the necessary expense of shoe replacement became piecemeal. Club Captain Harry Bond put forward a proposal to the committee for a move to the BAT Logic QuickRelease system based around the issues the club had, the costs and potential future savings.

Harry was keen for the fit-out to be across the club, rather than just for the top boats, so that it was inclusive and everyone could buy into the idea. As some rowers would find the cost of owning their own shoes prohibitive Harry proposed buying some spare club shoes as well as encouraging rowers that rowed often to buy their own shoes. By convincing athletes to buy their own shoes, the club no longer has to absorb a major cost. BAT Logic has improved club life as athletes get own pair of shoes that fit which can be removed from the boat to dry out properly.

If you’re thinking of fitting out your club with BAT Logic, have a look at our customer stories to find out more.