If you and your friends would prefer to play table tennis on a regular basis at a location and time more convenient than currently exist, https://thevillagesttc.weebly.com/where-and-when-to-play.html, you may wish to apply to be a resident volunteer.
My name is Gerry Gividen, (904) 874-4333. I have done this a number of times. I am happy to help you do this.
Don’t be surprised if they decline even if the recreation manager has told you they have time. Of the 4 applications I have been involved with 3 of them were declined initially. Each of the 2 requests that I appealed, we were able to get approval.
Frequently Asked Questions:
FYI: I understand recreation invites resident volunteers 2 tickets to a free performance every year as a reward for helping the community.
My name is Gerry Gividen, (904) 874-4333. I have done this a number of times. I am happy to help you do this.
- If you wish to play at a location that already has tables, look for a time when a room is open. You can ask the recreation manager for ideas. Alternatively, a schedule is posted outside every room with the schedule for the day. In a short time, you can see when rooms might be available. Note, if you prefer a location that does not have tables, we need to talk. This is possible but may take more time.
- Find people that are interested in playing singles/doubles with you at the location and time. The number of people will determine the number of tables you need and the size of the room. Depending on if you are playing singles or doubles, I can help you understand the capacity of the tables and room and effects on waiting time for the type of play you wish to play (i.e. singles or doubles).
- I would recommend you call the day before you want to play and ask them to set up the tables you need for the next day for a while. If they confirm the room is available, then just call your friends and let them know that you are set for the next day. If the room is open but they do not provide it, I am happy to help you resolve any misunderstanding. Alternatively, if you get enough people signed up you don’t have to wait. We should talk if you wish to go ahead at this time.
- After a month or two of playing, you will be in a good position to request the room and time be assigned to you. You have proven demand. You have proven that there is no one else using the room. You can continue to call every week, or you can formalize the relationship and become a resident volunteer. Now you are ready to get paperwork for the recreation center and apply to become a resident volunteer. You will probably want to get a person to back you up when you are unavailable.
- If they accept your application, you will be asked to renew it every year. They will tell you if there are any days that have already been given to someone else. After the first year, the number of exceptions will be greatly reduced.
Don’t be surprised if they decline even if the recreation manager has told you they have time. Of the 4 applications I have been involved with 3 of them were declined initially. Each of the 2 requests that I appealed, we were able to get approval.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much work is required of the Resident Volunteer? It can be as simple as filling out the application and signing it once it is approved. Recreation will put the schedule in the paper each week. You may wish to notify your players when you do not have the room. If there is a last-minute change, recreation will notify you to tell your players. You will need to resign every year.
- What does the backup person do? The backup person will be notified about last-minute schedule changes so he can notify your people when you are unavailable.
- Do we have to charge a membership fee or have social functions? No, you can expand as much as you want. I have never been involved with setting up a club that had dues or social activities. If you wish more information, recreation will provide their rules in the paperwork you sign. I can refer you to other resident volunteers who collect dues and provide social functions.
FYI: I understand recreation invites resident volunteers 2 tickets to a free performance every year as a reward for helping the community.