by
Shane Conroy
| Apr 18, 2023
Last week — for the first time — I went into an actual GCSAA membership classification during this series, where I highlighted the benefits of earning your Class A membership.
This week, I’m going highlight another GCSAA membership classification, one that does not get enough attention in my opinion — especially due to the narrow labor market we are currently experiencing.
38. GCSAA Associate Members (Class AS)
What is the definition of an AS member?
To qualify for Associate Membership, an applicant must be employed by a golf course superintendent at a golf course and does not qualify for membership under the Class A, Class B, Class C or Equipment Manager Bylaws' definition. Associate Members shall have such rights of the association as the board of directors may specify by standing rules, except those of voting and holding office.
As you can see from the above, this membership classification encompasses anyone on your crew who is not a superintendent, assistant, or equipment manager. If a crew member is an AS member, they have access to the benefits of GCSAA membership, many of which can assist them personally and professionally.
By joining GCSAA as an AS member, it gives members on the crew a sense of belonging at their facility and provides a pathway for them in the profession. It allows them to grow professionally through GCSAA education and gives them access to their own transcripts and ‘My Learning Hub.’ It also provides them access to health, vision, dental and life insurance through GCSAA’s Association Health Program.
In a labor market that is currently one of the toughest in recent memory, providing AS membership to key members on your crew can not only keep them engaged and involved at your facility, but offer them a sense of belonging in the industry, and provide key benefits that may not be offered through employment alone. When promotion from within is becoming more common, GCSAA AS membership can prepare key members on your team to make the leap to assistant superintendent, equipment manager or even superintendent, and become a more valuable member of the team.
As always, if you’ve missed a previous post, please check them out below: