Reduced entry fees for club members have become common practice in padel tournaments. This policy makes sense as a way to reward member loyalty, but it raises a broader question: shouldn't competitions also serve to attract new players? This is the question posed by Frédéric Richème, a padel referee (JAP2) for about ten years. 

As padel has grown in popularity in France, clubs have increased the number of competitions they organize to meet ever-increasing demand. At the same time, many of them offer preferential rates to their members during tournaments.

Frédéric Richème believes this practice deserves to be examined. Without questioning the benefits granted to members, he encourages clubs to reflect on the actual role their competitions play in their development.

A tournament, much more than just a competition

According to the referee, a tournament is first and foremost a showcase for a club. Players from outside the club discover the facilities, the quality of the welcome, the atmosphere, the pitches, but also the services offered, such as the bar or the restaurant.

In other words, each competition represents an opportunity to introduce the structure to potential future clients, or even future licensees.

"A tournament is a real prospecting tool," he summarizes.

The outside player, a future member?

In his analysis, Frédéric Richème highlights a paradox.

Players who travel dozens of kilometers to participate in tournaments incur travel expenses, often spend money locally, and discover the club for the first time. Yet, in some cases, they pay more than members who already use the facilities year-round.

The author finds this situation problematic. The outside player could represent the club's best commercial prospect, even though he indirectly contributes to financing the discounts granted to members.

Retain existing customers or acquire new ones?

According to him, the goal is not to pit the two approaches against each other.

Members contribute to the life of the club throughout the year and their loyalty can naturally be rewarded.

On the other hand, if the tournament is also considered as a development tool, other forms of incentive could be imagined to attract new players.

Among the options discussed are a discount for first-time participants, a booking voucher for future field rentals, a free drink, an advantage for players making a long trip, or a loyalty program open to all competitors.

An economic logic as well

Beyond the sporting aspect, Frédéric Richème points out that the development of a club also depends on economic considerations.

Each visiting player can generate additional revenue through on-site purchases, return to rent a court, or recommend the club to their network. From this perspective, a one-time discount would no longer be an expense, but an investment aimed at enhancing the club's appeal.

A strategy to be adapted according to the clubs

The author acknowledges, however, that there is no universal solution.

The objectives of a club whose schedules are full several weeks in advance are not the same as those of a new organization seeking to increase its profile. Similarly, a non-profit club and a private club will not necessarily approach the issue from the same perspective.

Ultimately, the debate goes far beyond the amount of registration fees. It questions how clubs wish to use their competitions: as a benefit reserved for their members or as a genuine lever for development.

This is a thought that could resonate with many club leaders, as French padel continues to grow.

Frédéric RICHEME

Fred Richeme is one of the padel players in the Toulouse and Pau region. This referee is passionate about padel. And he offers you his opinions on the life of padel in France.

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