FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is the AASC?
The American Association of Sporting Clubs (“AASC”) is an association organized for the purpose of representing a network of affiliated hunting lodges and fishing resorts across North America. The Association is made up of lodge and resort camp owners who affiliate their properties into the AASC. The Association’s purpose is to provide lodge and resort owners an organized and collective entity for marketing and advertising their facilities, lobbying efforts on industry matters, group purchasing, and strategic initiatives with manufacturers and retailers. The Association’s focus is to promote member affiliate facilities and generate more business for each lodge/resort camp owner. This function is provided by Sporting Clubs of America (“SCA”), which is a membership sporting club offered to hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. By joining SCA, members get discounts on rates and services at the affiliated properties within the AASC/SCA system. Lodges and resorts get more traffic and paying customers and guest get discounts; a real win:win! What is the difference between “joining” the association and “affiliating” my lodge? Some lodges/resorts may not need more customer flow or exposure. These properties may choose to join the association but not affiliate their lodge within the system. You will still receive the benefits of belonging to a national organization such as group purchasing, lobbying power, conventions, and national recognition, but you will not receive the benefits of affiliation such as exclusive marketing to SCA members. Why should I affiliate my property with AASC? As a member of AASC, your affiliated property will be marketed directly to those hunters and fishermen looking for exactly the right place to visit – your facility. AASC/SCA is the only reciprocal program within the hunting and fishing industry, affording you the ability to benefit from collective marketing and increased revenue from higher occupancy. What are the costs involved for joining and affiliating? None for the initial launch period. After you realize the benefits from belonging to the network and remain as a member, there will be an annual fee to belong to the association, plus an additional fee per lodge affiliated. These fees are necessary to cover association operating and administrative expenses, marketing expenses related to showcasing your lodge, and providing member materials for your hunters and fishermen guests. All fees have all been waived for the initial launch period! What sort of discounts are AASC members required to offer to SCA members? Affiliated lodge and resort owners shall provide discounts up to 20% off the standard or general public rates to SCA members. Each lodge/resort owner has the right to set “blackout dates,” seasonal rates, package rates, and various amenity rates and the AASC/SCA discount program is on a space-available basis only. The lodge/resort owner must honor the standard or public published rates for the entire year, as those rates with discounts are published in the SCA annual club directory. Rates may be changed for subsequent years prior to directory publication. What can an affiliated lodge expect in terms of new traffic? Certainly seasonality and location play a part in any property’s occupancy and use, but your total overall guest stays will gain momentum as the program matures. Remember, one of the goals of the association is to get more paying customers visiting your facility. The AASC will market your lodge/resort and obtain the maximum exposure for you. Who else is doing this? The AASC/SCA reciprocal sporting club network is the first-of-its-kind program within the hunting and fishing industry. Reciprocal programs have proven to be very successful for golf clubs, timeshares, and recreation vehicle outdoor and camping resorts. How do lodge or resort owners affiliate their property with AASC? Simply fill out the Membership and Affiliation Agreement, Property Information Sheet, and send in the forms. Once we receive your lodge information and artwork and approve your application, we will list your property on our website and in our annual directory, and start promoting your facility. What do I do if I need more materials or have more questions? Visit our contact page and call us! We will be glad to discuss whatever questions and/or additional material you need! |
Simply download the application, complete, and mail to:
American Association of Sporting Clubs 600 SE 48th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34471 Download Application Call us today to find out how easy it is to become a part of North America's network of sporting club properties. |