Why should I join Northern and/or the EPA ?

Frequent answer - Access to regional and national tournaments allowing play at the highest levels.
Correct ? - Yes, but this implies players who do not play at these levels should not bother joining an association - Incorrect.

As a National Association the EPA provides the following ;

• A structure within which the sport has a chance to thrive.
  A collection of local clubs may succeed temporarily but if you want to keep playing Petanque something more substantial is needed.
• Qualified umpires to help ensure that the game is played correctly.
  The rules of Petanque are standardised internationally. Each new member receives a rules booklet.
• Qualified coaches at national, regional and club level to help players who want to improve their techniques.
• Advice for new clubs such as how to build terrains , what equipment is needed , what grants can be applied for , how to organise tournaments.
• EPA licences which can be upgraded free of charge to an international licence allowing players to play in tournaments whilst abroad.

The annual cost for an adult to join the EPA (2012) via Northern Petanque is only £19 or £3 for a junior.
Of that £19 - £13 goes to the EPA and £6 to Northern. Northern does not retain any of the junior fee.

If your club wants to register with the EPA then six Club members must become individual members of the EPA (only 3 needed in first year) and there is an annual club registration fee of £35.

From 2012 Northern has introduced an associate membership category for clubs and for individuals.
For Clubs - The annual membership fee will be 50% of the EPA club membership fee. There is no minimum membership requirement.
Associate status will allow a club to plan tournaments in conjunction with Northern clubs and to advertise their tournaments on the Northern website.
For Individuals - The annual fee for Northern associate members is £6
Associate status will allow a player to play in Regional tournaments that do not lead to representing the region at national level.
Associate members will also be able to attend coaching sessions without charge.

All Northern members have access to books and videos about Petanque .These are available to borrow free of charge.

As a non EPA or Northern member of a EPA or Northern registered club, to join just see your club secretary.
If you are not a member of a club you can still join as an unattached member.

Membership forms are also available from the Regional Membership Secretary - contact details are on the Committee page.

Compiled by Northern Petanque - For further information ring the Northern Secretary Sue Swift on 0113 2681124 or email enquiries@northernpetanque.co.uk