Club Affiliation
We understand that any increase in fees can be challenging, and we want to ensure full transparency and support throughout this transition. Our aim is to make the process as fair and manageable as possible for every club. Even with the 2026 changes, Tennis Ireland’s affiliation fees remain modest. We are committed to delivering maximum value for every euro contributed.
Please contact Tennis Ireland, your Regional Development Officer or your Provincial Branch for support
Below are some FAQs to help you and your club through the process.
FAQs
What are PCF and CAF?
- Player Capitation Fee (PCF): A small per-player fee collected by clubs on behalf of Tennis Ireland. To assist in funding the Tennis Ireland organisation and it ensures every player is affiliated with their sport’s governing body.
- Court Affiliation Fee (CAF): A per-court fee payable to Tennis Ireland to support our work on behalf of clubs.
Why should members support these fees?
PCF is an investment back into their club and their sport. It helps Tennis Ireland to:
- Strengthen provincial networks and branches
- Facilitate access to leagues and competitions across all ages and standards within provinces
- Develop club talent pathways
- Upskill, educate and licence coaches
- Guide clubs on governance, safeguarding, facilities and volunteer recruitment
- Unlock grants and capital funding
- Build community partnerships (Enjoy Tennis, Parks Tennis, Women in Sport, Schools Tennis)
- Provide access to the World Tennis Number ranking system
- Support competition software and systems
- Showcase Ireland internationally (Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Irish Open)
Why do governing bodies have PCF?
This is standard practice in most sports. Every registered player contributes directly to the development of their sport. In tennis, this means:
- Running competitions
- Training and accrediting coaches
- Safeguarding programmes
- Providing grants and funding access
- Supporting tennis development nationally, including grassroots programmes and hosting international events
- Supporting clubs through Regional Development Officers
Representing Irish tennis internationally
Why are fees changing now?
- To deliver a more transparent and consistent fee structure aligned across all four provinces as outlined at the AGM
- To date fees have varied between provinces and, in some cases, even between clubs within the same province.
- The fees have not increased in many years
What are the new standardised PCF rates (from 2026)?
- Junior: €12
- Senior: €25
- Family: €62
- Ulster (sterling): £10 Junior, £20 Senior, £50 Family
What are the current provincial PCF rates?
- Leinster: Junior €10, Senior €20, Family €60, or percentage of subscriptions (9–12%).
- Munster: Junior €10, Senior €20, Family €40.
- Connacht: Junior €8, Senior €14, Family €35, or 10% of income.
- Ulster: £7 Junior, £14 Senior (no Family rate).
Is CAF reducing in Ulster?
Previous Court Affiliation Fees were based on Council and Privately owned courts. We are now adjusting these rates to align Ulster with the other provinces, where the CAF structure is based solely on Artificial or Seasonal courts.
PCF & CAF – Current vs New Standardised Rates (from 2026)
Province | Current PCF Rates | New PCF Rates (from 2026) | Current CAF Rates | New CAF Rates (from 2026) |
Leinster | Junior €10, Senior €20, Family €60 or % of subs (9–12%) | Junior €12, Senior €25, Family €62 | Artificial €83, Seasonal €50 | Artificial €90, Seasonal €55 |
Munster | Junior €10, Senior €20, Family €40 | Junior €12, Senior €25, Family €62 | Artificial €83, Seasonal €50 | Artificial €90, Seasonal €55 |
Connacht | Junior €8, Senior €14, Family €35 or 10% of income (phasing out) | Junior €12, Senior €25, Family €62 | Artificial €83, Seasonal €50 | Artificial €90, Seasonal €55 |
Ulster | Junior £7, Senior £14, (no Family rate) | Junior £10, Senior £20, Family £50 | Council £100, Private £120 | Artificial £85, Seasonal £50 |
What if our club currently pays PCF as a percentage of membership subscriptions?
Where applicable, a three-year transition plan applies:
- 2026: Percentage + €5 per member
- 2027: Percentage + €10 per member
- 2028: Full alignment with per-member PCF (Junior €12, Senior €25, Family €62 / Ulster £10, £20, £50).
How and when are fees collected?
Each club completes an Annual Return in October, based on membership numbers at 30 September and submit the club’s most recent audited accounts. Tennis Ireland and its provincial branches then calculate fees and issue an invoice in January of the following year payable within 6 weeks.
Why must all members (including social/occasional players) pay PCF?
We understand this is a common question, especially for smaller and rural clubs. There are three key reasons:
- Affiliation for Every Player: Even if someone only plays socially, PCF ensures they are covered by Tennis Ireland’s governance and safeguarding standards. This protects both the club and the player.
- Club Value, Not Just Individual Use: Many services funded by PCF (grants, coach education, safeguarding, development officers) benefit all clubs, regardless of how often members play.
- Fairness Across Clubs: If only competitive players paid, clubs with more social/older members would contribute less than others. A universal PCF ensures fairness.
For members of multiple clubs and where duplication arises, Tennis Ireland will support players in resolving this fairly.
What if my club offers free membership to players?
The player capitation fee is payable by all playing members at the club, even if their membership category is attached to a free subscription at the club.
Should clubs increase their annual subscriptions to cover the new fees?
If clubs wish to maintain their income, they may increase subscriptions to reflect the new PCF/CAF rates. This ensures the cost is passed on fairly to members.
Connacht
Member Type | 2026 Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
Junior | €12 | €8 | €4 |
Senior | €25 | €14 | €11 |
Family | €62 | €35 | €27 |
Leinster
Member Type | 2026 Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
Junior | €12 | €10 | €2 |
Senior | €25 | €20 | €5 |
Family | €62 | €60 | €2 |
Munster
Member Type | 2026 Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
Junior | €12 | €10 | €2 |
Senior | €25 | €20 | €5 |
Family | €62 | €40 | €22 |
Ulster
Member Type | 2026 Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
Junior | £10 | £7 | £3 |
Senior | £20 | £14 | £6 |
Family | £50 | n/a | – |
What happens if our membership numbers change after 30 September?
The Annual Return is based on membership at 30 September each year. Numbers after that date are included in the following year’s return.
Do clubs need to itemise PCF on their membership invoices?
Yes. For transparency, clubs should show members that part of their subscription goes to Tennis Ireland. Suggested wording:
“A portion of your membership fee is paid to Tennis Ireland at the following rates…”
Can clubs pay the invoice in installments?
Invoices are issued in January. It is not normal for clubs to pay in instalments. If a club has difficulty paying, they should contact Tennis Ireland early to discuss a support arrangement.
Will there be more increases after 2026?
There are no immediate plans for further increase other than those laid out in these documents. Any future changes will be confirmed in writing to clubs at least one year in advance.
