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Terms and Conditions of Membership
1.1. Scheduled monthly meetings are based on a rolling 12-monthly cycle on a day and a week of the month agreed with each host club. This is subject to change by either party. As much notice as possible will be given to members of any changes to the published dates and times.
1.2. “FORE” Business is not able to guarantee that golf will be played every month.
1.3. In the event of cancellation of the golf element of a scheduled monthly meeting by the Host Club, due to bad weather or course conditions, “FORE” Business will not refund or credit the membership charge for that event. It is expected that monthly meetings will still go ahead for networking purposes.
1.4. “FORE” Business will take instruction and guidance from the Golf Club before cancelling golf. Every effort will be made to play golf and if we receive a minimum of 7 days’ notice that golf is not possible due to anticipated course conditions then every effort will be made to re-schedule the meeting.
2.1. National Events
Members are entitled to attend National events, subject to meeting the terms of entry which include being in good standing, paying the required premium specific to each event, and in the case of our Red Jacket Final, having previously won a Group event. Entry is also subject to availability of tee times.
2.2. International Groups
Members are entitled to attend any of our International Group events, subject to meeting the terms of entry which include being in good standing, paying the required premium specific to each event, and availability of tee times as set by respective Host groups. FORE Business is not responsible for any costs which may be incurred for venue or date changes.
2.3. ‘Golden Ticket’ Members
2.3.1. Members are encouraged to continue to expand the community by inviting their business connections to enjoy a complimentary month of membership. New members increase business revenue opportunities, enhance opportunities for savings on products and services, new business synergies, and new friendships.
2.3.2. Members will receive a £50/50€/$50 referral credit to their account after receipt of the 3rd monthly payment by their ‘Golden Ticket’ invite. Credits can be exchanged against national event entry fees and against the purchase of clothing from the FORE Business Online store.
2.3.3. Golden Tickets joining a new group that launches between 1st and 15th inclusive, will be entitled to their complimentary month the same month as the launch meeting.
2.3.4. Golden Ticket Members are entitled to all benefits of membership in their complementary month, including winning a Red Shirt, subject to meeting the Handicapping Rules as laid out in clause 6 and in rules concerning Handicaps as laid out here
2.3.5. Golden Tickets joining a new group from the 16th of a calendar month are entitled to a guest pass to attend the launch meeting only. This is in addition to their complimentary month which will take place the month following the launch event.
2.4. Dedicated Mobile App
Members are entitled to use our dedicated Members-only Business App. The App enables members to post a summary of their business, access members contact details, ask members to quote for services and product needs, and post and access 4-balls posted by other members. FORE Business is not responsible for ensuring the App works on every mobile device
2.5. Social Media Groups
Members are entitled to access and participate in our member-only Facebook and LinkedIn Groups, including our eight Facebook Regional UK group pages, our FORE Business General Group page, our Public FORE Business Forum and other International Groups. Rules of posting are listed in each category.
2.6. Complimentary 4x Balls (for UK and Spanish Members only)
2.6.1. In addition to the scheduled monthly networking events, each registered “FORE” Business UK or Spanish member in good standing, is eligible to receive one complimentary round of golf per calendar month for up to 4 people. The intent of this 4-ball is to provide an opportunity for members to invite clients, clients of clients, suppliers’ and other members to further build relationships and explore business synergies during a round of golf.
2.6.2. Members cannot ‘gift’ or exchange 4-balls with other members. The registered “FORE” Business member must play within their 4-ball at their designated group.
2.6.3. This complimentary round of golf can only be used at the times and days specified by the golf club (see the group page on the website for any restrictions that may apply. This is an indication only) and is always at the discretion of the host club and subject to availability.
2.6.4. Block Bookings of these 4xBalls is strictly prohibited.
2.6.5. The “FORE” Business member must give a minimum of 5 days advance notice to “FORE” Business of the date and time they wish to use their complimentary 4-ball. All bookings should be made via the “FORE” Business website.
2.6.6. If a 4-ball is not able to be used during the month for any reason, it cannot be carried over, or sold-on by the “FORE” Business member.
2.6.7. “FORE” Business will not be liable if the Club changes ownership, closes down, cancels or fails to grant any or all of the 4-ball complimentary rounds for any reason beyond our reasonable control.
3.1. Members are entitled to upgrade their membership category from the 1st of any month by emailing members@fore-business.com no later than 25th of the preceding month. Each upgrade is subject to a minimum 3 calendar-months’ notice of request to revert to a ‘lower’ fee level.
3.2. Members wishing to ‘downgrade’ their membership category may do so by emailing members@fore-business.com no later than 25th of the preceding month. ‘Downgrades’ will occur from the 1st day of the month following the request, subject to a minimum of 3-months being ‘served’ in their previous membership category.
4.1. Members wishing to terminate their membership must email accounts@fore-business.com , giving a minimum of 3-months’ notice.
4.2. Members may access all the benefits of membership during their notice period.
4.3. Members can rescind notice to terminate at any time by emailing accounts@fore-business.com
4.4. Members who leave FORE Business for any period of time, other than under our ‘Membership Pause’ Policy, can request to re-join FORE Business, subject to receipt of a re-joiner’s fee of £99 + VAT, for which they will receive a branded FORE Business shirt. Please note, this fee is subject to change for members from the USA, Spain, Dubai and Sweden.
5.1. Members may request a pause in their membership benefits in the following circumstances:
5.1.1. Medical Incapacitation: – Members who wish to pause their membership for an evidence-proven medical condition, will have two options. They need to request their preferred option in writing via their respective Regional Ambassador Team.
5.1.1.1. Option 1: ‘Networking-only’ for 50% of Standard Membership fees (from the 1st of the following month a request to suspend is received). ‘Networking-only’ members can access all the benefits of membership other than golf, including attending their Home Group event’s networking session. OR
5.1.1.2. Option 2: Take a complete hiatus from networking as well as golf benefits, including access to social media channels or our bespoke App or attendance at group event networking sessions, without any fee or notice period required (from the 1st of the following month a request to suspend is received)
5.1.2. Members who have requested a pause in their membership benefits are able to resume full membership at any time, without paying a re-joining fee, as at the 1st of the following month a request to resume full membership is received.
5.1.3. Members requesting a pause in membership benefits under the Medical Incapacitation category should provide their respective Ambassador and Regional Ambassadors with a letter from their GP or other suitable evidence to support their request. Please note that requests, complete with evidence, must be received by the 25th of a month in order to take effect from the 1st of the following month.
5.2. Non-Medical Pause of Membership Benefits – (such as Business or Employment changes):
5.2.1. Members who wish to pause their membership for any reason other than an evidence-proven medical condition are deemed to be serving notice under our normal terms of notice. Requests must be put in writing stating the reason for their request and the expected return date (which can subsequently be changed in writing if required).
5.2.2. Under category 5.2, full monthly membership fees will be deducted by direct debit over a subsequent 3-month period (starting from the 1st of the following month the request to pause is received). Members will continue to be able to access full membership benefits, including golf, during this notice period.
5.2.3. After the completion of 3 months’ notice, membership fees will drop down to 50% of Standard Membership for all subsequent months, and members will be placed onto ‘Networking-only’ membership at the same time. Note: Under this clause, ‘Networking-only’ does NOT include attendance at any FORE Business event.
5.2.4. Members who have requested a pause in their membership benefits under this category are able to resume full membership at any time, without paying a re-joining fee, as at the 1st of the following month a request to resume full membership is received.
6.1. The maximum handicap index for all “FORE” Business events is 32 for men and women.
6.2. Members are required to play off their lowest handicap at all “FORE” Business events, whether that be VPAR, English Golf Union, their Golf Club handicap or other handicapping agency.
6.3. It is the responsibility of each member to notify the event organiser (Ambassador or other) of the accuracy of their handicap before they tee off. This includes additional handicap adjustments that may be made from time to time under the full Handicapping Rules, listed here
6.4. Failure to play off the lowest handicap may result in disqualification of the player from the event. Repeated failure may result in suspension of membership.
6.5. Failure to play off the lowest handicap in any Inter-Group match may result in forfeiture of any points awarded to their designated group for that match.
7.1. “FORE” Business Members are guests of our Host Clubs and are subject to all local club rules and conditions.
7.2. Members have a personal responsibility to conduct themselves at all times with the highest standards of courtesy, professionalism and etiquette, both on and off the golf course.
7.3. Members must abide by the dress code and behaviours of host clubs as identified on their websites and in the clubhouse, especially but not exclusively relating to the use of mobile phones, golf shoes, hats and other items of non-golfing clothing in or around the club house and on the golf course.
7.4. Good conduct extends to behaviour and etiquette on the golf course, including repairing of pitch marks, raking bunkers after use, use of trolleys and buggies, approach to greens and tees, refraining from profanities and maintaining speed of play.
7.5. Breach of Etiquette may result in suspension or termination of “FORE” Business membership at the discretion of the owners of the business.
7.6. It is the responsibility of the “FORE” Business member to ensure their guests (invited on 4-balls) also comply with these policies and expected etiquette.
8.1. Other than normal “FORE” Business printed materials, members may not use the “FORE” Business Intellectual Property (e.g. logos, trademarks, names, slogans, copyrighted materials, etc.) to manufacture; distribute, sell, market, or promote any product or service, or otherwise use the “FORE” Business Intellectual Property without obtaining the prior written consent of “FORE” Business.
8.2. Members are entitled to download and use on their social media platforms the “FORE” Business marketing resources to help build their networks, which can be found here.
9.1. Membership fees of “FORE” Business whilst annual in contract are payable monthly and are due on the 1st business day of each month.
9.2. Where monthly fees are withheld or not paid for any reason, “FORE” Business reserves the absolute right to suspend or terminate membership. Three months’ notice payment will be required.
9.3. In the event of problems relating to a member’s business practices “FORE” Business has the right to revoke membership.
9.4. Violations of membership rules are subject to suspension or expulsion from “FORE” Business.
9.5. Certain conduct may result in immediate suspension and, after investigation, may result in permanent expulsion from “FORE” Business and forfeit of dues. These include Lewd acts Abusive behaviour, Public intoxication, Arrest, and Unlawful activities.
9.6. “FORE” Business cannot be held responsible for the behaviour and consequences of such behaviour by a member or by their guests invited on complimentary 4-balls.
9.7. Any breach of the law witnessed by a member should be reported directly to the relevant authorities.
9.8. “FORE” Business reserves the right to open more than one Group in any geographical area where they see the potential to grow the community.
9.9. It is the responsibility of the “FORE” Business member or guest on the day that is playing at a “FORE” Business monthly group event, a “FORE” Business National event or taking part in a “FORE” Business 4 ball, to ensure they have the necessary GOLF insurance cover in place.
9.10. Any damage to club property (including golf carts) or residential properties surrounding a golf club property are the sole responsibility of the “FORE” Business member.
9.11. All members should acknowledge that playing golf involves potential danger of bodily harm and all members acknowledge “assumption of risk” and waive any and all claims against “FORE” Business for injury sustained on the golf course.
9.12. “FORE” Business will not be held responsible for the purchases of goods, services or products members may make from fellow “FORE” Business members or via referrals made by “FORE” Business members. It is the responsibility of each member to ensure such purchases are made with the appropriate level of due diligence, care and lawful attention.
9.13. Members acknowledge that cost of additional food and drink at any “FORE” Business event is at their personal expense.
9.14. “FORE” Business policies are subject to change without notice.
10.1. “FORE” Business is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our Members and creating an environment for our Members that is free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences are recognised and valued.
10.2. “FORE” Business take very seriously inappropriate conduct by Members and any complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisations and unlawful discrimination, and any behaviour which is found to be in breach of our Behavioural Conduct, will be dealt with as misconduct in accordance with our Disputes Resolution and Disciplinary Policies set out below.
10.3. Members are expected to take personal responsibility for adhering to all aspects of the “FORE” Business Behavioural Conduct and for drawing any breaches to the attention of their Group Ambassador and/or Regional Ambassador.
10.4. Members must always act in the interest of the wider community and in business dealings with members, or referrals provided by fellow members, act fairly and with integrity, honesty and in accordance with the ethical standards of their profession or trade.
10.5. Members must uphold the integrity of the brand, including but not limited to their behaviour at Group and National events and in their use of both Public and Closed “FORE” Business social media channels and forums.
10.6. Members must uphold the reputation of the community and not take any action which could bring the community or “the Business” into disrepute.
10.7. Members should respect and value alternative viewpoints and, seek, accept and offer honest criticisms of work contracted for through introductions from other “FORE” Business members but at all times must avoid injuring others or their reputation or employment by false or malicious or negligent action or inaction or abuse of any kind.
10.8. Members should refrain in all Public and Private “FORE” Business forums from criticism of another member or their business. Criticism, where deemed necessary, should be made privately and solely to the individual involved.
11.1. We define Harassment as any situation where a member is subject to uninvited conduct connected to what is deemed to be a “protected characteristic’ that has the purpose or effect of violating the Member’s dignity and/or which creates a hostile, humiliating, degrading or similarly offensive environment. The uninvited conduct can be physical, verbal or non-verbal.
11.2. ‘Protected Characteristics’ are defined as: age; race (which includes colour and ethnic/national origin); disability; religion or belief; sex; gender reassignment; pregnancy or maternity; sexual orientation; and marital or civil partnership status. Examples include: threats or abuse, unwelcome sexual advances, offensive emails, tweets, or comments on social media, offensive images, physical behaviour like gestures or facial expressions, making lewd comments and/or insensitive jokes and excluding or victimising colleagues.
11.3. We define bullying as any behaviour that leaves the victim feeling threatened, intimidated, humiliated, vulnerable or otherwise upset. There is no need to demonstrate a connection with a protected characteristic to establish a bullying allegation. The uninvited conduct can be physical, verbal or non-verbal.
11.4. Taking part in any of the following behaviour will lead to a referral to the Membership Committee and disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or termination of your Membership:
11.4.1.1. Harassing or bullying anyone else (as defined above);
11.4.1.2. Threatening anyone who raises a harassment or bullying complaint;
11.4.1.3. Retaliating against anyone who raises a harassment or bullying complaint;
11.4.1.4. Making allegations maliciously or in bad faith; and/or
11.4.1.5. Giving false or intentionally misleading information during any investigation.
12.1. Members should be respectful to others when making any statement on social media and be aware that they are personally responsible for all communications which will be published on the internet for anyone to see.
12.2. If members disclose their affiliation with FORE Business on their personal profile or in any social media postings, they must state that their views do not represent those of FORE Business (unless they are authorised to speak on our behalf). They should also ensure that their public profile and any content they post are consistent with the professional image they wish to present to clients and colleagues.
12.3. If members are uncertain or concerned about the appropriateness of any statement or posting, refrain from posting it.
12.4. New Members of FORE Business are often inundated with new ‘Friend Requests’ via the various social media platforms where FORE Business Members are active. To avoid inadvertently accepting Friend Requests from non-FORE Business Members, we recommend that members
12.4.1.1. Verify a friend request is someone they know.
12.4.1.2. Verify a friend request is indeed a FORE member.
12.4.1.3. Ask for a 1-2-1 via Zoom to get to know a person before interacting with them or accepting a friend request.
12.4.1.4. Ask to be introduced to a member before sending a friend request.
12.4.1.5. If members see social media content that disparages or reflects poorly on FORE Business, they should contact their Group Ambassador or Regional Director or FORE HQ.
13.1. Reported breaches of our Behavioural code and disputes between members within a single Group should initially be dealt with informally by the Group Ambassador Team.
13.2. Formal escalation of the dispute, if required, should be made through the Group Ambassadors to the Regional Ambassador Team of that region, and then to the UK & International Director, in accordance with the following steps:
13.2.1.1. The member raising the dispute (the Complainant) should set the nature of the dispute in writing to the Group Ambassador or, if the dispute is with the Group Ambassador, directly to the Regional Ambassador, within three (3) working days of the matter occurring.
13.2.1.2. In doing so, the Complainant should include the name of the member with whom they have a dispute (the Respondent) any relevant facts, dates, times and names of other relevant individuals, and should attach to the complaint any supporting evidence.
13.3. A copy of the written complaint will be forwarded to the Respondent and they will be asked to reply in writing within five (5) working days to set out their position and provide any evidence in support.
13.4. In some circumstances it may be necessary to suspend members pending the outcome of the deliberations of the Membership Committee.
13.5. Any decision to suspend a member will be made by the Membership Committee on receipt of written submissions from both the Complainant and Respondent and notified to the members by email.
13.6. Suspension of this kind is not a sanction and does not imply that any decision has been made about the allegations or imply guilt and would only be considered in circumstances where there have been allegations of serious misconduct or where there is a threat to the interests, brand or integrity of “the Business” and/or its members.
13.7. On receipt of the written submissions from both the Complainant and Respondent, or in the absence of a reply from the Respondent, the Regional Ambassador will refer the matter to the UK & International Director, who will then refer the matter to the Membership Committee for their deliberation and decision, which will be notified to both parties within three (3) working days.
13.8. Disputes between any member (including Ambassador Team members) and “the Business”, should be dealt with privately between the parties wherever possible. In the absence of a resolution, issues should be referred to the Membership Committee via the above process for arbitration and recommendation.
13.9. The Membership Committee will comprise a representation of Regional Ambassadors not directly involved in the dispute, chaired by the UK & International Director.
14.1. Where any reported misconduct by a Member or any dispute/complaint raised by a Member has been upheld by the Membership Committee, it shall determine the appropriate sanction to impose based on the specific facts. The level of sanction imposed will depend on a combination of the seriousness of the issue and whether the Respondent Member has been subject to any sanctions previously.
14.2. The range of sanctions include:
14.2.1.1. A verbal warning: for minor misconduct issues;
14.2.1.2. A written warning: for more serious misconduct issues or where a verbal warning has been given previously;
14.2.1.3. 30-day Suspension: where a written warning has been given previously;
14.3. Immediate Termination: further misconduct where suspension has been previously imposed or any serious misconduct regardless of whether previous sanctions have been given.
14.4. Final decisions remain the prerogative of the Co-Founders and Owners of “the Business”
15.1. Groups and Regions are run with the support of members who volunteer to operate in the roles of Group Ambassadors and Regional Ambassadors.
15.2. The purpose of the roles is to support members in the pursuit of maximising business opportunities, whilst enjoying great golf.
15.3. To achieve these objectives, Ambassadors are asked to ensure that the “FORE” Business model and practices are consistently applied across all groups, that they capture and share ‘best practice’ for the benefit of all members, champion our code of conduct, participate in regional and national initiatives, and adhere to and complete administrative tasks associated with the roles.
15.4. Each Group is run by two Co Ambassadors
15.5. Each Region is run by two Co Regional Ambassadors
15.6. Roles are voluntary and are expected to operate on a rolling 2-year basis for Group Ambassadors and 3 years for Regional Ambassadors.
15.7. These roles are supported by the “FORE” Business UK & International Director.
15.8. Members operating in these roles are offered discounted scaled membership fees as a mark of appreciation for their work in supporting their group or region.
15.9. Group and Regional Ambassador roles are open to all members. Any member wishing to apply may do so at any time by completing our application form. On rotation or when a suitable vacancy becomes available, all applicants for that position will be considered by “FORE” Business appointed representatives.
