Joining an association

The French are known for their short workweeks and joie-de-vivre, so as you may expect, they take their leisure quite seriously. When not using their free time to wave placards, march and chant in unison (always a favourite pastime), the French will be engaged in many an activité, often through their membership to an association. These are basically just clubs, but with quite a bit of admin involved. If you intend on playing sports, engaging in the arts or defending a cause in your spare time in France, you will probably find yourself joining an association at some point, so here are some useful pointers.

IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING

Arriving in France in November or March? Starting that new job in June? Sorry, but you’ll most likely have to wait until September to partake in any kind of organised activity. Unless of course you just want to join that private gym, one of only two in the whole city which will pain your wallet more than your muscles, or you’re happy paying 50 euros per art lesson. If your pockets aren’t that deep, you will find yourself waiting until the start of the new academic year (whether you’re a student or not) to sign up to your local clubs which will be presenting their activities and renewing subscriptions around September or October.

Make sure you don’t miss it. There will only be a day or two when clubs are open for subscriptions, and this information can be obtained on their websites, in the local free paper or failing that by inconspicuously chatting to parents outside your neighbourhood school. The presentation of the club (at a stand set up somewhere in your area) may be happening on the same day as the subscriptions (at a stand set up somewhere completely different). In that case take a day off, get there early, be admin ready, and prepare to wait in line.

WHAT TO BRING

Apart from patience and enthusiasm? A copy of your ID, a proof of address, and if signing up to anything remotely sporty (count yoga and gardening in that category), a note from your doctor declaring you fit and capable to engage in such activities. This latter document will require you to go to the doctor, do about 20 squats and cough a couple of times. Make sure you ask him or her to mention the specific sport you are interested in; a general note confirming aptitude for ‘sport’ rather than ‘kayaking’, may not be accepted by your club due to their insurance policy.

COMMITMENTS, COMMITMENTS

If you get in line in time to submit your information and put your name down for said activity at the club of your choosing, be prepared to pay fees for the entire year, or the semester at best. Associations require engagement, or the equivalent of a solemn oath that you are in it for the long run. Wish-washers and mind-changers are not appreciated. If you’re not quite sure whether you’ll be free to continue your chosen activity in six months, or if, indeed, you will even be in the country, tough luck. Backing out of your promised payment will result in persistent and harassing letters and emails until the end of your earthly days.

Unless of course you find a nice and understanding kind of club which lets you sign up by semester or by bundles of 10 classes for example. These kinds of associations are treasured places, if you find one, appreciate it. This kind of flexibility also allows people to sign up during the year as long as places are still available. Mostly however, as I said, the French love their leisure, and since spots have been paid for in advance, few places are available for newcommers during the year.

EXTREME SPORTS

The more in-demand your activity is, or the less adequate space there is to practice it, the more competition there will be for membership spots. To join a student climbing association in Paris a few years ago, places were made available one day a year on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students started queueing up before the 8 am opening to be sure of grabbing one of the few new membership spots (previous members had priority to renew their membership). Every year they got there earlier and earlier until by 2011, a line of post-party students, some with sleeping bags and other camping equipment, would form from around 2 am. Just for the privilege of climbing a wall.

Like I said, they take this stuff seriously.