Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Apply for Membership?

 
You may fill out the online application to start the process.

 You must partner at least 2 Eagles and they will send in a parding report. Then a vote will be taken.

It is as simple as that.

We are a small club so we are almost like family. Like any family we want to include others as part of our family. It's almost like being adopted so we think you should know us well enough to make sure you want to be an important part of our family

There is a sixty (60) day probation period to make sure we have a good fit.  Since all Eagles are equal, you would have just as much voice as any other Eagle i.e.  full voting rights, etc.  We do not have any second class Eagles.

That is it in a nutshell.

Please be sure to read and understand the Eagles' Creed BEFORE applying.  It will give you an outline of who we are and how the club is run.  You can ask any Eagle about it if you have any questions on the Creed.  

We realize the Eagles' way is not for everyone and that is fine.  We like it though.
 How are the Eagles Different From Other Clubs?
Our goal is to be the best spades club  at any Spades Site. That means we strive to;

Be amongst the best spades players. 

Be the most courteous spades players where ever we play.

But most of all have the most FUN playing spades anywhere.

 
Other areas we differ include:   
We do not have any officers, but operate with an informal structure.

Each and every Eagle has an equal say in the club's operation.

Everyone pitches in to help with what they can as much as they can.

We do not have any Mickey Mouse rules such as attendance or activity requirements since our members are very competitive and want to participate anyway. With holidays, job and family commetments we understand when a member may not be able to play for a time.
What is the Eagles' Creed?

The Creed is the Eagles' equivalent of a code of conduct.  It governs our members' conduct with each other and with all other spades players at any site we are playing at.

                                                  The Eagles' Creed

Just as the true life Eagles fly above the fray, we too should conduct ourselves so that every Eagle can always and in every way be proud to be an Eagle at anytime and anywhere. 

Eagles are a close knit and loyal family so membership is exclusive of all other spades clubs.

Each Eagle is just as important and has just as much say as any other Eagle.  This is a club of, for and by the members.  No one Eagle owns it or controls it.      

Each Eagle shall have one vote.  All policies and potential members will be brought before the club for a vote.  An Eagle can only be removed from the Club by a 60 percent positive vote of the members that vote.

While we are very competitive by nature, no win is worth tarnishing our personal or club reputation.  A win by any Eagle reflects positively on us all so we share in their win.   Let them know just how proud you are.

Yes, you are an excellent spades player or you would not be an Eagle.  Do not compare your playing ability to other Eagles as that will only lead to a false sense of superiority.  Remember that on any given day any other Eagle can and will beat you. 

Hosts are unpaid volunteers that make spade tournaments possible.  They should always be treated courteously and respectfully.   Remember. they are human!!!  They can and do make mistakes.  Also remember, you can never win an argument with a host, so why try.

Everyone makes mistakes including you.  Always be courteous, respectful and understanding with your partner, your opponents and other Eagles too.  There are lots of tourneys out there but Eagles are like an endangered species, few and precious.  Treat your fellow Eagles as you would like to be treated.  Always give them the benefit of the doubt.  Put on an extra layer of feathers so your feelings will not get hurt easily.  Remember we are all friends and we would not deliberately do anything to hurt you.

If you ever have an issue with any other Eagle or any other spades player, then take it up with them in private never, ever in public.  If an issue with another Eagle cannot  be resolved between the two of you, then you might consider asking another Eagle to mediate.  If you feel it is serious enough, bring it before the entire Club.

All Eagle Club business is strictly confidential and should NEVER be discussed with non-Eagles.
Why is there a 60 Day Probation Period for New Members?
It is more of a formality, but it allows us to get to know each other better.  Every new Eagle has a 60 day probation period.  During that period, you or the Club may come to realize that we do not have a comfortable fit and may decide it would be in everyone's best interest to part company as friends and worthy opponents.  

As an Eagle on probation, you would have every right and obligation any other Eagle has.  You in effect are a full fledged Eagle right from the start.   No additional vote of the membership is required at the end of your probationary period unless a complaint regarding the Eagles' Creed has been filed.
How and Why are the Eagles an Exclusive Club?
Eagles cannot be members of any other spades club at any site and remain an Eagle.  That means not only resigning from any and all spades clubs you are currently a member of but also to not log onto any site using any Nic that would identify you as a member of any other spades club. You may play in a league but league  wins will not be recognized as we are a tournament playing club. You may use any other non-club identifying nickname you want to log onto  sites but remember that you will not receive ANY points for tournament wins if you were not using your Eagle nickname (We call them feathers.)


When you first join the Eagles, you will no doubt have some Tournaments of Champion, Leagues (non Club),  invites that will come in under your old club(s) nickname.  If the host will not allow you to use any other nickname and it is ok with your old club then by all means enter the TOC with that nickname.  On these rare occasions you will receive Eagle Points for your wins.

That is basically it.  You are encouraged to:

Pard with Eagles but there is no requirement to do so but, you do get bonus points when you win, place or show in a tourney and pard with an Eagle.

Keep your list of friends and play with them or anyone else you want to play with.  You have just increased your friends list with new friends is all.  Please remember to add all of the Eagles to your friends list so you can say hi and/or  find them when you want to partner with one of them.

Don't be shy.  Ask any Eagle you want to play with to partner.  You will receive a warm welcome!!!