Becoming An Eagle

The Eagles are truly a members owned and operated club. We do not have any officers, elections or owners. (that is not a misprint - no officers, no owner, no elections etc.) All Eagles are equal and have an equal say and responsibility in everything Eagle. NO exceptions. We do not have many rules and we work to keep administration to a minimum so we all can play more.

Like the Eagles in real life, spades playing Eagles are relatively rare because we place at least as much emphasis on sportsmanship and having fun as we do on playing ability.  We strive to become the best in all areas:  playing, sportsmanship and having fun too.

We are a small club by design. We are like a second family, i.e. we get to know each other well enough not only to play well together but also to become very good friends.

Be sure sure to not only read but understand the spirit of the Eagles' Creed (below) as it is basically our constitution.  It is the yardstick we use to measure all of our actions against.  If you have any questions about it, just ask any Eagle.

We do things a little differently and we do realize that not everyone may appreciate the Eagle Ways. The application process is just as much for you to evaluate us as it is for us to evaluate you. 

We need to know each other (you us and us you) well enough to know that we are where you would be comfortable and that we would be delighted to have you as an Eagle.  We want everyone to be comfortable with their decisions.  

On becoming an Eagle, there will be a 60 day probationary period where either party, you or us, can part as friends. Once an Eagle you would have all rights and responsibilities of every Eagle. There are no second class Eagles.

If accepted to the Eagles, you will have to use a nic that starts with Eagle_  and be of good taste. Please make sure you read the Eagles Creed (below) as we take it very seriously.

This is the nutshell version. If you have any additional questions, just ask any Eagle.

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 voting.

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.