Captain applications are reviewed by admin before payment is required. The app shows your application status in real-time across three stages: (1) Pending review — awaiting admin decision; (2) Approved — payment required — a secure link to pay the annual £20.00 membership fee will be emailed to you; (3) Active captain — payment confirmed, captain tools unlocked. If your application is not approved, you will receive an email with the reason. This is the same annual fee as membership, not an additional captain surcharge.
Application Procedure
- Register as a member and submit captain interest via the app.
- Complete your leadership reason in full.
- Admin reviews consistency, conduct and community suitability.
- The app updates your status: Pending → Approved (awaiting payment) → Active.
- If approved, a secure payment email is sent. Pay the annual fee to activate the captain role.
- If rejected, you will receive an email with the reason. You may reapply after 90 days.
What MERC Looks For
- Reliable weekly attendance and visible leadership.
- Strong commitment to supporting city/community runners.
- Positive communication and inclusive behaviour.
- Ability to organise and update runs responsibly.
Captain App Responsibilities
- Use the app for run publishing and team updates.
- Keep schedules accurate and timely.
- Support attendance tracking and community engagement.
- Lead by example in challenges and club standards.
Conduct & Accountability
- Maintain a safe and respectful running environment.
- Treat all members fairly and professionally.
- Represent MERC values online and in person.
- Repeated non-attendance may trigger role review.
Professional Reference Benefit
- After a minimum of 6 months of active captain volunteer service, you receive a free Diversity & Inclusion Job Reference email from MERC.
- The reference includes date joined, active duration, role status and leadership context relevant for employers.
- If service continues, MERC sends rolling updated references every additional 6 months.
