> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter-curling.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is the minimum-hours renewal gate?

> Block returning members from renewing online until they met last season's volunteer minimum.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Set under **Settings → Club Settings → Volunteers**: **Minimum hours per season** and the switch **Enforce at membership renewal** ("Block returning members from renewing online until last season's minimum is met. New members are never blocked.").
  * Only **approved** hours count, and it is the **previous** season's hours that are checked when a returning member buys a membership.
  * The check runs for signed-in online checkouts with a membership in the cart. Guest checkouts, and payments you record yourself in the dashboard, are not blocked — the gate is a nudge, not a wall.
</Note>

Many clubs ask every member for a few volunteer hours a season and struggle to enforce it. The renewal gate turns the rule into something the software applies for you.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set the minimum">
    On **Club Settings → Volunteers** enter **Minimum hours per season** (the placeholder suggests "e.g. 10"; leave it blank for no minimum).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Decide whether to enforce">
    Switch on **Enforce at membership renewal**. Leave it off if you only want members to see their progress on **My Time Tracking** without being blocked.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Save changes**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

A returning member who falls short sees, at checkout: "Membership renewal requires \{min} volunteer hours in \{season} — you have \{x} (\{short} short). Contact the club." You can then grant the missing hours on the **Hours** tab, or take their renewal over the counter and record the payment on the invoice.

The gate applies whether or not the Volunteer Management feature is switched on, so clear the setting if you stop using volunteers.

**Related:** [How do I approve volunteer hours?](/club/volunteers/how-do-i-approve-volunteer-hours) · [How do I set the season start month?](/club/get-set-up/how-do-i-set-the-season-start-month) · [How do I record an offline payment?](/club/money/how-do-i-record-an-offline-payment)


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