National Club Association Publishes New White Paper on Safety, Security and Preparedness for Private Clubs
Author: National Club Association
Published on: September 16, 2026
"Protecting the Modern Private Club” offers information and resources for club leaders.
The National Club Association today published "Protecting the Modern Private Club: A Governance-Aligned Framework for Security, Safety and Preparedness.” Written by club security expert Richard M. Bickel, director of security, safety and housing at Canoe Brook Country Club in New Jersey and founder of Club Secure, LLC, a consulting practice dedicated to advancing protection within the private club industry, the paper is offers a framework on effective security and awareness for private clubs of all types and sizes.
Among other topics, it includes chapters on:
- The private club risk landscape.
- Governance structure for protection.
- Infrastructure and operational integration.
- Emergency preparedness and response.
It also introduces the Integrated Club Protection Architecture a governance-aligned framework designed specifically for private clubs. The paper’s release will be followed by an NCA webcast introducing the paper, its recommendations and offering Q&A for private club leaders on Oct. 15; that webcast is free for the entire club community.
“Security and preparedness are top-of-mind for leaders of private clubs across the U.S.,” said NCA President & CEO Joe Trauger. “We’re grateful to Rich Bickel for sharing his expertise and proud to offer this resource for NCA members.”
NCA members can download “Protecting the Modern Private Club” at nationalclub.org.
About the National Club Association
The National Club Association (NCA) has been the advocate for the private club industry in Washington, D.C., for more than 60 years. As the voice of private clubs on Capitol Hill, NCA ensures that club concerns are forefront when legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry are being decided. In addition, NCA provides club leaders an outstanding array of resources on club industry trends, governance best practices, legal and operational matters and ways to strengthen club leadership.
