What problem does the man have?

M: I have a problem, and I hope you can help me out.
W: What’s your problem?
M: I need to be absent from class on next Friday because I have a doctor’s appointment, and I’ll need to borrow someone’s notes.
W: Well, you can certainly borrow mine, if you don’t mind my messy handwriting.
M: Thanks very much. Notes in messy handwriting are much better than no notes at all. W: In that case, just come to me when you are back. By the way, do you enjoy playing chess?
M: Yes, I really do. Why?
W: Well, you might think about joining the chess club. I belong to it, and it’s a lot of fun.
M: What does the chess club do?
W: The members get together once a week for friendly competitions. Then each semester, the three best players from the club compete in a tournament with players from other schools.
M: The meetings once a week sound like a lot of fun, but I don’t think I’m ready to take part in a tournament against other schools.
W: Well, why don’t you come with me this Wednesday and try out one of the weekly meetings? You can come to the meetings for a while and then see if you’re ready to compete in a tournament in a few months.