Lately there have been some threads that touch on macroeconomic issues affecting the US and the rest of the world. I am (morbidly?) curious about how this affects masters swimming.
My concern is primarily related to registration and participation. Right now we are in the 2009 registration period, meaning swimmers are either registering or renewing. But are we loosing people because of the economy?
Separate issue is participation. Let's say signing up for USMS is not a problem, but the cost of swimming (dues, gear, commute to pool, etc.) is an issue. I am thinking particularly about people who have either lost their jobs, had to change careers, closed/reduced their business, or lost a lot of money recently. How is this affecting membership?
What do you all have to say about this?
... the competition subset will continue to both renew and participate (and expend travel related resources) because competitive swimming is a core value - even with possible declines in income and travel related cost increases.
Generally, yes, I agree. I don't see it impacting my training or participation in Arizona meets. Swimming and competing is a core value for me, but, flying to meets, might get impacted over time. Like Glenn, I hope to go to Worlds in Sweden, but that becomes a family trip versus a solo trip. If times aren't much rosier in 2010, I'd probably opt to conserve discretionary funds and stay local.
... the competition subset will continue to both renew and participate (and expend travel related resources) because competitive swimming is a core value - even with possible declines in income and travel related cost increases.
Generally, yes, I agree. I don't see it impacting my training or participation in Arizona meets. Swimming and competing is a core value for me, but, flying to meets, might get impacted over time. Like Glenn, I hope to go to Worlds in Sweden, but that becomes a family trip versus a solo trip. If times aren't much rosier in 2010, I'd probably opt to conserve discretionary funds and stay local.
