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?
Parents
Former Member
I seem to recall seeing a membership survey that showed that USMS swimmers were relatively well off income wise. If you assume that means discretionary income too is relatively high I would guess that people joining USMS for workouts and doing the occasional local meet would be only slightly effected. I think national meets and multi day competitions could see more of an impact.
Personally it prob wont really change my local meet schedule, but it may change my decision on national meets.
I seem to recall seeing a membership survey that showed that USMS swimmers were relatively well off income wise. If you assume that means discretionary income too is relatively high I would guess that people joining USMS for workouts and doing the occasional local meet would be only slightly effected. I think national meets and multi day competitions could see more of an impact.
Personally it prob wont really change my local meet schedule, but it may change my decision on national meets.
