Is the economic downturn affecting your club in any way, such as a decrease in participation, (or even increase if swimming is seen as a cheap pastime, like movie-going and rentals?) Is your club doing anything as a result, or is it preparing for a bad economy in any way? Any drop or increase in meet participation attributed to it?
As of today, AZ LMSC has 665 members, which puts us on pace for a record year. We will exceed 1000 members sometime in June or July if past registration patterns are any guide.
We are seeing new teams form as well. Most are fairly small (around 20 swimmers) but there are a few larger ones in the works as well. Depending upon how successful we are in working with the Maricopa (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson) YMCAs, our membership could grow even more.
When you add up the costs, swimming is not nearly as expensive as other activities. I just dropped $370 fixing my mountain bike and I know of others who spend 10x that much on triathlon bikes and gear. Others join gyms that cost as much as masters swimming teams, so it is a matter of where your financial priorities are.
I think where the economic pinch will be felt are some of the "travel" meets (ex. Nationals) that can cost a decent amount. My guess would be people on both ends of the age spectrum would be hurt the most by this just based on simple economics. There will be a cadre of people who have the means and willingness to spend what it takes though to continue going to large meets.
Something else bears consideration. When you are unemployed, you have a lot of time on your hands. So what does one do with that time? From personal experience I can tell you that exercise is at the top of the list for active people, it keeps you sane. You cut back on other things but the modest amount you spend on swimming (or other fitness activities) is SO worth it.
Even though Arizona has been hard-hit by the current economic conditions, more people than ever are swimming. I don't know if this is going to continue but for now, we are looking at a record year for members.
As of today, AZ LMSC has 665 members, which puts us on pace for a record year. We will exceed 1000 members sometime in June or July if past registration patterns are any guide.
We are seeing new teams form as well. Most are fairly small (around 20 swimmers) but there are a few larger ones in the works as well. Depending upon how successful we are in working with the Maricopa (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson) YMCAs, our membership could grow even more.
When you add up the costs, swimming is not nearly as expensive as other activities. I just dropped $370 fixing my mountain bike and I know of others who spend 10x that much on triathlon bikes and gear. Others join gyms that cost as much as masters swimming teams, so it is a matter of where your financial priorities are.
I think where the economic pinch will be felt are some of the "travel" meets (ex. Nationals) that can cost a decent amount. My guess would be people on both ends of the age spectrum would be hurt the most by this just based on simple economics. There will be a cadre of people who have the means and willingness to spend what it takes though to continue going to large meets.
Something else bears consideration. When you are unemployed, you have a lot of time on your hands. So what does one do with that time? From personal experience I can tell you that exercise is at the top of the list for active people, it keeps you sane. You cut back on other things but the modest amount you spend on swimming (or other fitness activities) is SO worth it.
Even though Arizona has been hard-hit by the current economic conditions, more people than ever are swimming. I don't know if this is going to continue but for now, we are looking at a record year for members.
