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?
Having recently joined the ranks of the unemployed, I can tell you that while I continue to swim with my team, I have stopped going to an additional Sunday practice at another club in order to avoid the extra fee. While it's only $8, that adds up to an extra networking lunch per week which needs to take priority right now. It will certainly affect my willingness to travel to meets, unless I can find a free bed somewhere. I also have other friends who have decided not to swim due to their financial strains. An $800 annual membership/coaching fee certainly does add up particularly if you don't have the luxury of a working spouse to cover rent or mortgage, insurance, etc.
On the bright side, I definitely do have additional time which is allowing for more cross training!
Having recently joined the ranks of the unemployed, I can tell you that while I continue to swim with my team, I have stopped going to an additional Sunday practice at another club in order to avoid the extra fee. While it's only $8, that adds up to an extra networking lunch per week which needs to take priority right now. It will certainly affect my willingness to travel to meets, unless I can find a free bed somewhere. I also have other friends who have decided not to swim due to their financial strains. An $800 annual membership/coaching fee certainly does add up particularly if you don't have the luxury of a working spouse to cover rent or mortgage, insurance, etc.
On the bright side, I definitely do have additional time which is allowing for more cross training!
