We're all pretty excited - but...
50,000 is still a low ball number considering there are many masters swim clubs in the USA operating WITHOUT requiring USMS registration of their swimmers!
Sheez...
I work out at a fitness club - our "team" is affiliated with USMS and at least a few of us are members, but many are not. The fitness club runs a "master's" class - all people who swim must be members of the club already so their is no need to run the class through USMS.
USMS has a vast untapped base of swimmers out there who could potentially add greatly to that 50,000.
Jim,
Thanks for the statistic. I've never seen an attempt at estimating the number of members who participate in USMS sponsored events. 14,000+ in meets that have been reported is very interesting. Open water and postal events would add to that number considerably.
What ever the stats are on increased membership in USMS, it appears that swimming is not catching fire in terms of gaining the popularity of football, basketball, baseball, or any of the more popular sports.
Maybe since you lurk and spew on this forum you should man-up and pay your membership. Also, I'm pretty sure that a double digit growth of USMS is significant to any sporting group.
You are a real pill, go away.
Swimmers, clubs and even coaches get very hung up on the idea that the only benefit to joining USMS is the "insurance coverage".
Sheez!
Frankly, if even the USMS Discussion Forumites think of it in these terms, perhaps it is time again for a full run down review of USMS Membership Benefits.
If I were swimming on my own or with a small group and -no coach, knowing what I know about the USMS, there is no way I would not be registered as a member.
Especially if I cared about improving, stroke technique, or a planned swim practice with a purpose.
Even with a team coach, a masters swimmer can learn so much more to help them improve their swimming with USMS as a resource.
Any one here from the USMS Marketing Committee?
What ever the stats are on increased membership in USMS, it appears that swimming is not catching fire in terms of gaining the popularity of football, basketball, baseball, or any of the more popular sports.
As for the impact of tech suits on the sport's popularity, swimming is not a "Speed" event that will really keep people's eyes awingly glued to their flat screen. Whether tech suits are - or are not used- the difference in speed is measured by recorded times only and the increase is not visually perceptible.
It's been known for over a century that swimming speed can be increased by using various mechanical aids. Based on the public's rather hooo huuum response to the news that Joe Schmoe set a new WR using a "speed suit", adding technology to swimming seems to be viewed as more of a gimick than something really attractive. :2cents:
Dolphin 2
I am not sure what USMS could offer to change that ?
As much as you post on this forum, I can think of at least one benefit those of us who do support the organization provide to you.
An 800 member team and only 80 compete? That's lame. Join USMS and spur them on.
Maybe since you lurk and spew on this forum you should man-up and pay your membership. Also, I'm pretty sure that a double digit growth of USMS is significant to any sporting group.
You are a real pill, go away.
Hey Aquageek
Sorry to hear that you’re continuing to experience “Encephalic Flatulence” (Google the phrase for more details). :bitching:
Here’s something that might help: :)
en.wikipedia.org/.../Antiflatulent
Dolphin 2
