The State of Master Swimming.

Haggling over swim meet fees and rules doesn't address bringing a lot of new USMS members. The issue of whether or not the cost is free or $40.+ comes up in my friend's proposal only because there are potential members who have no understanding yet of all the terrific value and benefits USMS has to offer. And in some cases, they will never know or listen to a pitch until they join and see for themselves. Many have spent years: A - in lap swim lanes B - training on their own for triathlons C - thinking about getting into a swim program D - trying to recover from an injury E - lonely and looking for active companionship F - considering coming back to a sport left years ago G - without motivation or self-esteem to begin alone ETC... Not trying to be argumentative or haggle with you here Ahelee, but I've got a different opinion of those not included in group "C", above. I don't think free is going to get them out of their comfort zone regardless. Most programs already allow a "free" tryout period of a week, give or take. And, USMS allows 30 days "free" membership to start out with so I am having difficulty understanding why they aren't flocking to the existing programs already. Some of those subsets have problems going far beyond membership costs and no matter what you or I or the collective "we" do, will get them motivated to seek out training opportunities beyond what they are already experiencing.

Haggling over swim meet fees and rules doesn't address bringing a lot of new USMS members. The issue of whether or not the cost is free or $40.+ comes up in my friend's proposal only because there are potential members who have no understanding yet of all the terrific value and benefits USMS has to offer. And in some cases, they will never know or listen to a pitch until they join and see for themselves. Many have spent years: A - in lap swim lanes B - training on their own for triathlons C - thinking about getting into a swim program D - trying to recover from an injury E - lonely and looking for active companionship F - considering coming back to a sport left years ago G - without motivation or self-esteem to begin alone ETC... Not trying to be argumentative or haggle with you here Ahelee, but I've got a different opinion of those not included in group "C", above. I don't think free is going to get them out of their comfort zone regardless. Most programs already allow a "free" tryout period of a week, give or take. And, USMS allows 30 days "free" membership to start out with so I am having difficulty understanding why they aren't flocking to the existing programs already. Some of those subsets have problems going far beyond membership costs and no matter what you or I or the collective "we" do, will get them motivated to seek out training opportunities beyond what they are already experiencing.