After the furor over "the letter" I decided to look for a USMS charter or similar statement. I expected to find something that said something like USMS serves to promote adult swimming open to all (etc.).
Instead I found nothing. The FAQ is mostly about nuts and bolts of USMS and why join. The Administration pages on this site describe how USMS is run.
I could not find anywhere a general statement of USMS's purpose for being other than to give adult swimmers their own group. I couldn't find any language about non-discrimination or to promote adult swimming, etc.
Shouldn't USMS have something like that?
Parents
Former Member
Rob,
Checking out all the resources listed here, including the rule book, there is nothing yet precluding USMS from publishing more letters like the now-redacted letter that was published (if there was, it would have meant that a USMS policy/mission had been violated). The USMS promise to add a new phrase in the magazine (that what is published represents neither the policy nor OPINIONS of USMS) is legalistic boilerplate.
The USMS goal to enhance fellowship and camaraderie among Masters swimmers comes close however.
On the other hand, the equal opportunity for membership policy does not apply to what USMS may publish derogatory about race, creed, gender, religion, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation or national origin. Perhaps the board should consider a policy against derogatory comments in USMS publications and speeches.
Rob,
Checking out all the resources listed here, including the rule book, there is nothing yet precluding USMS from publishing more letters like the now-redacted letter that was published (if there was, it would have meant that a USMS policy/mission had been violated). The USMS promise to add a new phrase in the magazine (that what is published represents neither the policy nor OPINIONS of USMS) is legalistic boilerplate.
The USMS goal to enhance fellowship and camaraderie among Masters swimmers comes close however.
On the other hand, the equal opportunity for membership policy does not apply to what USMS may publish derogatory about race, creed, gender, religion, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation or national origin. Perhaps the board should consider a policy against derogatory comments in USMS publications and speeches.
