Based on conversation both here on SwimSwam and elsewhere, the USA Swimming-proposed dues increase is certainly the most heated topic on the slate for this weekend’s House of Delegates meeting in Anaheim, California.
USA Swimming president Bruce Stratton, however, told the house on Saturday that “[at this convention” the dues increase is the most improtant item we are doing here today.” That means even measured up against several athlete protection measures that were swiftly and soundly passed earlier in the day, Stratton believes that an increase in the dues-inflation is the most important measure.
The measure, number R-2, would change the dues increase from $1 annually where it currently sits to $2 annually beginning in 2015, when the current increase plan ends. (More on the rule here).
The change could result in just shy of half-a-million dollars in new revenue for USA Swimming annually, in addition to the half-a-million increase annually they currently receive until 2015. They received nearly half of their total revenue in 2012 from membership dues.
This change is being driven by USA Swimming’s leadership (Stratton and others), including one member of the executive group who when members questioned the increase, said that the “whiners need to go away”.
Among the suggestions were that the dues increase be attached to a rider that included capping executive pay during that period, while others felt that the increase would still leave swimming as relatively affordable when compared to other high-level youth sports.
This dues increase was the biggest topic of conversation on Thursday when Startton and CEO Chuck Wielgus hosted an open town hall meeting in Anaheim.
We will have more information when the change is voted on. As of now, the increase is still being debated.
USA Swimming executives really need that PR course. Stratton’s statement, “This modest increase, which amounts to less than 17 cents a month and certainly less than the Starbucks many of you purchase every day…”
The oil companies used the same argument for the increase of gas prices while clearing billions of dollars a year. If you can afford a $5.00 Starbucks coffee you can afford to pay $5.00 per gallon for gas.
It is the most heated topic. Still waiting for an explanation from usa swimming on dues increase. Got one from Swimswam but not from USA swimming. Would also like to know why fees come due in September for year round athletes rather than December. That is a lot of money for 3 months of dues. Second is for what we get for our dues. Still have never seen anything about that. Just basic questions I feel we should have answers for.