Dear Jessica,

The Board of Directors feels that bold action is needed to respond to membership challenges and best support USMS clubs and events as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, the board has approved an overhaul of the USMS national budget and strategy. The strategy discussion also began dialogue on a plan that would set a uniform membership fee of $60 for members who register for the remainder of 2020. Like our annual Year-Plus membership offer, those members would be registered through 2021 as well, effectively waiving membership fees for the remainder of 2020. This modified Year-Plus membership would be offered June 1, 2020, through Oct. 31, 2020. 

We need your input before moving forward.

In the modified Year-Plus model under consideration, the board would ask LMSCs to waive 2020 LMSC membership fees and agree to receive $12 of the total $60 fee for 2021. Discussion on and possible adoption of the Unified Membership Fee plan for 2021 regular memberships would still take place at this year’s virtual annual meeting, with 2021 fees and strategy being proposed, discussed, and approved at that time. 

The board is planning to address the modified Year-Plus model fully during its May 18 call. Despite the need to respond rapidly, the board is committed to transparency and gathering input for our approach and decision-making process related to COVID-19. This is particularly important when addressing issues that are typically approved by the House of Delegates or by the LMSCs independently.

Rationale for This Change

• An easy path to membership through 2021 will help USMS clubs and events with their participation efforts once restarted.
• New members would be able to swim in any events held this year and next year for one low price.
• A simple and clear fee structure is consistent nationally, given a staggered approach to restarting local operations based on facility-level decisions and local guidelines. 
• Based on current known facility closures and event cancellations, USMS is forecasting no more than 2,500 membership registrations nationally from June-October, which amounts to an average of less than 50 members per LMSC. 
  
  • For 2020, the potential revenue loss from waiving 2020 national and LMSC fees is minimal.
  • For 2021, the fee is already aligned with the 31 LMSCs that have adopted the Unified Membership Fee early. For those that have a unique fee, the difference in 2021 revenue, given the number of members forecasted, will be minimal. 
• The value of simple and concise marketing far outweighs any revenue implications.
• USMS nationally and nearly all LMSCs have sufficient reserves to support this decision and to also reinvest in their local USMS programs and events when the time is appropriate. (More information on a national framework for LMSCs to support their clubs and events is forthcoming.) 
• The fee structure proposed aligns with the established path toward a Unified Membership Fee nationally in 2021, which ultimately will be decided during the virtual 2020 annual meeting.
• Given the recent decision to move to a virtual annual meeting for 2020, each LMSC will realize expense savings.

What We're Asking of You 

• This email has been sent to LMSC officers. Each LMSC has unique decision-making processes. Please forward the information to any other LMSC volunteers who should be included. 
• Your LMSC chair will be receiving a survey next week to provide feedback on the recommendations under consideration. We’ve asked LMSC chairs to gather input and submit a decision on the modified Year-Plus model by May 15. Please consider the rationale as your LMSC gathers its feedback. 
• If you have questions, please contact volunteer@usmastersswimming.org or a member of the USMS board. USMS CEO Dawson Hughes and I will also be available to answer questions. Calls between board members and LMSCs are currently being scheduled to discuss the longer-term Unified Membership Fee planning. Discussion on this recommendation will be welcome during those calls. 

Like every other business and nonprofit in the country, the COVID-19 pandemic is creating a crisis unlike any we have faced. The board and professional staff feel this modified Year-Plus model will help us confront our immediate challenges and enable USMS to thrive in the future. We hope you will join us and support these actions. 

We appreciate everything you do for USMS members during "normal" times. Your input is even more valuable as we adjust to our current situation.

Sincerely,

Peter Guadagni
President | U.S. Masters Swimming

Note: This email was sent to all LMSC-level volunteers.