National governing body USA Triathlon has reviewed its 2012 budget. Based on forecasts for 2012, the association has increased annual membership fees and its one-day licence charge for non-USAT members participating at sanctioned events. This is the first time that an increase has been implemented for six years. The background to the decision are set out below in a letter to race directors and other stakeholders…
Dear USA Triathlon Race Directors and Stakeholders:
I hope this finds you well as the holiday season approaches. Following substantial research and analysis and long-range budget forecasting, USA Triathlon has determined the need to increase the annual membership fee from $39 to $45 and the one-day license from $10 to $12, both effective Jan. 1, 2012.
Please note, this will be the first time that USA Triathlon has raised its annual membership fee in six years. As I mentioned in my previous email regarding the necessary increase in youth fees, our operating costs have doubled during this time period – averaging a 14% increase per year. In spite of this, we’re still significantly less expensive than the average annual membership fee for all other U.S. National Governing Bodies, which is more than $53.
I realize some of you feel this increase will reduce the number of members. It may, but evidence points to the contrary. During the last two USA Triathlon fee increases – going from $25 in 2001 to $30 in 2002, and from $30 in 2006 to $39 in 2007 – membership continued to grow rapidly. True, we are in different economic times, but current research comparing the cost increases of other participatory sports project little to no impact on membership. Moreover, acquiring, retaining and providing more value to our membership as well as the Race Director community are key initiatives for 2012. Our plans include, but will not be limited to:
- Providing a $20 voucher through TriSports.com for all new memberships and member renewals ($30 voucher for certified coaches)
- A new Aquabike National Championship, bringing our total up to 12 National Championships for members across the multisport spectrum
- An upgraded Rankings system where race results are incorporated into rankings within days
- A new online membership portal that will enable personalization of USAT communication at the individual level, providing more relevant information to members
- A new race registration program that will enable real-time membership verification and the purchase of electronic one-days, adding convenience for both members and race directors
- A new, streamlined sanctioning process that will substantially reduce the time needed by Race Directors to sanction
- New youth initiatives, including a national triathlon an aquathlon series, and a community coaching program
In short, we intend to boost our efforts across the board to drive value to our broad constituency and further fuel the multisport lifestyle.
Sincerely,
Rob Urbach
Chief Executive Officer
USA Triathlon
