USA-WS Membership Changes Take Effect In 2011

As a reminder, USA Water Ski’s board of directors approved an exciting new change to the membership structure at its mid-winter board meeting last January that will provide unique opportunities for clubs to promote and grow membership.

The change, proposed by USA Water Ski’s Membership Department based on a request by the Executive Committee to simplify the membership structure and fees, will be implemented beginning with the 2011 membership year (2011 membership renewals were solicited beginning last November).

The change includes abandoning the existing family membership structure of charging for each family member based on his or her selection of Active or Supporting status and charge one flat rate of $135 per family (up to 5 family members – head of household, spouse and dependent children age 17 and under – residing at the same address). This will provide Active membership status for the entire family. Each member of this Active family also will be able to choose his or her own sport discipline affiliation.

This change will streamline and simplify the family membership process; eliminate the confusion for clubs as to which family members may participate in certain types of sanctioned events; eliminate the need for family supporting members to upgrade to Active status, pay an additional $35 fee and sign an annual waiver should they decide they want to participate in sanctioned events; and allow family members with a current membership to jump in and participate or help out at an event at any time.

A second recommendation also was approved and includes eliminating the Foreign Active and Foreign Supporting memberships. Members residing outside the United States will select from our existing membership options and receive The Water Skier magazine on a “request only” basis since current members can now view the magazine online through the “Members-Only” section of www.USAWATERSKI.org.

This change also will streamline and simplify the number of membership choices. For more information, contact the Membership Department at (863) 324-4341.

Archived News 10/1/10