July - August 2001
Vol. 12, No. 4 | Contents

NEW DIRECTIONS
by Luke St. Onge

One of the most critical actions taken by the USRA Board of Directors at its annual meeting in Houston last May was the vote to increase USRA membership dues from the current yearly level of $20 to $30, effective January 1, 2002. 

Why critical? The USRA has far exceeded resource limitations for many years, in the levels of service offered by any non-profit corporation. By comparison to other national governing bodies of sport, racquetball members receive far more benefits, services and programs for their membership dollar. And, quite simply, the cost of those services has forced the issue. 

The decision to increase fees was not undertaken lightly, and had been seriously considered for several years. The move became necessary following thorough reviews of the tremendous cost increases required to fulfill the current membership package at the national level, combined with a pressing need to support State Associations in fulfilling their obligations locally. Under the new fee structure, revenue-sharing will remain the same. The national office will receive two-thirds ($20) of each new membership collected, and each state association will be able to retain one-third ($10) for their operations. This is expected to provide over $180,000 in support to state associations for grassroots development and local programming annually.

Since the last dues increase eight years ago [in 1994] the USRA has seen a steady rise in costs directly associated with its membership package, including required insurance coverages (athlete medical and liability), printing and postage, support to sanctioned events and recreational programs nationwide, as well as general operating expenses on the whole.

After looking at the membership packages of other NGB’s (priced at much higher yearly dues across the board) it became apparent that we needed to become competitive … not only in the benefits package that we offer – but also in setting its value. At $20.00 per year (less $7.00 direct to the state) the USRA’s dues were the lowest among NGBs. At a net income of $13.00 for the national office to service each membership, the numbers just didn’t work anymore. 

To help ease this “transition” and build support for the much-needed increase, we’ll be looking into ways to enhance the membership package with “value-added” components like a new-and-improved member ID card, discounts on racquetball equipment and accessories from manufacturers, upgraded support packages to sanctioned event hosts and special offers from the United States Olympic Committee affiliate sponsors that support the USRA. 

To underwrite less tangible operational expenses (data management, office support, internet website services, events, overhead) the USRA has identified other revenue streams, like national championships, subscriptions, merchandising, and fundraising. Corporate sponsorships may, someday, make it easier for us to attain our financial goals, but until then it will be necessary for us to carefully manage all our controllable income resources – of which membership revenue is one.

We all feel that the entire USRA membership has a great stake in the future of the sport and — through that membership — we can continue to promote racquetball to its rightful place in the sports world. 

The Board of Directors and the national office are committed to that end … and now is the time for us all to pull together to keep the sport moving forward. 


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