We Want You Back!
The USRA membership has
hovered around the 18,000 mark for the last several years (excluding
clubs and separate magazine subscribers). While the database of
competitive players contains over 45,000 records, less than half are
active and we encourage players who have allowed their membership to
lapse to renew. Here is a monthly breakdown of USRA membership over
the past 30 months:
| |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
| JAN |
18,642 |
18,487 |
18,718 |
| FEB |
18,727 |
18,394 |
18,641 |
| MAR |
19,350 |
18,966 |
18,577 |
| APR |
19,065 |
18,542 |
19,021 |
| MAY |
18,363 |
18,096 |
18,263 |
| JUN |
17,998 |
17,815 |
17,609 |
| JUL |
17,953 |
17,795 |
17,162 |
| AUG |
18,121 |
17,892 |
|
| SEP |
18,209 |
18,018 |
|
| OCT |
18,468 |
18,351 |
|
| NOV |
18,524 |
18,558 |
|
| DEC |
18,910 |
18,717 |
|
How to renew ... ? Renewing
your USRA membership has never been easier. All members are mailed
at least two post card renewals (at 90 and 30 days prior to
expiration) which can be returned with payment directly to the USRA.
You can also renew online at www.usrastore.com
to insure uninterrupted benefits and services (like delivery of
RACQUETBALL). It’s an easy and immediate way to activate your
membership and obtain a receipt that can be used as proof of
membership until your card comes in the mail.
If you still prefer to sign up at
an event, remember that it may take awhile for tournament directors
to forward your application and fees to the state association, and
then even awhile longer than that before they are turned into the
national office. Renew direct to keep your magazines coming. And,
yes, your state still receives its portion of fees using this method
... |
|
State Affiliates
The USRA
recognizes 50 state affiliates and representatives nationwide — each
organized independently, but all committed to the mission of the USRA.
While some states have a large board of directors; neighboring states may
have smaller versions, comprised of 3-4 enthusiasts. Whatever the size,
this network of state associations is intended to build an organized core
of leaders who coordinate racquetball at the state level. These volunteers
provide a foundation for the sport and ensure its development through
proper teaching and organized promotional efforts. Through the various
state affiliates and the promotion of racquetball on a national level, we
hope to “build business” for court clubs nationwide, which will help
keep courts intact and continue to offer a healthy lifestyle choice for
players of all ages and abilities. [2002 Leadership
Conference photo]
While a great deal of effort goes toward
scheduling, hosting, managing and running sanctioned events, state
associations also have responsibilities for communicating with local
constituencies through websites and publications. Many have also taken on
new and expanded challenges which include calendars, funding junior teams,
travel leagues and promotional campaigns, just to name a few. To assist
with these communications and special programs, a full third of all
membership fees ($10) go directly to your state association. In 2001, that
portion of collected fees totalled over $120,000 distributed to states to
support these programs. While such monetary support may assist with the
day-to-day operations of a state association, hundreds of volunteers also
spend thousands of hours each year donating their time, effort and
professional skills serving on your state boards.
Costs
of Membership
Last January, the base USRA membership fee was raised from $20 to
$30. This was the first increase in fees since January 1994, and
while some may argue that the fee is too high, or the increase wasn’t
justified — the fact remains that the USRA membership package is
one of the most valuable, and cost-effective, among the National
Governing Bodies. |
| NGB
Membership Fee Comparison |
| January
'02 |
Adult
Fees |
Magazine
Frequency |
Membership
Strength |
| Archery |
$40 |
8 yearly |
6,000
|
| Badminton |
$25 |
Bi-monthly |
3,000 |
| Boxing |
$27 |
Quarterly |
21,500 |
| Cycling |
$45 |
Bi-monthly |
44,000 |
| Fencing |
$40 |
Quarterly |
16,000 |
| Field
Hockey |
$30 |
Bi-monthly |
14,000 |
| Racquetball |
$30 |
Bi-monthly |
18,000 |
| Shooting |
$35 |
Monthly |
6,000 |
| Swimming |
$25 |
Bi-monthly |
221,000 |
| Table
Tennis |
$35 |
Bi-monthly |
7,800 |
| Water
Polo |
$35 |
Bi-monthly |
20,000 |
| Weightlifting |
$35 |
Quarterly |
4,000 |
| Wrestling |
$35 |
Bi-monthly |
127,000 |
Thirty Bucks?!
So, you’ve just written a check or plopped down the cash — on top of
your entry fee — at the check-in desk of one of the 600 sanctioned
events held around the country. Here’s a breakdown of how those fees are
allocated:
- State
Operations = 33%. $10.00 of each USRA membership stays in your
state, when it meets minimum publication and performance benchmarks in
servicing local constituencies.
- Magazine
= 30%.
- Support Services = 28%. Includes membership
and renewal services, insurance benefits, sanctioned event materials,
database management.
- Public Services = 9%. Includes public
information websites, publications, instruction, surveys, merchandising
and promotion of the sport.
- Not included in these categories
are costs for overhead (salaries & office expense), national
events, IRF, U.S. National Teams, or Training Camps.
QUESTIONS? Contact USRA Membership
Director, Kevin Joyce, at
719-635-5396, ext.123. |
