This blog is going to be a random mix of whatever ultimate-related topics we would like to discuss. As we think and talk about ultimate nonstop, that may mean subject matter ranging from ridiculous to serious. So we thought we’d start out with something that we’ve been thinking a lot about lately: the raise in USAU dues.
Thus far, we think the change from UPA to USAU has been a good one; revamping the organization as membership continues to increase rapidly is a good move. The college restructuring makes sense: as more college ultimate teams pop up like mad, adding more regions and divisions makes for less traveling and for more serious competition for a team trying to go to nationals.
The new website is improving daily, new employees have to deal with these new divisions, and we are sure there are a lot of other changes happening that we are not informed enough to comment on. (As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of showy displays of patriotism, Princess thought the name change was a bit rah rah go America, but made sense given the timing around Worlds…an aside- if it’s now USA Ultimate, we don’t think Canadian teams should be able to take away bids to Regionals and Nationals from US teams…something that came up during the club season). But all in all, it seems like positive changes are being made.
Our main complaint is this: the increase in membership dues for college players (almost DOUBLE!). We understand costs have probably risen substantially due to changes that have been made and that increased revenue needs to come from somewhere. But… from college members? Most of us feel far too bad to ask for any money from our parents to fund our ultimate careers given the fact that they’re already shelling out tons of money on our education. Club funding isn’t particularly generous and we pay a lot out of pocket– enough that we both took jobs this year specifically for the purpose of funding our ultimate endeavors. Yes, we also realize that getting a multi-year membership makes things cheaper, but as graduating seniors have no idea what our life, let alone ultimate playing, will look like in the next couple of years. We feel fine about raising the slightly dues for adults, and will happily pay it next year assuming we are hired somewhere….but for now we’d appreciate a break.
Both of us have put off renewing our membership for as long as possible. We realize we will have to renew eventually, and all memberships expire December 31st, but are dragging our feet because we don’t want to shell out $50 more. So…USAU: take pity on us and waive our membership dues? Aw, thanks.
“Speak like a parrot; meditate like a swan; chew like a goat; and bathe like an elephant.”