_ForceD_

Here is something we can discuss -- https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/18/health...ion/index.html
Although this article on CNN.com focuses mainly on the Ironman distance (which I've never done. I mostly do sprints and Olys), it does briefly discuss some other aspects of the sport. One that I always question is USAT (and ITU to a lesser extent) and it's "governing" of the sport in the U.S. I've been doing triathlons since before USAT existed. Even before USAT's predecessor TriFed existed. I've never been anything close to an elite, national-, or world-class competitor. I just like the sport at the local level and competing with other locals, and myself. And I can honestly say that I've never experienced a positive impact on the races I participate in by USAT or it's predecessor. So why do I need to be a USAT member to participate in a race? On average I participate in 5-7 triathlons per season. For years (early 2000s to maybe 2012-ish) I refused to join USAT, and I participated only in races that were NOT USAT sanctioned events. I just never saw any benefit in membership. The magazine subscription and free USAT sticker wasn't worth it to me. What does USAT do for the little guy? The non-USAT races I did every season were just as well run (actually better in most cases) as the more expensive USAT sanctioned races. From a racing budget point of view, it saved me some considerable money. And we all know how expensive this sport can be. Now, after several years of existance, unfortunately just about all of those non-USAT races...most of which are/were put on by non-profit organizations (like the YMCA for example)...have become USAT-sanctioned events. As such, currently there aren't many non-USAT races in my area. So, I've had to again become a USAT member to save a few bucks. So, I again call on USAT that if they're going to "govern" triathlon...then govern it! Govern not only the bureaucratic hierarchy of it, but the actual sport too! I do too many "sanctioned" races of "Olympic/International" distance that are anything BUT the prescribed distances. And as far as sprints...there is absolutely no standard for them. It's difficult at best for a sprinter to compare results from race to race. They need to come up with specific standard distances, and racecourse safety policies and enforce them through their sanctioning. Why else am I, a local-level competitior, paying for membership?

Dan

jwse30

I just got into triathlon this past season. I will likely join USAT before next season rolls around, as nearly all the races in this area are sanctioned, which means I have to buy the one day pass (at $15 a pop). If I do three tris a year, the membership will basically pay for itself.

But that doesn't seem to be the case where you are at, so according to their website:

https://www.teamusa.org/usa-triathlo...vices/benefits

To paraphrase, membership allows your to participate in sanctioned races. You get the magazine and the sticker you spoke of, you can get a discount at some of the sponsers' stores or websites, and you get a national ranking (which doesn't sound like that's of much importance to you)

I guess you're the only one that can decide whether joining is right for you or not. For me, I would likely still join even if the one day memberships were not required. If no one joined the organization it would cease to exist, and I don't think that would be a good scenario either.

J White

_ForceD_

IMO, those discounts are for items that are already overpriced. I find equipment suitable for me that is already less expensive than those discounted items. I understand that there are some people, regardless of their status/tenure in the sport, who just want to own those things with the USAT sponsorship attached to it. National ranking: Ha! A vast majority of people participating in those small, local triathlons (like me) have little concern about whether they're ranked 1024th nationally or 1025th. Yet I disagree that the organization would cease to exist. I do believe it is needed. The sport does need governing. There are still rules that need to be enforced, and the world-class events need to be overseen. But, by comparison, I can go run a 5k/5mile/10k/15k/Marathon etc. road race. It may or may not be sanctioned by USATF/IAAF. Regardless...I don't have to be a member of USATF to participate in the race. And...if I'm good enough...I will get ranked nationally (again which I'm not concerned with).

Dan

CrankyNeck

Although I can think of a few potential benefits for members (safer courses, better race insurance, better adherence to rules, etc.), I have always though of it primarily as a money grab. I also have been doing triathlons since before the days of Tri-Fed and I've never felt the need to cough up the money for membership.