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2016 USMS Convention Recap
The 2016 USMS convention concluded in Atlanta on Sunday, September 25. This year’s meeting was largely free of controversy and contention. Even the most hotly debated topics (relaxing bulkhead measurement requirements, upper temperature limits for open water swims, certain fee increases) would have minimal effect on the typical Pacific Masters swimmer. One change of some significance to local swimmers regards age group classifications for long distance postal and open water swims; beginning next year these classifications will be based on a swimmers age at year end. A long standing challenge regarding the lack of officials for Masters meets was addressed with the introduction of USMS certification of stroke and turn judges and starters.
Leianne Crittenden was re-elected to another 2-year term as the Oceana at-large Board of Directors member. Laura Val and Dave Wierdsma were 2016 recipients of the Dorothy Donnelly Service Award.
If there was an underlying theme to this year’s convention, it was the future. This was the first convention for Dawson Hughes, USMS’ new CEO. He spoke of his plans and hopes for the organization and highlighted his commitment to member services. A new 5-year strategic plan was unveiled. An investment in college club swimming was approved with the hope of capturing younger members. There was a presentation from the Futures Task Force, a committee exploring how USMS can attract and retain more members under 35. A workshop presented by the Diversity Task Force helped attendees understand and explore the obstacles and opportunities of becoming a more diverse organization.
More information on this year’s convention can be found here. The recruitment of delegates for next year’s convention will begin in spring of 2017.
