Originally found in SwimSwam here.

This is an editorial from SwimAtlanta, a swimming club that has remained among the top-three in the United States in terms of size and registration for decades.  SwimAtlanta, among other swimming clubs in the U.S., registered many of its members with AAU in 2023 – rather than, or in addition to, USA Swimming. USA Swimming released their 2023 registration numbers in late March of 2024, reporting that enrollment fell by 18,000 members, a 4.61% decline.
 

By SwimAtlanta

Swimming is a sport that demands dedication, resilience, and passion. To nurture and grow this sport, swimming clubs play a pivotal role in providing young athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed. This series highlights how SwimAtlanta transitioned to AAU Swimming, aiming to inspire other clubs to explore ways to contribute to the growth of swimming. In this first part, we delve into the reasons behind SwimAtlanta’s shift to AAU Swimming, emphasizing operational efficiencies, positive experiences, and increased parental involvement.

Key Decision Factors and Pivotal Moments

SwimAtlanta has been a proud and longstanding member of USA Swimming since 1977 and remains committed to this organization with no plans to leave. Our goal is to grow the sport of swimming, and we believe that incorporating AAU Swimming into our program will help us achieve this objective.

Chris Davis, Head Coach of SwimAtlanta, along with his coaching staff, led the decision to transition to AAU. The pivotal moment came with the problematic rollout of the Swims 3.0 system by USA Swimming. Despite its role as the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States, USA Swimming’s execution of the new system caused significant frustration.  SwimAtlanta saw an opportunity with AAU to better serve their community and promote the sport of swimming. The ease of registration, cost savings, and flexible meet formats provided by AAU aligned with SwimAtlanta’s goals of making swimming accessible to young athletes and fostering a supportive, engaged community. Additionally, AAU Swimming’s streamlined process for hiring qualified part-time coaches, which includes a background check, further supported SwimAtlanta’s operational goals and enhanced the quality of their coaching staff.

Initial Considerations: Challenges and Benefits

SwimAtlanta faced significant challenges with the USA Swimming registration process. The reliance on parents to promptly complete registrations to ensure swimmers were covered by insurance created uncertainties about whether all swimmers were adequately always insured. Transitioning to AAU provided a straightforward and reliable solution, ensuring that all swimmers were consistently covered.

One of the largest benefits for SwimAtlanta families is cost savings. AAU offers a flat, low registration fee, simplifying the process for families. In contrast, USA Swimming’s multiple registration options often confused families not knowing which membership was right for them. With AAU, SwimAtlanta could offer a single, low-cost registration, making swimming more accessible.

The simplified meet sanctioning process under AAU allowed SwimAtlanta to be more creative with meet formats. This flexibility made it easier for families to participate in swim team events, especially for young athletes involved in multiple sports. The straightforward approach encouraged more young swimmers to join and stay engaged with the sport.

Transition Reactions and Immediate Benefits

The transition to AAU Swimming was met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from the SwimAtlanta community. Coaches expressed their appreciation for the streamlined administrative processes, which allowed them to dedicate more time and resources to coaching and swimmer development. Swimmers and parents welcomed the reduction in membership costs, making competitive swimming more accessible and financially manageable. The simplified registration process also alleviated administrative burdens, creating a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Coaches’ Perspective:

Coaches were particularly enthusiastic about the streamlined processes introduced by AAU Swimming. The reduction in paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles meant that coaches could spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focusing on training and developing their athletes. This shift enabled them to implement more comprehensive training programs and provide individualized attention to swimmers, fostering a more productive and supportive training environment.  Bonus with the AAU Coaches registration is that the AAU registration fee includes the background check.

Swimmers’ and Parents’ Perspective:

Swimmers and their families noticed immediate benefits from the cost savings associated with AAU membership. Lower registration fees and reduced meet entry costs made competitive swimming more accessible to a broader range of athletes. Parents appreciated the simplified registration process, which eliminated many of the frustrations and time-consuming steps previously associated with competitive swimming. These improvements contributed to a more enjoyable and less stressful experience for swimmers and their families, enhancing overall satisfaction with the SwimAtlanta program.

Community Education and Support:

Efforts to educate the SwimAtlanta community about the benefits of AAU Swimming played a crucial role in garnering support for the transition. Informational sessions, newsletters, and direct communication from coaches and administrative staff helped to highlight the advantages and address any concerns. This proactive approach ensured that the entire community understood the rationale behind the transition and felt confident in its positive impact.

Immediate Benefits:

The transition to AAU Swimming brought several immediate benefits:

• Cost Savings: The reduction in membership fees and meet entry costs provided significant financial relief to swimmers and their families.
• Time Savings: Simplified registration processes and reduced administrative tasks allowed coaches and staff to focus on more critical aspects of swimmer development.
• Efficient Meet Hosting: AAU’s flexible guidelines and streamlined processes made it easier for SwimAtlanta to host meets, increasing opportunities for competition and community engagement.
• Enhanced Focus on Coaching: With administrative burdens minimized, coaches could devote more time to developing training programs, improving swimmer performance, and fostering a positive team culture.

These benefits not only improved the day-to-day operations of SwimAtlanta but also contributed to the long-term growth and success of the program. By adopting AAU Swimming, SwimAtlanta reinforced its commitment to providing high-quality coaching and competitive opportunities, ultimately supporting the growth of the sport.

Looking Ahead

This series will continue to explore the financial side of the short course season with AAU Swimming and the future for SwimAtlanta and AAU Swimming, always focusing on the goal of growing the sport. By sharing SwimAtlanta’s experiences, we hope to provide valuable insights and encourage other clubs to find innovative solutions to promote swimming in their communities.

Stay tuned for the next installment, where we delve deeper into the financial benefits and future of SwimAtlanta with AAU Swimming. Together, we are working on continuing to grow the sport of swimming and inspire the next generation of athletes.