This is part three of an editorial from SwimAtlanta, a swim club that has been among the three largest in the United States in terms of size and enrollment for decades. SwimAtlanta and other swim clubs across the U.S. have registered many of their members with the AAU in 2023—instead of with USA Swimming, or in addition to it. USA Swimming released its 2023 registration numbers in late March 2024 and reported that enrollment was down by 18,000 members, a 4.61% decline.
See Part 1: SwimAtlanta promotes swimming with AAU.
See Part Two: SwimAtlanta explains the financial benefits of transitioning to AAU
By SwimAtlanta
Final Thoughts: SwimAtlanta’s Vision for the Future of Swimming
As we conclude this series, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read our articles, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful conversations. Your feedback and support is invaluable as we continue to explore the future of competitive swimming.
Our goal in this series was to encourage an open dialogue about the importance of swim clubs in shaping the direction of our sport. At SwimAtlanta, we firmly believe that the future of swimming lies in the hands of grassroots clubs. It is up to us – the coaches, athletes and parents – to help shape the growth of swimming and ensure it remains a vibrant and accessible sport for generations to come.
Developing the sport we love
The ultimate goal we all share should be clear: to get more athletes involved in the sport we all love. Whether through the traditional avenues of USA Swimming or the new opportunities of AAU Swimming, our focus must remain on expanding the reach of our sport and welcoming new swimmers into our community.
SwimAtlanta has always been a proud part of USA Swimming and continues to be active in our Local Swimming Committee (LSC). We have experienced the benefits of USA Swimming firsthand, from its rich history to its established competition structure. However, we also see AAU swimming as a powerful way to grow both our club and the sport as a whole. The flexibility, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of AAU provide new opportunities to introduce young athletes to swimming, and we believe this competition is a good thing – not just for SwimAtlanta, but for the sport as a whole.
Promote competition in governance
As coaches, we thrive on competition. It drives us to improve, innovate and push our athletes to new heights. But for far too long, there has been little to no competition in the leadership of the sport of swimming. This lack of competition has led to a stagnation that is not in the best interests of our clubs or our swimmers.
By including both AAU and USA Swimming, we are not only expanding our opportunities, but also putting a little more pressure on the status quo. We believe that healthy competition between governing bodies can only lead to positive results for our sport. It encourages all organizations to listen more closely to the needs of clubs, be more responsive, and continually improve the services and opportunities offered.
A positive future for swimming
It’s not about choosing one organization over the other; it’s about recognizing the strengths of both and using them to benefit our athletes, our clubs and our sport. SwimAtlanta is committed to growing the sport of swimming through both AAU and USA Swimming and ensuring we can offer our families the best of both worlds.
Being a part of both organizations brings more to our swim families – more options, more flexibility, and more opportunities to fall in love with the sport. We look forward to continuing this journey with our athletes, parents, and fellow coaches and driving the growth of swimming together.
outlook
SwimAtlanta is excited about the opportunities ahead. We want to be leaders in both AAU and USA Swimming and work to grow our club and the sport we love. We encourage all clubs to join us in this endeavor, make bold decisions and always keep the best interests of our athletes in mind.
Together, with the combined strengths of AAU and USA Swimming, we can create a future where the sport of swimming continues to thrive and where every athlete, regardless of background or skill level, has the opportunity to dive into the pool and discover the joy of swimming.
Thank you for joining us on this conversation. We look forward to developing the sport of swimming with you – because ultimately, it’s about more than just winning. It’s about ensuring the sport we love continues to grow and inspire new generations of swimmers.
