Interesting comments.
Personally, I think USAWS needs an overhaul. Its time for new blood.
I am the current President of Chippewa Lake Watersports association. I started our club in 2010 as it started moving from a private lake to a public lake. We will be public this summer.
Last year we had: Slalom Course for public use, 1 night a week where we supplied a boat/driver/coach on the course, Lane Bowers professional barefoot instruction for 2.5 days, and to top it off we had a figure 8 barefoot tournament at the end of the year. Everything was successful.
I have two complaints:
1. I can't get anybody with passion and dedication to help run the club. Everybody likes our slalom course and everything else but we need some people to help keep the gears turning. I don't know how to change this.
2. USA Waterski. (some things minor some major...no particular order)
a. I go to renew our insurance, call up and say I want to send the check. Their answer...."you have to fill out these 10 pages of paperwork, we can't use your data from last year" another 2 hours of mine wasted filling paperwork and faxing it in.
b. I call up and ask "what driver rating does a person need to drive a figure 8 barefoot tournament?" USAWS..."Hmmm we don't know"
c. If I have a special event and need to insure a boat for 3 days I can't do it. I have to buy a full year policy.
d. The driver requirements require more than what it takes me to retain my Pilot's license.
e. Saftey Director.... Unattainable. If I wan't to get people safety certified I have to fly somebody in. Why can't we just use a certified CPR/lifesaving instructor and go over the additional boating stuff ourself? And then....when a person gets the rating...if they want to be an instructor they have to go to tournaments. What does going to tournaments have to do with being rated to teach the class? Its a joke.
Here is what I think:
Erase the part on your membership where it asks what sport discipline. If you are holding onto a handle behind the boat you should be part of USAWS.
There should be a trained driver (initial) where you can tow anything. From there it should be different driving ratings. Just like the FAA uses for a pilot license.
Its time to automate the f&*^ing data on the website. No more PDFs. Hire some people to make the system work better.
Safety directors are a good thing. 10% should be taken off any member with this rating.
Its time to clean house. Anybody who has been on any board for more than 6 years....they need to go. Time for new blood and new ideas.