As someone who was part of AWSA leadership while this was implemented, suggesting it’s a “money grab” on the part of USAWSWS is severely short sighted. While the overall benefits of our affiliation with the USOPC can be argued, it is NOT only money.
Second, it would be foolish to operate an organization like this without insurance. Without SS or something similar that insurance either becomes impossible to find or prohibitively expensive. Only a fool would think there is “zero exposure” to liability or believe that the problem doesn’t exist everywhere. It’s incredibly unfortunate but with more than a dozen cases and literally a pending case constantly since the beginning within waterskiing, people need to recognize the problem is real and isn’t going to magically go away.
So as an organization you have a few options. Ignore it and hope for the best. Hopefully the above and history will suggest that is not the right answer. Or, participate in well recognized, endorsed programs like SafeSport. We can argue that it doesn’t apply or isn’t worthwhile but the fact is, the program does provide some education and “clues” to look out for everyday. Or, as an organization we embark on our own specific, “custom” program that has zero history or backing and would need to ultimately be proven effective (not sure how) to become valuable. Maybe we need an additional, specific program that is sport specific on top of the generic SS training? I’m not suggesting that, but the wide varying opinions expressed by members suggest there is no one size fits all answer.
As a group, the more educated we are and the more we collectively know what to look for and HOW to speak up, the better it becomes for all and the few chances there are for something awful to happen. It is not fool proof. It is not perfect. However doing nothing just plain defies logic.
I’ve personally taken the main course and all 4 follow up courses. It was largely what I already knew. Each one did enlighten me on something I didn’t think of or didn’t prioritize. Each time was a refresher to keep paying attention.
I realize it seems unnecessary and perhaps heavy handed. I’d argue it’s not on either point. It could have been better communicated and unfortunately there were more unknown or undecided details that didn’t help clear communications. That said the membership has seemed to respond with those who wish to participate completing the training and moving on. Time will tell if there’s any effect or if the issues and investigations continue. As a parent and one who had supported and participated in the competitive side of the sport for decades, I hope it does make a difference.