USA WRESTLING AND AAU WRESTLING FORMALLY WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTERMENT OF THE SPORT

Leaders from USA Wrestling and the AAU Wrestling Division have agreed to work together on ways to improve and expand the sport of wrestling within the United States.

USA Wrestling President James Ravannack and AAU Wrestling National Chairperson Bob Johnson have begun discussions of mutual interest for both organizations. They have been meeting this week during the AAU Junior Olympics Games event, which is being hosted in New Orleans, La. this week.

“The leadership of both groups have formed a bond and friendship, and is dedicated to make sure that by working together the sport moves forward in a positive direction,” said Ravannack.

“We want to get the word out that we are talking and working on ways to help the sport. We are focused on helping wrestling take in a more unified direction in the future,” said Johnson.

Included in the discussion is how to coordinate and organize efforts to improve both organizations.

Johnson noted that an example of this cooperation was the assistance that Ravannack and the USA Wrestling community in Louisiana provided in support of the AAU Junior Olympics Games event there.

USA Wrestling Membership Levels

Competitor's Membership
Valid for kids, cadet, F.I.L.A. Cadet, junior, F.I.L.A. Junior World, university, senior, masters-level competition at all competition levels, and club practices. To enter an USA Wrestling sanctioned event as a competitor you must have a current competitor�s card. Membership benefits include secondary, non-duplicating sports accident insurance provided by an outside carrier. There is sports accident supplemental benefits provided to USA Wrestling members who participate in limited non-sanctioned events. This insurance coverage includes a deductible, co-payment provisions and other conditions of the policy (details will be provided to club administrators); a one-year subscription to USA Wrestling; the privilege to compete and take advantage of events, camps, clinics, international exchanges, and club programs; discounts on wrestling gear, equipment and apparel; and other national discount programs as they become available.  YEARLY COST 35.00 ONLINE PLUS FEES

Coach's Membership
Membership benefits include secondary, non-duplicating sports accident insurance provided by an outside carrier. There is sports accident supplemental benefits provided to USA Wrestling members who participate in limited non-sanctioned events. This insurance coverage includes a deductible, co-payment provisions and other conditions of the policy (details will be provided to club administrators); limited liability insurance (per the conditions of the policy); a one-year subscription to USA Wrestler; a copy of the international rule book; the privilege to coach at events and specified camps, clinics, international exchanges and club programs; opportunity for coach instruction and certification, discounts on wrestling gear, equipment and apparel; and other national discount programs as they become available. This card may not be used for competition.

Official's Membership
Membership benefits include secondary, non-duplicating sports accident insurance provided by an outside carrier. This insurance coverage includes a deductible, co-payment provisions and other conditions of the policy (details will be provided to club administrators); limited liability insurance (per the conditions of the policy); a one-year subscription to USA Wrestling; a copy of the international rule book; discounts on wrestling equipment and apparel; and other national discount programs as they become available; voting privileges at USWOA general meetings. The United States Wrestling Officials Association handles membership in the USWOA. For more information, write: USWOA, 2616 Hamilton Ave, Glenshaw, PA 15116; 1-412-486-8997. This card may not be used for competition.

USA Wrestling Nation Membership (Partner)
Membership benefits include a one-year subscription to USA Wrestling, discounts on merchandise, official USA Wrestling Nation gift, USA Wrestling decal and pride in supporting the world's greatest sport. This card may not be used for competition.

Club Charter
A club Charter provides membership affiliation with USA Wrestling for state and national clubs. Club Charter benefits include liability insurance for practice sessions supervised by member coaches and property and general liability protection for club leaders and volunteers (subject to coverage limits and conditions under the policy); fund-raising opportunities through the National Headquarters and national sponsors; a subscription to USA Wrestler; a copy of the international rule book; and other program materials as they become available. Each club pays one charter fee, regardless of the number of wrestlers or ages involved with the club. All members of the club must be individually registered with USA Wrestling. Owners/operators of facilities may be listed as a Certificate Holder for a nominal fee. Owners/operators, as Certificate Holders, of facilities can be listed as additional insured through approval of the insurance carrier at no charge. COST 55.00 PER YEAR

Sanction for Competitive Event
A sanction for a USA wrestling event, approved by the State Chairperson or designated state director and received and approved by the National Office within the appropriate time frame prior to the event provides organization affiliation and other limited benefits. Liability insurance coverage for tournament organizers and volunteers is a benefit of the sanction, as well as limited property damage coverage (subject to coverage limits and conditions under the policy). The owner of the facility where the event is held may be included as an Additional Insured, upon submission of appropriate form and approval of the insurance carrier, at no additional cost. All contestants must hold valid USA Wrestling Competitor's membership cards. Event Directors receive a Certificate of Insurance; opportunity to purchase discounted event supplies; fund-raising consignment sales opportunities of USA Wrestling merchandise at certain events; event organizing materials; access to national staff for consulting; and free promotional listings in the USA Wrestler, and on the Internet. (Subject to publication dates and receipt of event information).

The AAU Membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st.
AAU Membership is required to participate in all AAU sanctioned events.

Athlete Membership Fees

YOUTH PROGRAM (All Sports)
Youth Program consists of athletic participation for ages as defined by AAU Youth sport rules. Basic Youth ages are 1 to 20. Youth Membership allows participation and insurance coverages in any and all youth sports.

$12.00 - Regular Membership
$14.00 - Extended Coverage Membership (AB)*

Non Athlete Membership Fees

Purchase a Non-Athlete membership for the following people: Administrator, Bench Personnel, Coach, Instructor, Manager, Official, Team Leader, Tournament Director, Volunteer, Other.

YOUTH PROGRAM (If you work with ages 1 to 20)
$14.00 - Regular Membership
$16.00 - Extended Coverage Membership (AB)*

ADULT PROGRAM (If you work with ages 21 to 99)

$14.00 - Regular Membership
$16.00 - Extended Coverage Membership (AB)*