USA Table Tennis Announces Streamlined Membership Structure

USA Table Tennis (“USATT”), the National Governing Body for the sport of table tennis, announced that the organization is implementing a new, simplified membership structure, which took effect on January 1, 2021. Under the new program, members can select one of two available annual memberships – “Basic” and “Pro” – depending on each particular member’s playing goals.

The Pro Plan, which will cost $75 per year, will allow the member to play in all USATT Sanctioned Tournaments and Leagues, including the US Nationals and US Open. The Basic Plan, which will cost $25, permits the member to play in 0 – 4 Star Tournaments, which will include a new event – the US Nationals State Qualification Tournament – and USATT Leagues. All members will continue to receive the historical benefits of USATT membership including coverage under an accidental medical insurance policy, voting privileges, travel and sponsor discounts, access to the USATT newsletter, and full access to the complete USATT rating system.

USATT will continue to offer the Lifetime Membership for $1,300, which will entitle Lifetime Members to the full benefits under the “Pro” plan. In addition, USATT will continue to offer the Tournament Pass for persons seeking to play in a single tournament. The Tournament Pass will be priced at $20 for juniors and $50 for adults.

“We’re excited to introduce this new membership structure to our table tennis community,” said USATT Chief Executive Officer Virginia Sung. “After considerable analysis and discussion with our members and several critical committees, we have concluded that there really are two types of players within our membership group – those that are serious competitive players and those who are more interested in the many other benefits of playing table tennis – including comradeship and physical fitness – but still want to play tournaments at some level and local leagues. Our new membership structure seeks to simplify the available options, accommodate our serious athletes, and reduce the barriers to entry for membership, as we seek to expand the umbrella of persons who can benefit from USATT membership.”

As noted, USATT’s new membership structure will take effect on January 1, 2021. In the interim, persons may purchase the organization’s existing membership products, including the junior, collegiate, and three- and five- year options. USATT will honor all existing, and/or memberships purchased during this interim period, as receiving the full benefits of the “Pro” membership through each membership’s expiration date.

Along with the implementation of the new membership plans, there will be several changes in USATT policies beginning on January 1, 2021, including a requirement that all persons playing in a USATT League must be USATT member. The $25 Basic Membership Plan is at least in part intended to accommodate those persons playing in USATT leagues.