Scott Rabalais
Candidate for Vice President

Why are you interested in being USMS Vice President and why do you believe you would be a good candidate for this position.

I wish to continue being of service to United States Masters Swimming and employ my talents and abilities to the Executive Committee of USMS. I believe I am a good candidate for Vice President for the following reasons:

1. I have knowledge in various areas of USMS from the positions in which I have served over the past 13 years. The main positions are Coaches Committee Chairman, USMS Editor for SWIM Magazine, Dixie Zone Representative, LMSC Chairman, Convention Delegate and Masters Coach & Swimmer;
    
2. I have strong ties and contacts with other swimming bodies, primarily USA Swimming, National Senior Games and High School Swimming;
    
3. I am a TEAM PLAYER, which is essential in the role of Vice President and as an Executive Committee member. On a local level, I advocate that every swimmer consider their role as a team player, as I believe having a strong, unified force is a key to success in any organization;
    
4. I have strong leadership qualities, developed and expressed through positions both in USMS and other swimming-related opportunities;
    
5. I have a strong work ethic. This is particularly important in our organization, as our officers must often balance the demands of family, work, swimming and other interests along with volunteer obligations.

What do you consider to be the major issues facing USMS in the next four (4) years. As the USMS Vice President, how would you address these issues.

1. Redefine our mission, goals and objectives to provide a clear and concise path for USMS to follow in the years to come. As Vice President, I will contribute valuable input for this vision based on my previous experience and my assessment of the desires of our current membership;
    
2. Build a more "program-oriented" organization that centers on the club as the main benefit-provider for our swimmers. In my opinion, the greatest benefit a USMS member can experience is being a part of a viable local club, run by capable coaches and administrators, where swimmers function as a team and have the opportunity to achieve their personal goals. As coach of a very viable club for the past 17 years, I can share valuable insights on how this may be accomplished nationwide.
    
3. Increase "broad-based" appeal for Masters swimming. In other words, while there are many adult swimmers in our national population, only a small percentage are members of USMS. I can offer input as to how we may increase our membership base substantially through a program-based USMS.
    
4. Improve our web-based communication and education. The USMS web site has become a major communications tool over the past few years, and it is likely that demands on the site will increase in the years to come. By and large, USMS swimmers have a hunger for knowledge of swimming, and the web, as well as written publications, can help to fulfill this need for the swimmers.
    
5. Improve the relationships with other aquatics-related bodies, particularly USA Swimming, YMCA and National Senior Games. The number one priority should be to educate the young swimmers of USA Swimming as to the benefits of a lifetime of swimming, thus increasing the chances that their vast membership will become Masters in the years to come.
    
6. Improve volunteer contributions within our national committees and on a local level through education of the importance of effective volunteerism in USMS.

Please list USMS committees that you have served on.

1. Coaches Committee Chairman, 1997-2001
2. Zone Committee (as Dixie Zone Representative), 1991-1995
3. Fitness Committee, 1991-1993

Please list any other experience that relates to your qualifications for office.

1. USMS Editor for SWIM Magazine, 1993-1997
2. National Senior Games Liaison for USMS, 1999-2001
3. Southern LMSC Chairman, 1989-1993
4. USMS Convention Delegate, 1988-1989, 1991-2001
5. Masters Coach, 1984-2001