A Little From Many: A New Model for Wrestling

Would you give $49.95 to support wrestling on all levels once a year?

By Chuck Harman Board Member – International Fraternity of Wrestlers

Wrestling has always been supported by large donors – In the United States there are between 150 and 300 people who donate to wrestling in the amount of $15,000 or more each year. Some, a handful donate much more, but truly just a handful – 3, 4, 5 people. Overall there is between 2,000 and 3,500 people who donate over $1,000 every year. This is not to discount the many men and women, fathers and mothers and friends of wrestlers and wrestling who donate 100’s of hours to the conduct of events every year. The subject here is strictly financial contributions.

The International Fraternity of Wrestling proposes to change that dynamic and offer more security to the sport through a different model. How? “A Little from Many.” Through a simple $49.95 annual membership that speak volumes about you, the previously competitive wrestler. First it says you support the sport and respect wrestling enough to give back a little money to support it. Secondly it says “I was a previously competitive wrestler and I’m proud of my participation in the sport”, and Third your membership says wrestling as a sport is worthy of a small $49.95 cash contribution from you each year.

Here’s what happens to your membership dollars – You are asked, at sign-up, to select a promotional code corresponding to a non-profit wrestling organization – this organization can be a local club or a national organization – your selection dedicates up to 12% of all your qualified purchases (membership fees and mainly logoed items) to that organization. You spend $49.95 they get $6.00. Then 15% goes to administration and salaries of fulltime personnel. The remaining 73% goes to three areas – 1) Media, Marketing and Product Development 2) Directly distributed to Wrestlers, in the form of Scholarships and Recognition Awards 3) Debt service, capital improvements and investors.

There are 6 to 8 million men between the age of 25 and 65 who have wrestled in the United States. In addition there are about another 100,000 who retire from wrestling every year.

Imagine – reaching a member total in five years of 1 million paid memberships at $49.95 –here’s what that would look like financially – Total Revenue $49,950,000 less discounts of $6 million – net revenue of $43,950,000 – 12% to selected organizations = $5,274,000 Administration and Staff = $6,592,500 (probably overstated). The remaining $32,083,500 distributed 40-40-20 – (this split is voted on annually by the Board) $12,833,400 to Media, Marketing and Product Development – $12,833,400 to wrestlers – $6,416,700 to Debt Service, Capital Improvements and Investors.

This happens one person joining at a time – begins with you then you inviting others you know who have wrestled to join. It happens by retaining those who hang up their wrestling shoes each year. No need to wonder if this works put your doubt away – This business models works for many organizations – from The PGA of America to National Association of Realtors. Are you ready to make it work? Remember this is a membership organization – it’s your organization provided you have previously earned the right to step on the mat in competition.

Join today and don’t delay – as it will show your belief in the sport of wrestling and how valuable the sport is in our society.

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