USAT question

I'm an annual member. This is a debate that comes up a lot, and the answer to "is it worth it?" is highly dependent on what you do with it. 

Here are some pros: you are supporting the governing body of the sport; lots of discounts (I just saved 25% on 2XU tights for the winter, a savings of $28); eligible for national rankings; you come out ahead if you do at least 4 races. You also get a magazine, which is okay.

I typically don't do 4 races (this year, I did 3, so an annual membership was $5 more than one day licenses), but I like to support the organization. I also use the discounts when I can, so from a purely dollars saved aspect, I do come out ahead. I don't care about national rankings, but I did qualify for nationals, and you have to be a member to compete. Nationals was a great race. The membership is worth it to me, but I can easily see why it wouldn't be to someone else.

I usually do enough races to make it worth it.

The insurance thing isn't really accurate. If a race is USAT sanctioned, it has insurance. You are covered whether you're an annual member or you purchase a one day license.

Interesting about France. Pretty much eliminates the already remote chance I'd do a race there . . .