IHRSA Public Policy 2010

Growing and Protecting

the Health Club Industryand Your Fitness Business

IHRSA Policy Goals

GROW the number of exercisers by promoting exercise incentives

PROTECT clubs from laws that would unnecessarily reduce revenue or membership

PROMOTE the power of the industry as a solution to the obesity crisis

IHRSA Public PolicySuccess in 2009

Threats in 2010

Opportunities in 2010

How You Can Help

Success: 23-0 in 2009

IHRSA successfully protected the industry from stifling taxation and excessive consumer-protection regulation 21 times

And, successfully enacted 2 pieces of positive health promotion legislation

Threats in 2010:

Sales Tax

Personal Trainer Licensure

Protecting Automatic Renewal

Misguided Consumer Protection

Music Copyright

Sales TaxForty-seven states currently

face enormous deficits.

Unfortunately and very shortsightedly, taxing membership dues and services has become an attractive option for cash-strapped states.

Even if you aren’t being taxed today, assume that your state is thinking about taxing you tomorrow.

A sales tax on dues is estimated to cost a club between $30,000 and $35,000.

In 2009, IHRSA stopped Sales Tax efforts in California, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Sales Tax

Personal Trainer LicensureCurrent proposals for personal

trainer regulation are restrictive, burdensome and expensive.

These bills will have a disastrous impact on clubs and fitness professionals if we don’t stop them in their tracks.

Imagine if you were required to only hire trainers with four-year Exercise Science degrees…

Protecting Automatic RenewalBills have been crafted that would

require members to sign new agreements every year, some stipulate every month

IHRSA has already stopped these threats 10 times in 2009, and twice in 2010.

Imagine the cost and hassle of needing to renew every membership every year, or even every month…

Additional Issues

Tax-exempt competition

Gender-identity issues

Facility licensure

Defibrillator mandates without liability protection

IHRSA is currently monitoring 249 pieces of potentially harmful legislation (as of March 15, 2010)

Music Copyright

While the music licensing war is currently being waged outside the US, IHRSA is diligently researching and monitoring the issue in order to lessen its potential impact on the US industry.

See www.ihrsa.org/music for more information on this Global threat.

Opportunities for Growth in 2010Just as the states provide the greatest

short-term threats, Washington, DC provides the best long-term opportunities.

The last time health care reform came around in the 90’s, IHRSA was able to save the right for insurance companies to offer healthy lifestyle incentives.

Without this law, none of your members would be receiving insurance reimbursements.

Opportunities for Growth in 2010IHRSA is actively seeking passage of

legislation that creates incentives for Americans to exercise.

Incentives for workplace exerciseThe use of pre-tax dollars for exercise and

fitnessTax creditsIncreasing grants for physical

education.

Obesity and our Industry’s Role

Obesity and our Industry’s Role

The federal government is gearing up for a major effort to fight obesity, and will invest in proven prevention and cost saving efforts like physical activity.

Without the contributions that enable a strong IHRSA presence in Washington, DC, we will be forced to leave both opportunity and money on the table.

How You Can Help

30% comes from dues and other sources

70% comes from contributors like you

Your financial support is vital to the well-being of the industry

IHRSA’s efforts to protect and promote your business require over $1.2M per year

Your Contribution will:

Ensure that IHRSA has the financial resources necessary to protect the industry and your business from dangerous state legislation

Position the industry at the forefront of health promotion, anti-obesity campaigns and wellness policies.

Directly support lobbying and grassroots efforts nationwide

Contributors include:

Individual trainers and small training facilities, independent clubs, franchised clubs and large chains

All types of industry suppliers, especially the companies whose sole source of income are the clubs these efforts protect

See a full list of contributors at www.ihrsa.org/council

To Learn More

Visit www.ihrsa.org/idf

Contact Meredith Poppler, 800/228-4772 or mpoppler@ihrsa.org

Download the Case for Public Policy Support at www.ihrsa.org/idf

IHRSA’s Guarantee

100% of your contribution goes towards US public policy efforts

Every dollar is invested in the most economical and optimal ways to protect, promote and grow your business.

Please Support IHRSA’s Efforts

To contribute, please: Visit www.ihrsa.org/pledge, orContact Meredith Poppler

mpoppler@ihrsa.org or 800-228-4772, ext.129.

Contributions and gifts to IHRSA are not deductible as a charitable contribution or as a business expense for

federal income tax purposes.