USTA Membership Tiers

To balance your "Yin" (Players/Designers) against GAMA’s "Yang" (Publishers/Retailers), your membership tiers should prioritize contribution to the craft over corporate revenue.

In a 501(c)(3) structure, "members" often have the legal right to vote for the Board of Directors. This ensures that the people who actually play and design the games are the ones who steer the ship.

1. The Membership Hierarchy

The goal is to keep the "barrier to entry" low for players, while providing professional-grade value for designers.

Tier 1: The Player (The "Soul")

• Who it’s for: Casual gamers, community organizers, and "Super-fans."

• Annual Dues: Low ($25–$50) or "Pay what you can."

• Key Benefits: Voting rights for the Board (Player seats), access to a "Standardized Playtest Network," and a digital "Player Passport" to track community contributions.

• The Yin Factor: This creates the "Public Support" required by the IRS for a 501(c)(3).

Tier 2: The Designer (The "Heart")

• Who it’s for: Aspiring and professional game designers (Analog/RPG/Board).

• Annual Dues: Moderate ($75–$150).

• Key Benefits: Voting rights (Designer seats), access to legal/contract templates, a "Designer Mentor" directory, and "First Look" playtesting sessions with the Player Tier.

• The Yin Factor: Focuses on professional development rather than product sales.

Tier 3: The Educator/Researcher (The "Mind")

• Who it’s for: Librarians, teachers, and academics using games for good.

• Annual Dues: Discounted or subsidized ($30).

• Key Benefits: Access to a peer-reviewed "Game-Based Learning" database and grants for bringing games into schools or community centers.

Tier 4: The Industry Ally (The "Supporter")

• Who it’s for: Small publishers or retailers who support the "Yin" mission.

• Annual Dues: High ($250+).

• Key Constraint: Non-Voting. They can sponsor events or provide discounts to members, but they cannot vote for the Board. This prevents "Industry Yang" from taking over "Community Yin."

2. Voting Rights and Governance

To prevent a "voter surge" from one group drowning out the other, you can use Weighted or Classified Voting:

• Designer Seats: Only "Tier 2" members can vote for these.

• Player Seats: Only "Tier 1" members can vote for these.

• At-Large/Academic Seats: Voted on by the entire membership.

3. Draft Language for Membership Bylaws

Article V: Membership Classes. The Association shall have two (2) classes of Voting Members: "Designer Members" and "Community Members."

Section 5.1: Designer Members. Individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the craft of game design. They shall have the exclusive right to elect the Designer-designated seats on the Board of Directors.

Section 5.2: Community Members. Individuals who participate in the tabletop gaming hobby as players or organizers. They shall have the exclusive right to elect the Community-designated seats on the Board of Directors.

Section 5.3: Corporate Allies. Entities may join as "Allies" to support the mission but shall hold no voting power and may not serve in designated Designer or Community Board seats.

4. Why This Protects The Vision

By giving players and designers exclusive blocks of power, you ensure that if a large corporation ever tries to buy influence (the "Yang" approach), they physically cannot vote themselves into a seat of power. The association remains "mission-locked" to the people who actually sit at the table and roll the dice.