USA Wrestling has partnered with Ai Group to provide individuals the opportunity to purchase a USA Wrestling membership online.    Utilizing the latest technology for Web-based membership applications, Ai Group has developed a comprehensive online membership application to allow individuals the ease of purchasing a USA Wrestling membership right from their computer.    The process of purchasing a USA Wrestling membership is simple and begins by visiting www.themat.com web site.  There you will find a button labeled "Become a member" or "Renew membership" and from there the process is simple.  Members registering online will be prompted to print off a "Membership Confirmation" which will include instructions on how to obtain a permanent membership card for the 2004 season.      Click here to register as a USA Wrestling member    USA Wrestling is optimistic that this new membership purchasing opportunity will allow the organization to reach even more potential and current members.       "The new Web-based membership purchasing application, designed by the Ai Group, brings USA Wrestling to the forefront of modernized programs to register members from across the country," USA Wrestling Director of State Services, Mark Scott said.    "For the first time, any person interested in becoming a USA Wrestling member can simply do so right from the comfort of their own home.  This new application will allow USA Wrestling to more simply register members and add a convenient method for an individual to purchase their USA Wrestling membership prior to a USA Wrestling Chartered Club practice or USA Wrestling event," Scott continued.     The first individual to register as a USA Wrestling member on-line was Mr. Harvey Salzberg of Puyallup, Washington.  Mr. Salzberg purchased his USA Wrestling Coaches membership by using the new application.      Salzberg, a second year coach for the Franklin Pierce Junior Wrestling Program has a nine-year-old son, Taylor, who has been involved in the programs for four years and is a two time state champion. Harvey found out about the on-line registration opportunity by simply visiting www.themat.com.       "The process was real easy and fast," said Harvey Salzberg.  "It was nice to be able to give a credit card number without going through the hassle of being on the phone, or mailing out a check. I was able to do it at my convenience."      With the 2004 USA Wrestling Spring and Summer series of events coming up, USA Wrestling encourages individuals to purchase their membership cards early by using the online method or through their USA Wrestling State Membership Director.    Individuals wanting to use the online method of registration will need to select their state of residence and see if the application is available.  In addition, those members that are renewing a membership should select the "Renewal" button once in the membership section of TheMat.com.    For more information on USA Wrestling's on-line registration process or any other questions regarding various other membership opportunities please contact USA Wrestling at 719-598-8181.