DEL.ICIO.USGEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Controversial fees: Metro prep athletes pay to play
‘You can’t tell a kid he can’t play football because he can’t pay his fees,’ official says
Sunday, October 26, 2008
At dozens of metro Atlanta high schools, football programs are asking athletes to pay in order to play.
The cost, ranging from $20 to $500 per player, may cover anything from coaching salary supplements to uniforms.
Vino Wong/vwong@ajc.com
Though some schools don’t ask their players and their parents for fees to play, others require a minimum donation to become a member of the booster club.
It’s a controversial, complicated — and potentially lucrative — issue for many schools.
Mandating that students pay to play sports is not allowed in any school district in metro Atlanta. So football programs walk a fine line, saying the “registration fees” and “player dues” are really donations. In some cases, the money is collected through booster clubs.
An AJC survey of 68 metro Atlanta high schools found that 38 schools ask their players for money. Stephenson, M.L. King and Lithonia ask the most, $500 per player.
Many schools do not initially tell parents that paying the fee is optional, and information on some team Web sites and in documents parents are required to fill out seems to indicate the fees are mandatory:
• At DeKalb County’s Stephenson High, the booster club’s Web site warns: “If your son has made the summer cut for the football team, your dues of $500 [are] due no later than Saturday, August 2nd. No exceptions!”
• At Avondale, the team posts a letter called, “Player Dues.” “In planning for a successful season, we have learned that it takes sufficient financial resources to meet the needs of a winning program. Therefore, it is essential that each student-athlete pay dues this season. Dues for this season will be $450.”
• The Web site for Northview High in north Fulton County explains that it costs “over $900 per player to fund” the football program. The letter, which explained the registration costs, said the team “will have to rely on registration fees and Touchdown Club membership from each participant. For the 2008 football season, you should expect to pay” $300 for registration fee and $150 to $500 to join the school’s Touchdown Club.
Cobb County athletics director Steve Jones said he has had to explain to complaining parents three times this season that the fees are voluntary.
“I’ve had to have conversations with athletic directors telling them they need to say it in such a way as to indicate that it’s highly encouraged, not mandatory,” Jones said. “You can’t tell a kid he can’t play football because he can’t pay his fees.”
Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell said fees were waived this season for 10 or 15 players who could not pay. He said the message on the school’s Web site is directed to parents, not players.
“I think the booster club put that statement in there so parents can call if they don’t have the money and, if that’s the case, come talk to us and we’ll work this thing out,” Gartrell said. “They expect all parents to pay, but at no time are my players told they can’t be part of the team because they don’t pay their dues.”
Several coaches said they had to charge players because they had no other choice.
“You feel bad asking the kids to pay, but we really don’t have any other way,” said Mount Zion-Jonesboro coach Jarrett Laws, who asks for $150 per player. “If you want your kids to stand on an equal power with some of the programs we play, this is almost a requirement.”
The notion that the fees are voluntary doesn’t really wash, Jonesboro coach Clint Satterfield said.
“We’ve done it in the past, but what do you do if they don’t pay?” said Satterfield, who does not charge his players to play. “You’ve got parents of the kids who did pay, and they expect more playing time, or they expect the ones that don’t pay not to play.”
Georgia High School Association executive director Ralph Swearngin worries that “subtle” forms of pay-to-play will discourage players whose families can’t afford it. But he also acknowledges the increasing costs of funding school sports. Tax money can’t be used to fund high school sports, so programs must rely on fund-raising and gate receipts.
“Revenue streams have to be found somewhere,” Swearngin said. “I would like to see school-based athletics offered without any costs to the participants, but that is more difficult to achieve these days. Economic concerns are prevalent with lots of budget cuts occurring.”
At the schools that charge fees, all coaches and athletic directors interviewed said the payments are voluntary. Students are not barred from playing if they do not pay, they said.
M.L. King coach Corey Jarvis said players may do extra chores instead of paying. Northview’s Jim Showfety says parents may volunteer to work in concessions. Coaches at Cross Keys in DeKalb have paid their players’ $50 fee out of their own pockets, head coach David Radford said.
At Avondale, players are asked to pay $450, but the alumni association takes care of hardship cases, and fees are waived for about half the players who cannot pay. Lovejoy coach Al Hughes said he has found part-time jobs for players. This season, he’s charging only $22 because of the economy.
For some parents, the fees are expected.
“You pay, you work your concession shift; it’s all part of it,” said Dawn Brooks, the mother of a player at Harrison High in Cobb County. “Those who come through the feeder system are used to it. Parents who complain would be those who don’t see where the money goes.”
For others, it’s a struggle to pay.
Gloria Hardeman, whose son plays at Avondale, said she didn’t realize the $450 fee at the school was optional. She paid what she could afford, and her son played.
“I think it’s a little too much,” said Hardeman, who said she paid $150. “I got six kids and I got a mortgage, and everybody’s got a need, but I do pay what I can because Matthew likes the game, and I like to see him doing what he likes.”
Until the past decade or so, players and their families rarely were asked to help financially.
But nationwide, participation fees have become mandatory in some districts as the cost of running programs has increased. A USA Today survey of high school associations in 2004, the last year figures were available, found that pay-to-play existed in 34 of 50 states.
Georgia remains in the minority. A Georgia Department of Education guideline states that school systems may charge fees for extracurricular activities, but not as a condition of participation. Although a DOE spokesman said it is unclear whether the guideline would apply to sports, Swearngin of the GHSA said he is not aware of any school system in Georgia that mandates a pay-to-play policy.
In the case of athletics, it’s rare for the department to deal with the issue.
Georgia schools have found that most families will find a way to pay.
“The player fees are our No. 1 fund-raiser in the program,” Harrison coach David Hines said. The fees — $395 each from 150 players — project to $59,250 and also fund the middle school football program.
“We have been able to put in a turf field, build a fieldhouse and supply our kids with every advantage we can to help them be successful,” Hines said.
At Creekside in south Fulton, coach Kevin Whitley said his $300 per-player fees go toward a summer team camp in South Georgia ($160), pregame meals ($70), apparel ($20) and general booster club funds ($50).
M. L. King’s $500 fees pay for a football camp, meals, apparel, banquet and coaching supplements, Jarvis said.
In some cases, player donations are separate from booster club dues charged to families. Walton High in East Cobb has no player fees, but booster club memberships start at $500.
Some families say the fees are an investment into their school’s program and their children.
“When I was back in school, which was way back, the players didn’t have to put out the type of money that they do now,” said Sonia Williams, who paid $500 as the mother of a Stephenson player. “However, the football dues are necessary for the expenses incurred. It is a lot, but you do it so the kids can have what they need to be the best team possible.”
Some coaches say Stephenson asks for $500 because it can. The Stone Mountain school is a state power with more than 25 alumni on college rosters this season.
“When you’re up there and you’ve got notoriety, it’s easy to say, ‘This is what you have to pay,’ ” said Tony Rambo, the new coach at Therrell, an Atlanta school that is winless this season. “It’s supply and demand. But the desire to be in this program right now is not that great.”
Some of the state’s coaches simply don’t believe the requests for funds are necessary.
“Think about how much money football games make on Friday nights at places with successful programs or where athletics drives the community and the school system,” said Jesse Hicks of Baldwin High in Milledgeville. “Why should any athlete have to pay to play?”
— Michael Carvell, S. Thomas Coleman, Michael Alpert, Glenn LaFollette, Chris Whitfield, Rob Morton, Phillip Giltman, Robert Haddocks, Kurt Aschermann Jr. and Jay Stone contributed to this report.
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Comments
By Disappointed
Jan 31, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this
I have just read this article and the comments. Yes, some football fees are needed. However, look at North Gwinnett High School. They just held their parent / player meeting January 29th. The only thing that was discussed was money. Not one time did the head coach, nor the Touchdown club, mention what they planned to teach the players, what their "mission statement" would be, nor how they planned to motivate the players. The one and only time that the word "teamwork" was mentioned was when the head coach said, "it is just like I tell my players, some have talent and some don't, those with talent have to work harder to cover the others. Parents it is the same for you. Some have more resources and some don't. You need to give more." Translated this means that only 40 kids are going to be trained and allowed to play during the games. The coaches allow the "not so talented" to be on the team, to practice and raise money. However, their parents should not expect their child to walk onto that field and play during a game. You may be asking yourself what this wonderful opportunity might cost. That would be $1,550 per player. Also, keep in mind that this is per player for the 9th grade team, JV team and Varsity team. Well over 100 players. Do the math.
I agree, football is an exspensive sport. I agree parents do need to pay some fees. I also agree that parents need to volunteer to do concession duty, to make posters etc. I fully support this. However, when I see teams asking for a reasonable $400 to $500 registration fee, I ask myself why is North Gwinnett asking for $1,550 per player, especially with SO MANY players to begin with!
Yes, North Gwinnett has visions of national recognition and they want a "state of the art" concession stand. I just want my child to learn about sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership, not extortion. I am fearful that North Gwinnett will get a lot of local attention after that meeting. Only, it will not be the attention they are seeking. It will attention being brought to the greed of the coaching staff and board members.
I dare not tell my friends, this could get my son kicked off the team and keep him from playing other sports at the school. This is the only place my son can play football. There are no park and rec. depts. that have programs for high school players. How sad indeed!
By Curious Parent
Dec 2, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
I have read a few posts and most have good points. I understand that the sports have to be supported by someone and I understand that the schools no longer get funding for it.. My concern is, where is the money going again? My son plays basketball and has to pay $150.. No problem, however, they do not get meals before or after the game, their uniforms are not new, the shoes are not included, gatorade?? I think not, but water, sure (but is water not free or inexpensive?) So, where? WHY am I paying for the varsity to get new uniforms again? I have no problem paying that when he becoms varsity bc then I can see... and I have no problem paying a fraction of the fees but dont tell me I am paying for new uniforms my son does not wear...
And then, how is it fair a game is based off of what family can afford to pay the money than skills? There are truly some families that cannot afford the fee...why does that mean my child cant play?? We are not given options of volunteering services, side jobs, etc, in liue of paying, you either pay or your child does not play... How can a parent choose between what your child love and a bill?
They really need guidelines in place and an actual expense for parents to pay instead of some arbitrary amount that some guessed on... Where does the extra money go from year to year? why is it always the same or more?
By Ex Football Parent
Nov 2, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I have always been a firm believer in participation in high school sports. I have believed that skills can be taught through organized sports that will help our youth throughout life.
After 4 years of being a football parent, I realize that this is no longer true and that high school football has become a farce. EVERY year you are told that your fees are mandatory. $500.00 fees, REQUIRED raffle ticket sales, REQUIRED coupon book sales, REQUIRED lift-a-thons, and then there are the REQUIRED program ad sales. Then you have the MANDATORY concession duty. On top of this, if your son is an average athlete, you need to pay the $500.00 booster fee to get playing time. We couldn't afford the booster club fee, so our son didn't see much playing time.
My son's senior year was the worst football experience imaginable. My husband was laid off from his job for 4 months. The fees kept piling up. Since we were told that these fees were REQUIRED and we watched as the coaches punished the players when the fees were late by making them run laps or do drills AFTER they had practiced for 3 hours in extreme heat. The head football coach called our house 2 times to collect these fees and both times we explained the situation. He told us that we needed to pay ASAP. Until we paid, our son did not play at all. We finally got the fees paid and he got minimal playing time.
Then our son suffered a severe concussion during practice that kept him out of school for 2 weeks and out of football for 3 weeks. The same head coach NEVER ONCE called to check on him (yes the same coach that called 2 times for money). Oh, and after the concussion was healed, he got 1 minute playing time - TOTAL. Where are this coach's priorities, you may ask? His priorities are HIS record and HIS career.
I have never missed a single game that my son played in. I have volunteered my time in various areas to support the team. I just don't understand how far this will be allowed to go.
The team has been very successful for the past 3 years under this coach (do you have a clue yet?), but I am SO HAPPY to be done with this.
Now that we have learned that these fees are voluntary...where do I go to get my money back? I feel that I didn't get my money's worth. This coach should not be praised for his winning seasons, he should be fired for his actions.
These are just a couple of the inane experiences that we have had. We have had to call the athletic director and request that the COACHES stop using the f-word on the field, we have complained about players being made to work until they vomit in 100+ degree weather, then given some water and put back on the field until they vomit again. This coach also does NOT allow parents to attend practices...does anyone else wonder what is going on that he doesn't want the parents to see???I thoroughly questioned my son every day and I watched SEVERAL practices from behind the bushes. When I asked some of the other parents about some of these events, they had no idea. Several told me that their sons never talked about practice. For shame! I am considering writing a book on how ridiculous high school football has become in Gwinnett county.
WAKE UP PARENTS! Pay attention to the warning signs before it's too late. Adjust your priorities and ask some quesitons. You will be shocked at the answers. When I pulled my head out of the sand and realized what was taking place, I was appalled. I presented several parents with my concerns and they all had their own rationalizations. One parent even said "I can't risk my son losing his playing time by complaining".
By Sandra
Oct 31, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Why is it more contreversial to charge fees for football players when kids in drumline and in some drama programs are already required to pay a fee. It's not a suggestion or a donation for drumline its a fee and believe me If it's not paid on time they let you know. How many kids have had to drop out of these programs because parent can't afford it? If you ask me it's only fair to charge for all programs or not charge at all.
By 80's futball
Oct 31, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Great more taxes! "gnetparent" I just don't agree with hitting the entire community with or without kids in the local school with a SPLOST (tax).
I'm willing to pay for public schools (and sports) via property taxes. That's how my educations was financed and it's fair. But at some point it takes community involvement for a school to really excel. PTA clubs, booster clubs, parents volunteering time, and community involvement are the things that really make a difference, not more taxes.
Remember not all boosters have kids on the field. Many are alumni, parents of former athletes, or just fans of the particular sport or school. From my personal experience a stronger school is achieved via local community support not more taxes.
It is my experience that 99.9% of the time the coaches are going to put the best athlete on the field to win the game. It's in the coaches best interest to do this for job security. The only time I've seen a superior athlete benched or kicked off a team was for disciplinary problems. Just look at Walton's lost last week, but that's a different topic.
By gnetparent
Oct 31, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
I'd rather have a SPLOST tax to help pay for athletics. Then the kids can really compete for positions on the team. But thats not what a lot of these parents want because then the more athletic and the best kids would make the team.
Having 3 kids in sports and another at the GBL level can be expensive as a single parent.
And when some of these schools start to send more of our boys and girls to colleges the fans will come out. I've heard alot of people in the community say they dont go to games because they know it's BS and the best kids dont always get to play.
By DDominance
Oct 31, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
It appears that we all share a similar problem. This goes beyond socio-economic status, ethnic status, sport preference, etc. It is unfortunate that families have to pay dues/fees but very necessary.
All of you that think you should not pay, please tell me who do you think pays for the water, gatorade, mouthpiece, missing and lost straps, pre-game meals, post game meals, equipment transportation to the games, 9th grade games, trophies, banquets, DVD's for copies of games, filming of games, extra shoulder pads, extra helmets, computers to play your child's highlight when a college coach comes to see it, pre season scrimmage referees, website, 501c3 fees, filing tax returns, weight equipment, getting equipment fixed, practice uniforms, printing, stipends for coaches who are not paid by the county, bank fees, bounced check fees, calling post, security, DVD player, detergent, coaches uniforms, manager uniforms, team picnic, I CAN GO ON...THE LIST GOES ON AND ON!!!! This is what dues pay for. Go to a booster club meeting and find out!
By beleiver
Oct 29, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
this has a simple solution if you don't want to pay then keep your kids at home.
By kay
Oct 29, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
I here parents complain that I don't have $50 to join the football teams booster clud or touch down club, but then I turn around and all of this same parents kids have on $100-$150 sneakers! Parents cannot complain that their child's school is not like other schools when they fail to even put in one red cent to help the program!!!! The football team cannnot control the school taking the gate money to fund other sports programs. A better solution would be for the school to share half of the proceeds from the gate money at the foot ball games with the football teams; parents should at least try to make a school year long payment plan to help fund the cost of their son's needs for the team. PARENTS STOP COMPLAINING IF ONE SCHOOL IN YOUR COUNTY HAS MORE THAN YOUR HOME SCHOOL, WHEN YOU FAIL TO PUT UP THE MONEY. I MYSELF HAVE SEEN THIS FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS AND IT IS TOUGH TO MAKE THE ENDS MEET FOR SOME PARENTS BUT IT CAN BE DONE. STOP BLAMING THE COACHES BECAUSE THEY CANNOT COME UP WITH ALL THE MONEY TO CARE CARE OF THE WHOLE SCHOOLS NEEDS.
AND THEN TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE THE PARENTS WHO WERE NEVER INVOLVED AND COMPLAIN THE CHILD'S SENIOR YEAR THAT ONE CHILD IS GETTING SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS FROM SCHOOL AND THEIR CHILD IS NOT. EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED. LIKE THE OLD SAYING: " YOU GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT!!!"
By MILMAN
Oct 29, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
This is nothing, at WR High we have to pay/raise close to $1000.00 for baseball and we get a letter from the coach that states if you have not paid your money by this date your kid will be cut from the team, very sad. He also said if it came down to who to keep it would be the kid that raised the most money, never seen anything like it.
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