“I would be in favor of eliminating pay-to-participate (fees) because I think it eliminates some opportunities to participate,” board athletic liaison Chris Otto said.
Talawanda’s pay-to-participate sports fees, which have been in place since the early 1990s, rank in the middle of those at other area districts, he said, comparing Talawanda’s $150 fee for a first sport to Edgewood’s $50 fee for a first sport.
While school board member Michael Crowder said he is not in favor of eliminating pay-to-participate fees, he said he would consider reducing them.
Crowder also noted that sports participation numbers over the past 10 years have remained consistent and there is financial help available to families unable to pay the fees.
“It may be embarrassing to ask for it, but many have done it,” he said.
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School board member Mary Jane Roberts also seemed to be opposed to eliminating the fees, saying more students are no longer three-sport athletes but pick one sport to concentrate on year-round.
Mark Butterfield, school board president, said he has not yet made up his mind on eliminating pay-to-participate fees but wants to see the topic included in other proposed athletics changes. Those changes include more money for uniforms, hiring of a strength coach and marketing the school district’s sports program.
“I want to support the athletic program. It needs support. I want to look at the entire package,” Butterfield said.
Otto’s motion to eliminate the fee drew a second from Patrick Meade.
Meade said any fee is going to prevent many students from taking part in sports. He said the pay-to-participate fees were started when parents were told the district was in a “dire financial condition” but he said that is not the case, now.
“It does not matter if the fee is $150 or $50, they are not in,” Meade said of some students.
Crowder, Butterfield and Roberts voted against the motion.
With regard to the overall climate around Talawanda athletics, Crowder brought up e-mails and comments he has received from parents and former athletes upset about what they see as two hierarchies of sports.
He said they see the “important sports” such football, basketball and baseball getting most of the district’s attention and resources.
As an example, Crowder said the football team received a a pep rally and big sendoff for a playoff game a few years ago along with buses to transport players and coaches. But, he said, other sports win championships with little recognition, no send-off and ride in coaches’ vehicles.
“There are some hurt feelings right now,” he said.
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