Sports and Parents

[basketballparent]

This is just my thinking and wanted to see what everyone else thought.
I pay for my kids shoes for sports, I pay for transportation to get them to and from the school for practices, games and money to eat on after away games. So my point is this! Why after doing all of this and essentially providing the entertainment, am I being charged to get into games to watch my child play? I think that parents shoud be provided a free pass for all home games. Also, do faculty and their families get into sporting events free?

I forgot about all the concession stands we have to work before our child plays or after depending on whether they play JV or Varsity.

[Slim Jim]

This is just my thinking and wanted to see what everyone else thought.
I pay for my kids shoes for sports, I pay for transportation to get them to and from the school for practices, games and money to eat on after away games. So my point is this! Why after doing all of this and essentially providing the entertainment, am I being charged to get into games to watch my child play? I think that parents shoud be provided a free pass for all home games. Also, do faculty and their families get into sporting events free?

Good Point...To your last question,Yes,I would say faculty does, dont know about families....Just guessing though...

[toothfairy]

This is just my thinking and wanted to see what everyone else thought.
I pay for my kids shoes for sports, I pay for transportation to get them to and from the school for practices, games and money to eat on after away games. So my point is this! Why after doing all of this and essentially providing the entertainment, am I being charged to get into games to watch my child play? I think that parents shoud be provided a free pass for all home games. Also, do faculty and their families get into sporting events free?

I forgot about all the concession stands we have to work before our child plays or after depending on whether they play JV or Varsity.

Good point, and what about the kids who dont get much playing time-their parents are paying those fees also, I've been on both sides of that issue. It would be nice if schools could work out something for the parents. And yes, at your school (dont know about others), the faculty does get in free. (Wonder if they have any positions open during bbseason?)

[basketballparent]

Ok, now try and convince me why faculty should get in free?

Plus, some of them have kids playing the sport!! What is the difference?

[Yossarian]

I don't know just asking someone who does, could it be a union thing? The union explains many things about school sports. As far as parents getting in free, I guess I don't mind paying but the faculty shoud pay if I pay.

[grndma1]

It's really sad but sometimes the parents are about the only ones who show up unless your team is on a big winning streak. I do agree that if parents have to pay for games as well as parking, then the faculty should, if they are just there to watch the game.

[claypantherfan]

i think the parents should get in free they already pay alot to get their kids ready to play so might as well lte them watch their kid for free

[Mouth's Better Half]

When I worked for a school system the last few years they gave every faculty member a pass for all sports for one year. It was given to you when you signed your contract. It sure saved me a lot of money. I in a given week pay to get in to two or three v-ball games $4.00 each week and a football game on Friday night. My father and I share some reserved seats-$20.00 a week on just getting in. That doesn't count gas if games are away and concessions or something to eat on the way home.

[Mouth's Better Half]

What I think is really sad is that some parents can't afford to see their kids play much especially if they have several other kids. It has gotten very expensive.

[dragoncoach56]

And how would you pay for equipment,facilty maintenance,uniforms,officials. Parents should not get in free. As a matter of fact I pay for my kids to get in even tho my daughter cheers and I have coached for 27 yrs. Playing sports is not free for anyone and as far as I know teachers and faculty pay to get in at Fairland.While I respect everyone's viewpoint in my opinion this one is a tad impracticle.
Clayton Dement

[Boonedawg]

But if it was not for the parents and the kids playing the games the school would lose big money. I think parents getting a pass is fair.

[dragoncoach56]

I don't think it's fair at all. As I said this is how everything from youth leagus to high school programs get their money.Also this money goes to non-revenue sports. Do you honestly think 6.00 bucks is too much to pay to help a program out? What I do think is fair is if a parent wants to take a turn in the concession stand that night or help get the field ready or perform some other useful function then if the AD wants to let them in free then no prob. What I do have a problem with is press passes that are used to get in games free. While some of them are legit a lot of them are nothing more than free passes for posers who are just too cheap to pay. And those passes ought to be given to the paper,tv station,radio station or whatever media is involved and let them give the passes to those they deem necessary.smokinglense is a good example of someone who takes pictures of many different leagues and should be awarded a press pass as many of his photos end up in local newspapers. But then again all this is just my opinion doesnt make it wrong or right just mine
Clayton Dement

[basketballparent]

With the economy the way it is alot of parents may not be able to afford to allow their kids to play sports. And if they do allow them to play, they might have to pick and choose which games they can go watch do to affording to get in. Take for instance last year, I had 2 in junior high, one high school. I had games on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays and some Saturdays. That is approximately $150.00 a week in admissions, concessions, and gas. (and thats probably on the low side) I don't mean to go to an away game and get in free, but home games would sure help in the cost. I realize there is alot of cost involved in hosting an athletic event, but there is also alot of costs in allowing your kids to be apart of these teams. This was just a topic that I brought up to get some feedback and see if others may or may not feel the way I do.

[OZZIEOHIO]

I don't think it's fair at all. As I said this is how everything from youth leagus to high school programs get their money.Also this money goes to non-revenue sports. Do you honestly think 6.00 bucks is too much to pay to help a program out? What I do think is fair is if a parent wants to take a turn in the concession stand that night or help get the field ready or perform some other useful function then if the AD wants to let them in free then no prob. What I do have a problem with is press passes that are used to get in games free. While some of them are legit a lot of them are nothing more than free passes for posers who are just too cheap to pay. And those passes ought to be given to the paper,tv station,radio station or whatever media is involved and let them give the passes to those they deem necessary.smokinglense is a good example of someone who takes pictures of many different leagues and should be awarded a press pass as many of his photos end up in local newspapers. But then again all this is just my opinion doesnt make it wrong or right just mine
Clayton Dement

I disagree with that, He makes money from selling the pics to kids parents then he should have to pay. Im talking about any of the people who takes pic and sell them, just didnt want you to think I was picking on him.

[Boonedawg]

With the economy the way it is alot of parents may not be able to afford to allow their kids to play sports. And if they do allow them to play, they might have to pick and choose which games they can go watch do to affording to get in. Take for instance last year, I had 2 in junior high, one high school. I had games on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays and some Saturdays. That is approximately $150.00 a week in admissions, concessions, and gas. (and thats probably on the low side) I don't mean to go to an away game and get in free, but home games would sure help in the cost. I realize there is alot of cost involved in hosting an athletic event, but there is also alot of costs in allowing your kids to be apart of these teams. This was just a topic that I brought up to get some feedback and see if others may or may not feel the way I do.

I totaly agree, you shell out for 10+ years for kids sports. Not every parent can afford sports but makes huge sacrifices to see that a kid gets to play. give each kid on the team 2 tickets and let him give them to who he or she wishes. I think 2 tickets is fair for the work the kid puts in all week during practice. I think the whole point is to get butts in the seats to cheer on the kids right? They are still going to get consession $$$ off those free tickets in most cases. Hell, my son plays football,wrestles plays baseball and does track. My daughter does AAU b-ball,volley ball,school b-ball and track....both in 8th grade. Oldest daughter does v-ball, wrestling, and fast pitch..........trust me I support sports programs out the ying yang.

[dragoncoach56]

I disagree with that, He makes money from selling the pics to kids parents then he should have to pay. Im talking about any of the people who takes pic and sell them, just didnt want you to think I was picking on him.[/quote]
Thats legit. He does sell photos but a lot of his pics end up in the newspapers. I singled him out because I know him and like his work. I'm talking about the guys who do it only to sell. There are a few companies you see on the sidelines but I honestly don't know if any of their pictures end up on a public medium. A lot of freelance guys supplement their income this way. I'm talking about the companies who just sell pics and don't get any published. I definately think those guys should pay admission. And the economy is bad for everyone. I completely sympathize with that lady and agree she needs a break but if all you do is attend and don't contribute any other way, than admission is not an unreasonable request. Too many people set and gripe about things while doing absolutely nothing to help. I would be willing to bet with all those kids involved basketballparent has seen her share of being in a concession stand working and should be given a break. Once again as I always say this is my opinion and this is after all an opinion forum so the end result it only matters to me and I always think I'm right

[tigermama]

With the economy the way it is alot of parents may not be able to afford to allow their kids to play sports. And if they do allow them to play, they might have to pick and choose which games they can go watch do to affording to get in. Take for instance last year, I had 2 in junior high, one high school. I had games on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays and some Saturdays. That is approximately $150.00 a week in admissions, concessions, and gas. (and thats probably on the low side) I don't mean to go to an away game and get in free, but home games would sure help in the cost. I realize there is alot of cost involved in hosting an athletic event, but there is also alot of costs in allowing your kids to be apart of these teams. This was just a topic that I brought up to get some feedback and see if others may or may not feel the way I do.

Absolutely! When all three of my children were in school, my daughter cheered and my boys played baseball, football, and basketball. The cost sure added up and that was before gas costs went through the roof. Now, I just have my youngest son in school so it's not too bad, but there were times in the past when going to a ball game really set us back. I think that each child should be given 2 tickets to give to whomever they have supporting them.



I totaly agree, you shell out for 10+ years for kids sports. Not every parent can afford sports but makes huge sacrifices to see that a kid gets to play. give each kid on the team 2 tickets and let him give them to who he or she wishes. I think 2 tickets is fair for the work the kid puts in all week during practice. I think the whole point is to get butts in the seats to cheer on the kids right? They are still going to get consession $$$ off those free tickets in most cases. Hell, my son plays football,wrestles plays baseball and does track. My daughter does AAU b-ball,volley ball,school b-ball and track....both in 8th grade. Oldest daughter does v-ball, wrestling, and fast pitch..........trust me I support sports programs out the ying yang.

[eagles73Taylor]

Fact: only varsity football and boys basketball bring in a large crowd of NON Parents at most schools. Girls basketball might also bring in some non parent fans. Now factor in, cross country, soccer, golf, volleyball, tennis, boys and girls track, wrestling, softball and baseball plus any other sports.

Your child is receiving an education paid for by property taxes. Most schools are stretched thin on funding of school activities let alone sports. Sports are extracurricular, meaning not required for graduation.

Costs of putting on a sporting event. Electricity, insurance, officials, ticket takers, janitors, busing if away, large events police, and I am sure I have missed others.
So a lot of money going out, not counting uniform costs which are usually covered by the Athletic Department.

So all of that money going out, the only money coming in, ticket sales and in cases of track or cc meets, entry fees.

The majority of Jr Hi and JV and Freshmen games are IMO, 90 percent attended by family members. If we let parents in free, the gates would be reduced by nearly 25 percent.

Are you willing to start paying to participate, because losing 25% revenue will lead to that.

[Frank Reagan]

Athletic participation is an extra-curricular activity, thus a privilege and not a right. For the privilege, there are individual costs involved for the student-athlete that aren't picked up by the schools: shoes, uniform/equipment not provided, transportation to and from practice, etc. Also, for these sports/extra-curricular activities, other costs are incurred by the school, maintenance of the fields/arenas, uniforms, bus drivers, fuel, equipment, utilities, officials, security and so on. These last costs for the school aren't, most times, provided through the school general fund. Where do you think these funds are acquired? Gate receipts. Let parents in free and these gate receipts go down, therefore, lowering the ability to keep all these teams/sports participating. The gate receipts are like an insurance of sorts to keep these teams playing. As said earlier, if it weren't for football and boys basketball receipts (revenue sports) and sometimes girls basketball, many other sports wouldn't survive. It isn't just as simple as letting in the parents. It becomes, which sports will survive and which ones will drop as the funds drop?

[Boonedawg]

Well here we have in the H.S. boys football,soccer,wrestling baseball,basketball,golf,tennis,swimming, CC,track......but they don't have the money for powerlifting. go figure why the gate for losing football suffers, but thats a whole 'nuther can o' wurms. The way I see it if the sport can't at least break even with the gate then it should be dropped.