If you were a high school student and you had to pay to participate on your school's high school team, would you pay the fund or not play at all? Pay to play policies require students to pay fees to participate in school sports, adding a financial burden beyond equipment and gear costs. While this system helps schools cover their budget, it can limit access to athletics, especially for students from low income families. This issue raises concerns about equity, inclusivity, and the long term impact on youth participation in sports. The main challenge is ensuring that all students, regardless of financial background, have access to high school sports. Pay to play. 61% of school districts require a pay to play fee for all sports. Parents pay roughly around $400 for their students' involvement with sport which simply makes it prohibited for some families Paterson, 2017 Rooms). Pay to play methods of funding creates systemic barriers for lower income students, potentially leading to decreased participation, reduced diversity in athletics, and fewer opportunities for young athletes to develop skills, leadership, and teamwork. Schools must find sustainable alternatives to fund athletic programs without excluding students based on financial status, however public schools are constantly being asked to do more with less.What we could do is promote fundraising for schools so that way districts can raise money so that way students don’t have to pay for their participation. Local businesses, alumni, and families can sponsor student-athletes. Through events like charity games, spirit nights. If schools need to pay in order to participate in sports then make a scale to where the fee is based on family income will make it more beneficial for families. This works because it builds a sense of pride within the community. When local people and businesses contribute, they feel more connected to the school’s success. Businesses gain positive visibility, alumni can reconnect with their roots, and families rally behind a common cause. TELL THE READER BRIEFLY WHY THESE WOULD WORK.
Many schools often rely on booster clubs, parent organizations, and fundraising events to help with athletic budgets. This usually includes car washes, bake sales, raffles etc. There could also be some partnerships in local businesses.
Your proposed solution
Fundraising and scholarship opportunities
Sliding scale fee, if the pay to play problem can’t fully be removed we can adjust prices based on a families income.
Why it is important for the organization to address the issue
How is your solution innovative
For the sliding scale fees it can help creating more opportunities and making sports more accessible while reducing any types of financial barriers and problems people might face
Fundraising is a way to bring the community together in hopes of trying to remove financial barriers. This can be done through small local businesses etc.
Scholarships are a way to help meet people's needs and be flexible.
Faculty Sponsor:
Leila Riley
Location:
Campus Union (Dodge E&F Rooms)
Oral Presentation Type:
Conference Presentation
Presentation Type:
Oral Presentation
Presenters:
Zach Daniele, Michael Muscatello, Noah Pote, Kelly McGoldrick
Session:
Oral Presentations - Session 2
Year:
Third Year
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