PREP NOTEBOOK: Pay-to-play no drag on sports participation
Published 4:37 pm Monday, May 17, 2010
Last year when school districts introduced or increased athletic participation fees — sometimes called “pay-to-play” fees — for the 2009-2010 academic year to help deal with budget cuts and rising costs, people wondered what effect it would have on turnout numbers.
Even though most districts offered full or partial fee waivers to low-income families, the general expectation was that high school sports participation would drop. That didn’t happen, at least in the Everett School District.
The district’s total participation count, which includes Cascade, Everett and Jackson, increased from 1,381 in 2008-2009 to 1,397 during the current school year. Participation did sink significantly in several non-cut sports, particularly at Cascade and Everett. But overall the numbers were a pleasant surprise, according to Everett School District athletic director Robert Polk.
“I didn’t know how much it would be but I assumed we would have a drop-off in participation,” Polk said. “I don’t think it was as (drastic) as anybody (expected).”
After not previously charging a participation fee, the Everett School District added a $75-per-sport cost ($150 maximum per person) for 2009-2010. Despite the added financial burden on families, participation fees are just one of many factors that can impact turnout, Polk said. He cited examples like communication challenges for kids who move from middle school to high school, the ebb and flow of sports interests from one class of students to the next, previous experience with specific high school coaches and the lure of non-sports activities like music.
Everett School District participation fees will increase for 2010-2011, Polk said. The high school fee will be $100 per sport with no cap for multi-sport athletes. Middle school kids will pay $40 per sport, up from $25 this school year.
As before, students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch can get fees waived, and other financially-strapped families can set up payment plans, Polk said.
Vikings’ home away from home
The state-bound Lake Stevens boys soccer team hasn’t had a real home game all season because its stadium is being redone and the lights aren’t functional. During the regular season the Vikings played so-called home games on the grass field at North Lake Middle School. But in the playoffs the team’s home field has been Veterans Memorial Stadium, true home of the Snohomish Panthers. “To go play your home (playoff) game at probably our biggest rival’s (field) — it was kind of daunting,” Lake Stevens coach Scott Flanders said. So far, the odd situation has gone well for the Vikings. They beat Edmonds-Woodway 3-0 and downed Marysville-Pilchuck 4-1 en route to the 4A District 1 championship. Tonight Lake Stevens (15-2-1) plays Bellarmine Prep in a first-round state tournament game at Veterans Memorial.
Oak Harbor physicals May 27
The Oak Harbor Wildcat Booster Club’s annual Sports Physical Night is from 5-7 p.m. on May 27 at Oak Harbor High’s Wildcat Memorial Stadium. The cost is $30 per physical or $60 per family. Students must be accompanied by an adult. For more info call 360-279-5708.
