Pay to play sports is unfair to athletes

I have been attending Marysville Pilchuck High School, like most seniors, since my sophomore year. During my time here, I’ve enjoyed my education, the teachers, and the environment provided. However, I have had minor difficulties in certain subjects for reasons out of my personal control. Old and ruined books are a common problem, as are the oversized classes. Even obsolete equipment, especially when it comes to computers, have limited the education that I have been able to receive. The one event during school that always seems to be without conflict is school sports here at MP. Unfortunately, as I read the parent newsletter, I discovered that I, as an athlete, have to pay a fee of $35.00 to participate. I believe that athletes put out enough money as it is to play.

Soccer is a spring sport that I have played as long as I have been at this school. I am also a member of Marysville’s District Gold team. Every year I have to buy new equipment, often times, it is more than twice annually. Soccer shoes are usually replaced by the year, and commonly cost well over $100, with the pair that I own costing $165. I go through at least one pair of shinguards, and 3 pairs of socks per season. As preparation for the school season alone, it is likely for any one player to put out between $30 and $200. This is only a single sport, and I could easily pick out an athlete who plays 3 sports per year, and puts out more than $300. I don’t think that we should be required to pay a fee just to be involved.

I understand that the school does need money to fund sporting events, but I don’t think that athletes should be required to pay just to play. I do not have the knowledge of where money from gate admissions is spent, but if we have to pay, then it must not be going towards the athletes. If an amount of money must be provided, then we should be told what it is being spent on, and if there is any other way to raise the money. To enforce a payment of the athletes is not fair to those who cannot afford it, and it is not understood what the money is sued for.

Marysville