So, we pay about $1000/year just so our kids can play softball. That doesn't include the travel expenses to and from out of town tournaments, hotels, gas, etc. Then the coach have to pay between $250-$500 per tournament entry fee. We show up at the ballpark to watch our children play softball and there are people standing at the entrance collecting gate fees, usually $5 person/day. So, in order for my husband and I to watch our children play softball, who may be playing at different ballparks at different tournaments, we could potentially pay $60/weekend, just to watch. Is that insane or what?
What I want to know is where is all this money going. I wouldn't be so upset about paying gate fees if the parks chalked and filled holes in the field between games. Or maybe put some netting over the bleachers to protect spectators from being hit by foul balls from other fields. Or, perhaps on a very hot and dry day, when the dirt is blowing all over the place, maybe put a bit of water on the field to control the dirt from blowing. Or perhaps, think about the kids for once and put some water jugs in the dugouts. I hate to ask anyone to come watch out kids play because these are youth sports and I don't understand why after all the money we put into the sport, we still have to pay to get through the gate to watch our children play.
It just goes to show that it ISN'T about the kids, it is about the DOLLAR!
Hello Jocelyn,
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling. The things we do and pay, for our kids. Sometimes I tell him, you know son I could have brought you a car by now with all we have spent in camp fee’s and tournaments, special shoes and sporting gear. But lets just keep in mind that it is for their future, and one day they may just end up surprising us…
Jocelyn - I understand your frustrations in your blog! There are many times when I think...money is the root of all evil! Especially when greediness is the motive!
ReplyDeleteOn a positive note...you and your husband are teaching your daugthers many important life lessons regarding discipline, determintion, the importance of practicing, patience, sportsmanship, and the art of not giving up when things are challenging. Your family's participation in softball has reaped many positive rewards for your girls.