Due to increased costs to operate an extensive athletic program and decreases in state funding, Lake Orion School Board members are considering asking parents to pay to have their children play sports.
If that plan is adopted, the pay-to-play will begin this fall for high school and middle school students.
High school athletes would have to pay a fee of $150 which would cover all sport seasons during a one school year period. Middle school athletes would pay $100. The maximum a family would have to pay is $300.
According to LO Athletic Director Bill Reiss, payment of the fee won’t be due until one week after the team has been selected. There isn’t any fee to try out for a team.
If there is any financial hardship, a family can apply for a reduction in fees.
‘The fee doesn’t guarantee any playing time during contests,? he said. ‘And there will be no refunds unless an athlete suffers a season-ending injury.? ( during the first part of the school year, not the end).
Reiss said other school districts are facing a similar decision. Ten schools in Lake Orion’s athletic league have some form of pay-to-play.
‘Some schools have eliminated some of their athletic programs,? he added. ‘We believe participating in athletics plays an integral part in the physical, emotional and intellectual development of sons and daughters. Therefore, we choose to preserve our programs.?