We many need to define "gouging". I look at it as charging a price that is not worth it...

 

I would pay a lot more than $3 or $4 to see a football game/scrimmage/competition between 2 teams...especially during the off season when I am missing it so much!

... I, too am an avid fan and spend alot of my money in support of high school football. I feel that to charge fo practice scrimmages is merely gouging the fans and family of the players. To define gouging, according to my Websters" is to extort or swindle; to cheat out of money, ect.; also, to overcharge"... Lord knows that some cannot afford to pay when it is not necessary... Those are the ones I am taking a position for. If one can afford to, and I am one of them, donations to the cause is applicable...

... I, too am an avid fan and spend alot of my money in support of high school football. I feel that to charge fo practice scrimmages is merely gouging the fans and family of the players. To define gouging, according to my Websters" is to extort or swindle; to cheat out of money, ect.; also, to overcharge"... Lord knows that some cannot afford to pay when it is not necessary... Those are the ones I am taking a position for. If one can afford to, and I am one of them, donations to the cause is applicable...

 

If a person can't afford $3-$5 for a scrimmage game, how can they be expected to pay $7-$10 for a game?

 

I hate to be harsh, but if you can't afford to go, you can't afford to go. It's as simple as that.

 

How is it extortion, swindling or cheating if the people attending are willing to pay?

It's not that you object, it's the way that you're objecting that I object to.

 

When I read what you post, it seems to me as if you:

 

1) are angry and outraged

2) Think it's unethical

3) think it's greedy.

 

You seem (more than most) to have a huge problem with charging for scrimmages, and I don't understand why. That's all.

... Rockmom: I am in no way outraged or angry. I do think the act is unethical an/or greedy. In fact I am extremely HAPPY that the program I am affiliated with is one of the many that do not charge for every little function. To me, it incites fans and family to involve themselves more deeply...:thumb:

Again, how is charging for a scrimmage any different from any other fundraising? If paying for a scrimmage means one less carwash or bake sale, I gladly fork over the money.

 

If the school is taking the money into the general fund just to make money, I might be more inclined to agree with Keemosabe.

... Rockmom: I am in no way outraged or angry. I do think the act is unethical an/or greedy. In fact I am extremely HAPPY that the program I am affiliated with is one of the many that do not charge for every little function. To me, it incites fans and family to involve themselves more deeply...:thumb:

 

You may not be angry, maybe not outraged.

 

But, I do take exception to the way you present the choice of charging as some sort of less-than-honorable practice.

 

It's a choice, quite simply. And it's no more honorable, nor no less honorable than not charging or only taking donations.

If a person can't afford $3-$5 for a scrimmage game, how can they be expected to pay $7-$10 for a game?

 

I hate to be harsh, but if you can't afford to go, you can't afford to go. It's as simple as that.

 

How is it extortion, swindling or cheating if the people attending are willing to pay?

... That is my whole point. If parents attend each game, and most do, and have a couple more younger Kids then you are talking approx. $35 on a Friday night just for admission at the 7-10 price range. The boils down to quite a bit of money to us country folk that do not have the higher paying job opportunity that some have. A young family has financial struggles with gas, food, housing, ins., ect. Then to add unecessary costs upon that is the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back. It then discourages parcipation and therefore deminishes the support...

... That is my whole point. If parents attend each game, and most do, and have a couple more younger Kids then you are talking approx. $35 on a Friday night just for admission at the 7-10 price range. The boils down to quite a bit of money to us country folk that do not have the higher paying job opportunity that some have. A young family has financial struggles with gas, food, housing, ins., ect. Then to add unecessary costs upon that is the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back. It then discourages parcipation and therefore deminishes the support...

 

Than you're school should explore passes. I think for around $120 you can buy a pass for your entire family to attend all sporting events at the high school. Of course, playoff, bowl and tournament games are omitted. Being fiscally responsible is important for parents as well as the schools...

... That is my whole point. If parents attend each game, and most do, and have a couple more younger Kids then you are talking approx. $35 on a Friday night just for admission at the 7-10 price range. The boils down to quite a bit of money to us country folk that do not have the higher paying job opportunity that some have. A young family has financial struggles with gas, food, housing, ins., ect. Then to add unecessary costs upon that is the straw that breaks the proverbial camel's back. It then discourages parcipation and therefore deminishes the support...

 

Well, we'll just agree to disagree. I'm pretty sure that if I told you that many families in Trinity's family also struggle with the same things you mention above, that you would not believe me. And I don't see much dropoff in participation at Trinity, despite the costs.

You may not be angry, maybe not outraged.

 

But, I do take exception to the way you present the choice of charging as some sort of less-than-honorable practice.

 

It's a choice, quite simply. And it's no more honorable, nor no less honorable than not charging or only taking donations.

... Also, I take exception to the way you beleaguer my position because you are in favor of charging for scrimmages. Charge on, but please do not expect or demand I buy into it. I see it work rather well without charging an arm and leg at regular games

and anything at all for scrimmages...

Well, we'll just agree to disagree. I'm pretty sure that if I told you that many families in Trinity's family also struggle with the same things you mention above, that you would not believe me. And I don't see much dropoff in participation at Trinity, despite the costs.

.. Thank you rockmom for the joust. I do agree to disagree. With that ole Keemo is walking out of this debate...:walk:

Lets not forget our Spring Intra-squad game. We do not charge but that would be another way to gouge if you want the money. Lights, water, ect. must be used so therefore a charge must be forth-coming if you want to see your Kid play or you are an avid fan according to some it would not be a problem, so lets get the tickets ready...:laugh:

I've seen it done before

... I, too am an avid fan and spend alot of my money in support of high school football. I feel that to charge fo practice scrimmages is merely gouging the fans and family of the players. To define gouging, according to my Websters" is to extort or swindle; to cheat out of money, ect.; also, to overcharge"... Lord knows that some cannot afford to pay when it is not necessary... Those are the ones I am taking a position for. If one can afford to, and I am one of them, donations to the cause is applicable...

 

I don't have the money to go to Hawaii. I don't have the money to buy a new car. I don't have the money to own a new house...

 

Thus, I don't do those things. Simple as that. If my kid plays football, I realize that there are expenses involved and paying to watch a scrimmage (a competition with another team, right?) is fine by me.