Central Region schools avoid ‘pay-to-play’

Central Region high schools don't require their athletes to pay to play. Most local activities directors hope they never have to.

"I've heard no discussions, none whatsoever, about anything like that in this area," said Patrick Henry High School activities director Dennis Minton. "Is it happening across the country? Yes. But I've heard nothing -- no talks, no meetings, nothing -- that would indicate that anything of that nature" is being considered locally.

"Pay to play" is practice in which high school athletes are charged a fee for participation. Typically the fee is $75-100, but sometimes it is much higher.

Ken Tilley, the executive director of the Virginia High School League, said the organization "is not in favor of activity fees. I don't think it's something the schools want, and I believe it something they'll do everything they can to avoid."

But given the economic climate, "it's inevitable that people are going to look at it as a possibility, maybe as a last resort," Tilley said.

Several Virginia localities, including Frederick County, Loudoun County and King George County, have taken steps to implement or are considering pay to play for the 2009-10 school year. Loudoun's plan would charge $50 per student per sport.

Schools in the Central Region, which encompasses the Richmond and Tri-Cities areas, seem committed to avoiding pay-to-play.

Most Central Region schools ask athletes to pay for "practice packs" (T-shirts, shorts and other personal gear, generally ranging from $50 to $100 depending on the sport). Players also are expected to pay for essential equipment such as baseball gloves or basketball shoes, but not for the opportunity to compete.

"Athletics is an integral part of the educational experience," said John Marshall High School activities director Kevin Adams. "We don't ever want to deny a kid the opportunity to participate simply because of a fee [the athlete's family] can't afford to pay."

Contact Vic Dorr Jr. at (804) 649-6442 or .