New fees imposed for those playing sports

Individuals taking part in extracurricular activities this year at Douglas High School or the Middle Schools can expect to pay to play.

At a special board meeting last month the DUSD #27 Governing Board adopted a new activity fee schedule.

The proposed fee schedule for the 2009-2010 school year states no family household shall pay more than $200.

“All fees encountered may be contributed to the DUSD Extracurricular Fund and claimed for a credit of up to $200 on your Arizona Income Tax,” DUSD officials said in a press release. “Any student that qualifies for free or reduced lunch may have these fees waived.”

The fees shall be charged but not limited to vocational and weight lifting classes, Driver’s Education, Student Activity Clubs, Art, Performing Arts and Interscholastic Sports.

Douglas’ Athletic Director Randy Walker said the fees will not have to be paid all at once and can be paid off as the individuals take part in the various programs.

“All activities will be paid through my office,” Walker said.

Walker says right now he doesn’t see this having that much of an impact since the various fall and summer youth leagues all charge to play.

“It may affect some sports,” he said. “I think $50 is pretty reasonable for what the kids get.”

Walker said athletic insurance has gone up and the DUSD is paying an estimated $9,000 per year just on that alone. Then there is the cost of the officials for the games plus meals and equipment.

DUSD began changing for most entrance to most athletic events last year and Walker said he had some complaints especially when it came time for baseball but most of that money went to pay the officials.

Football practice will start Aug. 3 while the remaining sports begin Aug. 10.

The Bulldog football season begins Aug. 28 with the annual rivalry game  at Bisbee.

Below are the fees imposed for 2009-2010

Interscholastic Activities – DHS  ------$50 per activity

Interscholastic Activities – Middle School ------$25 per activity

Student Activities (all levels) -----------------$2

Art Classes – DHS ---------------------------$10

Career/technical fields – DHS --------------$10

Performing Arts------------$10

Weightlifting – DHS -------------------------$15

Driver’s Education -------------------------$125