What makes an athlete? Their athletic capability or how much money is in their pocket? The price to play on a high school sports team is increasing. According to Time Magazine, the annual average amount of money spent on extracurricular activities (including equipment, gas to get to and from games/practices and other expenses for one sport) is $1,124, roughly a 10 percent increase from 2015.
“One of the things you really need for track is shoes, and not just any pair of shoes, but a really nice pair of shoes, and they are usually $100-$150,” said sophomore Clayton Hinson, who participates in track and cross country. “You also need water bottles, sweat clothes and other clothes to train in.”
Not all equipment and expenses are provided by the school, so students must purchase equipment such as shoes, clothes or medical supplies.
“[You need] special golf shoes, clubs, we have to purchase uniforms,” junior golf player Joshua Sickels said. “Pretty much everything you need to play golf you need to buy yourself.”
Sudden purchases may arise through the season for various reasons.
“Sometimes when you get more experience you realize you might need a specific club that you don’t already have in your bag,” Sickels said. “It’s personal preference [what brand you buy from], and some brands are more expensive than others.”
Spending more money on higher quality products can help ensure safety of the student playing.
“If you get shin guards that aren’t good, they crack in half,” sophomore soccer player Juliana Hubbard said. “Especially in the middle of the game, you won’t have shin guards, which means you’ll have to play differently to make sure that you don’t get hurt. The higher quality stuff is more important to have.”
Although, for some lower income families, spending high amounts for sports equipment is not a possibility. This can prevent the student from participating in competitions and games or the sport at all.
“There are kids who can’t participate or can’t participate at the best level because they don’t have the proper shoes or equipment,” Hinson said. “If they get injured, that’s it for them.”
Scholarships are provided to students to play various sports in college, but the trend has not carried down into high school sports.
“I think some coaches would be willing to help out if they knew about a situation,” senior swimmer Leah Nelson said. “I think it would be a good idea [for schools to provide scholarships].”
Sophomore volleyball player Cera Powell feels like teamwork goes beyond the court.
“Because, if other people are struggling and you’re not struggling, why not help the person who is struggling so you can both enjoy doing what you’re doing?” Powell said.
– By Madison Clark
