Everyone,
Several people have contacted me about the rising costs of Tournament hosting. I am convinced a policy change is now needed to ensure our continued success.
Leagues host tournaments for two reasons: (1) to provide an opportunity for as many girls as possible to play Tournament Softball and (2) to raise money so their teams can participate in everyone else’s tournaments. We have something very special on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with our Tournament circuit. It doesn’t exist anywhere else in the State of Mississippi. Teams will travel from as far as Ellisville to participate in our tournaments. These Tournaments must remain financially viable or leagues will decide not to host them.
Tournament costs increase every year. The teams don’t wear the T-shirts and shorts of old; Umpire fees have crept up; and they don’t give trophies away either. Concessions have declined with fast food and air conditioning readily available. Our Tournament Entry Fees haven’t increased in the nine years I have been coaching softball. The Tournament Entry Fees don’t cover the cost of hosting a Tournament anymore. We must do something to make sure these tournaments make money and remain viable.
Other tournaments charge an Tournament Entry Fee of $200 to $250 plus an admission fee for spectators. We are way under the going rate, but I believe increasing the Tournament Entry Fee would be counterproductive to the goals above. Leagues would be forced to decide how many teams they can support financially. We all want as many girls participating as possible. That’s why all of us do what we do. The best option is allow the collection of a nominal Admission Fee for spectators at our Tournaments.
For now on, we will allow the tournament host to collect an Admission Fee. We still want to keep it Family Friendly, so this is what I would propose:
An adult admission fee of no more than $5 per adult for all weekend may be collected. Children 16 and under will be admitted FREE OF CHARGE. We are here for the kids, so let’s let them in for free. We also want to keep it affordable so parents can watch their children play. If someone can’t afford entry, please have a heart and let them enter.
I hope everyone is alright with this change. We’ll probably catch some harassment for making a change, but the time has come. They will adjust to it. If anyone has questions, please tell them that every cent goes towards supporting girls’ softball.
Mississippi ASA District 1 is so strong because we are all working together. Let’s keep working together to make it even stronger.
Thanks,,,
Tom
District Commissioner
MS ASA District 1