2010 Fees for Scouts Baseball

U11-U14 Fees are due by April 15

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Fees by Age Group

The 2010 Playing Fees have been finalized and are as follows:

  • 9U and 10U: $575    Due May 15th
  • 11U and 12U: $800  Due April 15th
  • 13U and 14U: $850  Due April 15th

Where does the money go?

Scouts Travel Baseball (LFBA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run by a volunteer board that operates on a zero-sum annual budget. Therefore, all expenses to run the program must be covered by fees and fund raising.

Over the years, the budget’s priorities have evolved to reflect the comments we’ve received from the year-end surveys and other feedback from parents.

The LFBA Board establishes the annual budget so that each age group covers its own costs. The fees for the 9U and 10U age groups are less because those teams do not play in a spring league. Hence, they play fewer games. The 13U and 14U age groups pay slightly more than the 11U and 12U groups because they play in more games. The 12U age group, in addition to the playing fees listed above, also must cover the cost of the Cooperstown trip, which, of course, is the experience of a lifetime. The specifics of the Cooperstown fee is provided by the 12U age group director and involves extensive fund raising to help defray the cost.

Here’s a percentage breakdown of the 2010 budget:

  • Coaches/Clinics/Support: 55% of total budget
  • Fields: 14%
  • Umps: 14%
  • Equipment/insurance: 7%
  • Indoor facilities: 5%
  • League fees: 5%

Notes on coaches/clinics/support: As you can see, more than half our budget pays for player development. This includes professional coaches at all levels and for non-dad assistant coaches at the older levels. It is an objective of this organization to move away from dad coaches when possible. It’s also our policy moving forward that any dad who does coach volunteers his time.

Notes on fields and umps: For every home game, we pay a field-use fee to the Rec Center, a field prep fee and the ump’s fee. When a game is rained out or otherwise cancelled within 24-48 hours of the start time, we still must pay some or all of the fees.

Notes on indoor facilities: Every spring we bid out our facility needs to the area baseball clinics/academies and choose the lowest bidder.

Cost increases for 2010

2010 fees did increase from last year for the 11U-14U age groups due to a number of factors. We increased the coaches’ fees to remain competitive with full-time travel and other community travel organizations. We also added paid assistant coaches on some teams. The Rec Center increased its field fees. And tournament fees went up.

In conclusion, the LFBA Board seeks to maintain an appropriate balance between offering an exceptional baseball experience, which meets the needs and expectations of this community, while keeping fees as reasonable as possible.

We hope you find this explanation informative and helpful. If you would like to contribute comments or suggestions, please use this form.