Interesting article...however, nowhere did I see the author nor the ACLU indicate where the dollars are going to come from if Booster Clubs and Athletic Departments cannot raise funds privately. In my district, ZERO public monies goes to funding Facilities, programs, uniforms etc. Where public dollars are spent on supplements for coaches the pay is minimal. Parents and students want first class athletic facilities, coaches etc. Our Booster Clubs raise private $$ through fundraising, membership fees etc. Our Athletic Dept. scholarships many student-athletes whose families cannot make a donation to the Booster Club. No student is either required to pay to play. Athletic Gate receipts cannot fund the 17 Sports and 39 teams (9th, JV and Varsity) we have in our school. Try running a Girls Softball program on $4,000? There should be some middle ground or the State/Districts will have to pony up non-existent public dollars. At the end of the day, Parents who send their children to private schools DEMAND top notch Athletic facilities, coaching etc. However, because your a public school your supposed to settle for "free" athletic experiences which really means "second rate" facilities, programs because the STATE and/or Districts refuse to fund either Athletics, Music or the Arts.

Soon to be everywhere - free play or club sports.