Q:           Why is the school district charging $100 activity fee per player for sports in 2010-2011 school year?
A:            Fort Mill School District has been facing extreme budget cuts for the coming years. As a way to keep middle school sports, the district decided that middle school sports must be self funded. In order to do so, activity fees, gate receipts and athletic booster fundraising will be needed to cover the expenses of the sports.

Q:           Why are the Booster Clubs required to raise $32,000 by the School District?
A:            Even with the activity fees and gate receipts, there is still an estimated shortfall of $32,000. The booster clubs have volunteered to provide the fundraising to keep middle school sports in the schools. If the booster clubs are not able to provide this funding, middle school sports will be eliminated.

Q:           What does the $100 activity fee cover?
A:            The $100 fee covers the expenses for each sport, including coaches supplements, transportation, equipment and field use.

Q:           When is the activity fee due?
A:            Payment will be due 1 week prior to the first game. Checks can be made out to your school and will be collected by the coach. Athletes will not be allowed to play in games until payment has been made.

Q:           Are scholarships available?
A:            Yes. Please request in writing to your coach regarding your request for a scholarship. You will be contacted by a school administrator to discuss your situation.

Q:           Are physicals needed for each athlete?
A:            Again, yes. The SC High School League requires each athlete to have a current physical on file. The form is available at your school or at the Physical Day.  For the 2010-2011 school year, the physical must be performed after April 1, 2010.

Q:           Will the schools be offering physicals for the students?
A:            The Middle School Booster Clubs will be sponsoring a Physical Day towards the end of summer. There will be a minimal fee of $20-25. Licensed doctors and nurses will be performing the physicals. Sorry, no insurance will be filed for this service.

Q:           How can I help keep middle school sports?
A:            All three schools have active booster clubs that are working hard to raise the funds needed. Please contact your school’s booster club for ways to volunteer.  You can also become a sponsor of the booster club. Forms are available on this site.

Q:           Who do I contact if I’m interested in volunteering as a coach or becoming a team parent?
A:            Please contact the head coach or your one of the following administrators:  Mr. Wallace (FMMS), Mr. Young (SMS) or Mr. White (GHMS).

Q:           How can I order merchandise with my school’s athletic logo?
A:            Each school will have general athletic merchandise available. At the beginning of each season, coaches will provide the opportunity to order optional athletic gear (i.e. SMS Football hoodies, GHMS Volleyball t-shirts, etc.).

Q:           Now that there is an athletic fee, will my student be guaranteed playing time?
A:            Students will still be required to try out for most teams and playing time will be decided by the head coach.

Q:           Is the athletic fee refundable?
A:            The athletic fee is not due until the student has been selected for the team. Once it has been paid it is not refundable for any reason.

Q:           Are there sponsorships available?
A:            Please contact your booster club regarding opportunities to sponsor your school’s athletic program.

Q:           What do I do if I have a grievance with a coach or another player?
A:            First, please approach your coach at an appropriate time (before or after a practice) and discuss the situation. If you feel you need to go to another authority, contact one of the following administrators: Mr. Wallace (FMMS), Mr. Young (SMS) or Mr. White (GHMS).