410 Forum — Opinion
Dedicated Players Deserve More Funding
By Rebecca Skeim
The stands may not be full with people wearing head-to-toe blue and gold. There may be no ticket sales or mass advertising. But for what is considered the oldest sport in North America, the lack of funding seems unjust.
For the dedicated players and committed fans of the University of Northern Colorado men’s lacrosse club, the lack of finances provided is clear every season.
The lacrosse team plays in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference Division II and is 14-0 this season. With two wins at their regional tournament, the men qualified for the national championship in May.
According to team president Thomas Turner, the average cost to play for one season per lacrosse player is slightly over $1,000. Alone that price may be reasonable, but for someone who is paying a substantial amount to attend college and has at minimum a full 12-credit class load, the additional money might be difficult to spend.
The money from individual players is needed for van rental fees, hotel room expenses and gas money in addition to various other necessities. At every home game the lacrosse team is responsible for referee costs, averaging about $375 per game. Money from university allocation goes toward the $3,500 membership in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association. Any remaining money from UNC is used to purchase uniforms. This season, a parent donated money so the men could have matching bags and helmets as well.
According to the Club Sports Allocation Book, which the club president maintains, this year the team received $6,050 through the Student Representative Council’s Student Fee Allocation Process. The Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Recommended Operating Budget, found on the UNC Web site, indicates $65,785 was designated for the 2009 year toward club sports. If the money was distributed evenly, about $5,060 would go to the 13 clubs at UNC. But, the amount of money each club receives is dependent upon an evaluation process. Every club votes on how much other clubs should receive financially, and SRC averages the numbers and allocates the money.
In comparison to other club sports, lacrosse receives an average amount. The highest amount is given to the ice hockey club, which received $11,000 this year.
But, in comparison to Division I athletics, the lacrosse team’s funding is significantly lower. The Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Recommended Operating Budget indicated intercollegiate sports were allotted $1,710,482 for 2009 to disperse. Between the 17 athletic teams at UNC that is an average of $100,616 per team.
Despite the inequality, there is no denying that the demand for certain sports, like football, are evident. And, if the team can collect revenue through ticket sales, or eventually build a program with national acknowledgement that will benefit the university, than there is no reason to alter the current financial allocation. It is fair to assume the reason for the differences is based on public demand.
But, perhaps at the very least, equal treatment is not too much to ask.
It is evident that the men who play lacrosse at UNC are dedicated. They must carry a full course load, practice six days a week and be financially responsible for playing their sport. If UNC would allocate more money to the club it would help relieve the financial stress for the players and help the lacrosse program.
