Would you say something or pay up?

[SayOrPay]

DD11 brought home a letter from her sports club for a compulsory sponsored litter pick up next month. Every child needs to raise at least £100. It states the aim is to engage with environmental issues whilst raising money for the club.

My issues:
It's basically asking parents for an extra 100 per child. Why don't they just do that? Or put the club fees up next season (already 200).

What do they suddenly need the extra money for? That's 1600 just for DD's group, there's another 4 groups. If it's to pay coaches because they're more children now, why don't they say so? Ditto hall rental etc? DD has been there two years, last year they said they had too much money and were giving each child who helped out at more than one adult match a discount off this years subs. It's a relatively low cost sport as such - just need net and ball, no fancy equipment.

We, and a lot of others, don't live in the town where the club is based and where the litter pick with take place. How do they expect us to get sponsors - we can hardly ask our neighbours to sponsor DD to clean up another town! Which is actually very well kept and very clean.

There's very little notice, it's next month. We will probably have a family meal that day (relative's birthday). Only DD of my DC goes but there are families with 3 DC (one who also doesn't live in the club town) who will need to find £300.

I don't know, it seems a little underhand, saying it's compulsory and having a minimum you must raise. Would you say something or just pay up?

Is it a decision between a sponsored litter pick up or parents donating £100?

How is the "compulsory" bit worded?

Would your daughter want to participate in a charity event with her club?

Will they be banned from the club for not participating/not contributing £100?

"The sponsored litter pick is compulsory for all juniors".

There's no choice between either do it or pay.

DD's not bothered, mainly because she thinks they won't find anything large (sponsor per gram of waste).

Says nothing about consequences if you don't. We think it depends on who decided to do it. If it was the committee then they can't enforce it, it it was voted by the agm (at which juniors can't vote/don't get invited) then they could propose a motion to get you kicked out but would need a 2/3 majority vote.

I think you’re way over thinking this. I’m absolutely certain no one would be kicked out for having previous plans!
If it’s sponsored, ask a few friends and raise what you can.

I think I'd say no sorry can't raise 100 via sponsorship.

I hate sponsors anyway. Who are kids meant to ask, aunts, Uncles, family friends who all likely have kids of their own to pay for or GPs who have multiple DGC.

It sounds like the club are useless at budgeting

That's ridiculous imo. If its a compulsory payment it needs to be included in the subscription. I doubt other parents will pay up.

Are you sure it's not just not the activity that's compulsory? So everyone has to take part in litter picking but the sponsorship amount is just a target. No way can they insist on a minimum sponsorship amount.

I hate sponsors anyway. Who are kids meant to ask, aunts, Uncles, family friends who all likely have kids of their own to pay for or GPs who have multiple DGC.

Exactly. I can't ask BIL as he pays for DD's equipment for another hobby and GP's pay the (much more expensive) club subs. All friends my age have kids with clubs and struggling to absorb the increases in prices in general life. I can't ask the neighbours as they won't care of another town is being cleaned! And as a general rule I don't agree with going around asking other people for money.

So it really is just asking parents for extra. I'd have no issue if they were direct about it and open about why they need the extra money.

Compulsory?? Why?

"Every player must collect at least £100 in sponsorship..."