CLUB SPORTS ARE ON THE ROPES EVERYDAY
Even with funding from ASI, CSULB club sports teams are required to come up with clever ways to raise money for their programs. With the possibility of decreased funding due to budget cuts, the teams may need to find additional methods of fundraising to keep the financial burden off the players. These fundraising events are crucial to raising the money required to operate a team. To provide context about how teams operate, I spoke with members from the club teams of women’s lacrosse, men’s rugby, and women’s volleyball.
A unique way of fundraising that appears to be a common trend is having players serve as audience members for tapings of game shows and talk shows. While the money per person is usually only between $20 and $30, having several players participate a few times throughout the year can be what allows the team to travel to a tournament. Other common methods to raise money are seeking sponsorships, having restaurants hold events where they donate a percentage of revenue, and selling clothing merchandise.
The cost to play a club sport extends far beyond the fees required for each player, and each team has varying costs. Lacrosse players have to pay $600 throughout the year, while rugby players pay $370 and volleyball players pay $300. The most expensive club sport to play in is the men’s ice hockey team, which carries a yearly fee of $2,200. The team fees are used for use of facilities and league costs. The rugby team fees pay for their uniforms. Additional equipment, such as cleats or shoes, is not included. Lacrosse players have to buy sticks, which usually cost $120, as well as mouthpieces and goggles.
The longest-running program is the men’s crew team, which was established in 1954. The men’s rugby program was established in 1974, and they are trying to get a women’s team started. Having a long history of success and tradition, their coaching staff mostly consists of former players who volunteer their time. Head Coach Kyle Quinn was an All-American player in the early 1990s and has worked to set up an alumni foundation to connect with other players.
Newer programs like the women’s lacrosse team, started in 2008, or women’s volleyball team, started in 2005, have had to develop through provisional stages with barely enough players on the roster. Last season was the first that the lacrosse team was a full member of their league and they had only 13 players for a sport that requires 12 on the field at a time. The women’s volleyball team is one of the few club sports teams with an NCAA counterpart, drawing most of their roster from players playing in high school. Recruiting players becomes very important, and getting information out about the programs is difficult. Players try to network through high school and coaching to attract future players.
Travel arrangements can be very difficult for these teams. While NCAA-sponsored athletic teams have chartered busses and flights, if necessary, club sports must rely on carpooling. Freshman players aren’t allowed to drive, and players must submit driving records to determine if they’re eligible to drive. The rugby team had bus trips to Santa Cruz and San Diego, and booked hotels with 4 players per room. The lacrosse team had a trip to Las Vegas for a tournament, while the volleyball team traveled to Houston for a tournament last month.
Working during the season is very difficult for players of a club sport, as some are unable to find the time. Jobs that have flexible hours and are close to campus are the only opportunities. The other thing these teams have in common is success. All three teams made the playoffs and are set to return most of their players next season. As long as the teams can continue to find effective ways to raise money, they’ll be available for anyone interested in playing next year.
