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[Sam]

We are looking at a new team. they want a start up fee of $350. it includes uniform's helmet and bag. they want me to sign a contract that says if we leave we have to return all the gear. is that normal? we didn't do that on the last 2 teams we were on.

If you pay 350 shouldn't you be able to keep the gear? what happens if you don't turn it back in? just curious.

Think about it.....$350 START UP for a 10U team.....really? This is a joke, right? What are the monthly fees? Are you doing fundraisers? Does the $350 cover the whole summer?

If this is just START UP and they are charging a monthly $50 fee along with doing fundraisers, then I would RUN...not walk....away from this team. Somebody would be putting away some amounts of cash. I've run a few teams and never charged more than $150 for uniforms, bags, and helmets....and you got to keep the uniform, bag and helmet.

[DonnieS]

We are looking at a new team. they want a start up fee of $350. it includes uniform's helmet and bag. they want me to sign a contract that says if we leave we have to return all the gear. is that normal? we didn't do that on the last 2 teams we were on.

If you pay 350 shouldn't you be able to keep the gear? what happens if you don't turn it back in? just curious.

Think about it.....$350 START UP for a 10U team.....really? This is a joke, right? What are the monthly fees? Are you doing fundraisers? Does the $350 cover the whole summer?

If this is just START UP and they are charging a monthly $50 fee along with doing fundraisers, then I would RUN...not walk....away from this team. Somebody would be putting away some amounts of cash. I've run a few teams and never charged more than $150 for uniforms, bags, and helmets....and you got to keep the uniform, bag and helmet.

Different state - same bucks. Unless part of the 350 is for the tournaments that must be paid way ahead of time. It would usually be around 100 bucks - But our numbers are the same as sams, and we had insurance in there too. A couple of times we had some daddy warbucks step up and sponsor us - and those years, we didnt collect anything for insurance/uniforms/helmets. And the kids kept the goodies then too.

[AlwaysImprove]

350 is not bad for our area. If you want to be a competitive team you need to be able to secure time indoor. Most indoor facilities deeply discount year round fees, and teams not willing to sign up year round will end up without cage times. This is a direct cost on a team.

[DonnieS]

350 is not bad for our area. If you want to be a competitive team you need to be able to secure time indoor. Most indoor facilities deeply discount year round fees, and teams not willing to sign up year round will end up without cage times. This is a direct cost on a team.

Most of our practice is outdoors on the field - but now that you bring it up, the last year or so I had my team, I was having to rent field time at a local commercial softball complex. I usually had sponsor money so I didnt have to get parent money.

[Battle]

That's why I asked what else it included. I still stand behind "give it back" if you join the team under the circumstances.

[ocarterok]

Yes it is normal.....Not sure anymore but ASA used to have a clause in their contract that if you are on a state roster and do not return the uniform the team is not required to return any money given to the team....

With that said my daughter is out of college now and it's been awhile since we have dealt we tb contracts so they could be different now......Good Luck