The Lewiston School Board voted Sept. 5 to cancel the pay-to-play policy for LHS athletes.
Pay-to-play is a system where athletes must pay a fee to participate in a high school sport; now, advertising funds it.
Some of the expenses advertising covers include travel, equipment, hotels, participation, and other related costs. Advertisers that have helped replace the pay-to-play funds include Cleveland Construction, Hot Shots, and The Diamond Shop.
The change has affected around 46 sports teams at Lewiston High School.
The district explained in a press release on Sept. 5, “Participation in athletics is shown to increase student engagement, strengthen school pride, and build valuable life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance.”
Doug Henderson, the athletic director for LHS, added his thoughts on the change.
“It’s great to eliminate barriers for athletes,” meaning the removal of pay-to-play policies. He added that everyone should have the opportunity to play a sport without paying a fee.
Maxton Elliot plays for the LHS varsity golf team.
“Pay to play is bad”, Elliot said. “[I’m] really glad paying is gone.”
Another LHS athlete, Kellan Purcell, will be on the junior varsity track team this year.
“Pay to play is not good,” Purcell said. “I’m very happy it’s a thing of the past.”
