IMO fees are never enough. Entry fees are not cheap. Average entry this year for our 16u team 2021 summer showcase events $838 per event. Fundraising is a burden. Our team does no fundraising for the team. It’s a hassle for parents and the girls. It’s easier to just pay the money it cost and move on. Sponsors help out for individuals. That’s always a plus.
winter practice is expensive and a big chunk of you are working it into the budget/ fee.
If your playing the right schedule and the right competitive athletes are on the team the fee is irrelevant as long as your not asking for money later or throwing in fundraisers.
The lower age levels should be able to get away with cheaper fees and some fundraising. Their tournament fees should be less expensive. This is just my opinion. Many Directors see a easy grab at 10u & 12u and therefor fees are higher than they should be.
14u and up teams should carry more players. When they get to college they will have a roster of no less than probably 20 Athletes to compete against. So why not carry 14-16 players from 14u-18u? In return cost goes down and deeper competition teams. Weeds out some of the watered down teams out there. Then your issue with 14-16 players per team is the parents. Parents want their DD on the field every pitch of every game. News flash IF she plays in college this is probably not gonna happen! Get used to it. Be a team player!
Rant over