As openly communicated by the League, below is an explanation of and rationale for player fees:
The League’s player fees were set at $75.00/person* when first offering outdoor soccer in 2012. The League has always endeavored to keep player fees as low as possible while recognizing that modest increases would be necessary from time to time. The League faced substantial increases in field rental costs (ranging from 33%-90%) starting in 2017. Those costs were entirely absorbed by the League for two full years; however, a continued absorption of increased costs was not sustainable for the League. In 2019, the League was forced to increase player fees, albeit nominally – $5.00/player, generally. Given the high demand for female players for teams, female players received an automatic $5.00 discount, effectively leaving their player fees unchanged.
Since that nominal player fee increase in 2019, there have been further increases in field costs, increases in referee fees, as well as increases in the cost of shirts/printing. These costs were not foreseeable in 2019 and have similarly been absorbed by the League. Initially, the League had planned to raise player fees in Summer 2020 to account for these rising costs. However, in light of the tumultuous times (e.g., COVID-19), the League has made the determination to keep player fees unchanged and continue to absorb rising costs for the entirety of 2020.
The 2021 increase in player fees will be required due to additional recent increases in costs. This increase will be again be nominal at $5.00, but this increase will apply to all players, males and females alike (female players will continue to receive an automatic $5.00 discount). Players and teams are encouraged more than ever to register “early” (see Registration page for pertinent dates) in an effort to get the best deal. Exception: A player who registered for Spring 2020 and has a full credit carried over to 2021 will not be responsible for the price increase for their first season back (in which the credit is used). This exception will not apply to a new player who replaces the originally registered player.
The 2023 increase in player fees are required due to rising costs/inflation, no longer having a bar sponsor, and having fewer overall teams in the League.
Instead of increasing all player fees by $10, and to encourage players to register earlier in the process, the “early” registration rate will increase by only $5. For multiple reasons, including time pressures as the season start date approaches, the “regular” and “late” registration rates will each increase by $10. Ladies/most returning players will continue to get a $5 discount(s).
Note about player fees. Though there are exceptions, most individuals play on one (1) team each in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. In total, the fee increase for those players would be only $15 for the entire year. It is understandable that rising player fees may be of concern to players. For what it’s worth, the League has tried to keep player fees as low as possible and only increase those fees when necessary (under the circumstances). As always, given the various options for playing soccer in Baltimore – my humble thanks for continuing to choose our League!
A price increase, no matter how modest, is not something that anyone (including the League) wants passed along to players, and the League understands full well there may be grumbling by some players. The League hopes that increases in player fees would not result in losing any teams/players, but understands that it may happen. The League hopes players would understand that a price increase is necessary to keep up with rising costs, thereby enabling the League to continue providing a quality product for players. Though increased player fees will start* at $90.00 ($85.00 for females), the League believes its price point to be reasonable and necessary, and should still give players more for the cost compared to some other leagues in the area. Following the nominal increases in player fees from 2019 to 2023, the League hopes not to have further increases in player fees for the foreseeable future.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and for your continued support of the League! As always, this League is made great because of so many of its wonderful players. Thank You!
