[fullmetal]

Not the same sport, but I'd say USA Volleyball operated in the same fashion, and I'm guessing most of the non-revenue sports are the same. They sponsored a series of regional and national events in which a portion of the revenues found its way to support USA Volleyball. So all those families that are seeking a college admissions edge are spending $5k to $10k per year on club sports are spending that money on travel, coach salaries, facility rentals and -- is kickback too strong a word? -- fees to the national organization.

La Mordida. It's the nature of the beast, one way they raise funds.

I wish that were a viable revenue stream for all sports since it's actually a relatively sustainable way to go.  But for rowing, you really cannot host that many events due to heavy logistical overhead (even the small/local regattas take a lot of effort).  Biathlon, marathon, cross-country skiing, etc are sports that have even greater overhead, and maybe I need to look at those NGB structures.

[fullmetal]

Not the same sport, but I'd say USA Volleyball operated in the same fashion, and I'm guessing most of the non-revenue sports are the same. They sponsored a series of regional and national events in which a portion of the revenues found its way to support USA Volleyball. So all those families that are seeking a college admissions edge are spending $5k to $10k per year on club sports are spending that money on travel, coach salaries, facility rentals and -- is kickback too strong a word? -- fees to the national organization.

La Mordida. It's the nature of the beast, one way they raise funds.

I wish that were a viable revenue stream for all sports since it's actually a relatively sustainable way to go.  But for rowing, you really cannot host that many events due to heavy logistical overhead (even the small/local regattas take a lot of effort).  Biathlon, marathon, cross-country skiing, etc are sports that have even greater overhead, and maybe I need to look at those NGB structures.