[Mick]

I know about the marketing collective, and I'm interested in the characterization of USA Fencing as an events company.  USA Fencing, according to the article, hosts a ton more events than other sports I'm familiar with.  I think the logistics of setting up a fencing event must be comparatively easy lol.

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.

Organized club youth sports is growing like crazy.
The soaring price of youth sports: $50 to try out, $3,000 to play

My dad thought I was nuts to pay $7k a year for each kid to play club sports...and yet, it got both of them into an Ivy, and they both have successful, high-paying jobs that they wouldn't have had without the Ivy pedigree.

[Mick]

I know about the marketing collective, and I'm interested in the characterization of USA Fencing as an events company.  USA Fencing, according to the article, hosts a ton more events than other sports I'm familiar with.  I think the logistics of setting up a fencing event must be comparatively easy lol.

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.

Organized club youth sports is growing like crazy.
The soaring price of youth sports: $50 to try out, $3,000 to play

My dad thought I was nuts to pay $7k a year for each kid to play club sports...and yet, it got both of them into an Ivy, and they both have successful, high-paying jobs that they wouldn't have had without the Ivy pedigree.