McIntosh High School

Booster Club Guidelines

 

Athletics and extracurricular activities play a major role in the lives of many students.  We are fortunate to have so many different activities that our students can turn to that can enrich their lives in such a tremendous way.  The school takes on a heavy burden trying to keep these programs running in the quality manner in which the students deserve.  The students put forth so much time and effort into what they do; it is only fair that they are supported the best ways possible.  Booster Clubs play a vital role in adding the extras that go far beyond what the school is able to provide.  Because of this, it is important that the school and the boosters have great cooperation between one another in order to help make things run smoothly and the students are the benefactors of our hard work.  This booklet contains guidelines in which the booster clubs should operate under while established.  It is a communication tool that can help more parents understand how the school operates and how the booster clubs need to operate when working with the school.

 

 

 

 

Purpose of the Booster Club

 

The purpose of the booster club is in essence what the term “boost” means.  It is a club established by the parents and/or other individuals to provide a team or group with extra finances and materials that will assist the head coach or sponsor to do more for the team or group above and beyond what the school can provide.  Once a Booster Club is established, it becomes an entity of the school and is run at the discretion of the Principal.  The Principal can dissolve any booster club that he/she so desires at any time.  All monetary assets, and items purchased by booster clubs are property of the school.  There are not any rights incurred by a booster club by helping support a team or group in dealing with school decisions related to personnel, monies spent, program decisions, etc.  Individuals who join booster clubs do not gain rights to make demands of coaches or sponsors when issues pertaining to their child such as but not limited to playing time, positions played or things of that nature are raised.  Issues such as these are individual concerns between the parent and the head coach or sponsor.

 

Responsibilities of the Booster Club

 

  1. Work with the Head Coach or Sponsor to develop budgets and establish program needs.

  2. Raise funds to support the program.

  3. Work for the students.

  4. Communicate with the school.

  5. Establish and work within a constitution and a set of bylaws that oversee the operations of the club.

  6. Provide the school with a copy of the constitution and bylaws.

  7. Provide the school with a copy of approved budgets and an end of the year report on expenditures.  (End of the year reports are due by May 31 each year)

 

Responsibilities of the School 

 

  1. Select personnel.

  2. Work with Head Coach or Sponsor to establish program needs.

  3. Establish means of income by taking gate revenue at events to fund athletic programs.

  4. Evaluate programs and coaches/sponsors.

  5. Maintain facilities (with the assistance of the booster clubs).

  6. Insure rules and regulations of the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE), the Fayette County Board of Education (FCBOE) and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) are being followed.

  7. Communicate with the Booster Clubs.

 

Responsibilities of the Head Coach/Sponsor 

 

  1. Oversee the total program (9th, JV, Varsity).

  2. Establish program needs and develop a budget to present to booster clubs.

  3. Work with booster clubs on needs assessment and work within budget approved by booster clubs.

  4. Communication with the school and boosters.

 

 

Finances

 

Every program costs money to run and the school works diligently to raise funds to support the total athletic program.  This is the essential part of the booster clubs' involvement and in making the individual programs work.

 

Fundraising

 

The athletic department does not actively solicit funds from outside sources.  Occasionally there are companies that are willing to lend financial support in order to help the total athletic program.  Fundraising is an activity essentially left up to each individual club.  Each club usually has established fundraising activities in place and as long as they continue to do these fundraisers, it is their’s to continue.  If any club fails to continue a fundraising activity for a full calendar year, another club can use the activity.  All fundraising activities have to have prior approval by the principal.

 

Dues

 

All clubs may establish dues to be paid by parents or other individuals to join the booster club.  Payment or non-payment of dues cannot effect the playing time or participation of the student. 

 

Accounts

 

Funds for booster clubs may be kept in outside accounts at other financial institutions.  Booster Clubs may apply for cooperation status in order to receive tax exemptions on purchases.  Clubs that would rather keep their funds in the school accounts are welcome. 

 

 

Facilities

 

Facility upkeep is ultimate responsibility of the school.  However, if there is a desire to have the best facilities in the county and the state, it is the responsibility of us all to help with the upkeep of the facilities as well as the upgrade of facilities. 

 

Use of facilities

 

When there is a need to use facilities for booster club purposes, a request has to be made to the front office and approved.  Some things to consider when requesting to use facilities are availability, time of event and someone to open doors.  If your club is planning of meeting at set times throughout the year, that can be requested.

 

Keys

 

Many booster clubs run concession stands and require keys for access.  Please help keep keys under control.  Know who has them and do not be careless with them.

 

 

Communication

 

Communication between the school, coaches and the boosters are essential.  Generally throughout the year communication lines will flow through the head coach.  The head coach should attend all booster club meetings and the schools views on issues will be shared through them.  If there are booster concerns that need to be discussed with the school, the communications should be between the Principal or Athletic Director and the Booster President or another booster officer (treasurer, vice president, etc.).  The Principal and/or AD will accept appearances at booster club meetings if they are available.