Christy Clark has openly stated a short while back that she is in favor of re-storing the Government Gaming Grants for Adult sport groups in BC.
One has to ask, is this idea good or bad for the Province?
I for one simply do not have a problem with Adult’s getting grants, but it does depend on a few points.
First – All Executive members MUST PASS A POLICE BACK GROUND CHECK.
Any member Association that does not meet this standard or requirement, does not get one.
Case in point – an Adult Sporting Program had a executive member that has been convicted and charged under the criminal code of Canada and has counts of sexual assault and one count of administering a noxious substance to women.
The league charges players/teams to play a specified number of games each season.
Let’s say they get charged $5,000 per season and the league operates 10 teams. This totals $50,000 prior to any payouts.
The league has to pay for floor/ice time, officials and timekeepers, plus odd incidentals.
If this musters up a total of (on the high end) $20,000 where does the additional funding go?
Let’s add 30,000 and see if this balances out?
So now let’s look at this in the real world and ponder some questions.
Does anyone pay income tax on the additional funds made by a clear profit for this league?
What write-offs are they looking at and should this be allowed or better yet – is this even moral?
Adult sports groups should be allowed to get government gaming grants, but they must be controlled and audited by someone other than the league, as figures are easy to hide.
I look at having Sport BC taking control of all applications and passing the information on to the Provincial Government for a final say.
If any league has undergone an audit within the past five years, then they are not qualified or considered for one.
Fastball, Rugby, Tennis or Swimming (to name a few) should be considered, but maybe the membership should be required to have 75% of it’s members under the age of 25 to qualify.
Provincial Associations that have any “ghost’s in the closet” such as some groups, only take down the one’s that are dedicated.
The money given out should be used for travel only and any tickets purchased must be completed through the Government.
They could use a travel agency that is recommended by the Association, BUT those making the application MUST NOT have any involvement with the company.
This is not always the case and it’s called double-dipping, where a person buy’s the tickets and get’s air miles all under the name of Adult sport.
It’s the Groups or Associations that cheat and the individuals that who look for a personal benefit for them alone, that are crooks.
The one’s that work professional seldom gain as it seems that in today’s world cheaters do indeed prosper.
Gota wonder if putting the Gaming Grants idea is good or just an election ploy for any party?
I for one respect what Sport BC does, but question why nothing has happened to the above named Association. You tell me?
With the growth of soccer, football and Ausie Rules Football, how do they muster up. Bet they could clear a back-ground check?
I personally know of Adult Leagues that are run exceptional, with the emphasis being placed on fun and competitive play all under a specific set of rules, that are clearly adhered to.
These leagues are in a business to keep sport alive and keep the Adult’s focused on continuing to play, with all costs absorbed by the league.
With all the strife in the world today, we need to get everyone more active, regardless of what they do or what sport they want to play.
The Health Care system needs help, cause waiting for up to 10 hours or longer simply doesn’t work, especially since the Pro’s can get help immediately, with the help of a Team Doctor. Two tier system – You bet!!
I get frustrated when I speak to our Olympic Athlete’s and hear what they have to go through to represent Canada and have all the glory go to the front line.
What happened to little Mary or Joe Public? Tax breaks might help?
Great concept, but does it work?
