WESTERN MAINE WINGS ICE HOCKEY

Dear Prospective Wings Players and Parents:   

I apologize for the length of this letter but it is extremely important information. Please read and get back to me ASAP.  

On Tuesday, April 7^th, Steve Merrill, our Windham Athletic Director, met with the Wings players/parents and the Board to speak about transitioning to a Varsity Team. Finances aside, he feels that we are ready competitively to make this move. All parents attending the meeting were in support of this proposal.   

He stated that our Varsity team will be treated, as much as possible, as any other Varsity team but, understanding our financial constraints, he would be willing to negotiate certain things with us.  

I have attached a spreadsheet that he handed out and will try to explain each cost to the best of my ability.   

Differential and Stipends - These are coach's salaries. Because it is a newly formed team, he will be posting a Head Coach position. This figure is on the high end but comparative to what other Varsity hockey coaches make. Because we are self-funded, he will look at whether or not we need an Asst. Coach.   

Purchased Services - officials - This figure was based on last year's game and mileage but the cost per game increases from $43 to $60 by going to Varsity.  

Purchased Services - game support - This incorporates costs such as security, clock keeper, moving of the nets and possibly a trainer. Because it will be treated like any other Varsity sport, we will not be able to use parent volunteers for these jobs as we have in the past. However, we may have the opportunity to charge admission to home games and would be allowed to keep the admission fees to help cover game support costs.  

Rental - practices - This will cover three morning practices (5:30 am) at USM during pre-season and two morning practices at USM with the possibility for a third dry land practice for game film review/weight training.  

Rental - games - This figure should actually be $3600 instead of $1800 because we need two hours of ice time for games. All home games will be at USM.  

Rental - pre/post season - This figure will be determined if we have any scrimmages or playoff games.   

Uniforms - Because we purchased uniforms last year, we will only need new socks.  

Transportation - This number may be dropped. Originally we were going to be required to bus to all games/practices, however, that cost were be huge to our program. We discussed having parents sign a waiver stating that their own insurance would cover any accidents involving transportation to and from games or practices. The school will not be held responsible.   

So, as you can see, we are looking at a pretty hefty price tag of around $17,900 (more if we have scrimmages/playoffs).   

Currently we have anywhere from 15-20 players so the cost, before any fundraising, is between $900-$1200.   

The decision to go Varsity is ultimately the AD's for both Windham and Sacopee Valley but they need to be ABSOLUTELY sure that we can cover the cost. They will not make the decision unless they know we are good for the money. The paperwork needs to be submitted no later than May 16th.   

I have laid out the costs and now I need your help. Please, I need EVERYONE to respond ASAP. The AD’s are in support but will not force us either way. We need to decide are we committed to take this program to the next level?  

1)     Are you in favor of transitioning to a Varsity schedule starting this year, the 2009-2010 season?

2)      Will you be playing for the WINGS for the 2009-2010 season?  
****This is the most important question as it will greatly impact the price per player.****

3)      In addition, will you be willing to pay the tuition as stated above? We do think, with fundraising, that we can lower this cost to around $500-$600. (Between the bottle drive, Winterfest and the SV dance, we have raised around $2500).  

Note:    

·         The reduced tuition will only be an option for those who actually participate in the fundraising. Should you choose not fundraise, you will be held accountable for the full tuition amount.   

·         Keep in mind, we will give you the opportunity to sell ads for our ad program to help reduce your personal tuition costs.   

·         We will also have a payment plan available during the pre-season to help spread out your payments.

This is a REALLY important decision and I need to hear from everyone.   

To show your are commited to a Varsity Wings Hockey Team, please send a $100 non-refundable commitment deposit that will go towards your tuition, no later than May 1^st to Western Maine Wings, PO BOX 1946, Windham, Maine 04062. (The $100 commitment deposit will ONLY be refunded should a player fail to fulfill the necessary requirements as stated by the coach to be considered for the team.)  

Thank you for your help in this matter.   

Tracey DuBois

Western Maine Wings President