Prize Money For JUNIOR Associations? WTF?

[Southern Joe]

... I mentioned this in another thread but would like viewpoints form those that frequent this particular forum.

The Whittlesea Junior Dom. comp is offering a $200 prize for all junior A grade teams that win their grand finals. Note ... this has NOTHING to do with rep teams ... just the A grade of the domestic comp ( your run of the mill shoot & giggle comp ) from u10s all the way to u19s.

The prizemoney goes to the winning club ..... so the suggestion that it may be a happy meal for each player may or may not happen . Its also lead to teams stacking their teams & using loopholes to bring in ringers.

This association is the ONLY one in Melbourne doing this.

Opinions?

[FRED JONES]

Though dubious in its sporting ethics, if they are attracting stronger players then their local players are going to get better from playing against stronger competition and I guarantee that all those vicarious parents (that we all love so much.... I actually do) will view the club as a place that has strong competition. Wouldn't surprise me if they managed to recruit some players through this either.

[Southern Joe]

.... Good theory ... but lately this association has been losing a few of its better teams to a neighbouring assoc. that DOESN'T offer prize money yet still attracts a high calibre of competition.

[Skindog the Hawk]

Trophies for kids, cash for adults.

The only way I could see a "cash" prize as being beneficial is looking at the Association paying a team or a player's registration / entry fee for the next competition if they win.

For some reason there's something about cash prizes tainting kids' sport.

SD.

[smk762]

Should go to the coach/club to cover costs of awards/prizes/commemorative whiskey glasses/post season celebration bbq. Should be $500.