As they forecast the fast-approaching, unpredictable school year, Minnesota State High School League leaders face myriad costs of the coronavirus pandemic that could increase the league's budget deficit to as much as $1 million, depending on how sports and fans return.
Continuing current restrictions that limit schools to distance learning likely would cost another wave of high school athletes' their seasons at worst, or the support of large crowds at best even if sports return in some fashion. For the league, already mired in a financial deficit, either scenario could cost hundreds of thousands in revenue.
Parents and their athletes marked Monday as a return to youth sports practice, however modified. Their hopeful but cautious approach on the fields was similar to those attending the league's video-conference board of directors meeting.
"If we were heading into a typical school year, due to the actions of the board, we could project a revenue of $600,000," said Erich Martens, MSHSL executive director. "But we're not going to be facing a typical year."
Some sports might not be played, which means no state tournaments and no ticket revenue. Some sports might be played before limited crowds. If either scenario plays out in the fall and winter seasons, that means the league's approximate $400,000 deficit could reach $1 million.
Action taken at Monday's meeting, as well as board discussion items, were of the cost-savings variety.
No motion was made to discuss a wrestling advisory proposal to add a full consolation round for the individual portion of the state tournament, which would require a fourth day at Xcel Energy Center and cost about $75,000 — an amount that could only be offset if enough fans were allowed to attend.
A refund to schools for spring activity fees — about a $300,000 giveback — was voted down. So were registration fee refunds for spring sports officials. In both cases, board members believed that related services and instruction were provided in seasons that were put on hold for weeks before they were officially canceled. The board did increase registration fees from $15 to $30 for first-year officials to cover the cost of officiating materials.