Is there a CVSD Board Policy that pertains to extracurricular activities/athletics?
The Conestoga Valley School Board of Directors recognizes the value of a program of interscholastic athletics as an integral part of the total school experience to all students of the district and to the community. Please refer to Board Policy #123 (Appendix A) for more information regarding the overall philosophy and guiding principles of education-based athletic programs in CVSD.
What does it mean to be a Special Interest or Booster Club in an education-based setting?
The Board appreciates the interest of parents/community in supporting and promoting CVSD extracurricular and athletic programs, and has established guidelines for special interest groups, which primarily serve as support groups and must not interfere with the operations of CVSDsponsored programs. It must be understood by all special interest groups – including athletic booster clubs – that all CVSD sponsored activities are under the control, direction and supervision of the Board via Superintendent, Principal, Director of Athletics, and/or other designee.
What are the essential functions of a Booster Club?
Essential functions of a booster club include raising monies and providing supplemental support for a CVSD-sponsored activity. The Board strongly encourages that booster clubs receive direction from Head Coach or Advisor of the activity to serve in the best interest of students. Booster club and/or parents are not to be involved with the decision-making process as it pertains to programs.
Are Booster Clubs required to operate based on a constitution and by-laws in addition to CVSD Board Policy?
Pursuant to Board Policy #913 (Appendix B), all special interest groups must be formally approved by the Board by submitting an application which shall include the name of the organization, the constitution and bylaws of the organization and the financial objectives of the organization (913.411). An example/template for booster club constitution and bylaws is provided in Appendix C.
Is it true that items purchased by a booster club become CVSD property?
Yes. According to Policy 913.420, any supplies and/or equipment purchased by the approved special interest group for the educational and/or athletic program shall be donated to and become the property of the District.
Is gambling considered a legitimate fundraiser?
No. According to Policy 913.417a, gambling or small games of chance are not permitted forms of fundraising.
Do Booster Clubs need approval in order to hold fundraising events?
All fundraising is under the supervision and coordination of the CVHS Principal. Booster clubs must submit a Fundraiser Request Form (Appendix D) and receive Principal’s approval prior to holding a fundraiser.
Are there general guidelines for Booster Clubs in regards to fundraising?
While Board Policy #913 addresses in detail the rules and regulations regarding fundraising, some general guidelines include the following:
- The number of fundraising projects should be limited to avoid placing undue pressure on individuals and businesses in the CVSD community.
- It is an expectation that all student/athletes participate in fundraisers. However, they are not required to take part in fundraising activities, nor are they to be singled out if they do not wish to participate.
- Where advertisements are solicited for programs or other publications, booster clubs must adhere to all CVSD Board policies (especially pertaining to the sale of alcohol and tobacco products).
- Gambling or small games of chance are not permitted forms of fundraising.
- No student time during the school day shall be allowed for fundraising activities.
Can Booster Clubs use CVSD property for fundraising events?
Using CVSD property for fundraising purposes is a viable option in most circumstances. Booster clubs may submit a CVSD Application for Permit for Use of Building or Grounds (Appendix E) and Rules For use of School Facilities and Grounds (Appendix F) to either the building Principal or Director of Athletics ( for use of CVSD gymnasiums and athletic fields). In addition, booster clubs must read and be familiar with the Rental Procedures for Use of School Facilities and Grounds (Appendix G).
Can Booster Clubs use concession stands, and what are the guidelines?
Yes. For everyone’s health and safety, please follow these guidelines:
- Encourage frequent hand washing of those persons assigned to work in the concession stand.
- If concession stand workers choose to wear food-service or medical gloves while performing their duties, ensure that the gloves are latex-free, disposable and are changed frequently throughout the day/evening.
- Discourage concession stand workers from handling both food and money. Work assignments should be delegated to ensure that those handling money are not involved in the preparation of food and beverage and vice versa.
- Food items may not be stored in the concession stand unless they are appropriately contained and labeled with the booster club’s name and stored in refrigerators. Please take all other food items with you at the end of each event.
- All paper and plastic products may be stored in designated areas of the concession stand provided that they are placed in sealed storage containers and are labeled with the booster club’s name. All stored items should be removed within 24 hours of the athletic program’s final home game. CVSD reserves the right to discard all items after the 24 hour period.
- Thoroughly clean all appliances, counters and sinks after each use.
- Place all waste in the appropriate garbage or recycling receptacles.
- Remove all locks from drawers at the end of the season and empty contents.
- Thoroughly clean drawers and cabinets.
- Please report the damage or malfunction of any equipment to the CV Athletic Office.
What are the guidelines for end-of-season banquets?
A longstanding tradition, end-of-season banquets also serve as a primary function of a booster club. It is recommended that all banquet activities be scheduled following the completion of the season and not interfere with other activities (i.e. practice, games, etc.) Booster clubs should be sensitive to the following issues when planning a formal banquet:
- The expense that will be incurred by attendees. Picnics and potluck dinners in school cafeterias, public parks or fire halls are inexpensive alternative options.
- The implications the various activities planned for banquets may have on the diverse cultures that may be represented at the banquet. The use of opening and closing religious remarks should be carefully planned to be inclusive of all groups represented. In certain circumstances, consideration may need to be given to the food offerings.
- The length of the banquet. Generally speaking, two (2) hours is a reasonable expectation.
- The consequences of student/athlete driven activities such as farewell speeches, gag gifts, video presentations. Communication between all parties prior to the banquet will ensure appropriateness of the event.
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are prohibited at banquets.
- Gifts for coaches should be kept at modest levels.
Are there any limits or guidelines for providing gifts & mementos to students?
Also a longstanding tradition, Booster clubs have provided team members with gifts and mementos at banquets. In determining an appropriate gift, please refer to Article II of the PIAA Bylaws regarding Amateur Status and Awards (Appendix H). Violation of the rules and regulations of the PIAA regarding amateur status would have an adverse effect on the eligibility of a student/athlete for one year.
Are Booster Clubs required to submit financial reports to CVSD?
As part of the annual filing for the Buckskin Booster Consortium with the Internal Revenue Service, an individual booster club’s annual financial reports must be submitted to the Assistant Business Manager in the CV District Office by August 31 of each year. The reporting is to include the beginning cash balance (July 1), all receipts and disbursements, and the ending cash balance as of the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Booster clubs may use the Financial Reporting Spreadsheet provided in Appendix I or reasonable facsimile.
Who are the Buckskins Activities Alliance?
The Buckskin Boosters is a consortium of Conestoga Valley School District Coaches, Administrators, Board Members and Booster Club representatives. The organization represents a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletic programs, cheerleading, marching band and performing arts. The purpose of the Buckskin Boosters is to:
- Build synergy in addressing extracurricular facility needs for students.
- Identify alternative funding streams as a supplement to school district funding.
- Enhance internal controls and compliance with IRS and state tax issues.
- Provide collaborative input for school district consideration.
- Further expand communications among CV parents and booster clubs.
- Develop a capital campaign to assist in funding the master facility plan.
Since its inception in 2005, the Buckskin Boosters has funded over $150,000 in facility
improvements, including:
- New lights for the marching band practice field
- Soreboards in the CVHS gymnasiums
- Dugouts and home run fence for softball field
- Irrigation system for the soccer fields
- Hitting boards on the tennis courts
- Over-sized lockers in Rill
- Hurdles for the track teams
- Tent for the cross country programs
- LED techno strobe lights and haze machine for the drama club
- Protective netting for lacrosse programs
- Equipment for volleyball programs
- Scoreboard for field hockey program
- Portable scoreboards for soccer, field hockey and lacrosse programs
In August 2012, the Buckskins Activities Alliance kicked off the Sound Mind, Sound Body, Sound Future project, a capital campaign to assist in the funding of CVSD’s master facilities plan for athletics. In addition to financing the feasibility study, the Buckskin Boosters is covering the costs associated with the services provided by campaign counsel. The vision of the Sound Mind, Sound Body, Sound Future endeavor is to provide a first-class athletic experience for all CV students and establish community space that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among the greater CV community.
The Buckskins Activity Alliance holds numerous fundraisers throughout the year, including the Buckskin Breakout 10k run/5k walk/Kids’ Fun Run in March and the golf tournament in May/June. Other fundraising opportunities include operating concession stands during Relay for Life (June) and the Hempfield Soccer Tournament (November).
The Buckskins Activities Alliance meet the first Wednesday of each month during the school year (September – June). For more information regarding the Buckskin Boosters, please contact the CV Athletic Office.
How are individual booster clubs impacted by the Buckskins Activities Alliance?
The Buckskins Activities Alliance has obtained tax exempt status and individual booster clubs may use the consortium’s Federal Identification Number. Also, booster clubs are covered under CVSD insurance policy, so there is no need to purchase individual/separate insurance riders for fundraising events, youth camps, etc.
Do booster clubs have their own separate bank accounts?
It is recommended that individual booster clubs discuss the bank by phone or online banking features with their bank representatives. Since all booster clubs will use the same Federal ID number, banks may line the various accounts under that Federal ID number. Although you will have your own bank account number, the account is not to be linked with other individual booster clubs with accounts at that bank to avoid access sharing.
Do booster clubs need to pay sales tax on purchases made?
Yes and no. The Buckskins Activities Alliance consortium has received Pennsylvania sales tax exemption status. A copy of the sales tax exemption certificate is included and can be distributed to vendors. Although individual booster clubs are non-profit entities, there are still situations where the booster club may pay sales tax. As a general rule of thumb, if the booster club is purchasing an item for the club or CVSD, the item is not subject to sales tax. If the booster club is purchasing an item to be resold as in the case of a fundraiser then the item is subject to sales tax and a sales tax return must be filed. Some vendors who are in the business of selling fundraising items to nonprofits will charge the sales tax at the time of purchase. If the vendor does not, then the booster club must pay the 6% sales tax to the state.
Are booster clubs required to file sales tax returns to the state?
For your convenience, the CV Business Office will consolidate and file the sales tax returns for all booster clubs. Currently, the state requires the Buckskin Boosters consortium to file every six months, but that is subject to change to a quarterly basis.
What happens if a booster club makes any payment(s) to an individual or nonincorporated business for services over $600?
The booster club must issue IRS Form 1099. That individual or non-incorporated business must include that amount as taxable income when filing state, local and federal tax returns. For example, if a booster club pays a volunteer coach $1,000 (i.e. more than $600), then this coach must receive a 1099.
Are there penalties for not issuing IRS Form 1099 to qualified entitities?
The IRS will impose fines and penalties for each instance of non-compliance and may pursue the individual or non-incorporated business for verification that the income was properly included on the income tax return.
To whom should booster clubs contact with questions regarding sales tax, filings, etc?
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the CV Business Office at (717) 397-2421.
Who is Market Street Sports Group?
In September 2007, Conestoga Valley School District entered the world of corporate sponsorships and naming rights by establishing a partnership with Market Street Sports Group (MSSG). Based in Lancaster, MSSG has revolutionized high school marketing by developing relationships with local and regional corporate partners who share the same commitment and vision of enhancing the overall scholastic experience. The collective goal in the partnership is to allow companies and organizations the opportunity to become involved in the dynamic marketplace within CVSD through corporate sponsorships. MSSG has relationships with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Harrisburg City Islanders, United States Tennis Association as well as area school districts such as Hempfield, Red Lion, Dallastown, Lampeter-Strasburg and Governor Mifflin.
The MSSG model generates alternative revenue for CVSD extracurricular facilities, and helps reduce the dependence on taxpayer dollars in supporting extracurricular and athletic programs, which is another example of our district’s ability to think outside the box when it comes to fiscal matters. In addition, corporate sponsorships afford opportunities for local companies to become more involved in CVSD which will ultimately benefit CV students and the CV community.
MSSG has created an inventory list of CVSD facilities which identifies items that can be potentially sponsored and has assigned a value for each item. MSSG has developed marking tools that highlight the sponsorship program and will network and call upon local, regional and national companies. MSSG handles contract negotiations, signage development, installation and maintenance. All corporate sponsorships must be approved by the CVSD School Board.
How can MSSG help individual booster clubs?
MSSG serves as a valuable resource for CVSD Booster Clubs by providing financial assistance through Corporate Sponsor advertisements when creating individual team programs. MSSG is not contractually obligated to directly assist individual booster clubs, but may be able to provide giveaways/prizes for certain fundraising events. For more information, contact MSSG at (717) 509-2803 or visit the website at www.marketstreetsports.com.