Sharp Insights: State of High School Sports Survey
What’s really going on behind the scenes of high school sports? We partnered with the Georgia High School Association to find out. Over 1,000 coaches and athletic directors shared what’s working — and what’s not. Spoiler alert: it’s a juggling act of teaching, coaching, fundraising, and parent wrangling.
Survey conducted in partnership with Georgia High School Association
The Financial Crunch Is Real
Over 95% of programs are underfunded or fundraising-dependent. And the job doesn’t end at the sidelines — most programs are fundraising multiple times a season.
How would you describe the financial resources available to your program?
How often do you have to engage in fundraising efforts for your team/program?
How would you describe the financial resources available to your program?
How often do you have to engage in fundraising efforts for your team/program?
Paperwork Over Playbooks
What’s eating up coaches’ time? Fundraising, communicating with parents, and managing logistics. And it’s not just time — it’s energy and morale, too.
On average, how many hours per week do you spend on non-coaching administrative tasks?
What are your biggest non-coaching responsibilities that take time away from working with athletes?
WHAT TYPE OF FUNDRAISERS DOES YOUR SCHOOL HOST?
WHAT TYPE OF FUNDRAISERS DOES YOUR SCHOOL HOST?
Over 85%
of coaches also teach full-time.
*Data based on coaches and assistant coaches response only
Fundraising Is Essential — But Exhausting
Teams are fundraising all year and face big challenges: lack of parent/player involvement, too many competing fundraisers, and finding sponsors.
What are the biggest challenges your program faces with fundraising?
What types of fundraising activities have been the most successful for your program?
How would you describe the financial resources available to your program?
How often do you have to engage in fundraising efforts for your team/program?
Pro Tips from the Sidelines
Want to level up your fundraising game? We’ve pulled together top blog posts packed with ideas, inspiration, and real-life wins from teams like yours. Whether you’re chasing sponsors or selling merch, there’s something here to help you hit your goals faster.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our sports fundraiser resource hub for even more resources.
How Do You Get Parents to Show Up?
Coaches say parents want to help — just not with their time. They’re often unaware of what’s needed or overwhelmed themselves. When asked how parents can be more involved, responses ranged from volunteering, to providing resources, to just showing up for games.
How Do You Get Parents to Show Up?
Coaches say parents want to help — just not with their time. They’re often unaware of what’s needed or overwhelmed themselves. When asked how parents can be more involved, responses ranged from volunteering, to providing resources, to just showing up for games.
Over 25%
of coaches and ADs say parents are rarely involved or not involved with their program.
What are the biggest challenges your program faces when it comes to getting volunteers
What are the biggest challenges your program faces when it comes to getting volunteers
Turn “Busy” Into “On Board”
Getting parents to step up can feel like an uphill battle. But sometimes, all it takes is the right nudge. Clear communication, simple sign-ups, and knowing exactly what’s needed can make a big difference. These templates and tips will help you rally your parent crew — without chasing them down.
Find more volunteer and team management templates at our template center. And did we mention our sign ups have automated reminders? Now that’s a win!
Cheddar Up Methodology Statement
Cheddar Up designed and administered this survey taken by 1,066 respondents who were notified of the survey through Cheddar Up’s partnership with GHSA. Respondents represent a variety of sports and activities across all levels (varsity, JV, freshman) of GHSA.
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Cheddar Up Methodology Statement
Cheddar Up designed and administered this survey taken by 539 respondents who were notified of the survey through Cheddar Up’s subscriber list, social media and partner channels. This report focuses on the 461 respondents who have children currently enrolled in or who work in an elementary, middle, or high school.
You don’t have to do it on your own
Get ALL the information from our survey and use it to gain insight into your organization and how you can help move it forward!
“The platform is so flexible. I can use it to collect for an event, a donation and even to set up an online store”
Christina Hidek
Greenview Upper Elementary PTA
You don’t have to do it on your own
Get ALL the information from our survey and use it to gain insight into your organization and how you can help move it forward!
“I needed to collect the students’ contact info, t-shirt size, and a signed waiver. Parents provided all of this on the spot along with payment.”
Gloria Halfacre
Venice High School PTSA
You don’t have to do it on your own
Get ALL the information from our survey and use it to gain insight into your organization and how you can help move it forward!
“Cheddar Up has been a game changer! It streamlined the payment process for families and has reduced unpaid fees by thousands of dollars.”
