Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic FAQs
Why is Media Babe Ruth (MBR) offering a refund for the Spring 2020 Season?
The state of Pennsylvania mandated that all schools remain closed for the remainder of the school year as part of the Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention of Social Distancing to combat the spread of the global pandemic known as Coronavirus Covid-19. And since MBR fields are located on Rose Tree Media School District property – MBR Families may not be able to participate in the planned Spring 2020 Season. As of May 8th, 2020 - Delaware County has also been designated in the RED ZONE through June 4th which further restricts MBR families from participating in Spring Sports. Per the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health - organized sports activities will not be permitted until Delaware County reaches the GREEN ZONE.
Does MBR intend to offer a Summer 2020 Season in lieu of Spring?
We will be prepared to offer a Summer 2020 baseball season if permitted by the government and health authorities.
Why isn't MBR offering full refunds?
As with many youth sports organizations, a significant amount of funds have been spent or contractually committed well prior to “Opening Day.” As such, MBR stands to lose approximately $3,000 if full refunds are given to all families. We are offering a partial refund option to cover some of the spent or contractually committed funds.
What expenses did MBR already incur for the Spring 2020 Season? If the season is cancelled, what costs were there? Doesn't the school district pay for the fields and field maintenance? By offering a 2020 Spring Sports season and subsequently having 52 kids registered to play, MBR incurred the following costs: Credit card processing and bank fees, insurance fee per player, coach resources, volunteer background checks and field maintenance. Though teams did not yet start to practice, MBR had indoor player evaluations paid for and scheduled. Regarding fields, MBR funds the majority of the field maintenance while the school district only cuts the grass.
Why would it be difficult for MBR to absorb the spent or contractually committed funds? MBR is an all-volunteer, local community, non-profit organization. MBR is not designed to make money. Our programs all submit deficit-free budgets with the primary source of income from registration fees. We use the income to pay for all of the expenses involved with running a youth sports organization, including unexpected expenses such as equipment failure or loss, and field damage. Any profits that may result after a given season are returned to the program for future equipment purchases and capital improvements.
Further – our volunteers are committed to ensuring that MBR is available for our community when we move beyond the Coronavirus Covid-19 global pandemic. We anticipate that families will be looking for “Symbols of Normal” and we will work tirelessly to be one of those symbols. In addition, we anticipate there may families requesting financial assistance with their league registration which we plan to provide. Absorbing a significant loss of funds will create difficulty in executing these plans when "Normal" returns.
What are my Spring 2020 Season registration fee recovery options? We are offering 4 options:
- A refund of your Spring 2020 Season less $25 operating costs for expenses already incurred to the league. If you paid to cover snack bar duty those monies will also be refunded.
- A full credit for the costs of your Spring 2020 Season enrollment to be used towards the next MBR Season.
- Donate 100% of your 2020 registration to the League (100% tax-deductible due to CARES Act) [We ask that you consult your tax accountant before considering this option]
- Donate a designated portion of your Spring 2020 registration to the League (100% tax-deductible due to CARES Act) [We ask that you consult your tax accountant before considering this option]
What will be the timing of the refund?
We will begin processing requested refunds as they are received. If we do not hear from you or if no choice is designated, your fee will be held as a credit for the next MBR season.
How do I submit my choice for my registration fee option?
Please CLICK HERE to complete and submit the refund form. Please complete one form for each player.
Will I receive a donation letter for tax purposes if I choose to donate my registration fee? Yes, MBR will send a donation acknowledgement letter to all families who donate their registration fee. **Please note** - The CARES Act adds a new above-the-line deduction that allows an individual who does not itemize to deduct up to $300 of cash contributions to a qualified charity. This is in addition to the standard deduction.
Why wasn’t there a partial credit option but there was a partial refund option? Families who choose the credit and subsequently participate in an MBR season later in the 2020 calendar year will be able to recognize some of the sunk costs that MBR has already paid or contractually committed such as – credit card processing and bank fees, insurance fee per player, coach resources, volunteer background checks and field maintenance.
Are the field still open?
No, since MBR fields are located on Rose Tree Media School District property use of the fields are prohibited at this time.
Does MBR intend to offer Fall 2020 Baseball?
We will be prepared to offer Fall 2020 baseball if permitted by the government and health authorities.