When it comes to youth sports, a common refrain is “play ball.” But more and more parents are asking “pay ball.” That’s right, the world of youth sports is increasingly becoming a family finance issue. Understanding how financial and legal changes can impact the ability to support your team and youth players is important.

Denville Baseball continues to be committed to connecting its players with the community, both inside and outside Denville, and we want our families to understand how the new alimony laws in Florida may impact disposable family income that could go to youth sports. So, let’s take a look at these new laws.

As the world economy has seen downturns – and upturns – your legal system has re-adjusted to address the shifting landscape. Many states are reviewing laws that attempt to maximize their revenue streams, while attempting to be more responsive to the needs of their constituents.

One of the most recent changes has occurred in Florida where the state legislature reviewed the provisions of alimony in an effort to balance the needs of families who are in transition over their ability to support youth sports. The net impact of these changes will be to alter disposable family income, as it moves from one household to another.

How can the changes in The Sunshine State’s new alimony laws impact Denville, New Jersey? Well, one of the benefits of the development of the internet and social media is that news is not only for a particular state. As an example, an important piece from The New York Times reported on Florida’s changes to alimony statutes; based on a Google search, there were over one hundred news articles which addressed the changes. These articles and editorials spanned several states, including articles that were online based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, or local newspaper coverage.

How might this change in the law impact youth sports? Simply, without question, Florida’s revisions of alimony statutes will result in the contraction of disposable family income which might otherwise be used to purchase a new glove, upgrade a bat, or pay season fees for a player’s registration on a Denville baseball team. This is not panic time, but it is a good opportunity to see how sports-related families can proactively plan for future expenses that will extend well beyond family sports into college tuition and other costs.

Without question, the changes in Florida should be a call to action for families across the nation. There are several areas that should be explored by organizations such as Denville Baseball to present and promote this issue to its team members and supporters. While family supports are an ongoing priority for teams, the actual planning for family-related expenses will begin anew with each ‘season.’ So, here are some simple ideas that can be passed along for consideration:

As an example, in discussing the changes in these laws, your kids may be discussing the potential impacts while waiting for a pizza or getting on the field for practice. Similarly, it is possible that, while waiting for their jock straps, many parents are discussing how the changes in the Florida alimony laws may impact the amount they have available to spend on supporting their families in the coming years. This isn’t necessarily an action plan, but it is a start to a topic that may take on an additional life.

Another option, which is a great tie-in for organizations and communities, is to host an open forum via a message board to be conducted for Denville baseball players and their parents to raise questions and discuss the impacts that may be felt over the coming months. From these forums, it is likely that action plans will result as parents and players fully understand how new laws and regulations may impact their rights.

Keep in mind that there are limits to what organizations and teams can ask parents and players about their individual economic situations. So, it is likely that, instead of an organization hosting a question and answer session, they would be better off providing information and contacting third party experts to address questions. With this type of structure the organization will not be seeking answers that can impact their registration fees, etc.

Team based forums are an option that can help foster the ongoing development of players, coaches, and parents who are seeking to understand issues that impact their family’s economic foundation. These efforts can also help families be better positioned for changes that affect their income and the related expenses.

It is also important to make parents aware that, despite what they see in the news, there are many modifications and review of the Florida alimony laws and that many articles have been published that may have a narrow view regarding what may be a comprehensive piece of legislation.

While the new law impacts the Sunshine State, it is also important to keep in mind that many states are looking at changes to their laws which may also impact family budgets, possibly within the next few years. In fact, many states have taken the opportunity to adjust their alimony laws to balance the needs of custodial and non-custodial parents, and many other states may follow the Sunshine State’s lead. So, it is important to keep abreast of the changes.

Another area to remember is the importance of teamwork. Many hands make light work, and it is possible that, with an eye towards collaboration, parent organizations and schools can build connections with existing sports and other organizations such as those that serve the interests of teen parents. Just as your kids seem to know everybody, so do their parents.

While there are many options to consider, it is important that you also consider how your family may seek to understand the impacts of new laws and regulations that may affect how much you can spend on your kids’ programs and how you can all work together to make the most of what little you have.

For more information on the impact of alimony laws, you can visit Nolo.com.

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