Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/680616
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamavol- unteer for a youth sports league. I coach a team (that my child is on), and help to organize team neces- sities, including team payments. The team is entirely self-funded by the fees charged to parents. Last year, a child on our team lost a parent and grand- parent in quick suc- cession. The family was understand- ably heartbroken and in a bind financially. The coaches all de- cided to forgo the child's team expenses for the year (everyone else was charged more). We fig- ured that it was the right thing to do. This is a competitive travel team, and the child made the team again this year. The parent said nothing about not being able to afford the team fees. After a few months of nonpayment, I con- tacted the parent. The parent reminded me of their loss, and said that they should not pay, because they hadn't paid last year. I said that last year was different, because the child was already on the team. I said the parent had had time to either budget for the travel team or choose to have the child play in a less expensive league. The parent was very angry. The other coaches and I agreed to cut this child's fee drastically (one-third what every- one else is paying, about $200). The parent still has not paid. Amy, I hate to take this out on a child, but I am faced with either ask- ing the child to leave the team, or playing the child last all year. I'd hate to do bo th . It seems like a petty amount, but now I feel like the team is being taken advantage of. What would you do? —WonderingCoach DEAR COACH » I don't un- derstand why you would "play a child last" because the parent hasn't paid the team's fee. You should not tie a child's sporting op- portunities to the parent's balance. You don't say what this parent has agreed to (contractually) by sign- ing the a pplic ati on and permission forms at the start of the season, but if a fee is mentioned on this form, then the parent would be responsible for the fee. All of this seems to have come up casually, when it should be more formally established. Do NOT let any of this affect the child's experience this year. Do not kick the child off the team. Assume that the parent will not pay even the discounted fee, and decide now if you want to pursue it through small claims court after the season is over. This is an opportunity for your team to host a fundraiser to establish a modest "scholarship" fund for this (and other) families. In the future, all financial requirements and expectations should be spelled out to this parent in advance, and you should have the check in hand before the child takes the field next year. Youth sports league juggles compassion and fee You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Taurus(April20-May20)— Avoid arguments if you want to accomplish your goals. Stay- ing focused and being open to new things will result in firm progress. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Look closely at a proposal that offers the impossible. You are better off doing your own thing and taking responsibility for the outcome. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — If you offer to help someone from your past, you will estab- lish a better, more promising relationship. Make adjustments to your timetable. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don't waste time criticizing others or complaining about the way they do things. Step up your game and take charge. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Open up about the way you feel and how you want to see projects and situations develop. Taking care of children, loved ones or your personal needs should be your aim. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don't be afraid to share your emotions. The only way to resolve a festering situation is to communicate honestly. Find out where you stand. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — A personal relationship will develop into something special. Make plans to share interesting experiences. Discuss alternate living arrangements or an un- orthodox path. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Keep your communica- tions honest. If you choose to embellish instead of sticking to facts, you'll end up paying for your indiscretions. Make person- al improvements that encourage health and fitness. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Consider how you currently live and how you want to live in the future. Cut corners, down- size or look for investments that will allow you more freedom. Do things differently. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — You are best off disregarding criticism or complaints. Strive to make personal changes and work to get ahead profession- ally. Invest in your health, skills and personal assets. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You may need to step outside your comfort zone if it will help find a solution to a problem. Don't be afraid to speak up and offer your services for a price. Aries (March 21-April 19) — A change in your financial situation looks promising. Don't let anyone speak or negotiate on your behalf. You will represent what you have to offer better than anyone. Horoscope By Eugenia Last TUESDAY, MAY 17 TUESDAY,MAY17,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B