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VAIL - Academics and athletics, Vail schools are known for both.

But budget cuts are taking a toll and student athletes will have to shell out more cash just to play.

How much they'll have to pay depends on next month's special election.

Softball, football, track and field, the cost to play is about to jump.

Jimmy Counes, a Cienega High School athlete says, "It's just terrible we need the money."

"I have two sons a junior and a sophomore," says parent Wendy Counes.

As is, multiple kids playing multiple sports in one family isn't cheap. Right now it's a flat $175 dollars.

But next year, it jumps to $265 and if the one percent sales tax vote fails, it could increase even more, to $500 per family.

"It puts your parents in a bad situation," says Jimmy.

District officials say the money will go towards referee fees, travel and general operating expenses for each activity, like track and field.

"Instead of cutting programs and non revenue sports or cutting a whole level we're going to raise activity fees to keep them going," says Assistant Principal Nemer Hassey,"And the last thing I want to do is tell freshman we're not going to have sports. But we are going to have sports somehow."

For Wendy, paying extra will be a hardship, but she says the benefits of athletics far exceed the cost.

"Discipline wise and team building it's hugely important, I'm a huge advocate for sports," she says.

"Cienega football rules," adds Jimmy.

If athletes can't afford increased fees, the district can provide financial aide.

Much of that money comes from public donations. If you'd like to help, here's the link to the Vail district website: www.vail.k12.az.us