We encountered these same exact obsticles this year in my sons public high school.
Quizbowl team had a few regional tournaments the kids wanted to attend. The coach had something else to attend (spur of the moment choice). Three groups of parents said we can provide transportation and meals and pay the fees if that was OK. The coach had to take to the board and they gave it a thumbs down without even a consideration. ARG... Our next move for next year, get an assistant coach who might be a bit more dedicated to the team or at least provide another option if the main coach is unwilling to set aside time for competitions.
My son attended a private school through 8th grade so the parents were providing most everything on our own anyway. This barrier is something we can't move or sway easily. So doing things out of school is so much simpler.
