Sometimes team fees is a touchy topic, but in this case, it doesn't seem so
Team 1002 normally charges $50 dues, because we need the funding to do our outreach projects and fund our 3 teams, with all of the other team building activities as well. However, we do have financial concessions for those who can't afford it. Our dues covers the cost of the T shirt and a pair of safety glasses. However, normally the student has to pay about $90 for the regional cost, and sometimes more for Championships.
Our team also feels that if there is a monetary cost, we will have more dedicated individuals join, and those that can't afford it can still ask for financial concession, which shows the dedication in that individual. And trust me, dedication becomes a bit of an issue when you have 100+ people sign up, because often some of these individuals just sign up to miss school for competition, or just want to put it on their college application.