Post what you think of this.

[Don]

Our team is like 20 minutes away from the West Michigan Regional. We sort of had the same problem as you guys did, the school was afraid of liability issues and students not being able to get their own transportation and such. Our solution was basically a permission slip. Everyone would have to sign the usual permission slips and if you wanted to drive yourself you had to sign an extra waiver or whatever. Everyone that couldn't drive themself would meet at the school and they would all ride a van down to the competition together. Our school has a couple of church vans, they're a lot cheaper than busses for small trips.
As for the hotel deal, that doesn't even make sense. It seems like the school would be more liable if something happened to you in a hotel you were forced to stay in vs. your home.
Hope this was somewhat helpful.