If you are playing for the school they have activity fee's which pay for all the equipment you use encluding your pads and helmet. Usually the Fee is around $45 unless you have a sibling/siblings then they may reduce it. They also have funds to help you if you can't afford it. If you are playing in a league it could be similar but I am not sure being as how I have never played in a league besides the schools.

I think so.

Unless you steal it yes.

If you are playing for your school or a league, no. If you want it for yourself, yes.

My boys had to pay for their equipment for little league but not when they play for the school.

I did for my boy's and we have to pay for it when they get High school as of right now, hopefully this will change. (Suburbs of ATL.)

Not at WalMart. They usually have some in the "free stuff" bin out back - generally labeled "dumpster"