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FAQ

Who is FM Athletics?
Fargo Athletics, Inc., was formed in 1972 to help promote youth football in the Fargo-Moorhead area.  We are proud to be looking ahead to our 52nd season in 2023! During the summer of 2022, our league registered over 1300 participants, who played on 56 different teams. The organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and all board members are volunteers. 

The philosophy of FM Athletics is to provide an opportunity for all youth to play football, including those who might not otherwise have the chance.  It is the intent of the league to foster sportsmanship, team play and leadership.

Parent and Athlete Code of Conduct
Any verbal or physical abuse of officials, coaches, board members and/or other unsportsman-like conduct will not be tolerated. Only players, officials, medical personnel and board members are allowed on the fields due to safety issues and  insurance liability. Failure to comply with this code may result in disciplinary action and/or removal from the league. Additionally, if a participant or parent becomes a disruption to team practices or games, they may be dismissed at the board's discretion. 

When does registration begin?
Registration will open Friday, March 10, 2023.

When does registration end?
All entries submitted after July 1st may not be accepted based upon availability and are subject to wait-list registration.

What is the age of eligibility to play?
Eligibility is determined by grade.  Students entering 4th grade (FALL of 2023) are eligible to register.  We offer programs through 8th grade.*

*Our 7/8th grade league is open to Fargo, Moorhead, Oak Grove and Park Christian students.  Contact your school's athletic department if you have questions about eligibility. 

The league does not make exceptions for summer birthdays or allow "redshirting" of athletes.  Your student MUST be entering 4th grade in the fall of 2023 to be playing on a 4th grade tackle team

2023 Weight Limits/Restrictions:

4th Grade/Instructional: Weight up to 145 lbs.

5/6th Grade Division: Weight at/below 170 lbs.

7/8th Grade Division:  No weight limit.

You must play the interior line if you are at or above these weights (without exceeding weight limits in each division):

4th Grade:  101 lbs.

5/6th Grade:  126 lbs.

7/8th Grade:  151 lbs.

 

 

 

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2023 Age Requirements:

7/8th grade: Must be age 14 or YOUNGER on August  31 of the upcoming season.*

5/6th grade: Must be age 12 or YOUNGER on August  31 of the upcoming season.*

*A birth certificate may be required at the league's discretion.


How do I register?
All registrations are processed online for the purpose of accuracy and expedience.  *Please note, date of receipt is one factor that is used to roster students.* 

Do you offer any discounts? 
We offer priority pricing up until May 15th, 2023. You will also be able to subsidize fees by $150 (per registrant) when fundraising peelers are sold. Please see the Fee Schedule listed below.  

Fee Schedule:

Participant's Grade Level
(FALL 2023):

Submitted Online on or before 5/15/23: Submitted Online 5/16-7/1/23: Submitted Online after 7/1/23 (subject to wait list):
4th Grade/ Instructional   $130*  $130*  $180*
5/6th Grade  $155*  $205*  $255*
7/8th Grade  $155*  $205*  $255*

*PLUS $150 Fundraising Fee

Does my child have to do fundraising?
The league’s fundraising fee of $150 is paid up-front at the time of registration. Coaches will distribute 15 coupon peelers to each player at the start of the season, and then families are welcome to sell those items (at a face value of $10 each) to recoup funds AND/OR keep and gift the peelers.

Can I request a refund?  
Please refer to the league's refund policy HERE for details.  This waiver is signed at the time of registration. 

How are teams formed?  Can I request a coach? 
Players will be rostered on teams by division (grade). The league works to equitably place students from the same school together on teams. Because of the complexity of rostering 1400+ players, registrants (as well as coaching candidates) cannot be guaranteed placement on the same team or with the same coaching group each year. Additionally, we are unable to accommodate specific carpool or friend/teammate requests at this time. One component of forming teams is date of registration. I.e.  first-registered, first-rostered.

What days will teams practice?
Practices are scheduled by each team’s coach and are held 3-4 days per week after school or in the evening. (No practices held on Wednesday evenings once school is in session).  Location is also determined by each team's coach.

What days will teams play?
Games are played on Saturdays (generally AM), Sunday afternoons, and some weekday evenings as field availability allows. The 7/8th grade games are almost exclusively on weekday evenings (not Friday).  
All schedules are compiled by our league President, and released as soon as they are finalized (August).

NO games will be scheduled Labor Day Weekend.

When will I find out who my coach is and what team I will play on? 
Final rosters will be released to coaches at their meeting (July 26th,  2023).  They will begin contacting team members with practice dates/times and locations.  Coaches have been asked to reach out ASAP, but kindly allow a few days for coaching staff to be in-touch. 

How do we know if a game is rained out or canceled because of weather?
We will send email announcements to coaches and parents in the event of canceled or postponed games/practices. You may also check our homepage for weather related announcements.