Greetings from Fargo Area Fastpitch! We understand that there are likely MANY questions regarding the organization.
We have created the following page to answer some of the most commonly asked questions up to this point. We understand that not all questions may be answered or addressed here. For any additional information or if you still have questions, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.
We will continue to update this page as more questions come in.
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Who is Fargo Area Sports (FAS)?
Fargo Area Sports was established November 1st 2023. Formerly known as Fargo Youth Baseball (FYB), FAS is the new name of the organization that oversees Fargo Youth Baseball, Fargo Area Fastpitch, and though Sanford Power, our own High Performance Sports Academy.
Who is Fargo Area Fastpitch?
Established in the fall of 2022, Fargo Area Fastpitch is a youth fastpitch organization for ages 5-18. The organization was created by the merging of Fargo Youth Baseball and several area fastpitch organizations including but not limited to Fargo Lady Eagles, Fargo South and Fargo North fastpitch clubs. As of November 1st, 2023, Diamond Academy has also merged with Fargo Area Sports and will operate under our banner as well. This merger allows us to provide the best experience for all youth fastpitch players of all skill levels in the Fargo area. Fargo Area Fastpitch staff and its board of directors operates under the premise of "A Kid's First Organization".
When does registration begin?
Registration will open on November 15th each year. We will send out email reminders and post on the web page (www.fargoareafastpitch.com), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and will advertise in AdVenture Pack reminding everyone of registration. Once registration is open, simply click the link on the front page of the website and follow the instructions. Please contact the office with any issues or questions.
When does registration end?
Although registration never technically ends, we do ask that everyone registers PRIOR TO March 1st. Anyone registering AFTER this date will be assessed a $25 administrative late fee and put on a waiting list if rosters are full. Again, we will accept registrations after March 1st as we never want to turn someone away, but just be aware that there is a late fee associated and we cannot guarantee a roster spot for any late sign ups.
**NOTE - if you are wanting to try out for a travel team, registration MUST be in no later than January 15th. No refunds will be given once tryouts have begun.
How much does it cost to register?
8U division players pay $175 per player
10U division players pay $325 per player
12U division players pay $325 per player
14U division players pay $325 per player
16/18U division players pay $325 per player
**Players that make a travel team will incur an additional fee. The additional fee will be based on the number of games and tournaments the specific travel team schedules (determined by the Fastpitch Director and head coach of each team).
**There will be a $10 discount for anyone who registers before January 1st.
What is FAS's refund policy?
Refunds will be granted based on the following division and dates:
o League – prior to the close of registration (mid-March)
o Travel – prior to the first tryout date. No refunds once tryouts have begun.
o Any requests after these dates will not be granted, except for a player having unexpected medical reason(s).
Is there any way to lower the cost of Registration Fees?Fargo Area Fastpitch will offer a fundraising program to help offset any registration fees. During the registration process, you will be asked if you would like to fundraise. If you select yes, an email will be sent with your fundraising options and incentives.
http://www.pushsave.com/org/faf
Am I required to fundraiser?No. Fargo Area Fastpitch does NOT require any player to participate in fundraising. But it is an option to reduce costs.
Is there an option for Travel Fastpitch?Fargo Area Fastpitch does offer a travel program for 10U, 12U, 14U and 16/18U age divisions. A player must try out to participate on a travel team. A selection committee (along with the head coach) will evaluate all players to determine who makes the travel roster. An additional fee will be incurred for those players who are selected for one of the Travel teams because of the number of games (umpires, tourneys, etc) and the experience each player will have.
If your player does not make the travel roster they will be placed on a league team. League teams are encouraged to play outside league games and have the travel experience if they choose to do so. League teams will have a competitive schedule.
Is Diamond Academy a part of your program?
Yes. Diamond Academy and its staff have merged with Fargo Area Sports and will continue to provide competitive travel opportunities for girls across ND, MN, and SD. We have also partnered with Sanford Power Sports which will provide specific training included with registration for the program. For more information about Diamond Academy and their program, please click on the link below.
https://www.dasoftball.com/
How is the Little League All-Star team selected?When it comes to All-Star teams, Fargo Area Fastpitch will have a Little League All-Star team for the recreational 12U division. It is the intent of Fargo Area Fastpitch to field a team that will best represent our organization in competition and character. All of the fastpitch players need to have an opportunity to make the team regardless of popularity, school affiliations, or parental influence. For those that are not selected for the team, the details regarding their candidacy shall be held in the strictest of confidence and remain private.
All selection decisions regarding All-Star teams will be made with these Board and District approved ideals in mind. Several characteristics permeate the selection process for players and managers for the All-Star teams.
- Skill-level and ability to compete
- Attitude, hustle, team spirit, team leadership, and
- Overall character, integrity, and sportsmanship
* AGE 12 ONLY: Max of 4 players from each team can be selected for the 12 Year Old All-Star Team (this is a Little League International mandate).
For more information on the Little League orgnization please click on the links below.
https://www.littleleague.org/
What age chart will we be using?For league play we are accepting USA Fastpitch age charts. However, if selected to the Little League All-Star team, we must follow the Little League age guidelines. Click the following for more information.
USA softball age Chart
Little League age Chart
Do you take Credit/Debit Cards?
Yes, both online for registration and through the office. Please be aware that there may be an additional processing fee incurred by the payer. We can also take payments with a card over the phone, but again, there may be a processing fee to do so.
How can I register?
We HIGHLY recommend registering online, however the option is there to register in person. Contact the office to register in person or stop by.
What if my son/daughter doesn’t want to play after signing up?
Full refunds will be granted based on the Division and these dates:
- Travel - prior to the first tryout date (End of January).
- League - prior to the creation of teams (mid March).
Other requests made after these dates will not be granted, except for a player having unexpected medical reason(s).
Will my son/daughter be guaranteed a spot on a team?
Any player registered before March 1st will be guaranteed a spot on a team. Any player registered after the deadline will go on a waiting list and be placed on a team that needs additional players.
How are teams determined?
Fargo Area Fastpitch allows teams to stay together year after year. Any player can request a desired coach and may also request to play with a certain player(s). Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee a player will be placed on the same team as their desired coach or a certain player(s), but we will do our best to accommodate your request.
For those who do not have specific requests or those whose requests are not able to be met, the player will be placed on a team based off what school they attend and their geographical location (assuming the player was registered prior to the deadline).
What if I don't live in Fargo or go to school in Fargo?
You do not have to live within certain boundaries or a particular city to participate in Fargo Area Fastpitch. We want to create as many opportunities as possible for players in the area. We also believe that playing with others who do not necessarily go to your school helps to promote sportsmanship, diversity, and builds more well rounded individuals.
Note: If selected to a Little League team, there are pre-determined boundaries that have been established. To participate in our Little League program, you must reside in Cass or parts of Trail and Richland counties in ND. For more specific details, reach out to Fargo Area Sports or Fastpitch Director.
When does the season begin and end?
The fastpitch season begins at different dates dependant upon your age and season.
Spring Season
Spring season is available for those who are in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. This has traditionally been our "junior high" age kids. Season runs from mid-March to the end of May with a season ending tournament usually the 3rd weekend in May.
Summer Recreation, Travel, and Little League
League will run from May 1st through the end of August. Specific start and end dates are determined by your age division and tournament opportunities.
Fall Ball begins after the summer recreation season ends. Practices typically start the middle of August with games beginning at the end of August and ending the last week in September. 4 week season of double headers on Sundays. Fall Ball League is ran by the Ballyard. Thus schedule, rules, and structure is ran by the Ballyard. Fargo Area Fastpitch provides equipment, team formation, coaches, and other resources.
How many games do teams play?
Fargo Area Fastpitch recreation teams will play approximately a 16 game league schedule with other Fargo area teams. Fargo Area Fastpitch encourages teams to play outside league games and tournaments to gain more experience and develop skills. The 8U age division has 8 scheduled games with the league, however, Fargo Area Fastpitch will schedule more games if coaches, parents and Fastpitch Director approve. This goes for 10U as well. Fargo Area Sports will be scheduling an additional 8 games with other area teams to get them to a total of 16 games. Again, it is encouraged that teams arrange for additional practices, games, and/or tournaments.
Travel teams play between 32-40 games consisting of 10-16 travel league games and as many additional games against other opponents (including tournaments) as determined by the coaches.
What day(s) will teams play?
8U plays Sunday evenings at either 4pm or 6pm. The first half hour is used for warmup/practice. Teams and coaches are highly encouraged to come earlier to get more practice in if needed. Fargo Area Fastpitch will also be scheduling additional games beginning in May to provide more skill development and education for our teams. These games will be held at the Theraldson Little League fields adjacent to the Attic.
10U plays a single game at either 6pm or 7:30pm on Thursdays through the current recreation league. Fargo Area Fastpitch will be adding 8 additional games to give a total of 16 games. These games will be held at the Fargo South High School field across from the Attic on Sunday evenings. They will be four weeks of double headers beginning the 3rd weekend in May.
Fargo Area Fastpitch feels that there are not enough games currently being offered through the current recreation league. Therefore, we are offering additional games through our program to provide more opportunity to learn and develop.
12U plays 8 double headers on Tuesdays starting at 6pm for a total of 16 games.
14U plays 8 double headers on Mondays starting at 6pm for a total of 16 games.
16/18U plays 8 double headers on Wednesdays starting at 6pm for a total of 16 games.
Is there any chance to reconsider game nights and play double headers?
Currently Fargo Area Fastpitch does not run the recreational summer league. We are a fastpitch organization that runs through the RRVL league. However, we are offering extra games, practices, and will always listen to suggestions based on need and advancing fastpitch as a whole. Please reach out to the Fastpitch Director with questions and concerns.
What day(s) will teams practice?
Practice days and times will be determined by the coaches. Fargo Area Fastpitch requires at a minimum 1 practice per week and encourages coaches to speak with the players' parents to determine which day and time works best for their team. Please keep in mind that practice fields are based on a first come, first serve basis. No team or individual will have exclusive rights to a field. Please understand that this is a Fargo Park District policy that we must follow. We are in continual discussions with the Park District in regards to working together to figure out a better solution for practice fields. In the meantime, a spreadsheet will be put together to recommend which fields and times to practice. This will be put together by the Fastpitch Director based on input provided by team coaches. Again, it is not a reservation, but a tool to help teams find fields and times without competing with other teams.
How do we know if a game is rained out or cancelled?
All cancellations will be posted on the Fargo Area Fastpitch website www.fargoareafastpitch.com, Facebook, Twitter and via text (the text option will only work for you if you have enabled texts to be received on your website profile). Announcements are made by 4 PM. After 4 PM, decisions will be made by the umpires on site. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE REGARDING RAINOUTS. If no announcement has been made, then assume games are still on.
Note: Ultimately we as an organization get final direction from league administrator, Pat Johnson. Pat will then inform all area organizations and in-turn, Fargo Area Fastpitch Director will send communication to teams.
What are the Bat Rules?
All bats must have either the USA or the ASA softball logo on it.
What equipment do I need to provide for my player?
Team equipment bags are handed out to each team along with a bucket of 24 practice balls and separate game balls. Inside the equipment bag there are 3 team batting helmets, catchers equipment, a first aid kit, 2 tees, hitting nets, and removable bases. Players will need to provide their own glove, bats, batting gloves if desired, cleats, practice/game pants, belts and helmet with a facemask. Please reach out to Fastpitch Director if equipment is needed. We do have used bats and helmets for those that may be beginners. Black pants are strongly suggested as they match most jerseys.
What are the playing rules for each age group?
Playing rules differ for each age group. Rules can be found on our Rules Page on the website.
What if I have a issue or concern about a coach, player, parent and/or official?
All issues and concerns are always considered serious and should be reported to the Fargo Area Fastpitch office. Please abide by the 24 hour rule. NEVER approach a coach/player/parent/league official or umpire during or shortly after the incident. Please contact the office via email ([email protected]) and/or phone. If the concern is over playing time, we ask that you first reach out to the coach. If after speaking with the coach the concern is still there, then contact the FAS office. Again, we ask that everyone wait 24 hours prior to contacting the FAS office.
What if I lose my fastpitch visor?
You can purchase an additional hat at the Fargo Area Fastpitch office at the cost of $20.00.