Fundraising & Promotions

A Booster Club’s fundraiser and a coach’s fundraiser should be kept separate. Boosters organizing their own fundraiser are responsible for their own communication and money. Coaches are responsible for their own fundraisers and money. Both groups should be made aware of the others’ activities so the budget is built on sound numbers. 

It is the philosophy of the High School Athletics & Activities Office that unnecessary fundraisers are not in the best interest of our local businesses. A fundraising goal should be established based on the needs of a team/group that year. Unnecessarily generating large amounts of fundraising money on an annual basis should not be a practice of a Booster Club. 

Ideally, both coaches and Booster Clubs should establish fundraising practices that complement each other. If raffles are done, a gambling permit must be pulled. If students are involved, auctions or any other fundraiser cannot include alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or any other items not permitted on school district grounds or as part of the school functions on school grounds.

Remember, membership on any team or in any activity, playing time, or other incentive is not conditional based on a student or family's participation in a fundraiser. Participation is voluntary.

Reserved/Premium Seating at Farmington High School Athletic or Activity Events

Booster Clubs shall not sell/offer reserved or premium seating options at Farmington High School athletic, activity, and/or arts events. No Booster Club or association shall make a profit from selling such seating options. This stipulation includes events at which no admission fee is required by the District.

Invitationals, Tournament, Etc. Involving School-Sponsored Teams

Booster Clubs shall not organize and administer invitationals or tournaments involving the participation of school-sponsored teams without consultation with the activities office. Through consultation and planning between the booster club and activities office, a budget for the event shall be developed to cover the costs of running an invitational or tournament. Booster clubs may keep profits from concessions and other sales or promotions offered before, during, or after the event. 

The activities office will be responsible for:

• Sending contracts to participating schools with applicable entry fees.

• Collecting entry fees.

• Hiring and paying judges/officials.

• Hiring and paying event staff.

• Hiring and paying any independent contractors. 

• Setting up admission practices and collecting all gate receipts.

Admission, Gate, & Concessions

Booster Clubs shall not offer free or discounted admission to athletic, activity, or arts events or make requests for free/discounted concessions items without express, written consent from the Activities Director. All requests must be made prior to the start of the season. No impromptu requests will be accepted.

Gate money from FHS-sponsored, pre, regular, and postseason events is to be collected by Farmington High School.

EVERY person entering a FHS-sponsored event that requires a ticket for admission must present a valid ticket for the event. This includes concessions workers and those entering for a promotional event (Alumni, youth night, etc.).

Fundraising Money

Profits from Booster Club fundraisers that take place at Farmington High School athletic, activity, or arts events must support the current cohort of students participating in the Farmington High School program that academic year. Fundraising for youth associations or other special interest groups shall not take place unless approved by the Farmington Area Public Schools. 

Sponsor Banners and/or Posters

Advertising or sponsorship recognition that includes the hanging of banners/signs needs approval before offering this type of sponsorship.

Booster Clubs who intend to recognize sponsors via banners hung or displayed at sporting events or attached to the physical space must receive approval from the Activities Office prior to display. Banners and/or posters must follow the school district’s policies for such displays.

Tiger Fan Club Members: Chapter XV of the Tiger Fan Club bylaws details the fundraising requirements and rules associated with fundraising.

 Policy No. 511 - Student Fundraising 

Special Recognitions

The MSHSL has a Policy for Special Recognition and Commemorative or Memorial Patches which governs things like a change in uniform colors, uniform adornments, colored game balls or equipment, etc. 

The SSC has a Policy for Special Recognitions for events like youth nights, senior nights, team celebrations, appreciation nights, parent night, etc.

Boosters must make themselves aware of these policies and must include both the head coach and athletic director in any planning of special recognitions.

When a booster club is considering a fundraiser, they should ask themselves the following questions...

1. Has the Head Coach approved the fundraiser, including dates and methods?

   • There should be a real need for raising money based on the activity or sports program. Booster clubs should not engage in special money-earning projects merely because someone has offered the club an attractive opportunity or because "we always do".

2. Does your fundraiser and corresponding dates avoid competition with the money-raising efforts of another FHS activity or sport or community organization?

   • Communication with the Tiger Fan Club and/or other booster clubs and community groups may be necessary to avoid conflicting fundraising efforts.

3. Is it reasonably certain that people who need work or business will not lose it as a result of your fundraiser?

   • Booster clubs should neither sell nor offer goods or services that negatively affect a person or business's livelihood.

4. If any contracts are to be signed to engage in the fundraiser, will they be signed by an individual without reference to ISD 192, and in no way appear to bind the District, FHS, or booster club to any agreement of financial responsibility?

   • Before any booster representative signs any contract, they must make sure that the venture is legitimate and worthy, and that the fundraiser has been approved. If a contract is signed, that person will be held personally responsible. A person cannot sign on behalf of the District, High School, Tiger Fan Club, or booster club without its authorization. 

5. Do the student participants know the purpose of the fundraiser?

   • Remember, when students are involved in a fundraiser, ISD 192 School Board Policy 511 (Student Fundraising) applies. Per the policy, approval is required and fundraising activities must represent the school, student organization, and community in a responsible manner.

6. Will any incentives awarded to the participants meet the guidelines of the Minnesota State High School League?

   • Some types of incentives are not permitted and may jeopordize a student or program's eligibility in League-sponsored activities.

Booster Clubs Should...

• Read this information so they have a firm understanding of fundraising guidelines and policies.

Booster Clubs Should Not...

• Require fundraising by any member of a program and/or their parents/guardians.

• Use fundraising money to pay for a student's participation on a non-school team or in a camp or clinic. This is a violation of the MSHSL and may jeopardize the eligibility of a student-athlete. Individuals must pay for their own participation.

• Engage in fundraisers that do not have a purpose. Don't raise money just to raise money. There should be an immediate purpose for fundraised dollars.