Memberships & dues for Booster Clubs

Booster clubs exist to enthusiastically and exclusively promote, support, and represent the Farmington High School activities, athletics, and arts programs. Booster clubs raise funds through donations, community events, fundraisers, sponsorships, and/or memberships.

Paid memberships are not a compulsory part of any booster club rules and regulations. Membership may be encouraged, however, fees are always voluntary, not mandatory.

No one should feel obligated to pay for membership in a booster club.

No one should feel obligated to pay dues to a booster club.

Booster clubs may offer paid memberships, ask for dues, and/or other financial contributions, however, they must always be optional. If a student's parents/guardians are unable or unwilling to become a booster member or pay membership dues, they are not excluded from any benefit the booster club provides. Money spent by booster clubs must benefit all members of a program regardless of their ability or willingness to pay for dues or membership.

In accordance with the law and a booster club's status as a 501(c)(3), booster clubs must serve every student enrolled in a program. And, the booster club must make that clear.

Booster clubs that engage in a pay-to-play type of membership model or engage in private inurement will no longer be recognized by the Farmington Area Public Schools as a sport or activity booster. The District will stop accepting donations from boosters of this kind and discontinue their relationship with the club.

Families often ask for scholarships through the athletic office to assist with participation fees due to their sport's booster fees, dues, and/or memberships. This is not the purpose of an athletic scholarship and scholarships will not be awarded due to this reason.

501(c)(3) Reminder: Remember, money spent by booster clubs must benefit ALL members of a team, not just a select few.

Booster Clubs Should...

• Use financial transparency to excite others about the benefits of a booster club membership or the paying of dues. No one buys a membership or pays dues unless they know exactly what their money is going to be spent on!

• Make a presentation to families, sponsors, or donors about how booster money is spent and the profound positive impact booster clubs have on the student experience at Farmington High School.

Booster Clubs Should Not...

• Require a membership or dues.

• Spend money only on those who pay dues or become members.

• Pressure parents, guardians, sponsors, or donors to feel obligated to pay dues or become a member.