COACH REQUIREMENTS

Thank You for Coaching with Fargo Area Fastpitch!
We appreciate your time and dedication to our program. To help ensure a successful season, please review the checklist below. All required items must be completed before your first practice. If you have questions, contact us at 701-232-9225 or info@fargoareasports.com.


1. Coaching Application (Required Annually)

When registering your players for the 2026 summer season, select the volunteer role to indicate your interest in coaching.

Steps:

  1. Log into your account.
  2. Go to View Account → Volunteer Role → Find Volunteer Roles.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete your application.

Note: This must be completed as all official communication will come from the volunteer contact list.


2. Volunteer Background Check & Abuse Awareness (Required Annually)

Coaches must submit a background check each year:

Abuse Awareness Training (SafeSport-Compliant)

  • Required by federal law under the “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and SafeSport Authorization Act of 2017.”
  • Must be completed before assuming any coaching duties.
  • After completing, provide your certificate to the league official overseeing background checks.

More info: LittleLeague.org/SafeSport



3. USA Softball ACE Coaching Certification (Recommended Every 2 Years)

The ACE (Aspire, Challenge, Encourage) Coaching Program provides education for coaches of all levels. If you completed ACE certification in 2025, you are valid through 2026.

Certification Options:

Topics Covered: Principles of Coaching, Legal Issues, First Aid, Practice Organization, Coach/Umpire Relations, Sport-Specific Skills

Important:

  • All non-players in the dugout must complete a USA Softball background check.
  • At least one coach must be ACE certified.
  • Teams without proper certification will not be allowed in state tournaments.

4. Submitting a Roster

Coaches may form teams if players choose to play for them. Teams can stay together year to year.

Roster Deadlines & Rules:

  • Deadline: March 14, 2026
  • Minimum of 6 players, maximum of 12
  • Fargo Area Fastpitch reserves the right to adjust rosters to ensure all players have a team

Submit your roster here: Roster Submission Form


5. Parent Meeting (Mandatory)

Each team must hold a parent meeting to review:

  • Coaching philosophy and goals
  • Practices and schedule
  • Player and parent expectations
  • 24-hour rule and communication
  • GameChanger Team Manager app
  • Tournaments and additional opportunities

6. Practice Policy

  • Minimum: 1 practice per week
  • Schedule: Determined by the coach, with input from parents
  • Field Use: First come, first served (Fargo Park District policy)
  • Teams sharing a field should coordinate to make space for everyone

7. Coaches Meeting & Equipment Pick-Up

Dates for the coaches meeting and equipment pick-up will be announced soon.


8. Review League Rules

All coaches are responsible for reviewing the rules: USA Softball Rule Book


9. Reserving the ATTIC

The ATTIC is available for team use.

  • Contact info@fargoareasports.com if you do not have a Skedda account
  • Each team may reserve 2 cages per week, up to 2 weeks in advance
  • Additional time can be booked within 48 hours if available
  • Facilities include 10’x10’ fungo screens and L-screens to allow back-to-back hitting

Questions about reserving the ATTIC? Contact the office at info@fargoareasports.com or 701-232-9225


Additional Opportunities & Resources

  • Practice plans, training tips, and coaching resources are available under the Coaches tab on our website