Michigan School District Eliminates Participation Fees for Sports

Farmington (Mich.) Public Schools is hoping to save families a significant amount of money by eliminating participation for sports and activities during the upcoming 2023-24 school year. 

According to Click on Detroit, elimination of the fees, which typically cover referees and equipment cost, could lead to more participation, while saving some families up to $700. 

“We see this as one more step to eliminate barriers for students to be able to participate in the athletic program during their time in Farmington Public Schools,” said superintendent Christopher Delgado. “We know that when students are connected to their schools through extracurricular activities, they perform better academically.”

FPS director of athletics Thomas Shelton said athletics can help young people develop life skills. 

“Participation in school athletic programs teaches life-long skills of collaboration, persistence, hard work, and commitment,” said Shelton. “As an athletic department, we are thrilled that the ability to pay the participation fee will no longer present a barrier for students who may otherwise be willing to participate and take a risk.

“I sincerely believe that this will allow more students to fully participate in our athletic programs, ultimately benefiting them as individuals as well as our FPS community. We are proud to be among only a few in the County who will not require Pay to Participate fees.”