Dear Supporters of Fall Mountain Regional High School (FMRHS) Football,

Athletic and academic achievement go hand in hand!  Many kids strive during their high school years to work toward their academic future for college by excelling in athletics.  The FMRHS Football team deserves a chance to shine on the field; it increases their potential to better their future.  We believe, there is not an individual or group that would want to impede that opportunity for these young athletes.  If other teams in our state are playing full-contact football this season then it is our school's responsibility to put together a safe plan allowing the program to proceed and the athletes to show their desire, passion, and skills on the field!

In addition to the NHIAA, we the undersigned, believe it is essential to the physical and mental well-being of students to return to physical activity and athletic competition safely.  The decision of the district to not allow a competitive season was devastating news and has already evoked negative effects, both emotionally and physically on players, family's, school spirit, and the community at large. We have time to make a change now!  To aid in a successful safety plan there are many resources to utilize in order to achieve our ultimate goal of a full-contact season; including but not limited to the NHIAA guidelines for the reopening of sports, the CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfection, universal guidelines for safety training/screening of Covid-19,  and plans shared from other local area district programs.  We, the undersigned, support FMRHS in the preparation and implementation of a safety plan, which will require all players and player parents to sign a waiver for them to be able to participate in a 2020 fall season. Together we can create a safety plan for the FM Wildcats to play. 

We the undersigned are in line with the desire of the FMRHS's Football Coaching Staff to have a Full Contact Fall 2020 Football Season.  FMRHS's School Board, at the recommendation of the Principal, made the decision on 8/10/20 to proceed with all fall sports "except football," noting it is classified as a high-risk sport by the CDC and state of New Hampshire (all other fall sports fall are within the low or moderate risk categories).  After a great deal of concern and feedback provided by parents, players, and members of the community in the 8/11/20 FMRHS' High School Site Meeting, Principal Richard Towne clarified his decision with the statement, "this isn't no, just not yet." This allows for an opportunity of re-evaluation and re-consideration. We have learned that other schools in New Hampshire have generated an effective Covid-19 Safety Plan, allowing their football teams to play this fall.  We are confident FMRHS's Athletic Director and Coaching Staff can adjust and adhere to the Covid-19 Safety Plan presented to the administration that will allow our team to play against other teams.  Our football players deserve the same opportunity as other athletes in our school and the same opportunity as other teams in our state.
 

FMRHS's Wildcat Football Team made history last year by playing in the first Divisional State Championship in school history.  This achievement enhanced school spirit and brought the community closer through the devotion and passion they demonstrated on the field.  They would not have been able to achieve what they have without the support and guidance from the FMRHS leaders and FMRHS athletic staff.  If this type of leadership that can continue to guide the football team in our goal of playing a season in 2020.

Things can change in the future, as many factors around Covid-19 are still unknown. Just like the administration keeps saying about academic plans, the same thing applies to the athletic plans, "things are fluid and subject to change".  This petition will be utilized as a resource to demonstrate to FMRHS and it's board members that the parents, family members, players, students, and members of the community are in complete support of a Full Contact Fall 2020 Football Season. Please, from a group of very passionate parents, advocating for the children, consider supporting our efforts by signing this petition.