The FPA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization designated by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
The Freestyle Players Association (FPA), established in
1978, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of freestyle
disc play as a lifetime recreation and a competitive sport.
In the recreation
realm, the FPA provides an Education and Outreach program which facilitates
and encourages players to play the sport. In the competitive realm, its
objectives center around channeling the invaluable ideas of players into
the formation of competition formats that a majority of interested players
find acceptable. The organization also seeks to develop administrative
and judging talent from its own ranks to carry out these formats, as well
as increase player awareness to the intricacies of competitive freestyle.
For both realms, the FPA is a collective bargaining force that protects
and promotes the interests of freestyle disc players.
Three major factors prompted the organization's formation in 1978. First,
it was evident that player input was having minimal impact on the evolution
of freestyle in the major tournaments at that time. Secondly, there was
a growing realization that freestylers were becoming a group of specialists,
playing a separate sport. Being a separate sport, it was apparent that
freestyle had its own problems and special concerns. Finally, it was recognized
that the freestyle community had immense talent and was the most legitimate
body to turn to for direction in the evolution of freestyle.
The organization involves itself with tournaments in three ways. The
first is to simply accredit any tournament that offers freestyle. The second
is to extend sanctioning to a tournament which follows the rules and guidelines
of the FPA. The third is to sponsor a tournament as part of the "FPA Tour."
The FPA's principle artery of communication is the FPA Forum. This publication
reports news pertinent to freestyle disc play and provides players with
a platform to suggest, discuss, and vote on policies that make up how our
sport is administered.
The FPA's financial life began with twenty dollars of a player's money
and has since financed itself through the efforts of the player-based membership
and manufacturer sponsorship. The mutual economic benefit that can be derived
by promotional involvement of manufacturers is welcomed by the FPA. However,
our freedom and legitimacy as a pure athletic endeavor is our highest priority.