FPF ratings are computed using past statistical performance. Because the league lacks the data to rate new players, it is impossible to do so.

Generally, FPF administrators will reach out to a new team soon after they register to gain an idea of their background, experience and caliber. If the league feels that the team is in too high or too low of a division, it will strongly suggest moving down, or up.

If any member(s) of the new team have played in the league before, they usually have a good idea of what division would be the best fit based on their past experience. Once a team’s first season is complete, each player will receive an FPF player rating along with every other player and that will dictate where the team can play in its second season.

FPF utilizes a player rating system that allocates a numerical value between 50 and 100 on both sides of the ball to each player in the league.

The ratings are derived from the player’s statistical output over the course of the past three years (if applicable). The foundation of the program is a mathematical algorithm that essentially compares a player’s production to the output of his or her peers in the same division, and allocates a grade either above, below or at that division’s average.

These ratings then work in conjunction with the other players on a team roster to create a total team rating for both offence and defense.

FPF then sets a maximum team cap per division, and the team’s total will reflect which division(s) the proposed roster is permitted to participate in. The rating system is the foundation of the league in how it places its teams with the ultimate goal of creating as much parity as possible.

You’ll notice that the system only tabulates the top six ratings on both offense and defense. (players in green are in the top six and included in the tabulation, players in red are not in the top six and are not included)

The FPF rating model factors in only the top six players on both sides of the ball.

You’ll note that some players have a second, QB-specific, offensive rating. This is to decipher between a player’s skill level as both a passer and a receiver. Any player can request a QB rating.

FPF holds games on various days of the week.

Unlike most other recreational sports leagues, FPF does not tie a specific division to a specific day of the week (e.g Thursday night Division 2 League) because we’ve seen that teams often sacrifice playing in the right caliber in order to play on a specific day, even if the skill level is not the best fit. We do everything in our power to maintain the integrity of each division’s caliber.

FPF uses an advanced algorithmic scheduling software to build its schedules. Teams can communicate which days/locations/times work best for them through a dynamic form- and the program builds as effective and fair a schedule across the league.

That said, some of our smaller complementary divisions such as Co-Ed, Women’s and 35+ are tied to one specific night/location.

FPF games are played using a 6 on 6 format. We recommend a roster be made up of an absolute minimum of eight regulars, and no more than twelve.

Factors to consider when building a team are: how reliable are the players on your roster, how much playing time they each expect, and what is their individual budget.

Teams have the option to build a larger or smaller roster. That said, we remind teams that the more players eligible for the playoffs, the better. Injuries, suspensions, unavailability have led to teams playing the postseason undermanned.

Teams can use as many substitutes / fill-ins as they’d like over the course of the season. We encourage teams to try to use the same player(s) multiple times to try to earn them playoff eligibility.

FPF does not charge substitutes anything to play- it is your choice as captain whether or not you wish to charge substitutes.

There is no special roster rule for substitutes in FPF; they are still limited to a maximum number of active rosters at once, only one release per season, and are restricted from playing on two teams in the same division.

Once teams registrations are active for the upcoming season, you can click the ‘REGISTRATION' link and fill out the sign-up form.

The form requires the team captain’s information; including email address, phone number and home address. The team name is also required here. A team can always change their team name once they’ve registered so don’t worry if you haven’t decided on a team name.

Further down, the registration form, the team captain is required to enter the team roster into our database by searching for, selecting and adding each individual player to the registration table below the search bar.

If a player exists in the database, he or she will appear in the search bar; you can select the player, and then you will see the player added in the team roster table. Repeat this process for each member of your team.

If a player does not exist in our database, you will see ‘+Add New Player’ and you will have the option to ‘add one’, click that link and you will be prompted to add him/her to the database yourself. A new window will pop-up, and you can then enter the player’s first name, last name and base rating. Once you submit, the player will appear on the roster table.

For more information on the base rating, see below.

As you add your players to the table, you’ll see your team total update with every additional player. At the bottom of the page, the system will automatically disable the option to register for any division whose maximum cap is surpassed by your entered roster.

Next, the team captain is required to accept full responsibility for all unpaid fees. FPF does not deal with individual players for their payment. The team captain is solely responsible for all team fees.

Finally, a full recap and breakdown of the fees is listed, as well as the final roster submitted. If everything looks good, the team captain simply has to click ‘Submit’ and FPF will receive the team registration.

All further information (deposit dates, etc.) will then be communicated by email!

When a captain is registering his or her team and cannot find a player in our existing database, it means the player is new to FPF and the captain must add him or her manually.

A player receives his or her introductory rating based on the division in which they make their debut. The rationale is that a captain generally would bring a new player into a division that he or she can compete in. Of course, the league understands that the variation in caliber of new players in enormous, and that a better player could start in Division 5 and a weaker player can start in Division 3.

There is no perfect solution for rating new players, so this method is used. FPF makes sure to then rate the player as accurately as possible following that first season.

One issue that can arise is that a captain could add anew player thinking that they would sign up in one division, only to then switch to another before submitting. The player may then have an incorrect rating that does not match the division. FPF will adjust that as soon as it can, prior to the start of the season.

Finally, if a player debuts in two divisions at once, they benefit from takin on the lower of the two ratings. (see roster and administrative rules for a detailed breakdown)

Generally the Winter registrations open in the first week of November; the Spring registrations in the first week of April; and the Fall in the third week of July.

To be sure you don’t miss out on any registration period. Sign up for updates and follow us on social media!