Huddle FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answers to the most common questions about Huddles.

Q. How often do Huddles meet?

A. The answer to this question varies. Some groups meet every week while others meet every other week. Twice a month should be minimum. Emphasis is placed on meeting consistently.

Q. When do FCA Huddles meet?

A. Again the answer is varied. Many meet on campus during club hour. Others meet before school, during lunch, after school, and still others meet in the evening.

Q. Where do FCA Huddles meet?

A. Because of the Equal Access Act of 1984 and the Supreme Court's validation of this law in 1990, many FCA Huddles still meet on junior or senior high campuses. Considering the potential transportation obstacle, this is often where junior high Huddles meet. Meeting in a home can provide the best group atmosphere.

Q. Who leads a Huddle?

A. If a Huddle meets on school property as a non-curriculum club, the Huddle must be student led. This does not preclude an athletic coach or interested volunteer from facilitating the student meetings. Most schools require non-curriculum clubs to have a faculty representative.

Adults working with Huddles must take care not to dominate the leadership but to encourage the officers to take charge of the Huddle meeting schedule. The coach or volunteer is there to provide counsel and to maintain order.

Q. Who can participate in a Huddle?

A. As the purpose states, FCA is targeted at reaching athletes and coaches. In order to best reach this group through the Huddle, participants for Huddles are to be current or former members of recognized school athletic teams and those who carry an interest in athletics. FCA should not become an exclusive "club," with restricted membership, however, a key principle in FCA's strategy for reaching "athletes and coaches" is for the commonality of athletics with those in the group to remain obvious.

Steps to Start an FCA Huddle

DECISION TO START - This seems obvious, but it is the first step.  The key to beginning this is to have student leadership involvement.  An FCA Huddle should be student initiated and student led.

GET IN CONTACT WITH YOUR FCA STAFF PERSON - Contact your local FCA staff person.  Michele Lamport is the Huddle Coordinator for our area.  Her number is 330.965.9217 or 330.509.4961.

IDENTIFY POTENTIAL HUDDLE COACHES AND STUDENT LEADERS – You will need an adult to be the group’s Huddle Coach (advisor).  Ideally this should be someone who is a coach or teacher in your school.  Also identify both male and female students most likely to be leaders in your FCA. 

HAVE HUDDLE COACH(S) FILL OUT A MINISTRY LEADER APPLICATION – Any adults planning to be huddle coaches must fill out a ministry leader application, also know as a MLA.  This must be done online (see below)  After filling out this form, just hit the “submit” button.  After the adult is approved to lead the huddle you can have your huddle sanctioned.

SEEK THE ADMINISTRATION’S BLESSING - Students should meet with the Principal or other school administrators to obtain approval to begin the Huddle.    The Huddle should be allowed in accordance with the equal access legislation.  If approval is denied, the Huddle can meet off of the school property without approval, and can take steps by contacting your local FCA staff member to gain approval.

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING - Have an organizational meeting with all parties, including an FCA representative.  Use this time to discuss possible meeting schedule, materials that FCA can provide, and the impact that an FCA Huddle would have on your campus.

SANCTION YOUR HUDDLE - Obtain a Huddle Registration Form from your FCA Representative, complete, and mail to your local FCA with Huddle Sanctioning Fee.  FCA will then send you a Huddle Resource Kit which includes all the materials you need to have a successful Huddle.

MEETINGS - Find a time and a place to meet, and DO IT!  Regular school meetings should be scheduled prior to or after school.  Be consistent with time and place.  Meeting details will be included in the Playbook that is included in the Huddle Resource Kit.  Adults can help plan and coordinate the program, however, the student leadership needs to lead the meeting.

The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is an organization dedicated to protecting the rights of students in public schools. Their web site has a special section dedicated to the rights of students and student organizations with religious affiliations.

Topics covered include Bible clubs, See You at the Pole, clothing, prayer, witnessing and religious displays.

FCA has provided the following links that will take you to their online resources which includes the Students' Rights in the Public Schools handbook.

Students' Rights Home Page