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Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

MARA Colts Tackle Football Equipment
MARA Colts Football Logo

Read this before equipment distribution. It will save you time, save us time, and answer most of the questions people ask in line.

Important: Players must be present to be fitted - this is true for both the equipment and the uniform.  Equipment is not issued to a parent without the player there.  Mouthguard required. Deposit required for MARA-issued gear.

What to Bring to Equipment Distribution

  • Your player. No player - No fitting.
  • Your equipment deposit for $200.
  • Any requested paperwork or player information.
  • Patience. We fit players for safety, not speed.

MARA uses a barcode system to track issued equipment.  The deposit is held in good faith and is there to help make sure league gear comes back at the end of the season.

What MARA Provides

  • Helmet with chin strap
  • Shoulder pads
  • Game jersey
  • Game pants
  • Game socks

MARA-issued equipment is expensive.   Take care of it and return it in good condition at the end of the season.

What You Must Buy

  • Football cleats
  • Mouthguard
  • Athletic supporter with cup
  • Practice pants with integrated pads

Optional add-ons can include an upgraded chin strap or padded girdle, but the required items above are not optional.

Equipment Deposit

The equipment deposit is $200.  The deposit is collected and held because the equipment issued by MARA has real replacement value.   If the equipment is returned properly, the deposit is returned.    If equipment is not returned...neither is the deposit.

Personal Helmets and Shoulder Pads

If you choose to purchase your own helmet or shoulder pads, you must complete the required liability waiver before that equipment can be used.   Do not assume that bringing your own equipment means you can skip the process.

Helmet Fit and Safety

Helmets are supposed to fit snugly.  That is part of the safety design.  Do not alter, remove, trim, or otherwise “fix” the padding inside the helmet.  If the fit seems wrong or your player is having an issue, contact the coach or football leadership and let us address it the right way.

Bottom Line

Show up with your player, bring the deposit, bring what you are supposed to bring, and follow the instructions at equipment distribution.  That gets everybody through faster and gets your player ready for the season.

Contact

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association
PO Box 1023 
Matthews, North Carolina 28106

Phone: 704-847-0752
Email: [email protected]

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