Recruiting Athletes for 2012 Season
The Taunton Gladiators Minor League Amatuer Football Team is now recruiting for the 2012 Season. We are looking for athletes 18 years of age and older, preferably with prior football experience who wish to compete at the highest level of men's amateur full contact football. Our official pre-season practices begins Sunday April 29, 2012 with practices on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings till June, and then preseason games will begin on weekends till the start of the season. Our regular season of competition in the Eastern Football League runs early July through October with games on Friday or Saturday nights and practices on Wednesday nights 7PM – 10PM. Athletes will also be expected to attend pre-season meetings which usually occur once a month in March and early April.
What Type Of Physical Shape Am I Expected To Be In?
As with any level of football your abilities will be tested both mentally and physically. Because we only practice once a week (twice in pre-season) our time is spent learning plays and practicing execution. It is your responsibility as an athlete to condition in the off season as well as during the season. The off season is the best time to train your entire body and increase size, strength, speed and endurance. As you approach closer to the season and during the season, focus on speed, endurance and specific skills pertinent to your position.
Where do I get my equipment?
As with any other level of amateur football your protective equipment is purchased and owned by you the player. You are responsible for buying a helmet (which we will paint), shoulder pads, cleats, hip pads, thigh pads and a mouth piece. Other accessories such as gloves, visors, etc. are also your responsibility. Any of this equipment can be found at a local specialty sporting goods store such as Beacon Sports in Quincy, MA and Grogan Marciano's in Mansfield, MA. Adult football helmets and shoulder pads are usually not found in major chain sporting good stores but may be available online. What will be provided to you upon fulfillment of dues is a game jersey with your last name on the back, game pants, practice jersey, game socks and belt. This equipment is also yours to keep, however as mandated by our code of conduct you must always arrive to games with a clean uniform.
What other costs are involved with playing?
As most adult amateur athletic organizations do our team charges dues to each player. Dues in conjunction with sponsorships and merchandise sales help pay for field, lighting, referee, team equipment and uniform costs associated with running a football organization at this level. Returning players are responsible for a $25 registration fee and $75 in annual dues provided you have your uniform. New players or players desiring a new uniform must pay an additional $50 uniform fee. All dues must be paid by the start of the first regular season game. Existing players who do not meet their monetary requirement will not be allowed to participate until doing so, no exceptions. New players will not receive their uniforms until dues are paid in full, no exceptions. However, we understand that sometimes financial hardships may weigh on a player who truly desires to play. In this case we offer customized payment plans. If this is a concern please contact General Manager Jennifer Rodrigues to discuss further. Another option to cover the expense of dues is to get a business to sponsor you to play. If you can get a business to choose a $300 or more sponsor package your dues are waived. Please review our 2012 sponsor pack (not yet released) for more information.
What if I am a player from another minor league football team?
Players desiring to join the Gladiators for 2012 from an existing Eastern Football League Team must obtain an official release from your last team before ever participating in any Gladiator events including conditioning sessions, practices, games, etc. Players joining from other leagues such as the NAFL, NIFL, NEFL, Empire League, Etc. are not required to obtain a release before joining however are strongly encouraged to do so as it is a courtesy.
What type of playing time can I expect?
Playing time is chosen at the sole discretion of the coaches and is based upon skill level both mentally and physically! Neither management nor players have any decision what so ever in determining how much playing time you will get. Remember just because you pay dues does not mean you are guaranteed a certain amount of playing time. Players join this organization to compete at the highest level of amateur football and there for the best and most committed athletes will play.
