Q&A Page

Questions and Answers

Are there tryouts for the team and how do i tryout? .The Gladiators do NOT require you to tryout. Anyone that has the passion and motivation to be part of our organization will be on the team. Each year we have "tryouts" at the beginning of the season that is more or less an "evaluation of talent".

Does the team provide equipment? The Gladiators do NOT provide pads and helmets for the players. After having done this in the past, the organization cannot afford to constantly replace equipment that doesn't get returned. The organization feels that players respect their equipment more and keep it in playing shape better, if they have an investment in what they are wearing. The Gladiators WILL assist you in the process of locating equipment through personal contacts of the team. Not having equipment does not prohibit a prospective player from becoming part of the team and the team will allow a player a period of time to obtain the equipment necessary, while still being able to participate in non-contact drills.

Are there any other costs involved in becoming a Gladiator? All players must pay a player fee in order to become a Gladiator. The organization does not require fees to be paid all at once, up front. The easiest scenario is to set up a payment plan and the player remains in good standing with the team, as long as the payment deadlines are met. It is extremely expensive to operate a team each season. Most Adult Full Contact teams do not have the luxury of significant financial backing and the large portion of operating costs comes from the Owners of the team. However, it IS necessary for players to help offset some of the team and league expenses that occur during a season. A large portion of the player fees goes towards uniform costs. Custom jerseys, game pants, practice jerseys, game socks, belts and helmet painting (if necessary) are all part of the player fee. All these things are the players to keep at season's end. Keep in mind that most people cannot sign up their own children to play recreation league sports without having to pay $50-$150, depending on the sport. The Gladiators organization feels that the player fee set is very favorable compared to most team's requirements.

Do the Gladiators provide insurance? The Gladiators do NOT provide player insurance. Players are required to sign a league and team liability waiver before stepping on the practice field. Players are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to have some type of personal health insurance. The Gladiators DO hold Stadium Insurance that covers our playing and practice fields and protects the property of those playing venues as well as the spectators at the games.

What is the playing time situation? Okay, so you have decided to be a Gladiator and you've got your equipment and your attending practice. How do you get on the field? This is NOT a recreational league. The Gladiators are not required to play a player a certain amount of time each game. Playing time is distributed accordingly to the players that have earned it. Playing time is based on skill level, playbook knowledge, and practice and function attendance as well as player character. The Gladiators main goal on Saturdays is to win the football game and the coaches will put the best 11 on the field!!! Some players may start both sides of the ball and others may rarely see the field. It is all based on those 5 factors listed above. With this in mind, players that do the things that are required usually dont have any problem getting on the playing field.

How are jersey numbers decided? Returning players have first choice of retaining their jersey number. They also have first choice of number change, provided it is not already taken by another returning player. After that, jersey numbers are handed out based on who has paid the uniform part of their players fees. First come, first serve.

When does the team practice? The team practices each Saturday at 11am and practice usually runs till 3pm. We have classroom sessions on Wednesday nights @ 6:30. Both occur at the Georgia Mountains YMCA. Once the season begins, we will be practicing two nights a week for 2 hours, most likely a combination of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you cannot find the time to make practice and classroom sessions, please do not waste the TEAM'S TIME or YOUR TIME.

When does the season start, when are the games played and where do they take place? The regular season starts February 27th and run through May including playoffs. Games are played on Saturday's. Our usual kickoff for home games is 5:30pm. Away game times vary because it is up to the home team to decide start times. We play teams from all over the Southeast and will be traveling to Augusta and Chattanooga as our farthest away destinations. Home games are played at Veteran's Memorial Park in Dawsonville.