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". The Gladiators also continue to take players into the season and are capable of adding players up until just before the 5th game of the season.

Does the team provide equipment? Until recently, the Gladiators did not provide equipment. After hard work, the Gladiators have built a supply of helmets and shoulder pads. Our equipment was purchased new in 2011 and are certified through 2013 at which point, the equipment will be recertified throught the appropriate companies.

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-$300 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 $1 million in 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 either Saturday or Sunday at the JA Walters YMCA located at 2455 Howard Road Gainesville, Ga 30506. Practice times vary but are generally 1p-5p. The closer the season gets the Gladiators hold offense only practices on Sundays as well. The Gladiators have been blessed to have solidified an indoor practice facility to use in case of inclement weather. These situations will be posted on the news board on the home page. 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? For the 2012 season, the first regular season game wil be on February 18th. Kickoff times vary but Gladiators home games are scheduled for 6pm. The Gladiators play home games at the beautiful North Forsyth High School football field.