In addition to these General FAQ’s,
check out Cheer FAQs | Football FAQs
Q: What is the cost to play?
A: Football and Cheer will be $225 per participant (we do have discounts if you have multiple kids playing/cheering, typically $25/off per player). If you have specific questions about costs, etc., please e-mail zvicepresident@amherstpatriots.com.
Q: What does my fee pay for?:
A: Your football fee pays for your equipment (other than cleats and cup). In addition, it pays for the field time, referees, jerseys, etc.
Q: When will practice begin?
A: The tentative first day of practice will be August 1st. Practice will be Monday-Thursday 6pm – 8pm (except Tiny Mite which will be less (Maximum of 6 hours/week). For football players the first week will be non-contact conditioning for 5 days. The following week will be the first week in full pads. Note that these dates are subject to change.
Q: Our family goes on vacation during August every year, how will this affect my child?
A: The answer to that will depend on the level and age of your child. If your child plays Tiny Mite (5-7 years old) or Mitey Mite (7-9 years old) they will not be affected as much. However, if your child plays Junior Pee Wee (9-11 years old) or Pee Wee (11-13 years old), it can have a pretty severe impact on their ability to compete. Many of the skills used during the year are learned in August, and your child would be pretty far behind. Additionally, the first week is conditioning week where your child will receive 10 hours of conditioning in order to put pads on (for Football), or stunting (for Cheer). Missing all or part of that week can be significant. Should you cancel your vacation? No, unless it won’t cost you anything. Just be aware for future years and try to plan around that. Typically it is first year players that are affected by vacation in August…and unfortunately those are also typically the ones who need that practice the most.
Q: What is the time investment for practice?
A: August practice sets up like this: August practice is Monday-Thursday (Starting August 1st) 6pm – 8pm. Once school begins the practices will shift to be Tuesday/Thursday (6pm – 8pm) and Saturday mornings for two hours (usually we do two shifts, one from 8am – 10am and one from 9am – 11am) for Football. Cheerleading will be Monday/Wednesday/Friday 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Tiny Mites are slightly different as they can only practice 6 hours/week in August. That schedule will be developed soon.
Q: When is the first game?
A: The first game is tentatively scheduled for August 28th. There will be scrimmages also scheduled in August. Additionally there will be a mandatory state weigh-in on the day before the first game. If the player misses this weigh-in they cannot participate in the first game.
Q: I hear that I will have to volunteer time during the season. How much time?
A: The Amherst Patriots rely heavily on volunteers to do many jobs. These range from Coach to Board Member to working in the snack shack. How many hours you will need to do will depend on the job you have chosen, and how many slots need to be filled. For example, the snack shack needs to be staffed from an hour before the first game until an hour after the last game. The team moms along with the volunteer coordinator will work with you to determine what jobs you can do and when you will need to do them. Remember that we cannot be successful without our volunteers! Please check out the volunteer page for more information.
Q: What is the Amherst Patriots’ refund policy?
A: The refund you could receive will vary greatly depending upon when you withdraw from the program. Please see our refund policy page for detailed information.
Q: How many games are played?
A: There are 8 regular season games as well as one post-season game for Tiny Mites and Mitey Mites. Junior Pee Wee and Pee Wee can qualify for the playoffs and play several more games if they continue to win. The cheerleaders cheer at each of the games and also have a State competition in October. The Cheer teams can also qualify for post-season competition if they win or take second place in the state.
Q: Where are practices and games held?
A: In August our practices will be held at Wilkins Elementary in Amherst. When school starts the Cheerleaders will continue to practice at Wilkins, but the football players will move to Chappell field in Milford (due to light restrictions in Amherst). Information and directions will be distributed as we get closer to that change.
Q: Do I have to be at every practice or game?
A: We certainly invite all parents to stay for each practice if they desire to do so. However it is not necessary. However, if you do NOT stay at practice please be aware of the weather (we cannot practice in thunderstorms), and please have your cell phone available in case something happens. While you do not have to stay at the games either, the community atmosphere is something to be enjoyed and we highly encourage it. Additionally please be aware of your volunteer responsibilities.
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: For more information you can contact Drew Zell (zpresident@amherstpatriots.com).