Q: Is any experience necessary?
A: No, there is no experience necessary. We get new participants at all levels each year. The coaches will work with anyone new to bring them up to speed. We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate if they want to do so, and we highly encourage new participants!
Q: When is registration?
A: Online Registration will open March 1st. You can access the registration site by visiting www.amherstpatriots.com/registration.htm. Football players will also need to attend a weigh in session which will be held in April (an e-mail will be sent with additional details) at the Amherst Middle School Cafeteria.
Q: What is the cost to play?
A: Football will be $225 per player (we do have discounts if you have multiple kids playing/cheering, typically $25/off per player). Cheer will also be $225 per participant. 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: I am putting my child’s weight on the registration form, why do we need to attend the weigh in?
A: The weigh in will be used for the initial placement on a team. We strive to put kids on the team they will ultimately play on, but if there are kids that are on the border line we need to know that in April. We will weigh everyone again on the first day of practice to make the final determination. If a child is 5 pounds or more over the weight they will be moved to the next level.
Q: Why can’t I choose what level my child registers for?
A: This year the Board of Directors is trying a new way of registration. This will streamline the process for everyone and players will be placed based on age and weight. We are doing this based on years of experience which tells us what level players should play to be the most successful.
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. Typically the first week is 5 days, and the remaining weeks in August are Monday-Thursday.
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: The first week of August, Monday-Friday 6pm-8pm (typically at Wilkins Elementary in Amherst). The remainder of August is Monday-Thursday 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). 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!
Q: Who will be my child’s coach?
A: The teams will be set up based on how many are signed up, age, and weight. From there we will determine how many teams we will have and then we will assign coaches.
Q: I would like to be a coach or assistant coach, who do I contact?
A: For Football, please email zfootball@amherstpatriots.com.