About Us
Hamilton Optimist Unlimited Youth Football
would like to welcome you to the program. The upcoming 2011 season marks our 11th year! We strive to continue to be one of the premier Unlimited programs in Maryland. Only through great effort the program has gained recognition throughout the area for producing winning teams, but we are most proud of our commitment to academics. Since implementing our academic monitoring program eight years ago we have seen many of our young men move on to attend BCPS City Wide schools, as well as many of the top Private high schools in the area. We are especially proud to see many of our young men move on to great college’s and become valuable members of the community.
Hamilton Unlimited Youth Football is more than a youth football team. We model ourselves as a pre-high school program, our goal is to prepare young men to play high school football.
Our philosophy is to field players at the appropriate positions their body type and skill level dictate. We encourage players of all sizes and experience to become a part of Hamilton Football, this includes beginners as well as those who have been playing a number of seasons.
We include a Varsity & JV team ensuring all boys can compete at their appropriate level. Players will have a opportunity to be seen by the areas top high school Coaches.
Thanks again, for choosing Hamilton Football, we look forward to another successful season.
GO HAMILTON HERE WE STAND!
Practice and Game Schedule
Practices for the 2011 season will begin August 1st. Pre-season practices will be held Monday thru Friday from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Once school begins, practice will be two nights during the week with most games held on Saturday and an occasional Sunday. There is also a possibility of Friday and Saturday night games, which allows the kids to play “under the lights”. Our first game is traditionally scheduled the last week in August, with a weekly game thereafter. Upon release of the league schedule we will provide a copy to each player, as well as posting it on our team web site at, www.hamiltonfootball.com.
The Coaching Staff is very diligent about beginning and ending practices on time, for your child's safety please make every effort to have him arrive and be picked up during scheduled practice times. Players are required to be at the specified game field at least a hour and a half prior to kickoff.
Academic Monitoring
Athletics will never supersede academics, your son may be held to a higher standard than he is used to, we stress to each player that he is a Student/Athlete.
Once school begins each player is given a folder containing Progress Reports. Each school day the player is required to have their teachers comment on his progress in class. This helps to insure the student is performing to his fullest potential and also reinforces the importance academics plays in their lives. Often times we are able to leverage your sons desire to play football to emphasize the importance of his performance at home and school. Our coaches and staff are here to assist you and your son in any way possible.
Player Safety
The well being of all players is a keystone of our philosophy; we strive to ensure a fun and safe environment for all athletes. During the summer months please ensure that your child is properly hydrated before, during and after practices and games. We make sure that frequent water breaks are provided while your son is on the field, players are encouraged to bring sports drinks as well. During the colder months please see that your player has warm dry clothing and is dressed for the weather.
If your child has an ailment such as Asthma please bring it to the attention of the Coaching Staff, and arrange to furnish an extra inhaler to be kept with him while he is on field. Please report any injuries your child has to the coaching staff prior to any activity.
Fundraising & Concessions
Hamilton Football is a 501c organization. The support of all families is necessary to keep the program affordable. Raffle Tickets and concessions are very important to our success. Each player is required to sell 25 Raffle Tickets, and are offered incentives and prizes for bulk sales. We encourage all families to donate time helping out at the concession stand. We welcome donations of can soda, baked goods, hot dogs, and individual bags of chips and candy.
All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. All funds generated from concessions goes back to the program, and helps to offset the cost of referees for each game.
Registration & Equipment
The cost of registration for the 2011 Season is $150.00. Included in the fees are the Game Jersey Helmet, chinstrap, seven piece pad set, practice and game pants w/belt are also included, but must be returned after the last game of the season. There is a small deposit required for the issuance of equipment. The deposit is refunded and the end of the season when all equipment is returned.
Each player will need to provide their own cleats (no screw in), mouth piece, girdle, and athletic supporter with cup. Equipment will be issued after registration fees have been paid.
ID Cards
All players are required to have a league issued ID card, or State of Maryland ID Card. You will need your child’s original birth certificate with a raised seal. No photocopies will be accepted. If you do not have one please visit the Division of Vital Records at 6550 Reisterstown Rd, located in the Reisterstown Road Plaza or go to www.vsa.maryland.gov. to order a certified copy.
League ID cards will be issued prior to the first game. State ID cards must be obtained prior to the start of the season. ID cards are checked prior to kickoff of every game and will be held by your sons coach to be returned at the end of the season.
Awards Banquet
Our Awards Banquet caps off our season and is traditionally held in December. It is always a well attended event and honors the achievements of the players during the season. The banquet includes a full menu and family and friends are welcome to attend. Tickets will be offered for sale in November.
Communication
Understanding the importance of communication we use One Call. This is a free automated system that dials the contact number and sends messages to email addresses provided. This system enables us to provide all players and parents with a recorded voice message, as well as text and email in the event of schedule, practice or game changes.
If your son will be missing a practice or game, please notify his Coach prior to his absence. Football is a team sport, therefore it is essential that each player attend every practice he can. If you son requires special arrangements please contact his Coach.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend tour appreciation to the Assistant Coaches , Parents and Community Members who volunteer their time and energy to mentor young men.
A special thanks goes out to our sponsors: their support makes our program possible.
The Hamilton Optimist Club
Greater Loch Raven Rec. Council