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Our program depends on the commitment and sacrifice of many volunteers. We do not compensate any of our volunteers, including coaches, board members and team moms, yet they and many others devote a substantial amount of their time and energy to support our youth sports program.

For example, consider the time our coaches devote. They attend 10 hours of practice per week during pre-season and attend OCJAAF and SOC Patriots meetings and training sessions. During the season, they participate in six hours of practice per week and attend games every Saturday. On top of this, most coaches spend additional time each week preparing for games by participating in coaches’ meetings, reviewing game films and scouting upcoming opponents. They also spend time talking with parents and their players outside of practice and helping SOC Patriots with activities such as fundraising.

We also ask our parents to volunteer in support of the program as well. Here are some examples of jobs for which we need volunteers:

Team Mom. This is a critical position on each team. The Team Mom, just like a mom at home, has too many responsibilities to list. Among other things, she keeps the team roster, organizes and motivates other team volunteers, knows or gets the answer to every question, makes sure parents know what they need to know and arranges team activities. The Team Mom acts as the link between parents and the team’s coach.

Team Athletic Director. The team Athletic Director is responcible for keeping records of participation in practice, attendence. Each team is assigned a team book that includes vital information and OCJAAF required documents. This book must be kept with the team at all times, including practices and games. The athletic director is responcible for this book.

Team Equipment Manager. The Team Equipment Manager helps with the issuance and collection of football equipment (i.e., helmet, shoulder pads, jersey, pants, etc.). He also is the custodian of the team box that has tools, spare parts and first aid supplies. Among other things, he may replace a broken chin strap or repair a broken helmet snap. The Team Equipment Manager must attend every game.

Weigh-In Official. The Weigh-In Official conducts the official weigh-in and equipment inspection before each game.

Chain Crew. The Chain Gang works the chains during the game, which provides the best view in the house.

Team Media. The Team Media person writes a short and concise, yet thrilling and engaging, article about each game that is published in local papers and posted on the SOC Patriots web site. The Team Media person may also post pictures on the web site.

Field Set-Up & Take-Down. We rely on volunteers to set-up and take-down the field on game days. Set-up starts about an hour before the first game and take-down continues for not more than an hour after the last game. Set-up includes roping off the field, placing yardage markers on the field and placing pads on the goal posts.

Time Clock. Volunteers operate the scoreboard at each game. This involves starting and stopping the game clock and recording the score.

Team Photographer. The team photographer takes pictures at games and events for players, their families, the yearbook and posting on our website.

Year End Party. We have a celebration at the end of every season. Everyone is given a trophy and individual recognition is made of each participant.

Other potential volunteer positions: Spirit Coordinator, Scout Film Coordinator, Snack Bar, Carpool Coordinator etc.

Volunteering is a lot of fun. You get the chance to interact with other SOC Patriot family members and to contribute to the program. Without volunteers, we do not have a program and no football players or cheerleaders. Please do your part!