The term"semi-professional football" implies
that the men who play it are being paid to play, but at a
less-than-livable wage. This is misleading. In most semi-pro leagues,
as is true here in the Semi-Pro Football Leagues, it is against
most league rules to reimburse players not for practicing, for
playing, or in any other way. Thus, no one is making any money to play
for the Georgia Raiders.
In fact, the opposite is the case. This
team is made up of players who love the game of football so much that
they pay to play. Each and every member of the Georgia Raiders has had
to purchase their own equipment, contribute a player fee (in order to
insure the purchase of the team's uniforms, field rental, and so
forth), and pick up their own practice expenses. Over the course of the
year, this financial burden can be substantial.
Why then the
title "semi-pro?" A look at the history of this level of football tells
us that some label was needed to differentiate this type of football
from high school, college, and pro football. A hundred years ago, when
it was in its infancy, semi-pro football was the precursor to pro
football. A few itinerant players, wandering the country in search of
games to play in, were paid small amounts (usually under the table) to
make local, small town teams look better and win.
So "semi-pro"
football merely means "amateur football" in a real sense. It is played
by adults, from the ages of 18 to "whatever," who love the game enough
after their high school and/or college careers that they "haven't
gotten it out of their systems yet!" Coaches, organizers, sponsors,
cheerleaders, EVERYONE connected with the Georgia Raiders is a genuine
volunteer!The Georgia Raiders is, in every sense of the word, a
"community" organization - run by and for the players, coaches, and
their families, and all fans of football in America. The team "runs
itself" to the extent that the players even have to buy their own
equipment and pay a player fee to cover insurance. Thus, we are looking
for a Few Good Men who wishes to get involved in helping with out
various efforts, making things easier on the players and coaches, and
getting the word out about the Raiders.
FOOTBALL PLAYERS interested
in playing must secure their own equipment (pads, cleats, , Sliver helmets, white practice pants, white practice jerseys - for
offense - navy blue practice jerseys - for defense).