gha archers 6-man football 

We are excited to kick off the Fall 2026 season for GHA Archers High School 6-Man Tackle Football! Whether you're returning from our last season, spring training or joining for the first time, we’re glad to have you.

Summer Workouts: Per league guidelines, GHA Football does not hold formal practices during the summer months until August 3, 2026. However, GHA will be offering optional team workouts on Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July. These sessions may include conditioning and skill development to help athletes stay active and engaged.

While these workouts are voluntary, participation is encouraged. Summer workouts provide valuable opportunities for athletes to build conditioning, develop skills, and strengthen team relationships prior to the start of the season. 

Fall Practices:

Fall Practices Begin: August 3, 2026 (Greenville location)

Varsity teams will practice a minimum of three evenings per week, typically on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Additional practices may be scheduled as needed, including Friday evenings when a game is scheduled on Saturday.  We will not practice on Wednesday evenings. Film study sessions may also be added as part of team preparation; details will be communicated by coaches.

Middle School will practice Tuesday and Thursdays unless there is a Thursday game schedule that week.  Monday practices are a possibility. 

Practice attendance is mandatory. Consistent attendance is essential for individual development and team success. Unexcused absences may impact playing time. If an athlete has a known conflict, families are expected to notify coaching staff as soon as possible so that adjustments can be made. If an athlete is sick or unable to attend due to illness, parents should notify the coaching staff by commenting on the appropriate event in the Band app. This helps ensure clear communication and reduces the need for multiple individual messages.

Season Duration:  August through October (playoffs may extend into November–December)
Games are typically scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays, beginning August 28 through October 31. Travel will be required for most games within the greater North and East Texas area.  We will have three home games this year.  You will find the schedule at the end of this packet.  Players are expected to arrive 60–90 minutes prior to scheduled game time unless otherwise directed by coaches.

Eligibility Guidelines
GHA Football competes in the TAIAO league and follows both GHA and TAIAO eligibility requirements. https://taiao.org/

Note: Homeschool athletes are rostered by birthdate, not academic grade level.

High School Eligibility: Athletes must be born between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2012.

Exceptions:  Athletes born after May 31, 2012 may be eligible if they are 14 years old by August 1, 2026 (per TAIAO guidelines).

Four-Year Varsity Eligibility Rule: Once an athlete begins competing at the varsity level in any sport, they are permitted a maximum of four consecutive years of varsity eligibility. Age-based exemptions are rarely granted and must be secured before the athlete's first varsity appearance. Exemptions will not be approved retroactively under any circumstances.

Example: A middle school athlete who turns 14 on or before May 31st and has not obtained a prior exemption will automatically be classified as a Sophomore when they enter TAIAO play the following season.

Junior High Eligibility:

• Athletes must be born between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2015.
• Exceptions:
  • Athletes born after May 31, 2015 may be eligible if they are 11 years old by August 1, 2026 (per TAIAO guidelines).

HIGH SCHOOL TAIAO Athlete Classification Chart (2026–2027 school year):

Middle School TAIAO Classification Chart (2026–2027)

If you have questions about your son's classification, please reach out! 

Transfers: If your athlete previously played for any other program (private or public school or homeschool organization) you will need to  submit a TAIAO transfer request. Transfer athletes may be rostered at a higher grade level, which can impact remaining eligibility.

Cost:

$575 per player (May 11th-June 5th)
$625 late registration (June 5th-June 19th)

Equipment Discounts:

Families may choose to provide their own equipment for a registration discount.

• $75 discount for providing an in-date black helmet. Helmets must meet current safety standards, including reconditioning within the past two years, to qualify. Code: HELMET

• $25 discount for providing personal shoulder pads that are in good, usable condition. Code: PADS2026

• HELMETPADS for a discount for providing both Helmet and Pads.  

All player-provided equipment is subject to approval by program staff. The organization reserves the right to prohibit the use of any equipment deemed unsafe or non-functional, regardless of condition or origin.

What We Provide (Included in Fee)

• Helmet (with facemask)
• Shoulder pads
• Uniform: game jersey and game pants, socks
• Compression shirt to be worn under uniform 
• Padded girdle (with hip, thigh, and tailbone pads)
• Mouthguard (you may use your own)
• Practice jersey and pants
• We will have an equipment fitting day the week of June 22nd

What Parents Must Provide

• Cleats (no metal spikes)
• Water bottle for practice (we provide water/electrolyte drink at games)

Optional but Encouraged

• Small gear bag or duffel

• Receiver gloves (optional for certain positions)
  
  Volunteering- 

GHA Football is a volunteer-run program. Our commissioner, coaches, and staff are all volunteers, and the success of our season depends on the participation of every family.  Each family is required to sign up and serve in volunteer roles. Participation is expected and essential to the operation of the program.

Volunteer Roles Include:

• Statistician – Records game statistics during play (we can train you, work with a partner)
• Fundraising – Supports efforts to keep program costs affordable for all families
• Booster Club – Assists with events such as Homecoming, senior night, pep rallies, and beginning/end-of-season celebrations
• Equipment Support – Helps transport and manage equipment (water, ice, medical supplies, tables, canopies) for games
• Game Day Setup/Cleanup – Supports home game operations including chain crew, field preparation/painting, and concession stand
• Administrative Support – Assists with communication, coordination, and other organizational needs

All volunteers are expected to fulfill their commitments. Failure to participate may impact a family’s standing within the program. Your time and commitment help make our season successful. Teamwork makes GHA work!

Team Assignments and Playing Time:

GHA Football is a competitive program. Athletes are expected to take responsibility for their development by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying physically active outside of scheduled practices, and coming prepared to compete.

We strive to provide opportunities for athletes at all levels. Teams are formed with the goal of creating the strongest possible roster while also placing athletes where their skills are needed and can best contribute.

At the competitive levels (Varsity, JV, and middle school teams), the primary goal is to field the strongest lineup on the field at all times in order to compete and win. Playing time is not guaranteed.

Coaches will make playing time decisions based on a variety of factors, including effort, attitude, attendance, performance in practice, game situation, and team needs. While coaches will look for opportunities to involve all athletes, there may be games where some players see limited or no playing time. These decisions are strategic and are not necessarily a reflection of an athlete’s ability or value to the team.

Athletes are expected to support their teammates at all times. Whether on the field or on the sideline, players should remain engaged in the game, encourage their teammates, and represent the program with a positive attitude. Negative behavior, lack of engagement, or conduct that detracts from the team may result in reduced participation or removal from the sideline for the remainder of the game.

Parents are expected to support coaches and reinforce a team-first mindset. If there are questions or concerns regarding playing time, families should wait until the following day before communicating with a coach and do so in a respectful and appropriate manner. 

Sideline Behavior Expectations 

GHA Football expects all players, parents, and spectators to represent the program with respect, class, and sportsmanship at all times.

Sideline behavior should be positive and supportive of all athletes, coaches, and officials.

The following expectations apply to all spectators:

• Respect officials at all times. Disrespectful comments, yelling at referees, arguing calls, or trash talking officials is not permitted.
• Allow coaches to coach. Parents and spectators should not provide instruction or direction to players during games.
• Maintain appropriate language and behavior. Profanity, insults, or negative comments directed at any player, coach, official, or opposing team are not acceptable.
• Support all athletes. Encouragement should be positive and team-focused, not critical or divisive.
• Follow venue rules and instructions from game staff at all times.
• Failure to meet these expectations may result in removal from the facility and/or further review by program leadership.

We represent GHA Football everywhere we go. Our expectation is that every supporter helps create a positive, respectful, and competitive environment for all athletes.

Conflict Resolution:

If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss it directly with your son’s coach. If you are concerned about your son’s position or playing time, please make it a point to wait 24 hours after a game before discussing it with the coach. At no point should you confront a coach, parent, or athlete in an aggressively confrontational way - especially during or immediately following a game. You are welcome to reach out the same day to let the coach know that you would like to follow up with them the following day. This will help both you and the coach to process the situation fully then discuss it the following day in a calm, respectful manner. We do ask that at least one additional adult (ideally a second coach) be present in conversations as well to help reduce miscommunication. Ultimately, if there is a conflict that cannot be resolved between you and the coach, you may bring it to the attention of the Football Commissioner, and ultimately the Board of Directors for resolution.