Applications for all coaches are accepted beginning in March. Approval for each team's Head Coach begins May 1st. The failure of a returning head coach to submit a coaching application by May 1st may result in the loss of the position as head coach. See the rules of seniority for head coaches to determine the position in the order of succession for a coach. These rules also cover which coach will be the head coach when a flag team moves up to the tackle level.

The Football Project Committee begins its season in February with committee executive meetings for planning and rulebook review. See the FPC's administrative schedule.

Teams are formed as head coaches become available. The head coach of a team that played in the previous season is encourage to begin contacting team members in April to see who is planning to play in the new season. Head coaches of new teams must begin working the schools assigned to their team in April and May since practice starts before school starts in the fall. Tackle teams start practice in early August and the regular season starts in early September. Flag teams start one week after tackle teams for start of practice and games. Playoffs start in late October and continue until the City Championships in late November.

Coach's Application Form (Adobe Acrobat PDF file)
Fillout and mail to OCA, PO Box 1005 Arlington, TX 76004-1005 or drop off at the Optimist Hut, 310 E 3rd St (Senter Park)

Membership Application Form -
Fillout both pages and mail to OCA, PO Box 1005 Arlington, TX 76004-1005 or drop off at the Optimist Hut, 310 E 3rd St (Senter Park)

Click here for a brochure on Optimist International Clubs (1.2MB)