Applications for all coaches are accepted beginning in March. Approval for each team's Head Coach begins in April. The failure of a returning head coach to submit a coaching application by the cutoff date may result in the loss of the position as head coach. Please see the schedule of events for specific cutoff date. Also, 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 Optimist Club of Arlington is now associated with USA Football. USA Football is the Official Youth Football Development Partner of the NFL and NFLPA. As a member of this organization, the club is asking all coaches, both tackle and flag, to become USAF Certified Coaches.nThis is being done in an effort to improve our program and make it a better and safer learning environment for the youth in our program. At this time it is not a requirement for you to be certified, but we strongly urge all coaches to take the online course. This will help achieve a standard so that we can insure the kids are receivieving the highest quality coaching possible. For more information click the USAF Info link at the bottom of the page.

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 encouraged 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 begins before school starts in the fall. Tackle teams start practice in early August and the regular season starts in early September. Flag teams start practice and games shortly after tackle teams. Playoffs start in late October and continue until the City Championships in late November or early December. See the Event Calandar on the Registration page for specific dates.

Forms and Information Documents
All documents below can be opened using Adobe Acrobat. All forms can be filled out and mailed to OCA, PO Box 1005 Arlington, TX 76004-1005 or dropped off at the Optimist Hut, 310 E 3rd St (Senter Park)

Coach's Application Form     Membership Application Form         Optimist International Brochure

Rule Book     Player's Physical Exam Form     Player Registration Form      USAF Info