FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
1.	Why are the registration costs for Grenadiers so expensive?
2.	Can I be picked up by the bus on its way to an away game?
3.	My son is a high school all star and he isn't even a starting player on this team, the coach must not like him, why doesn't he play more regularly?
4.	What happens if my son is injured?
5.	I can't afford for my son to play football even though he loves the game and is very talented. Is there any financial assistance available?
6.	The coach put me at a position I have never played before and I don't really like it, should I ask my parents to speak to him or just quit?
7.	Can parents or family go on the bus with the players?
8.	We are going on a family vacation close to one of the away games can I just pick up my son after the game and leave from there?
9.	We are going away on holiday for several weeks in the summer and will be taking our son with us, will this impact his position on the team?
10.	My son also competes in high school rugby and is often tired or cannot make it to Grenadiers practice on time; will he be punished for tardiness?
11.	I have a 14 year old, what are his chances of playing in a starting position for the Grenadiers this year?
12.	How do I make sure my son is not using steroids?


1.	While the registration costs may be considered expensive, the Grenadiers organization is committed to keeping the cost of playing football affordable and giving great value for registration fees. Players receive full equipment and uniforms, travel by luxury air-conditioned coach to and from games and play an 8-12 games schedule over the summer. The players also receive a team golf shirt and over 200 hours of extensive NCCP sanctioned football coaching and are given the opportunity to showcase their talent and ability on a provincial stage, compete on national-provincial level teams (i.e. Team Ontario, Team Canada) and players are provided with video highlight reels of their game play for scouting purposes and are invited to attend several football evaluation combines.
2.	Yes. Depending on the direction of travel the buses will pick players up along the way at agreed meeting places along the 401 corridors. (i.e. Gananoque Thousand Island Casino, Brockville Days Inn, Belleville Walmart, Trenton Wooler Rd Tim Hortons Service Stn.) All players not included in the direction of travel are expected to board buses in Kingston in the East Parking Lot of L.C.V.I. (the east parking lot is the lot on the opposite side of the school from the football field.
3.	The Grenadiers are a competitive All Star Team much like in hockey similar to an "AAA" OMHA franchise; the best players see the field. While your son may be an all star at his high school the Grenadiers draw their players from over 24 high schools and can choose from over 5000 high school aged athletes. There are 24 starting positions on a football team and the coaches evaluate players every week to decide who has starting positions. It is up to individual players to compete every week for their position through hard work, drills and dedication. Every effort is made to include all players in each game on special teams so everyone on the team can contribute. The season is long and hot and many times starting players need rest or are injured and their backups assume their positions.
4.	There are physical therapists at every practice and game. The trainers will provide an evaluation and treatment of injuries sustained while practicing or playing. If you have extended health coverage through your employer you will be referred to the Grenadiers therapy clinic and if you are not covered there is supplementary insurance through the OVFL which is available.
5.	We offer a flexible payment plan pro-rated over the season to allow parents and players to budget these expenses over time. Inquiries regarding bursary or payment plans should be forwarded to Peter Wilkie (governor@gmen.ca).
6.	No. If you have a problem with a coaching decision then you should address it with the coach. He has many years of experience and is putting you at a position he believes where you will best benefit the team and you as an individual player. While you may not like it, he is only looking to make you a better player and maximize your talents to the benefit yourself and the team. Remember there is no “I” in team!
7.	No. There are 56 seats on the team bus and they are largely taken up by players coaches and team officials. The Head Coach controls who rides on the bus and may allow passengers at his discretion. There is often a fan bus for JV games which is organized by parents for away games. The cost of this bus is born evenly by those riding on it and it is not funded by the Grenadiers football club.
8.	No. You must get the Head Coach to pre-approve all alternative travel arrangements which involve travel to and from away games. The Head Coach is responsible for all players returning on the bus from away games. You may cause confusion and or delay by removing a player from the bus without prior notification.
9.	Yes. The Grenadiers coaching staff conditions and trains players on the team for each individual opponent that they will face. Being absent for these preparations will mean that your son will need to re-establish his position and prepare to compete for upcoming games.
10.	No. Most of the Grenadier players are multiple sport athletes representing their high schools proudly. Players should communicate their schedules in advance and inform coaching staff of their level of physical activity and any rugby related injuries prior to a practice so the coaches can adjust their drills for these players accordingly and the trainers can asses the appropriateness of their participation.
11.	While each player has different skills and talents it would be quite rare for a 14 year old to win a starting position on an under 17 year old team although it is not completely out of the realm of possibilities. The training and experience a player receives as a member of the Grenadiers will only enhance their future opportunities and while playing opportunities may be rare in the first year as a player matures develops and grows within the program they will see more playing time.
12.	The Grenadiers subscribe to the CCES (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport) http://www.cces.ca/ and we have a zero tolerance policy for both performance enhancing drugs and alcohol consumption during team events. The Head Coach can request random drug testing as a prophylactic measure to ensure compliance.