Training Camp do's and don'ts.

[carolinarolls]

It's a Richardson event. Rowdy fun is not allowed. If you are looking for a party with your team as the theme, wait for preseason and enjoy the parking lots around BofA. If you are looking for a real party inside the stadium like you see on TV you may want to find another team.

Respect the kids. It's all about them (esp. training camp).

Don't say stupid shat to the players or do anything that makes you feel good about yourself after. Those types of remarks are almost always rude, completely unfunny, and may be cause for you to tote an ass-whoopin.

Try to stay cool and maintain consciousness in the ridiculous heat that you will subject your body to. Don't lock out your knees, and don't forget your Aqua Fina.

Don't forget to post your pics and a summation of your experience on the Huddle.

oh yeah...powder!

[SmootsDaddy89]

You are your son?

[Nicbsbll2]

I must spread some rep before I can give it to P_L again...

You're always informative when it comes to this, even if you're politically challenged...

As for my 2 cents... The heat is the worst part... Get there early if you want a good view... Don't even bother with trying to get autographs, as it's not worth the hassle of the crowd/hecklers... You can stand further down the fence on that side and still get a good view/speak to some of the players as they run out, even if they don't come over and sign... If you want the best view of practice, get there early and head to the side of the field opposite the big hill....

What exactly would be a good time to arrive for the morning practice to get a good view?

[lostcat]

No, adults shouldn't try to jump over kids to get autographs. However when I was at TC there was a fair amount of very, very rude children who were old enough to know better (and if they weren't had parents there who were) would step all over you shout and scream rudely at the players and jostle into position and elbow people. I wasn't trying to get autographs and was specifically standing a row behind the fence so the kids could have the front.

The most well behaved child I saw there was p55's little boy. What a doll.

Also we had a group of about 9 or 10, 14 to 16 year olds set up beside us climbing over everyone to get bobble heads autographed to sell on Ebay. Thats all they talked about during practice was how much money they were going to make off the items. When a player wouldn't sign they made some pretty colorful remarks to them. One even got S. Smith to leave the field after a comment he made to him.

I didn't hear what he said but saw him throw a sharpie down and run up the hill.

[panthers55]

No, adults shouldn't try to jump over kids to get autographs. However when I was at TC there was a fair amount of very, very rude children who were old enough to know better (and if they weren't had parents there who were) would step all over you shout and scream rudely at the players and jostle into position and elbow people. I wasn't trying to get autographs and was specifically standing a row behind the fence so the kids could have the front.

The most well behaved child I saw there was p55's little boy. What a doll.

Fireball, you have excellent perception when it comes to children.

And seriously if some folks want to get an autograph and help a kid at the same time do what I have done in the past. I often stand close to the fence and help a children who comes late get to the player by boosting him up (with parent's permission) and asking the player to sign the child's item. Most players appreciate the act of kindness and allow me to get a signature also. Doesn't hurt to say Mr. Smith instead of Steve, or say please and thank you. But in the end it really is about the kids.

For what it is worth as many players sign before practice as after it. And you usually need to be there 30-45 minutes before practice starts. Guys like Jake only sign before practice and is seems that certain groups of players sign on particular days. For example some practices the receivers come over, other times it is the defense. I could be making it up but it seems that way to me.

[Kurb]

Calling a player by their name properly helps a lot too.

[Mr. Scot]

No coolers are allowed inside the fenced viewing area. Refreshments are available for purchase just outside the fence, or you can enjoy yours at your car -- no alcoholic beverages allowed at all.

Bring a chair, towel, blanket, whatever to sit on. No bleacher seating is available. Yes, you may set up an umbrella -- just try to not set it up where it's blocking others' view.

Here are some handy tips (available at www.teamspartanburgsc.org):

* Shade is at a premium, so bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. You will sweat, so making a towel a handy fashion accessory is always a good idea.

* Coolers are not allowed inside the gate, but there will be vendors selling food, drink and souvenirs. Bring money, especially if you bring children, because they’ll drink a lot and beg for a T-shirt or football.

* No dogs or other pets allowed inside the fence.

* Since the action moves from field-to-field throughout practice, comfortable shoes are a must.

* For those who prefer to sit in one place, a blanket, folding chair, field glasses or umbrella can make the experience more comfortable. And getting there early gives you the opportunity to pick out a prime spot, maybe even one with a little shade.

* Bringing a camera helps to make the memory of a day at training camp permanent. (NO VIDEO cameras are allowed in the viewing area.)

* A team roster, available at the Convention and Visitors Bureau tent at the entrance to the practice area, is a must if you want to pick your favorite players out of the group or check out newcomers.

* Autograph seekers should bring a Sharpie for players to use to sign autographs and a photograph, football or other memento for them to sign. And good manners go a long way. Signing is not a requirement. It's something special that the players do for their fans. Not every player will stop to sign autographs every day. Though training camp is entertainment for fans, it’s hot, sweaty work for the players.

Practice schedules are subject to change. For up-to-date information about activities and practice schedules, check the Team Spartanburg Web site at www.teamspartanburgsc.org or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 864-594-5050 or 1-800-374-TEAM.

Free parking, including handicapped parking, is available on Twitty Street, a cul-de-sac off North Pine Street.

No rules against wearing a Bucs jersey then?

Don't suppose we could create one, maybe? :sosp:

(I may be accompanied by somebody wearing one)

[Fireball77]

Doesn't hurt to say Mr. Smith instead of Steve, or say please and thank you.

Indeed. Kids would probably hate me if I were a famous person because I would probably only sign for the polite ones, lol.

[KintnerBoy]

Calling a player by their name properly helps a lot too.

Last year while I was getting Jordan Gross' autograph some knuckle-head was calling him John Gross. Jordon just shook his head and sighed. It embarrassed me and I didn't even say it.

[Samuel L. Jackson]

Last year while I was getting Jordon Gross' autograph some knuckle-head was calling him John Gross. Jordon just shook his head and sighed. It embarrassed me and I didn't even say it.

Jordan?

[SMACKDAB]

I bet if they put up a sign stating they were gonna have to start charging for autographs at a rate of 20 and up depending on who the player is, all the rift raft and lines would be nearly empty.

:reddevil: ......I'm a little stinker...I know...... :leaving:

[jasonluckydog]

Bring a hot chick in a bikini and all the players will sign for you....A thong helps but preferably on the hot chick(trust me).

I almost forgot dont ask them how much there auto is worth on Ebay they might beat you up along with me.

[KintnerBoy]

Jordan?

I guess misspelling it is better than mispronouncing it.

[SCP]

Unbeknownst to me at the time, I let PowerlessDan and LIAG's daughter in front of me to get next to the fence at the last TC. I just happened to recognize them from some photo's LIAG posted on here.

:Angel_anim: