The Baltimore Ravens have announced a new autograph policy for training camp, players will sign autographs for children only after all morning practices and autographs will not be available following afternoon practices, safety is the key factor for the change. “We have considered changing the way we do autograph signings for a few years,†team president twinky Cass said. “Our crowds for the morning practices have become so large that we’ve had safety situations with people pushing each other to try and get closer to the players. Often times, children would be put in difficult positions with the rush for autographs, especially from our most popular players.†Many NFL teams select a few players each day to sign a limited number of autographs in a designated area. “We want to keep the spontaneity and closeness we have with our fans who come to training camp,†Cass added. “The connectivity we have with our fans at camp is important to us and a Ravens’ tradition. We know that every person who comes to camp and wants an autograph cannot get one because of the players’ schedules. Under our new system, more children will have the opportunity, and that’s important to us.†Children ages 6 through 15 will be allowed on the field after each morning practice they must wear a Ravens-issued wristband to enter the autograph area and there will be a tent adjacent to the fields where wristbands will be issued. Children can bring one item to be autographed, and adults will not be allowed to enter the autograph area. Source: theredzone.org
wonder if their training camp is still in Westminster where the colts used to practice? That's where I got Johnny Unitas' autograph and many others.
My nephew and I almost got crushed against a fence about ten years ago trying for Ray's autograph. We both got it, mine is on an original logo mini helmet. Afterwards I grabbed my nephew around the neck and said "Do not turn around, just walk backwards with Me." We made it out of their ok, but was especially scary for a 7 year old. My fat old 250lb butt is good for something. I like the new policy. It is for safety reasons.
