The Aztec Huddle: Where Parents Get the Game Plan.

1. How are participants assigned to divisions, and what are the requirements?
According the guidelines of the West Coast Conference Pop Warner Organization. Each player's age on or before July 14th, determine the division they are assigned to. Players can play up to a higher division but are not allowed to "play down" to a lower division. Meaning, an 11 year old can play 11U, 12U, 13U etc., but an 11 year old CANNOT play on 10U or 9U. Age is verified at time of registration and during certification day. Please click the link to see the official pop warner age divisions. 

2. What certifications do your coaches follow?
All coaches and volunteers – regardless of position – are required to pass a national background check. This is required of all individuals who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with youth participants. All coaches are required certifications in their respective sports – a USA Football certification or a YCADA certification. The local program may have additional requirements. All coaches are also required to complete a mandated reporter training course. 

3. What safety protocols do your coaches follow?
While injury is always a risk in contact sport or athletic activity, Pop Warner has a medical advisory committee of neurosurgeons, sports medicine professionals, pediatricians and researchers that steer athlete safety protocols for football and cheer & dance. In football, we've instituted the nation's most advanced safety measures, including limiting contact to 25% of practice time; eliminating kickoffs and the three-point stance for our youngest divisions; banning full-speed, head-on tackling and blocking drills; and mandating that any player who suffers a suspected head injury receive medical clearance from a medical professional trained in concussion evaluation and management before returning to play. The same rigorous guidance is devoted to cheer & dance, as well. In addition, all Pop Warner coaches are required to get appropriate and relevant training and certifications each season.

3. When does the season start, and what is the weekly practice and game schedule?
It is usual for the season to being in Mid-July with our first games in August. Regular season will usually end at the end of October with Championships, sometimes in November. If your team chooses to go the National Track, those games could go longer than these dates. 

4. What equipment is provided by the league, and what do I need to purchase separately?
Registration Fees for Tackle Football include jerseys and padded pants for game days. You may rent a helmet from the league or buy our own out of pocket. For Flag football, game jerseys and game pants, flags and padded helmet are included in registration. For both types of football, parents are responsible for cleats, practice pants and practice jerseys unless otherwise decided by your team. Cheer does not include uniform. Talk to your coach for pricing.

5. What are the scholastic requirements for my child to participate?
Proof of satisfactory progress in school is required. A 2.0/70% or the equivalent shall be the minimum grade point average acceptable to participate. Those who do not meet this requirement, or home-schooled students can still play if they follow the alternative eligibility process which is monitored by progress reports. See the LITTLE SCHOLARS page for more details. 

6. Are parents required to volunteer, and what roles are available?
Tackle Football and Flag Football parents are required to complete 1 rotation at our snack bar during home games. These volunteers would be decided by team parents. Parents must show up the game before their own home game in order to volunteer. They may leave once their own game begins. As a new option, we are allowing a per player non-volunteer buy out. Parents pay $50.00 and they will be taken out of rotation for this requirement. This does not apply to Chain Gain or spotter positions that are required to play games.