Does my child's weight matter?
Yes, it does. Pop Warner combines age restrictions with weight restrictions to make an age/weight scale. It is as follows:
- Tiny-Mite: Ages 5-7. Must be between 35 and 75 pounds.
- Mitey-Mite: Ages 7-9. Must be between 50-100 pounds.
- Junior PeeWee: Ages 8-10 must be between 65-115 pounds. 11-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 65-95 pounds.
- PeeWee: Ages 9-11 must be between 80-130 pounds. 12-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 80-110 pounds.
- Junior Midget: Ages 10-12 must be between 95-155 pounds. 13-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 95-135 pounds.
- Midget: Ages 12-14 must be between 110-180 pounds. 15-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 110-160 pounds.
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Unlimited: For 11-14 year olds who weigh more than 105 pounds.
For more information, check out Pop Warner's Age/Weight structure web page.
Are there any other requirements?
Pop Warner demands academic excellence among its participants. Players must receive a 2.0 grade-point average (or 70 percent average) in school to participate. Exceptions are made through Scholastic Eligibility Forms, which are filled out by that child's school to determine whether Pop Warner football would be beneficial to that child.
Are there tryouts?
No. Everyone is allowed to participate and play. All you have to do is sign up.
Is my child safe playing organized football?
Though injury is always possible in any sport, Pop Warner is quick to point out that injury rates are significantly lower in youth football than in high school or college football. That's partly because of Pop Warner's strict age/weight scale that makes sure all the children are playing against players their own size.Studies have shown that organized football among children produces fewer injuries than soccer.
How many games will my child play?
The regular season schedule is usually between seven and nine games, between late August and late October. Playoffs will follow in certain divisions, and the best teams will play in the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Florida in early December.
If my child isn't the best player on the team, will he/she just sit the bench all season?
Not at all. Pop Warner has mandatory rules of play that requires everyone be able to participate. That means that every player will get in for several plays every game.
More: Pop Warner Works to Prevent Injuries
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