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Frequently Asked Questions
There are three sections to the FAQ: Registration FAQ, Football FAQ, and Cheerleading & Dance FAQ. It's not a bad idea to read all of them to get an overview of our program, since some information may overlap and not be repeated from one section to the next. You can either scroll down and read the whole series of questions, or click the question you want and be taken straight to that answer.
If you are looking for the Age/Weight Matrix, click here.
Registration FAQ
Who can participate in Cleveland Pop Warner's football, cheer and dance programs?
Does my child really have to be at registration?
What happens if we miss all the registrations?
Can we sign up now and pay later?
What is the refund policy?
After I pay my registration fees are there any other expenses involved?
Why do you need my child’s report card?
When and where are practices, and when do they start?
Can my child play football or cheer for the school and Pop Warner at the same time?
Can girls sign up to play football with the boys?
I want all my kids on the same team. Can this be done?
Can I sign up my daughter to cheer for my son’s team?
If my kids are on different teams could they possibly play at different fields at the same time or could one child have the first game in the morning while another has the last game of the day?
Can I help coach?
Football FAQ
When does the season begin and end?
How much time is involved in football?
Isn’t it really hot out in August?
Where are the games?
What is the game schedule?
Is tackle football too rough for my child?
Are the coaches paid employees?
Do we have to buy all the equipment?
What equipment do I need to buy?
How do you select your teams?
When will I know what team my child is on?
Do players ever get cut from the team?
How much will my child play?
What is Certification Day? Does my child have to be there?
What if we can’t make it to Certification Day?
Cheerleading and Dance FAQ
Does my child have to try out for a spot on the squad?
How much time is involved in the cheer program?
Where are the games?
What is the game schedule?
Do we have to buy a uniform?
Will the uniform be brand new?
Is it a problem if my child misses some practices and/or some games?
Can the girls paint their faces with logos and wear sparkle body lotions and makeup?
My daughter wants to be on the same team with all her friends. Is that possible?
If my daughter does not get placed with her friends and no longer wants to participate can we quit and get our money back?
Can my daughter cheer for my son's team?
Can both my daughters be on the same team?
Why can’t my 8 year old and my 12 year old daughters be on the same team?
Registration FAQ
Q) Who can participate in Cleveland Pop Warner's football, cheer and dance programs?
A) Any child age 5-15 who lives in the Cleveland area (McGees Crossroads, Clayton, etc) may participate. We do not hold tryouts, and ALL children play, cheer or dance! Top
Q) Does my child really have to be at registration?
A) YES! Every participant, whether it is flag football, tackle football, dance or cheerleading MUST be at registration with a parent or LEGAL guardian. All football players must be weighed for proper division placement. These age and weight restrictions are mandated and closely scrutinized by Pop Warner National and our League for the safety of all players. All cheer and dance participants will be fitted for uniforms. A photo will be taken of each child for the required photo ID. In our experience, parents who try to guess their child’s weight and/or uniform size are rarely correct. Top
Q) What happens if we miss all the registrations?
A) We will post information on our website about dates, times and locations that we will accept late registrations. This information may be updated daily as our rosters fill and staff availability changes. Late registrations will only be accepted online and there will be a late registration fee added. We may still have room available on a team, but that cannot be guaranteed, and placement is first come, first served. Keep in mind also that any requests to be placed with friends or siblings stand less of a chance of approval with late registrations. Top
Q) Can we sign up now and pay later?
A) Due to the nature of this sport, there are a large number of expenses that must be paid before the season even begins. We are not able to register any child without payment in full at registration time . A child receiving free or reduced lunches through the schools may have their registration fee waived or reduced upon providing documentation to the Treasurer and getting Board approval. Top
Q) What is the refund policy?
A) Refund policy: We recognize that some participants may have to withdraw from Cleveland Pop Warner for various reasons. Any fees paid are nonrefundable except in the following circumstances: 1) The participant withdraws before the first practice and all equipment is returned. 2) The participant withdraws to participate in a school-system program prior to the first game and all equipment is returned. No refunds will be issued under any circumstance after the first game of the season. A $15 administrative fee will be deducted from each registration refunded. All refund requests must be submitted to the Treasurer in writing using the form available on our website at www.clevelandwildcats.com. The completed form may be mailed to CPWA, 65 Glen Road, PMB 163, Garner, NC 27529. Please allow 3-4 weeks for your refund. Top
Q) After I pay my registration fees are there any other expenses involved?
A) Yes. All participants have miscellaneous items that parents are responsible for purchasing, like sock, shoes, etc. Some of these are ordered as a group to take advantage of volume pricing, others are items that can be purchased locally.
All locations for games charge admission. This helps offset the costs of officiating, field usage, etc. Generally, the price is $3 per adult and $1 per child.
All participants in the Junior Pee Wee division and older have the potential to be involved in post-season play. Ultimately, parents are responsible for all transportation, lodging and meals involved. Regionals may be as close as Raleigh or as far as Alabama. Nationals are held each year at Walt Disney World in Florida, with lodging and park pass alone being about $400 per child. CPWA holds fundraisers that go to a central Post-Season Play Fund so that we may ASSIST with these costs (see the Parent & Participant Handbook for the breakdown on who pays what). Again, parents hold final responsibility for these expenses. Top
Q) Why do you need my child’s report card?
A) Pop Warner is a strong believer in academic achievement. Participation in CPWA is a major time commitment on the part of the kids and parents. Children must show the ability to maintain a grade point average high enough in order to be eligible to play. In addition, Pop Warner recognizes academic excellence with the “Little Scholar” program. More information on this program is available on the national website at www.popwarner.com. Top
Q) When and where are practices, and when do they start?
A) Practices can begin as early as August 1st. Starting with the 2008 season, practices will be held at Austin Athletic Park off of Polenta Road. The first two weeks of the season have more practices than our standard schedule due to conditioning requirements. After the first two weeks, generally Flag division practices on Tuesdays & Thursdays (though coaches may opt to add Monday until school starts), and all other divisions practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Practices begin at 6pm, and usually end about 7:30 or 8pm, depending on division. It is important that your child attend practices, as they are part of a team/squad that relies on everyone being up to date on plays/cheers. Top
Q) Can my child play football or cheer for the school and Pop Warner at the same time?
A) No. National Pop Warner rules do not allow for kids to play football (or cheer) on their school team as well as a Pop Warner team. However, in what is the only exception to the refund policy, if your child is trying out for the school team or squad, they may sign up and practice with us until cuts or tryouts are completed. If your child makes the school team or squad, we will issue a refund of the registration fee for that child, minus the $15 non-refundable administration fee. Top
Q) Can girls sign up to play football with the boys?
A) YES! And boys can sign up for cheer and dance. Top
Q) I want all my kids on the same team. Can this be done?
A) If their ages and weights all fall within the guidelines for the same division, yes. Please see the table below for the age/weight matrix. Note that cheer and dance participants are NOT subject to the weight requirements; they are placed solely by age.
Tackle football players are assigned to divisions based on a combination of age and weight as follows. Flag football participants are not subject to weight requirements. Flag is open to ages 5-6-7. (All ages as of July 31, 2009):
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DIVISION & WEIGHT |
AGES |
INCLUSIVE BIRTH DATES |
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FLAG |
5, 6 & 7 year olds |
8/1/01 - 7/31/04 |
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TINY-MITE
(35-75 lb. Regular)
No Older/Lighter |
5, 6 & 7 year olds |
8/1/01 - 7/31/04 |
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MITEY-MITE
(45-90 lbs.)
No Older/Lighter |
7, 8, & 9 year olds |
8/1/99 - 7/31/02 |
|
JR. PEE WEE
(60-105 lbs.)
(60-85 lb. Older/Lighter) |
8, 9 & 10 year. olds
11 year olds |
8/1/98 - 7/31/01
8/1/97 - 7/31/98 |
|
PEE WEE
(75-120 lbs.)
(75-100 lb. Older/Lighter) |
9, 10 & 11 year olds
12 year olds |
8/1/97 - 7/31/00
8/1/96 - 7/31/97 |
|
JR. MIDGET
(85-135 lbs.)
(85-115 lb. Older/Lighter) |
10, 11 & 12 year olds
13 year olds |
8/1/96 - 7/31/99
8/1/95 - 7/31/96 |
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Q) Can I sign up my daughter to cheer for my son’s team?
A) This can be done only if the ages of your children fall within the same division guidelines. See the Age/Weight Matrix above for details. Top
Q) If my kids are on different teams could they possibly play at different fields at the same time or could one child have the first game in the morning while another has the last game of the day?
A) Yes. We have many families with siblings in the program and for those of us who do, we often go different directions for games. You must decide before registering if this will be a hardship for you. Parents are responsible for their children’s transportation to and from practices and games, and parents must be on time for both arrival and pick-up. Top
Q) Can I help coach?
A) Parents interested in coaching may fill out an application at registration. We can always use good coaches to help our children develop. We run background checks on all applicants.
Football FAQ
Q) When does the season begin and end?
A) The season starts August 1 and could go into the third week of November (and if the team goes to Nationals, early December). The game schedule is set by the League, and will be announced as soon as we have it. Top
Q) How much time is involved in football?
A) It is a BIG time commitment on the part of both players and parents. For the first 2 weeks practice is as much as 10 hours per week. After that date, you will have practice 2-3 times a week. Top
Q) Isn’t it really hot out in August?
A) It sure is! It is imperative that your child drinks plenty of water during the football season. This includes the night before practice and during the day before practice. Water is provided at practice, but it is not a substitute for good hydration throughout the day. Top
Q) Where are the games?
A) Home games are played at West Johnston High School and away games could be as close as Garner or as far away as Orange County, Sanford, Northern Durham and Wake Forest, etc. Parents are responsible for all transportation for their children to and from practices and games. Top
Q) What is the game schedule?
A) All regular-season games are scheduled to be played on Saturdays. Generally, the first regular-season game is on the last Saturday of August, though some teams play in a ‘jamboree’ the weekend before. There are games Labor Day weekend. We typically do not receive the game schedule until a couple of days before the first scheduled game, and there are frequent changes made to the schedule immediately after that. We do not have any control over the schedule or when it is disseminated. The regular season usually runs through the first weekend in November for all tackle teams. Top
Q) Is tackle football too rough for my child?
A) Only you and your child can answer this one. CPWA provides training to help ensure that coaches are knowledgeable, well trained individuals with the abilities to teach proper technique and skills. All equipment is inspected and in condition to provide proper safety for all players. But, keep in mind....this is tackle football. It is not a sport for every child. Please discuss this with your child and any of our Board members prior to registering if you have specific concerns. Top
Q) Are the coaches paid employees?
A) Our coaches are all volunteers who donate their time to help our kids. This entire program, from the people who help out on game day on up to the Commissioner, is run by unpaid volunteers who put in a great deal of personal time to make this program available to your children. Top
Q) Do we have to buy all the equipment?
A) No. CPWA provides a uniform, pads, helmet, and one mouthpiece for all tackle players. Flag football players will be issued pants and a jersey. All items issued by CPWA must be returned at the end of the season, with the exception of the mouthpiece. Parents are responsible for additional mouthpieces and other personal items. Top
Q) What equipment do I need to buy?
A) Your child will need to get a pair of football cleats, socks, a practice jersey, a cup and athletic supporter. There may also be other incidental items you wish your child to have, like spare mouthpieces. Top
Q) How do you select your teams?
A) In tackle football there are several divisions. These divisions are determined by age and weight. The tackle divisions are Tiny Mite, Mitey Mite, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Midget and Midget. Flag Division is available for ages 5-7. Details on divisions are available at registration and in the Age/Weight matrix. Top
Q) When will I know what team my child is on?
A) The way Cleveland Pop Warner places children on teams is currently under discussion. Once a decision is made, this answer will be updated. Top
Q) Do players ever get cut from the team?
A) NO! All players who sign up and come to practice will play! Top
Q) How much will my child play?
A) All children will play. Coaches will determine what positions each child is best suited for and as a result some will play more plays than others. Every division has a minimum number of plays that each child must play. This is a national Pop Warner rule. Top
Q) What is Certification Day? Does my child have to be there?
A) Certification Day will take place near the first game of the season. It is the day that all players are placed on a certified roster for their team. YES.........ALL PLAYERS MUST ATTEND!! On this day, all players have their final weigh-in by League officials to make certain they qualify to play in the division they have been placed in. All paperwork must be presented to league officials to verify each child’s age, weight and identification. This is done to comply with safety regulations. All participants must be checked at Certification or they will not play. Top
Q) What if we can’t make it to Certification Day?
A) Certification is mandatory. It is VERY, VERY IMPORTANT!! If your child does not certify, their name will not appear on the teams’ roster and your child will be ineligible to participate for the entire season. This is NOT a CPWA rule. We have no control over this ruling...if you don’t certify.... you don’t play! With that said, the League has held make up dates at their convenience; we cannot guarantee that they will be so gracious every year.
Cheerleading and Dance FAQ
Q) Does my child have to try out for a spot on the squad?
A) NO! Pop Warner national rules do not allow us to hold tryouts of any kind. All children ages 5-15 who sign up will cheer (or dance)! Top
Q) How much time is involved in the cheer program?
A) It is a big time commitment on the part of the kids and the parents. The season begins August 1 and there are practices 2-3 nights per week, every week for about 2 hours each. Games begin at the end of August/beginning of September and are held on Saturdays. Plan on a 4 hour time commitment on Saturdays for games. Top
Q) Where are the games?
A) Home games are played at West Johnston High School and away games could be as close as Garner or as far away as Orange County, Sanford, Northern Durham and Wake Forest, etc. Parents are responsible for all transportation for their children to and from practices and games. Top
Q) What is the game schedule?
A) All regular-season games are scheduled to be played on Saturdays. Generally, the first regular-season game is on the last Saturday of August, though some teams play in a ‘jamboree’ the weekend before. There are games Labor Day weekend. We typically do not receive the game schedule until a couple of days before the first scheduled game, and there are frequent changes made to the schedule immediately after that. We do not have any control over the schedule or when it is disseminated. The regular season usually runs through the first weekend in November for all tackle teams. Top
Q) Do we have to buy a uniform?
A) CPWA provides each cheerleader a uniform, and each dancer a game uniform (dance team parents are responsible for the competition costume). Parents must sign a lease for the use of the cheer uniform, and it must be returned promptly at the end of the season. Generally, dance team game uniforms consist of a t-shirt and skort or similar apparel that is kept by the participant at the end of the season. Parents of cheerleaders are responsible for whatever sleeved undershirt the team is using for cold weather (a turtleneck, for example). Top
Q) Will the uniform be brand new?
A) It may be. Our cheer uniforms are less than 5 years old, and new ones are purchased as needed. Dance team participants’ game uniforms are new each year, as the dancers retain them at the end of the season. Top
Q) Is it a problem if my child misses some practices and/or some games?
A) The short answer is yes. Cheerleading, particularly in competition squads, is not just for glamour anymore. It is a difficult sport and a team effort, as the girls will be doing routines, lifts and stunts. When people do not show up for practices, often the entire workout has to be revamped if the stunts or routines to be practiced cannot be done without the missing people. If a girl misses a practice she may not know how to perform the routine or stunt properly. If the girl is on a competition squad, she may be removed from stunt sequences for safety reasons, as we will not compromise the safety of any of our participants. As you might imagine, when girls are told they must be left out of a stunt sequence, they aren’t very happy. Also, coaches may be forced to rework entire segments of the routine to accommodate the changes, which costs valuable time and puts the entire squad at a disadvantage for competition. All participants need to make every effort to be available for the entire season. Top
Q) Can the girls paint their faces with logos and wear sparkle body lotions and makeup?
A) The cheerleaders are allowed to wear suitable makeup if the parents allow it, but glitter and facepaint are not allowed. Top
Q) My daughter wants to be on the same team with all her friends. Is that possible?
A) You may make a request at the time of registration, and your request will be noted on the form by staff. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY REQUESTS. Ages of divisions overlap slightly and in order to have the numbers necessary for each squad, we may not be able to accommodate everyone. See the Age/Weight Matrix for details on ages and divisions. Please note that weight is not used in the placement of cheerleaders - only age. Top
Q) Can my daughter cheer for my son's team?
A) You may make this request at the time of registration. If the children qualify to be in the same division, we will do what we can to make this possible. Top
Q) Can both my daughters be on the same team?
A) You may make this request at the time of registration. If the children qualify to be in the same division per the Age/Weight matrix, we will do what we can to make this possible. Please note that weight is not used in the placement of cheerleaders - only age. Top
Q) Why can’t my 8 year old and my 12 year old daughters be on the same team?
A) Each division has an age range for participants that is set by Pop Warner at the national level and is not negotiable. This is done for the safety and manageability of the squads. There can be large differences in ability and maturity in the age groups, and if the ages differ too much on a squad, it becomes difficult to manage the team. The younger girls do not have the attention span or physical capabilities to keep up with the older girls and this causes discipline problems for the coach and unhappiness and incompatibility among the girls. Also, when it comes to stunting, the sheer difference in size between the ages is a safety issue. Please see the Age/Weight matrix for the divisional breakdown in ages. Note that weight is not used in the placement of cheerleaders - only age. Top
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