When does the Pop Warner Football season start and end?
Our season begins for all divisions on August 1st. The season ends Thanksgiving weekend when all our teams play their final game in our Annual Citrus Bowl. For all the teams, with the exception of the mighty mites, there may be one additional game the first weekend in December, where if eligible, may be in Laughlin, Las Vegas or North San Diego.
How many games are played in a season?
Each team will have at least 2 preseason scrimmages, 7 regular season games, and 1 Bowl game. That's a minimum of 10 games in a season. For those teams that qualify, there will be additional playoff games, and Bowl games giving them an opportunity to play up to 13 games. But wait, there's more! Teams that qualify to play in the Pop Warner National Championships in Orlando, Florida will get an opportunity to play an additonal 3 more games. That's up to 16 games in one season!
I heard that cheerleading is now competitive, is this true?
Yes it is true and we couldn't be more happier that it is. Our cheerleaders will now get the same attention as do our football players. In addition to cheering and performing at all the football games, our cheer squads will now compete in local, conference, and regional cheer competitions and will have the opportunity to qualify to compete for the National Cheerleading Championship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
My child has never played tackle football before, Will he/she be okay?
Over half of the boys and girls who sign up have had no prior experience. Our coaches take this into consideration during the conditioning and initial instruction period throughout August. This is one of the reasons why it is important for your child to attend every practice.
We always take vacation in August. Is this going to be a problem?
Absolutely! In the past it was acceptable for a child to miss one week in August but with the advancement of the game and cheer routines it is vital to what your child will learn that he/she attend every regularly scheduled practice. We understand the committment and sacrifice your family has to make but prompt, consistant attendance is critical. August is when the fundamental instruction takes place and each athlete must put in mandatory conditioning hours before they can advance to the next stage of instruction. Most boys and girls who miss even one week of practice in August, find it difficult to catch up in time for the first game of the season.
When and where are practices and the games played?
Practice begins on August 1st for all divisions including cheerleaders. Practices will be held Monday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at Bonita High School in La Verne throughout the month of August up to Labor Day Weekend. After Labor Day there will be two practices during the week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 to 8:15 .pm. and one Saturday practice either 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Games are played every Sunday beginning Labor Day weekend. Game times are 9:30 a.m.,11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Normally each team will play four home games and four away games. Game schedules are issued by Mt. Baldy Football Conference. Home games will be played at either Bonita High School Stadium or San Dimas High School Stadium. Away games could be at any city within our conference.
What equipment will I need to buy for my child?
La Verne San Dimas Pop Warner will provide all the necessary equipment with the exception of football cleats, athletic supporter, insert pad girdle, and mouth piece for football players, shoes for cheerleaders. All of the equipment we issue to our players is NOCSAE approved and is either reconditioned and recertified or replaced every year. Player are provided on a loan only basis, helmet, shoulder pads, hip, tail, thigh and knee pads. Practice jersey and pants, game jersey and pants, practice and game belt and game socks. Cheerleaders will receive cheer uniform, practice tee and shorts, pom poms, game socks, and bloomers.
How do I determine which team my child will play on and can I request a certain team?
The division/team your child will play in is dependent on his/her age and weight as of July 31st. Player placement is left to the descretion of the League President and Certication Chairperson, sorry, request for player placement will not be accepted. It is our policy that a player be placed in the lowest division for which they are eligible. Below is the Mt. Baldy Football Conference weight/age chart:
Gladiators and Barbarians (Mighty Mites) ages 7-8-9, 45 to 90 lbs
Spartans and Vulcans (Junior Pee Wees) ages 8-9-10, 60 to 105 lbs or 11*, 60 to 85 lbs
Lancers (Pee Wees) ages 9-10-11, 75 to 120 lbs or 12*, 75 to 100 lbs
Romans (Junior Midgets) ages 10-11-12, 85 to 135 lbs or 13*, 85 to 115 lbs
Trojans (Midgets) ages 11-12-13-14, 105 to 160 lbs or 15*, 105 to 140 lbs
*qualified older/lighter participant
Players will be allowed to gain one pound per week after the first game.
Are there tryouts or cuts?
We accept the first thirty five players per division who sign up regardless of their playing experience and ability(baring any medical reason that may prohibit participation) We will not cut a player in order to make room for another.
Is my child guaranteed playing time?
Mt. Baldy conference will play under the National Rules Sliding Scale Mandatory Play Rule. The sliding scale is as followed:
16-25 eligible players 10 plays minimum
26-30 eligible players 8 plays minimum
31-35 eligible players 6 plays minimum
The Mighty Mite Division sliding scale is as followed:
16-25 eligible players 10 plays minimum
26-35 eligible players 8 plays minimum
Eligible players are those that will play in that weeks games excluding injured, suspended, or disciplined players.
Kick Offs, Kick Off Returns and Extra Point Attempts do not count towards the minimum play rule. Every one of our coaches has been instructed regarding the minimum play rule and must comply or face possible suspension or removal from the Association.
What happens if our plans change- can we get a refund?
It is the policy of La Verne San Dimas Pop Warner Football Association that no refund, full or partial, is given once your child has taken the field to practice after July 31st. Full or partial refunds will only be considered if your child has not taken the field after July 31st or your child does not certify with their team due to illness or injury. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Association within thirty days after resignation. All refunds will be subject to Board Approval. All approved refunds will be subject to an Administrative Fee..
