1 - I'm registered, now what?
Teams are formed after July 25th. Your coach will call you by July 28th and let you know where your practice location is. If you have any outstanding paperwork, you must turn it in on the first day of practice. Don't wait to get into shape, start now! The first few weeks are tough and HOT! Please prepare yourself. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!
2 - What do I need to buy?
North Central Pop Warner will provide all of the equipment you need, however you will need to purchase compression shorts and football cleats for tackle and flag participants. You will need these items for the first practice. Players requiring glasses must purchase approved CLEAR sports glasses (no tint or transitional lenses) on a head fitting keeper strap.
3 - When does practice start and what is the schedule?
Tackle and cheer practice begins August 1st. From August 1st until August 21st, we practice Monday - Friday from 6pm-8pm. Starting August 25th, we practice Tuesday and Thursday of each week until the end of the season. Tiny Mite practice begins August 1st and they will follow the same schedule except they will not practice on Thursdays or Fridays.
4 - When do the games start, and when is the last regular season game?
First game is August 29th. The last regular season/playoff games is October 31st with the State Championship and Regional games to be held in November.
5 - When do they play?
We only play on Saturdays. The first game starts at 8am, and are scheduled according by division, with the younger divisions playing first. You must arrive no later than 90 minutes before your game time to warm up and go through the team weigh in. Your player may not play in the game if they do not participate in the team weigh in, so it is VERY important they arrive on time or arrange for transportation.
6 - Do we travel?
Your team will play at the home field approximately half of the games, your team will also travel to the other association's home fields.
7 - Who referees the games?
The tackle divisions, we only use AIA certified referees.
8 - What about medics?
We have a certified trainer or EMT on site for all games and have strict protocols for injuries and potential injuries. Once injured, a participant must be cleared by the trainer or medic before they may continue in the game. In case of a suspected concussion to a player or cheer participant, a Neurologist from the Mayo clinic will be on call each Saturday throughout the season, but we recommend taking your athlete to the closest urgent care or available hospital facility to be evaluated and appropriate treatment /precautions to begin as soon as possible
9 - Are fundraising and sponsorships needed?
Yes. The registration fees cover only part of the expenses and each team has an assessment that must be paid, as well as team end of season expenses. We are the only youth football organization that provides certified equipment to our athletes and thus other funds still must be covered. The additional dollars also cover extras such as personalized jerseys and other equipment.