Like such organizations as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), Pop Warner has academic guidelines and criteria that need to be met in order for a child to participate - and is the only national youth sports organization in America with such requirements.
We believe that the standards we have set give these children a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for academics and athletics that will help them develop later on in life.
SCHOLASTIC FITNESS: NATIONAL POLICY
Proof of satisfactory progress in school is required. A 70% and/or 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) or the equivalent shall be the minimum grade point average acceptable to participate.
We understand that not all student-athletes are able to meet our scholastic requirements at the time of team certification at the beginning of the season. If a child does not meet the requirements of scholastic fitness, he/she may fill out and submit a Scholastic Eligibility Form. This form must be accompanied by an improving progress report or report card to be eligible for play after the mid-season deadline.
In cases of doubt, conflict of opinion, or if a valid report card is not submitted, the nationally published Scholastic Eligibility Form shall be used and deemed final.
NOTE: This rule as it relates to scholastic grades may not be made more stringent by any team, association, or league, as other rules may be. No local team/squad may be allowed to participate in Regional/National sponsored championships or bowl games if it has not met the nationally published scholastic requirements.
All American Scholar Criteria
Each year, the most academically accomplished Pop Warner kids compete for Academic All-American status. This process begins at the association level and up through each of the eight Pop Warner regions to the national level.
In 2014 over 325,000 kids participated in Pop Warner. As our numbers once again reached record levels, a record numbers of All-American Scholar applications were once again submitted to us...more than 9,700 applications!
The Pop Warner All-American Program requires a minimum 96% grade point average to apply. After the applications have been processed, Pop Warner determines National First Team All-Americans (35 football, 35 cheer per grade), National Second Team All-Americans and National Honorable Mention Scholars.
To be eligible, students must be in the 5th grade or above, thus submitting a prior 4th grade or above report card. To qualify for regional scholarships, students must be in the 8th grade or above.