In an effort to help both new and returning Poway Pop Warner families better understand the Poway Pop Warner program, we have published the following most frequently asked questions.
Registration Fees for the 2025 Season are as follows:
Flag Football: $180.00
Flag Cheer: $320.00
Tackle Football: $480.00
Cheer: $540.00
Sibling Discount $30.00
Q: What is the “REFUND POLICY” in Poway Pop Warner?
A: All requests for refunds must be in writing to the Board. Refunds shall be made (or not made) in strict accordance with the REFUND POLICY as written in the Poway Pop Warner Policies & Procedures which can be found below or by selecting ADMIN PAGE on this website. Participation fees will be reviewed and assessed by the PPW board prior to season start based on the associations operating budget. All registrants, both football and cheer, may apply for a refund of up to 50% of the paid registration fee prior to June 15. Fifty percent (50%) of the registration fee is non-refundable. A $25.00 processing fee will apply on all refunds. No refunds shall be authorized/issued on or after June 15. **Military families who are unable to maintain participation in PPW at any time due to their obligation(s) to the US Military are entitled to a full refund at any time, if required. A copy of the reassignment orders shall be required to process this type of refund.
Q: What does my child get for the registration fee?
Only a portion of the registration fees we charge each participant cover these expenses. What monies we raise in our fundraising efforts and from generous donations help us to subsidize the remaining costs. The cost factors within our organization are:
Helping youth participate in PPW is important to us. PPW offers financial assistance up to 50% of fees and link parents to resources such as Children in Need (http://www.childreninneedsd.org) that offers assistance to families for extracurricular activities.
When does the season begin and end?
Typically practices begin July 15. The first (pre-season) game is generally on the last Saturday of August. Regular season games begin the next week and run for 10 consecutive weeks. Flag seasons end in late October as Flag participants play 8 games. Tackle Football teams and cheer squads that qualify for bowl games, regional championships or cheer competitions may be active through early December if they reach the National Championship level.
Q: Where are the practices held?
A: Specific practice times will be provided by your Head Coach just as soon as they have been finalized. Practice times are scheduled between 5:00 & 9:00, depending on your head coach and field availability. Your Head Coach will also provide this information to all families at his or her team meeting.
Q. Does Poway Pop Warner Advertise?
A. Yes. Each year before and during registration PPW puts out banners and signs. And we encourage word of mouth from current and past families.
Q: How are Head Coaches selected?
A: Head coaches are elected every year. Association approval is required for all coaches, returning or not, prior to each season. To be a coach in PPW is a privilege, not a lifetime job, and previous coaching experience does not guarantee a coaching position for the upcoming season.
Note: Keep in mind that while a winning record is nice to have, team records do not play a part in the Head Coach Selection process.
Please note: It is VERY important that all players and cheerleaders (with help from their parents) complete the Coaches Survey when it is received. All ratings and comments should be based on the season and not just one event
Q: What qualifications or certifications are Head Coaches required to have?
A: All Head Coaches, staff and Board Members must pass a thorough background check. The Head Coach and one additional staff member must be certified in First Aid/CPR. Football coaches must be certified by Heads Up Football. Cheer coaches must be certified by YCADA (Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance). Certification is obtained by attending mandatory West Coast Conference coaching clinics and by taking on-line courses.
Q. What is Poway Pop Warner doing to keep players safe and reduce concussions?
Q: Before practice starts, how will I know what’s going on and what I have to do next?
A: The next events that will happen after registration are:
Q. What is Little Scholars and how can we participate?
A. Every player in Poway Pop Warner is involved in our Little Scholars program. We require each participant to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0/70% or a C average, which is verified by the year end report card. If a participants does not have a 2.0/70% GPA to meet the requirements of scholastic fitness a Scholastic Eligibility Form is needed.
The National Little Scholars program is a recognition program that is sponsored by Pop Warner. To qualify, a GPA of 96% or above and a completed application is needed. National Little Scholars are chosen by national and announced April 1.
Q: How can my team raise money for travel or the end of season team party?
A: Team funds can be collected by team sponsorships or by team fundraising (in strict accordance with the Poway Pop Warner Policies & Procedures). Teams will also have the opportunity to run a concession day at Poway High during home games. All money earned will be credited to the team. Further information will be shared at the Mandatory Team Parent Meeting held during the first week of August.
Q: What is the “Player/Cheerleader Still Photo & Video Release” clause I read on one of the required registration forms?
A: You are giving permission to Pop Warner to take and publish images of your son/daughter in local newspapers, team highlight videos, and on our own website for the sole purpose of promoting both local and regional participation in Pop Warner and to recognize outstanding academic and team achievement.
Q: If my son or daughter is injured during a practice or game, does Pop Warner insurance pay for any required medical care?
A: Pop Warner medical insurance is secondary to all other family medical insurance. During home games we have an EMT that will provide emergency first aid at no cost.
