FAQ

Yes. There is no prior experience required. On the younger aged teams, many of the players have had no prior football or cheer-leading experience. As the age of the player increases, generally the players or cheerleaders with no experience will decrease. Check this page for the official age/weight chart to get an idea of where your son/daughter may play.

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Where do I have to live in order for my child to play?

Click HERE for the North Association boundary map or E-mail info@pwnorth.org for any clarification.

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What do I need to bring when I sign up?

An original and a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
A copy of your most recent utility bill (either gas, water or electric and it MUST be in the name of a legal parent/guardian).
The child must be present for photo ID.
A full and complete 2009/2010 report card.

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When will out head coach contact us?

In most cases in early July.

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How long does the season last?

The season begins August 2, 2010 with preconditioning. The first game of the season is Saturday, August 28, 2010 and continues into October. There is the potential for the season to continue into December if your team is successful and advances on to the National Championship games held in Florida.

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How many days/hours do the players practice?

5 days a week during for the first 3 weeks, and depending on the division your player is in. After the first 3 weeks of August, the practice schedule will change to 2 to 3 days a week.

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Where are practices held?

At various community parks and elementary schools within our boundaries.

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What if we already have a vacation scheduled for August?

Please discuss this with your Head Coach as soon as possible. Regular attendance is crucial during August due to the fundamental instruction and mandatory conditioning that takes place during the first 2 weeks of August. It is also imperative that your player be at these early season practices so that he can participate in the MANDATORY certification process, which will enable him to play on a given team. Practice throughout the season is critical, and we encourage all families to give strong consideration to their vacation schedule after the 1st of August.

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How many games will be played?

Currently, the Arizona Federation has set the regular season at 7 games. Additional games will be played for playoffs. Check back for an update as the number of playoff games has not been determined at this time.

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When and where are games played?

All games are on Saturdays. Home games are played at Thunderbird or Boulder Creek High Schools. Away games will vary by location our conference covers South East Valley, Cave Creek / Carefree, Chandler, South Mountain, Gilbert, West Valley, Gila River, Scottsdale, Desert West, North Phoenix, Queen Creek, Laveen and Buckeye

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Is that true that football coaches are constantly yelling at the players?

No. While coaches will yell from time to time, it should never be in a derogatory way. The game of football is intense, loud, and the players are wearing helmets which limit their ability to hear everything clearly. To that end, a coach will yell, but again, never in a derogatory manner. We insist that the coaches make playing football a positive experience for the players. The use of profanity is absolutely forbidden and coaches are never allowed to address a player in a belittling fashion. Any violations by coaches, which are reported, will be investigated and handled by our Board of Directors

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Who does the scheduling of the games?

The Arizona Pop Warner Federation. HERE is their contact information.

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Is there a refund policy if my player changes his mind and decides not to play?

No, North Association does not give refunds. In very rare cases due to injury or illness (only during the first two weeks of practice), a credit voucher for the following season may be issued. Approval of said voucher will be determined by the Board of Directors. All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing with a live signature to Box 42357, Phoenix AZ 85080.

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Why must I furnish a copy of my child’s report cards?

It is a Pop Warner Federation rule that each participant provides proof of scholastic fitness in order to be on a roster and participate. It also qualifies those eligible, to participate in local and national award ceremonies. Report cards must be turned in by the first day of practice. Be sure to save all current school year report cards.

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Is a baptismal or hospital birth certificate sufficient to prove my child’s age?

No. The only acceptable proof of age is a certified county birth certificate or a passport.

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Why must my child have a physical & release form?

AZYFF (Arizona Youth Football Federation) rules mandate that each participate is physically cleared to participate in our program. Please be sure to discuss any medical issues (i.e. asthma, allergy to bee stings, etc..) with your Head Coach prior to the season starting.

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What is Certification?

Certification of all participants takes place after the second week of conditioning in August. A Pop Warner official will conduct an official weigh in where each player must weigh in at a weight within the limits for the division that he/she is participating in. Certification takes place in a neutral location, and may be held at a location that is within a member association’s boundaries. The location is determined by the association that can provide a location capable of processing over 1,000 players in a day, and providing the many, necessary volunteers to provide a smooth certification process. Travel will likely be required by all teams to the certification site. If a player is found to not be within their division limits due to age and/or weight, then they will be moved to the appropriate division. Each team has a book that contains all player information (contract, proof of age, picture, medical release, etc) in individual sleeves. The book is checked and approved by a Pop Warner official at a later time in August. The last piece of Certification is scholastic fitness (report cards). All participants must be scholastically eligible to participate (2.0 GPA).

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What equipment must I supply?

Family Responsibility: Players must purchase the required athletic supporter, socks and football cleats. Compression shorts are allowed in place of an athletic supporter. Footwear are to be rubber molded cleat shoes. Steel, aluminum, hard rubber, or nylon with metal cap cleats are not permitted.

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Does my son or daughter have to return their equipment at the end of the season?

Unless otherwise notified by your Coach all equipment given to your son or daughter must be returned. Do not abuse the uniforms or equipment. In particular, do not cut off the bottom or sleeves of a practice jersey. Also, do not permanently attach a name to any piece of North Association issued gear (e.g., iron on letters or permanent marker). Practice Jerseys and other league equipment is returned at the end of each season. Any equipment with a players name permanently affixed to North Association gear will be charged the current replacement cost of that item.

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What fees are involved?

The Registration Fee is standard for all Pop Warner participants and is due at the time of registration. The Association Fee is set based upon the costs involved with operating our football and cheer programs and is due when you pick up the equipment.

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What does my registration and association fees cover?

These fees are used to offset the costs associated with uniforms, games and field and referee costs.

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How can I make a donation to the program?

We have a sponsorship program designed to recognize individuals or businesses for donations. For more information please contact the Business Manager of your team. Check our Documents page for the sponsorship form.

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How much volunteer time is expected from parents?

As much as possible would be appreciated. There are many opportunities where you can help to make the sport more enjoyable for your son or daughter. Such things as chain gang duty, field set up/take down, spotter duty, etc... Please see your Coach of team Manager for areas you can help out.

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Why must parents participate so much?

Because we are a volunteer organization and it can only be done by your participation.

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Can anyone be a Head Coach?

No. Anyone wishing to participate as a head coach is required to submit an application and successfully pass an interview conducted by the Board of Directors.

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Can I request a certain Coach or Team?

No. Individuals will be placed on a team according to their weight and age.

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What happens if my child misses practice?

If a child misses one or more practices during the week, they may have limited or no play time in that week’s game. This is a safety and commitment issue not only for your child, but for the rest of the team. However, each Head Coach sets their own policy and commitment on absences.

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Is it mandatory to fundraise?

Fundraising is done for North Association and for the individual teams. Any fundraising, outside of the North Association fundraiser, at the team level, goes towards each team’s individual party at the end of the season. Each team’s Head Coach and Business Manager decides how they want to fundraise for the individual team with board approval.

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Who can I talk to if I have a question about football registration?

Our home page has an E-mail link for your questions.

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How are volunteers screened?

Pop Warner dictates that all volunteers (coaches, team moms, and anyone who will have direct contact with the children) must pass a background check. These checks are run annually prior to the start of the season.

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I would like to view a copy of North Association's budget

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Who can I talk to if I have a complaint?

There are plenty of people who are willing to listen! Always start with your Head Coach. The Head Coach has the final authority on how his team is run provided that he is operating under the rules of the local Conference. If you are unable to discuss the issue with your Head Coach contact one of the Board members. Their contact information can be located on our website under the Board tab.

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