Pop Warner Football

Mandatory Play Rule (MPR) & Procedures

All Pop Warner Football Players MUST obtain a set number of plays during the course of each game (Preseason, regular, or playoffs) Before the start of the 4^th quarter.

The number plays each player is required to have at the start of the 4^th quarter is based on the number of participants playing or dressed in each game. NOT the based number of Rostered players.

Every year each organization will ask for the volunteers to help out on the sideline by “Monitoring” the MPR. However, most Volunteers and evens some coaches do not know the mandatory Play rule or dispute what plays count, when players have to go into the game, etc. This guide has been created to assist your monitors with the MPR and to reduce the number of disputes and sideline confrontations during the course of the game.

MPR FQA (Frequently Asked Questions)

1.      Can a parent monitor while their child is playing?

A.     NO!! only the Organization Board members or coaches should monitor or either side of the field.

2.      How many plays does each one of the players need to comply with the MPR?

The number of players each team has playing for that game is indicated on the MPR Sheet. Don’t count players who are not playing that week.

3.      How do I fill out the MPR sheet?

As a monitor, you are only requiring to fill in an X in each box on the MPR Sheet representing each play on a player has participated in. Ince a player has completed the MPR requirement, you no longer have to mark the boxes for them.

Once all players have completed the MPR, Print and Sign your name & phone number where it says Monitor Signature at the bottom of the sheet. Remember, you should take the signed MPR sheet from the opposing team with you and give it to your Organization rep! DO NOT leave the sheet with the team you just monitored!

4.      What do I do if the opposing team doesn’t send over a Monitor?

When the game starts there should be two monitors on each sideline, one from each team. If the opposing team does not send someone over at the start of the game, begin marking your players off as the game progresses as if there were another monitor. The rule is designed so all the players will get their required playing time. Remember your HONSESTY and integrity is at stake and you would be cheating a child out of his/her required playing time. If this happens, your Head Coach could be brought in for a hearing with your league.

5.      What plays count towards the MPR?

All plays from the line of scrimmage, including punts, count towards a players MPR requirement. However, the following plays do not count towards MPR required Plays.

These plays DO NOT count towards the MPR:

·         Intentionally “spiking “the ball

·         Taking a knee

·         Kick offs & Kick returns

·         Extra points (Offense/Defense)

·         Plays where a penalty results in the down being re-played

6.      When do my players have to have the MPR completed?

By the end of the game the required MPR plays must be met. At the start of the 4^th quarter all players not having their minimum play requirement met regardless of the score, who has possession of the ball or where the ball is on the field, MUST enter the game and remain in the game until that player has completed the MPR requirements, even if there are plays that don’t count towards the MPR. These players can not be substituted until they have completed the MPR. This also includes plays not counted towards the minimum play rule, such as kickoffs and extra points.

Also is a player is injured and have not return or is ejected during the course of the game, write in the word, “Injured” or ejected after the last “X” box.

7.      What do I do if a coach refuses to enter all of his players at the start of the 4^th quarter?

The monitor should notify the “head game official” and note it on the MPR sheet and have your organization rep call Gerald Hairston (football commissioner) 908-875-3623 and send the sheet to [email protected] within 24 hours.

8.      What do I do with the sheet when it is completed?

As stated in rule # 3, the opposing team will take each other’s MPR sheet. Team ‘s sheet goes to Team B and vice versa. The MPR sheet should be turned into the Head coach. Football AD or team president, or whoever has been designated as the person handling the MPR sheet for your organization. If you are not sure who that person is, please check with your head coach. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO LEAVE THE SHEET WITH OPPSING TEAM!