TACKLE FOOTBALL & CHEER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Why does registration cost so much?

LMHPW is a non-profit, run entirely by volunteers, including all coaches and board members. Registration fees help cover the essential costs required to operate a safe and compliant program. These expenses include:

• Maintenance and replacement of helmets, pads, uniforms, and equipment
• Annual helmet certification/testing
• Field rental and maintenance
• Storage facilities
• Field lights and utilities
• Insurance
• Game officials
• West Coast Conference fees
• CPR certification and coaching clinics
• Basic picture packets for football players and cheerleaders

Teams may also conduct additional fundraising, which goes directly to that team.

2. What equipment is provided, and what must families purchase?

Provided by LMHPW:

• Game jersey
• Game pants
• LMHPW spirit wear
• Additional team-issued items as available

Families must purchase:

• Certified helmet (must be recertified yearly by the manufacturer)
• Shoulder pads
• Practice pants
• Cleats (no metal)
• Jock strap or compression shorts
• Compression shirt
• 7‑pad girdle
• Mouthpiece (spares recommended)
• Socks

A mandatory Gear Distribution Day is held prior to the start of practice in July.
Players and at least one parent must attend. Players are responsible for maintaining all issued equipment.

3. How is my child placed on a team?

Player placement follows both WCC and LMHPW guidelines.
Key points:

• All registered, non-waitlisted players are guaranteed a roster spot.
• Pre‑season conditioning evaluations help coaches place athletes appropriately.
• Drafts may be used to ensure balanced and competitive teams.
• Players are placed in the lowest eligible division based on age for safety and competition balance.
• If a division has enough players to form more than one team, additional evaluations or drafts may occur.
• National-level teams take priority.
• Team assignments are final after certification in August.

4. Who will be my child's coach?

All coaches are volunteers.
Head Coaches:

• Must interview with the Football Director and Executive Board
• Will contact families once rosters are released
• Host a pre-season team meeting to introduce coaching staff and share important season information

If you'd like to volunteer as a Head Coach or Assistant Coach, email:
📧 [email protected]

Required for all volunteers:

• Sexual Offender Registry check
• Criminal background check
  This applies to: Board Members, Coaches, Team Parents, Business Managers, etc.

5. How much will my child play?

Pop Warner enforces a Minimum Play Rule (MPR):

• Players who attend all practices must receive 8–12 plays per game (depending on roster size).
• Most games have 40–60 plays total.

Coaches determine playing time based on:

• Effort
• Skill and performance
• Practice attendance
• Experience
• Safety

First-year players may have reduced playing time while learning foundational skills.

6. Why must I submit a school report card?

Pop Warner requires all athletes to meet academic standards:

• Minimum 2.0 GPA (70%)
• Players with a 96% GPA or higher (grades 5 and above) may be recognized as Little Scholars

Families will be contacted if their athlete qualifies for an academic award.

7. How often will my child practice?

Before Labor Day:

• Up to 10 hours per week
• No more than 2.5 hours per day
• Typically 5 days per week starting July 15
• First two weeks = 20 hours mandatory conditioning
  • Athletes cannot participate in contact drills until 10 conditioning hours are completed

After Labor Day:

• 4 days per week, up to 6 total hours

During the regular season:

• 3 practices per week
• 1 game each Saturday

Please schedule vacations before July 15 to avoid missing mandatory conditioning.

8. How long is the season?

• Start: July 15
• End: Late November
• Teams advancing to Regionals or Nationals may play through mid‑December

Important pre‑season dates (team meetings & equipment issue) may occur before July 15.

9. Will my child travel for games?

Yes. LMHPW competes with teams across the West Coast Conference, including:
Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, La Costa Canyon, Murrieta Valley, Oceanside, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, Scripps Ranch, Temecula Valley, Torrey Pines, Valley Center, Vista, Lakeside, Santee, San Carlos, Rancho Hills, Skyline, Point Loma, El Cajon, Imperial Valley.

Game schedules & field locations are posted on Zorts and team apps throughout the season.
Schedules are set by WCC, not LMHPW.

10. How will I receive communication?

Before practice begins, coaches must hold a team meeting.
A board member will attend each meeting.

Each team will have:

• A Business Manager
• A Team Mom

Communication will include:

• Contact & team app info
• Fundraising details
• Coaching philosophy
• Discipline & attendance policies
• Practice schedules
• Minimum Play Rule review
• Parent Code of Conduct
• Equipment care guidelines

11. Could my child travel for tournaments or championships?

Yes. Opportunities include:

• Regional Championships (hosted by WCC)
• National Championships in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World
• Additional invitational events such as Las Vegas tournaments

Families are responsible for travel costs, though fundraising may reduce expenses.

12. What if my child has other activities during practice or games?

Football requires a significant commitment. Missing practices affects safety, readiness, and playing time.
Please avoid scheduling other activities during:

• Mandatory conditioning (first 2 weeks)
• Regular practices
• Games

Vacations should be scheduled before the season begins.

If you have any additional questions, we’re here to help!
Thank you,
LMHPW Board of Directors