SYFCA Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign my child up for SYFCA?
Registration for Shrewsbury Pop Warner is usually held in March and April of
each year at
What do I need to bring with me to Registration?
Why do you need a copy of my child’s birth certificate?
Pop Warner certifies each child’s age by their birth certificate.
What else does my child need prior to the first practice?
Every child is required to submit a copy of their current year end report card
and a Physical Form, completed by your child’s doctor, which must be turned in
on Equipment Hand-Out Day, which is held in July at
Why do we need to submit our child’s year end report card?
Pop Warner considers academic achievement to be extremely important for all our
youth. We must ensure that your child is doing well enough in school so that football
or cheer does not interfere with their studies. To ensure this, proof of
satisfactory progress in school is required. A 2.0/70% or the equivalent shall
be the minimum grade point average acceptable to participate. In cases of doubt
or conflict of opinion, a written statement by the school administration shall
be deemed final. Please visit the Little Scholars page for more information.
Why does my child need to submit a physical?
Safety of the children is our primary concern. A physical completed by your
child’s doctor or clinic is the only way we have to know that your child is
healthy enough to engage in the physical demands of football and cheer. Pop
Warner requires every participant to have a physical prior to the start of the
season. The form to be used is provided by Central Mass Pop Warner and is
handed out at registration.
What are the
Age & Weight Requirements for football?
Age and weight requirements for the 2008
Season:
|
Division Name |
Ages |
Certification Weight ange |
End of Season Max |
|
Tiny Mite |
|
35-75 lbs |
84 lbs |
|
Mitey Mites |
|
45-90 lbs |
99 lbs |
|
Junior
Pee Wee Older
lighter |
*11 |
60-105
lbs 60-85
lbs |
114
lbs 94
lbs |
|
Pee Wee Older lighter
|
*12 |
75-120 lbs *75-100 lbs |
129 lbs 109 lbs |
|
Junior
Midget Older
Lighter |
*13 |
85-135
lbs 85-115
lbs |
144
lbs 124
lbs |
|
Midget Older
Lighter |
11-12-13-14 *15 |
105-160
lbs 105-140
lbs |
169
lbs 149
lbs |
* The asterisked (*) provisions in each division allow the
so-called "older but lighter" player to also qualify. The last year
of eligibility falls under more stringent weight restrictions, per above.
* A child's age on July 31 is his/her age for the season. A player may gain 1
pound per week after the second game, up to a maximum of 9 pounds.
There are no weight requirements for cheer; however the age
requirements for cheer follow the same scale as for football.
Do I need to buy my own equipment and uniforms?
No — Shrewsbury Pop Warner provides the following equipment for football
players:
Players may also opt to purchase their own mouthpiece — please
note: white or clear mouthpieces are not allowed. Of course, they will also
need a pair of cleats and a girdle. At the end of the season, the players are
required to return all of the equipment that was handed out to them:
What about Cheer Uniforms?
Shrewsbury Pop Warner provides the following items for cheerleaders:
Cheerleaders will be required to purchase their cheer shoes, which
run approximately $35 — $40 and will be available for order during Cheer
Uniform Fitting Day. At the end of the season, cheerleaders are required to
return items issued except the briefs:
There will be a fee charged for any damaged, or unreturned,
equipment and/or uniforms.
When does the season start?
Practices begin August 1st with mandatory conditioning, which usually runs 5
days a week, Monday through Friday for the entire month. The first pre-season
game is usually the first Sunday of September with the Regular season starting
the Sunday after Labor Day. Once school starts, practices drop back to 3 days
per week, with games on Saturdays or Sundays. The regular season continues
through the second week of November, with Playoff Games, Bowl Games and
Invitational Games running through the end of November. As well, cheer will be
competing locally, and possibly regionally, through the end of November. If a
team or squad advances to Nationals, the season can extend into the first two
weeks of December.
What is “mandatory conditioning”?
During the first two weeks of practice, or the first 20 hours, the players
“condition” with only helmets and mouthpieces. The main purpose is to get the
kids into shape, used to running and exerting the level of energy required,
prior to placing them in pads. This is also the time that they are introduced
to football fundamentals, proper tackling techniques, hitting, passing, and
receiving drills.
Cheerleaders are also required to meet the 20 hours conditioning
period, during which time they will be building endurance and learning the
different cheers, routines, stunting, basing, lifts, cradles, etc.
We want to take a vacation; does my child have to come to all
the practices in August?
Yes, it is very important that your child attend all the practices during the
month of August. As mentioned above, this is when the players are introduced to
the fundamentals of football, proper tackling techniques, hitting, passing, and
receiving drills. They are also evaluated for positions during this time, and
introduced to the team’s playbook. If your child goes on vacation and misses
practices, he/she will fall behind his team-mates. Football is a team sport and
it takes 11 players executing their jobs to make each play work. Everyone must
be on the same page in order for the team to be successful. While the time
commitment is extensive, the rewards are even greater and it teaches your child
the value of teamwork and respect — please plan your
vacations around it.
The same goes for Cheer. During the month of August the
cheerleaders also condition. This is the time that they learn the cheers,
routines, stunting, basing, lifts, cradles, etc. It is also the time when
assessments take place, and cheerleaders are placed in their positions for the
season, including the competitive routine. Each squad depends on every girl to
execute their position.
What time and where do they practice?
Practices are held in August at The Coolidge Elementary school from
Does my child have to try out to make the team?
Pop Warner prohibits tryouts of any kind for Pop Warner football or cheer.
How much will my child play?
Decisions about playing time and positions are made by the Coaches of the team
and are the final responsibility of the Head Coach. Pop Warner guarantees that
players who attend all practices in a week will play at least
When and where are the games played?
All of the games are played on Saturdays and Sundays. Our home games will be
played at
Can I choose what team my child is placed on?
In short — NO. However, Shrewsbury Pop Warner makes
every effort to ensure that families with siblings in the same qualifying age
and weight bracket be placed on the same team wherever possible. If your child
is a returning player, he may track (move up in division), or he may be
grandfathered (stay down in the same division) Based on Age and Weight.
Cheerleading squads will be assigned to football teams based on
various criteria, of which sibling issues will be a priority.
How can I volunteer?
Shrewsbury Pop Warner is made up entirely of volunteers, and without our
volunteers, our program wouldn’t exist! There are many ways to contribute time.
Following are a few areas
that we can use your help:
How can I become a Sponsor?
Sponsors are the lifeline of the program. The money that is raised each year
through sponsorships goes to supporting the program and to help offset the many
costs associated with running the program. Some of the costs we incur are:
Each year, Shrewsbury Pop Warner gives out Scholarships to needy
families so that every child will have the opportunity to participate. We will
never turn a child away due to financial constraints. Your sponsorship dollars
make that possible. To become a sponsor, please contact any board member, or
click on the sponsor’s link on our website and download the Sponsorship Form.
You may mail the completed form, along with your check to:
SYFCA,
How do I apply for a
Scholarship?
The Shrewsbury Pop Warner (SYFCA) Scholarship Policy is to provide financial
assistance to those with economic need or financial hardship, and who meet the
eligibility criteria. SYFCA does not give full scholarships; some payment from
parents is required. All information that is provided to SYFCA in response to
the Scholarship Application remains confidential and will not be shared for any
other purpose. The information you provide will determine your child(ren)’s eligibility to
receive a scholarship.