What do my Registration Fees cover?
Registration fees cover Orange Empire Conference fees, referee costs, basic picture packets, football equipment costs, football game jerseys, insurance, city field and light fees and a year-end trophy for football and cheerleading participants. The Board of Directors organizes a number of fundraisers during the season to go directly to our teams. You can help keep fees low by assisting Fullerton Pop Warner in obtaining corporate and local business sponsorships. If you own or operate a business, or know someone who does that is willing to support our children in Fullerton Pop Warner, please contact any Board member.
What fundraising activities are going to happen this year to help offset fees?
Fullerton Pop Warner does utilize a mandatory league fundraiser to keep equipment and safety supplies up to date. The league is operated with funds obtained from league fundraisers, Registration, Snack Bar and amazing sponsors.
Will I be asked to purchase additional items during the season?
It is possible. We have budgeted for all standard costs that typically arise during the season and have allotted them in the registration fees and league fundraiser. Football teams typically ask for a separate donation toward their "Team Fund". An individual team or squad may choose to design their own T-shirt or hat, and you may be asked to participate in a "team fundraiser" for merch, banquets and pizza parties.
How many days a week will my child(ren) be required to practice?
During the months of July and August your child may practice up to four days a week. It is mandatory that your child(ren) attend all conditioning practices during this period of time. Once we have the first official game of the season, practices will be three days per week, plus one game each Saturday. the weekly schedule will be announced by a team representative. Please be aware schedules are subject to change
My son is new to football. What should we expect?
Many boys and girls who sign up have no prior experience. The coaches take this into consideration during the conditioning and initial instruction period in July and August. This is why it's so very important for your child to attend every practice. The physical conditioning is more intense than other sports. To help prevent injuries, all players should begin conditioning several weeks prior to the beginning of practice in July. Prior to July, 45 minutes of running, push-ups, and sit-ups at least every other day will help make your players/cheerleaders first few weeks in the program less demanding.
When does Pop Warner season start and how long will the season last?
The Fullerton Pop Warner season officially begins with practices starting in mid July and games typically start in August. The season will continue into early November, and possibly through the middle of December if your child's team or squad enters regional and/or national championships. For those teams not advancing into the playoffs, it is customary to participate in bowl games or travel to places like Laughlin, Las Vegas or San Diego. If the team decides to travel the season could extend to about the 1st week of December.
Is it possible that my child will participate in tournaments or championship games out of town?
Yes, it is very possible. Fullerton Pop Warner has sent teams to Regional Championships in the past and cheer squads to the Regional Cheer Competition in Las Vegas. Football and Cheer National Championships are usually on the east coast. If we win local and regional tournaments and competitions again this year, additional fundraising activities will occur to offset travel and expenses. Please be aware that some "upfront" fees are required and must be paid before traveling to Regional and National competitions.
We always take vacations in July-August. Is this really going to be a problem?
Absolutely! We understand that this is a huge commitment and sacrifice for your family to make. However, regular attendance is critical during July-August because that's when the fundamental instruction takes place, and each athlete must put in mandatory conditioning time. Most boys and girls, who miss even one week of practice in July-August, find it very difficult to catch up. It's also not fair to the kids who might be on a wait list that are able to attend every practice but cannot be due to the maximum number of participants allowed per team. Athletes with frequent absences will be dismissed from the Fullerton Pop Warner Football program.
When and where are practices and games played?
Practices begin in the middle of July. We are not allowed to practice on Sunday. Practices will be held for all divisions Monday through Friday and depending on your Head Coach the starting time typically varies from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and goes for 2 to 2 1/2 hours (depending on team), with no practice on Sundays. Starting in August when the regular season begins, there will be three practices during the week, the days will vary depending on your team and Head Coach.
Games are played every Saturday on a time rotational basis, Games can be scheduled anytime from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Typically your players play the early games and older players play later games. Game schedules are issued by Orange Empire Football Conference. Home games will be played at Lions Field in Fullerton. Away games will be played at the opponent's home field.
What equipment will I need to buy for my child?
Fullerton Pop Warner will provide all necessary equipment for tackle football with the exception of football shoes (cleats), a mouthpiece and an athletic supporter (cup) and a girdle. All of the equipment we issue to our players is NOCSAE approved and is either re-certified or replaced on a yearly basis. Players are provided equipment on a loan only basis, helmet, shoulder pads, 7 pad integrated practice pants , game pants, practice jersey and belt. Players will also receive new game jerseys, which will be theirs to keep.
What happens if our plans change — can we get a refund?
It is the policy of Fullerton Pop Warner Football Association not to refund registration fees once the child begins practice or takes the field the first day of practice. Any request for refunds prior to the first day of practice must be submitted in writing to the Association, with an explanation and /or reason. Any and all refunds are up to the discretion of the Fullerton Pop Warner Board of Directors.