FrequentlyAsked Questions

Escondido Pop Warner (EPW) is a non-profit youth football and cheer organization focused on teaching fundamentals, teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in a safe and structured environment.

Pop Warner aims to develop well-rounded youth by combining athletics and academics while promoting character, leadership, and teamwork.

Any child meeting Pop Warner age and eligibility requirements may register. Participants must provide:

• Proof of age (birth certificate)
• Medical clearance
• Scholastic eligibility (minimum 2.0 GPA)
• Completed registration forms

Pop Warner uses age-based divisions (e.g., 8U through 13U for football, and similar age brackets for cheer). Placement is based on age as defined by Pop Warner rules, with a cutoff date of July 15, 2026.

Only a portion of registration fees covers program costs — the rest is supported through fundraising and community generosity. Here's where funds go:

• Cheer: Uniforms, practice gear, and equipment for games and performances
• Football: Helmet reconditioning, safety equipment, and uniforms
• Coaching: First Aid/CPR certifications, clinics, and staff training
• Conference Fees: League and competition fees, jamborees, playoffs, and insurance
• Field Use: Practice and game fields, lighting, and medical supplies
• Insurance: Coverage for all league equipment and operations
• Referees and EMTs: Officials and medical personnel for all home games
• Scholarships: Financial assistance for families in need
• Photos: A standard photo package for every participant
• Miscellaneous: General operating expenses

Yes. Families may receive financial aid. To apply, attend an in-person registration and contact our treasurer at treasurer@epwwolfpack.com.

Additional resources are available through San Diego Children in Need — a 501(c)(3) organization that helps families fund youth sports participation.

Standard Refunds

• All refund requests must be submitted in writing no later than July 31st or prior to the first scheduled game of the season, whichever occurs first.
• A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 will be retained to cover administrative and uniform expenses. Uniform fees are strictly non-refundable once orders have been placed.
• Refund requests submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
• The Executive Board, by a two-thirds vote, may refund part or all of fees in extenuating circumstances.

Injury-Related Refunds

• If a participant cannot continue due to an injury sustained in EPW activities, any approved refund will typically be issued as a credit toward the following season's registration fees.
• If the participant does not return, the Board may approve a partial monetary refund, which will exclude the $200 administrative fee, uniform and equipment costs, and will be prorated based on participation timing.

The season runs from July 15 through late October/mid-November, with possible extension into early December for advancing teams.

• Practices typically begin around July 15.
• The first pre-season scrimmage is generally the last Saturday of August.
• Regular season games begin the following week and run for approximately 10 consecutive weeks.
• Flag football wraps up in late October (approx. 8 games).
• Teams advancing to playoffs or National Championship may continue into December or beyond.

Before Labor Day

• Up to 10 hours per week / no more than 2.5 hours per day

After Labor Day

• Up to 6 hours per week / no more than 2 hours per day

Breaks & Hydration

• A 10-minute break every hour is required. Breaks do not count toward practice time.
• Water breaks are available anytime.

Joining Late

• New players complete a conditioning and acclimation period (approximately the first 10–15 hours of practice) before full participation.

All practices are held at Kit Carson Park in Escondido. Practice times are scheduled between 5:00 and 8:30 PM. Your Head Coach will share specific details at the team meeting.

Games are held across San Diego County and parts of Riverside County, typically within 15 to 60 minutes of travel. Home games are played at Orange Glen High School.

Teams are formed based on age divisions and roster needs. Pop Warner does not allow tryouts — all participants are placed on teams fairly.

• Minimum roster size (tackle football): 18 players
• Maximum roster size: 35 players

Yes. Pop Warner enforces a Mandatory Play Rule (MPR) to ensure all players participate. Playing time is determined by roster size.

Dual participation in other football or cheer leagues during the same season is not allowed. However, players may participate in additional sports such as soccer or baseball.

Football

• Practice jersey and pants
• Game jersey (keep), game pants, and socks
• Girdle with knee pads, thigh pads, hip pads, and tailbone pad (keep)
• Helmet and shoulder pads
• Mouthpiece and chin strap
• EPW Spirit shirt

Cheer

• Uniform
• Pom poms
• Spirit wear

EPW follows all Pop Warner Official Rules and West Coast Conference Policy, including:

• Certified and reconditioned helmets
• Mandatory CPR/First Aid and Safe Sport (Concussion Awareness/Mandated Reporter) certifications for all coaches and staff
• Football coaches: USA Heads Up Football certification
• Cheer coaches: Youth Cheer and Dance Alliance (YCADA) certification
• EMT present at all home games
• AEDs available at both practice fields and home games (located at snack bars)

Yes, but it is secondary insurance — it applies after your primary insurance. An EMT is on-site at all home games to provide emergency first aid at no cost.

Every EPW player is part of the Little Scholars program. Participants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (70%, C average), verified by year-end report card. If a participant does not meet the 2.0 GPA requirement, a Scholastic Eligibility Form is required.

The national Little Scholars recognition program requires a GPA of 96% or above. National selections are announced April 1.

Head coaches are approved annually by the board based on qualifications, certifications, and alignment with EPW values. Association approval is required each season. Coaching is a privilege, not a guaranteed position — a previous winning record does not factor into selection.

Yes. All coaches and staff must:

• Pass a thorough background check (Live Scan)
• Complete required training (Heads Up Football for football coaches; YCADA for cheer coaches)
• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification (minimum 2 coaches per team)
• Complete Safe Sport certification (concussion awareness and mandated reporter training)

Volunteering is not mandatory. However, games may not be played and teams may forfeit if required game day roles are not filled, per West Coast Conference and EPW policy.

EPW is run entirely by volunteers. Roles include:

Team Staff (max 10 per team)

• Head Coach / Assistant Coach
• Team Parent
• Business Manager

Game Day Roles

• Spotter and Checker (track Mandatory Play Rule compliance)
• Chain Gang (away games only, on opposing team's side)
• Photographer
• Film Operator (teams are required to record and upload game film)

No prior experience is needed for game day roles. Guidance is provided by referees, and volunteers are expected to remain neutral and follow official directions.

All participants must follow Pop Warner's Code of Conduct, which promotes respect, sportsmanship, and a safe environment for everyone. Violations may result in removal or suspension.

EPW is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, including the Executive Board and Appointed Directors. These individuals oversee all operations, finances, and program decisions.

• President
• Executive Vice President / VP of Operations
• Vice President – Football
• Vice President – Cheer
• Secretary
• Treasurer

Executive Board Members are elected by the general membership (parents and guardians). Elections take place annually in October. Each household receives one vote (up to two per household), conducted by secret ballot.

Candidates must:

• Be a current member in good standing (parent, guardian, or volunteer)
• Submit their nomination before the election deadline
• Have a willingness to support and grow the program

Executive Board Members serve 2-year terms, beginning January 1 following the election.

The Executive Board may appoint a replacement or hold a special vote to fill the position.

The Board is responsible for:

• Managing league operations and finances
• Approving budgets and fundraising activities
• Ensuring compliance with Pop Warner rules
• Supporting coaches, teams, and families
• Maintaining a safe and positive environment for all participants

Appointed Directors are selected by the Executive Board to oversee specific areas such as Equipment, Safety & Insurance, Fundraising, Communications, and Scholastics. They support day-to-day league operations.

The Board meets at least once per month. Additional meetings may be held as needed.

Yes. General Membership meetings are held annually, and families are encouraged to stay engaged and involved.

Yes. A Board Member may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board if their actions are not in the best interest of the organization.

• Attend General Membership meetings
• Volunteer within the program
• Submit your name during the nomination period for elections

No. EPW may request participation in an annual fundraiser. Fundraising helps offset costs and supports both football and cheer programs.

Yes, with Board approval. All funds belong to the organization and must follow EPW financial policies. Teams will also have the opportunity to run a concession stand at a designated home game — all money earned is credited to the team. Details will be shared at the Mandatory Team Parent Meeting.

Before & After the Season

• Emails via Sports Connect to the account email used for player registration
• Social media on Instagram (@escondidopopwarner) and Facebook (EPW)

During the Season

• Head Coach and VP team parent meetings
• Team communication apps (GameChanger, Band, TeamSnap, etc.)
• Website and social media updates

Before Practice Starts

After teams are formed, your Head Coach will host a mandatory team meeting. You'll meet the full staff, review team rules, coaching philosophy, and goals. An EPW Board member will also be present.

Yes. All games are required to be filmed. Photos and video may be used for promotional purposes including local newspapers, team highlight videos, social media, and our website — solely to promote Pop Warner participation and recognize outstanding achievement. Parents may submit a written opt-out request if they do not wish their child to appear in promotional materials.