10 Most Common Questions asked by Parents of

New Tackle Football Players

1. Why does Acreage Steelers Football registration cost so much?

The expenses, including quality equipment, game uniforms, game officials, field equipment, insurance, footballs, and Pop Warner Fees etc..., are not covered by the registrations fees. Thus we ask sponsors to help cover the expenses of our organization. Some income is received from Fundraisers and Merchandise sales. Coaches, board members and volunteers are NOT paid; they are all VOLUNTEERS. Your registration fee covers approximately half of the costs of fielding a player. We work hard to keep the cost down.

2. Why a Birth Certificate?

The Pop Warner youth football system matches players on teams of similar ages and weights for safety reasons. Therefore, players of all teams nationwide must submit proof of age.

3. How is weight determined?

While the Acreage Steelers will initially use your submitted weight during registration (the medical form), all players nationwide are weighed during "Certification Day" by Conference officials - in our case: officials from the Treasure Coast Conference weigh every player from all the teams from Parkland to Ft. Pierce ... one at a time. Then each player is also weighed before each game... all this to make sure only players of equivalent weights are competing. If your player happens to fall on or slightly above the maximum weight range for their age, but is not eligible to move to the next level team because of age, they do assume the risk of working all of August and not 'making weight'. Set your weight goals early in the summer if this applies to your player.

4. How can I get more involved?

We are always looking for positive and patient adults to help out.  Just ask any board member or coach and we will get you pointed in the right direction.

5. Why must we submit school Report Cards?

Pop Warner National policy considers school more important than football. Thus a player must submit proof that he is academically sound enough so that football does not interfere with his grades. High academic achievement is rewarded in the "Pop Warner Little Scholars" program, resulting in a very elaborate dinner and awards night at the end of each year. They are all Student Athletes.

6. What about safety issues?

While injury is a possibility, excellent equipment, required conditioning, and weight-age similarity tend to minimize injury. Statistically, Pop Warner football has fewer injuries than soccer

7. What about the family vacation we normally take in August?

August is the month of conditioning and learning football, and is necessarily devoted to Acreage Steelers football. By Pop Warner rules, no conditioning - no play.

8. Can any kid play contact football?

Football is a team game, rewarding players with self-esteem, confidence, an ability to work together, and achieve greater physical health. We have found "heart" and “desire” to be the most important factors in a player's success. These are the life skills that football teaches.  But, the player must have a desire to learn these life skills.  Football is a lot of work and dedication as well as a whole bunch of fun!

9. I saw the Pop Warner Super Bowl on TV. What is that?

Successful teams within their conference further compete at the regional level; winning teams then proceed to the semi-finals and finals at the Pop Warner Super Bowl usually held at the Disneyland Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida in December.

10. My son doesn't want to play football, but I think it is good for him or will "toughen him

up"; should I sign him up?

No! Encourage him to seek a sport in which he has an interest. If a child does not want to play football and he explains that to his coach, he will be removed from the team for his safety.