General Rules/Policies- The Short List

The rules and policies stated below will be politely but firmly enforced. 

1.  Drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping are not permitted at any GCPW practice, game, or event.  
2.  No littering.  We won’t have any facilities to use if we don’t take care of them!
3.  Non-participating children must be supervised at all times and must not become a distraction to the teams/squads.
4.  NO PETS at any practices or games.  Your pet may be truly friendly and cute, but others may have allergies or be afraid of your pet.  
5.  Parents must stay in designated areas and are not permitted inside the practice areas.  DO NOT WALK ACROSS THE FIELD.  Go around the endzones.  

 If you don’t understand these rules or have questions, please ask a Garner Civitan Pop Warner Volunteer for help.  

 
Costs of Participation (in addition to registration) for fall Pop Warner season

All Participants:

We are part of a travel league.  Away games may include such locations as Raleigh, Durham, Cleveland, Apex, Cary and more. Parents are responsible for transportation to all games. All Pop Warner games charge admission. Traditionally, the cost for adults is $8.00, and the cost for a non-participating child is $5.00. Children under age 5 are admitted free. Participating children and Pop Warner volunteers with proper Pop warner ID are admitted free. These prices are subject to change from one year to the next. Post-season game/competition admission costs will vary.

Football:

All players must provide their own cleats and any personal items, such as athletic supporters. One mouthpiece is provided for each child at the start of the season.  Players are responsible for replacement mouthpieces.

Players may advance to post-season play.  If a team advances to the regional level, out-of-state travel will likely be required.  Regional championships are held in November.  National championships are held in Orlando, Florida at Universal Studios the first week of December. The association does not provide funds for travel.  If a team declares intention to advance, parents are expected to fundraise for travel, and will be required to make up any shortfall.

Cheerleading:

All cheerleaders must purchase their own no-show socks and solid white shoes. The uniform, bloomers, cheer bow, and poms are provided.

Cheerleaders may advance to post-season competition or be required to travel with their football team to post-season games.  If a team/squad advances to the regional level, out-of-state travel will likely be required.  Regional competition is held in November.  National competition is held in Orlando, Florida at Universal Studios the first week of December.  The association does not provide funds for travel.  If a team declares intention to advance and the team meets the requirements for advancement, parents are expected to fundraise for travel, and will be required to make up any shortfall.  
   
Sponsorships:

We are always looking for sponsors.  If you know of a business or individual willing to make a contribution, we’re interested!  We offer several different levels of sponsorship to choose from.  Garner is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and contributions are tax-deductible (consult your tax professional).  For reference, your registration fees are not considered contributions, but are payment for services.

Please contact our fundraising coordinator for more information, or if you have found an interested sponsor.

Practice Wear

For the first week, football players will need:   helmet, mouthguard, t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers.  Coaches will let you know when players will need to begin wearing other equipment, such as pads and athletic cups.  It is recommended that parents purchase extra mouthguards - we provide the first one.
  
Cheerleaders must adhere to the following rules for games and practices:

• hair must be worn up off their shoulders using only soft hair accessories - no metal or plastic allowed
• no sandals, boots, slip-on shoes, jeans, cutoffs, or clothing with buttons, zippers, or snaps.
• absolutely NO JEWELRY is permitted - please keep this in mind if considering getting piercings, as they MUST be removed to participate
• check with your coach for guidelines regarding nail polish

What to Expect - General Items for fall Pop Warner season

You will be contacted by your child’s coach before the start of practices.  He/she will provide you with information regarding practice dates and times.  Please be aware that there is restricted access to the practice and game fields.  Only rostered personnel and certified volunteers are permitted inside the practice areas and inside the game field areas.

Games are played on Saturdays, unless rescheduled due to weather.  The League usually gives us the schedule a couple days before the first game, although the first game has traditionally been the weekend before Labor Day.  Please plan accordingly.   Before the first regular-season game, there will be "jamborees" for tackle football teams.  The jamborees are usually held the weekend before the first regular-season game, and cheerleaders are required to accompany their teams to these events.