Pop Warner is a non-profit organization founded in 1929 that actively promotes youth football competitions worldwide for children between the ages of five and sixteen. Pop Warner currently caters to over 225,000 children worldwide, making them the largest youth football organization in the world!
One of the prerequisites for participating in any Pop Warner competition is maintaining a minimum academic standard; this is strictly enforced since the mission of the Pop Warner organization is to create well-rounded children through academics and sports. Despite the noble intentions of the Pop Warner organization, football is a contact sport that can spell disaster, especially for small children.
We will look at some of the things that Pop Warner has done to make their competitions safer for kids and also explain why parents can feel confident that their kids will be safe while participating in Pop Warner football competitions. We will also give parents some tips that they can use to reduce the likelihood of their children getting injured from contact sports such as football.
Safety measures implemented by Pop Warner Football
Pop Warner has instituted several safety measures to protect players from serious injury while practicing or playing in Pop Warner-sponsored competitions. One of the major concerns of parents is the possibility of their kids suffering concussions.
The Pop Warner organization has banned the three-point stance for Tiny Mite (5-7-year-old kids), Mitey Mite (7 -9-year-old kids), and also for Junior Pee Wee (9-10-year-old kids). This stance is where players position themselves on the line with their hands on the ground before a snap. This type of play generally results in heavy contact, and hence there is a heightened possibility of injuries, including concussions. Banning the three-point stance will reduce the level of contact and, by extension, the chance of injuries.
Pop Warner has also banned kickoffs at the 5-7, 7-9, 9-10, and 10-11 age groups. The ball, instead, will be placed at the 35-yard line after a score or to start a half. This again will help to eliminate the possibility of injuries that kicking a ball using the wrong technique can cause.
Also, all host teams are required to provide medical coverage at every game. The minimum requirement is the presence of one individual with EMT qualifications or Red Cross Community First Aid Certification. All host teams must have an emergency plan approved by the Pop Warner organization before they are allowed to host any games.
Why Parents can be confident in the safety precautions taken by Pop Warner
All children, especially the younger ones, have to be carefully monitored while partaking in sporting activities, particularly contact sports. Pop Warner is aware of this need and has implemented several safety procedures ranging from mandatory coaching education in safety best practices, the presence of a trained emergency medical professional at all games, to their strict concussion procedures.
The medical personnel present quickly evaluates any participant suspected of having a concussion, and a decision is made with the participant’s best interest in mind. Even if the participant feels ok and ready to continue playing, he/she will not be allowed to continue until given the all-clear by the medical team. Pop Warner has also reduced the level of contact in the 5-11 age groups with specific rule changes, eliminating some of the risk factors that could lead to concussions.
As a parent, you can feel confident that Pop Warner, which has been around since 1929 and has an impeccable safety record, will offer your child the safest environment to play football.
How can parents help their children reduce the risk of injury in contact sports?
There are several things that parents can do to reduce the risks of injury to their children who play contact sports. One of the most important is to ensure that their child is wearing the correct protective gear and that they are correctly fitted. Parents should also ensure that their children do not overplay; children sometimes want to continue playing for prolonged periods without taking a break.
Parents should ensure that their children take at least a one-month break from playing sport for the year to prevent overuse injuries such as muscle tears or fractures.
Parents should also ensure that their children are adequately hydrated, especially if they are playing in hot weather. Water breaks should be taken at 20-minute intervals, and constant monitoring of children to pick up any signs of irregular behavior is recommended. These are some of the things that parents can do to help keep their children safe and injury-free while playing a contact sport.
The Pop Warner organization has done so much over the past ninety years to promote well-rounded children through sports and scholarship. The Pop Warner league is one of the safest youth sport-promoting organizations globally, and you can feel confident that your child will be protected to the highest standard while partaking in Pop Warner sports
If, after reading this article, you are still not comfortable with your young athlete playing contact sports, we invite you to check out Why Play 7 on 7 Football. 7 on 7 can be a great alternative to full-contact football.