Directions to Gallop Field
Football
Mitey-Mites
Pee Wees
Junior Pee Wees
Junior Midgets
Midgets
Cheer
Mitey-Mites
Pee Wees
Junior Pee Wees
Junior Midgets
Midgets
P.O. Box 36
Woodbury, Connecticut
06798

 

Frequently Asked Football Questions

1.  Who may participate in Nonnewaug Chiefs Pop Warner?

Any child age 7 to 14 who lives in Woodbury, Bethlehem, Washington, Roxbury, Bridgewater, or Morris is eligible to participate.  Residents of towns without a chartered Pop Warner program may also participate.  Weight restrictions and scholastic requirements apply. 

2.  How is a player assigned to a team? 

      A football player is assigned to a team based on age, weight and experience.  Pop Warner has specific age and weight limits for each level which are strictly enforced: 

Level                     Date of Birth                          Weight                       Older/Lighter*

Mighty-Mite          8/1/98-7/31/01                         45-90 lbs.                    N/A

Jr. Pee Wee           8/1/97-7/31/00                         60-105 lbs.                  85 lbs.

Pee Wee                8/1/96-7/31/99                         75-120 lbs.                  100 lbs.

Jr. Midget              8/1/95-7/31/98                         85-135 lbs.                  115 lbs.           

Midget                   8/1/93-7/31/97                         105-160 lbs.                140 lbs.

 *Older/Lighter regulations allow a player a year older than a designated age limit to be placed on that team if the weight of that player is below the listed weights.  For example, the age limit for a Junior Pee Wee is 10 years old, but an 11 year old who weighs less than 85 lbs. may be allowed to play on that team.

3.  Are there tryouts to make a team?

      No, there are no tryouts to make any team.  There are however limits to the number of players allowed on a roster.  Positions are assigned at the discretion of the coaches.  Players are assigned to a position that best suits their ability and needs of the team.

 4.  How many players are allowed on a team? 

      The maximum number of players allowed on a team by Pop Warner is 35; the minimum is 16.

 5.  Does everyone play?

      Yes, everyone plays.  Pop Warner has a minimum Mandatory Play Rule (MPR) based on team size.  These are the number of plays that each player must participate in per game (not including special teams plays:  kickoffs, punts, extra points, etc.)

      16-25 players:                   10 plays (12 for Mighty Mites)

      26-30 players:                     8 plays (10 for Mighty Mites)

      31-35 players:                     6 plays (8 for Mighty Mites) 

6.  When does practice begin? 

      Practice begins on August 1st.  A player may start practice as long as all necessary paperwork is returned including an updated physical examination signed by a physician. 

7.  If all the paperwork is not turned in by August 1st, can a player still participate? 

      A player will not be allowed to receive equipment or participate in practice until all necessary paper work has been received by NCPW.  Such players may observe practice until the required paperwork is turned in.

 8.  How often is practice and where is it held? 

      Practice is five evenings per week Monday through Friday during the month of August.  After school begins, practice is three evenings per week.  The time and place will be formally announced prior to August 1st depending on field availability.

 9.  Is practice mandatory in August? 

      Yes, practice is mandatory in August.  If at all possible, vacations should be scheduled prior to August 1st.  Taking a week off from practice not only puts your player at a disadvantage but hurts the entire team.  Attendance is crucial for conditioning and learning.

 10.  What equipment is needed? 

      Nonnewaug Chiefs Pop Warner provides most of the equipment needed to participate.  Girdles and socks are available for purchase at the time the equipment is dispensed.  Football cleats must be purchased by each participant.  Rib pads are optional but recommended.

 11.  How do the players get to away games? 

      Nonnewaug Chiefs Pop Warner does not offer transportation to away games.  Parents must provide or arrange for their child’s transportation.

 12.  Who covers the cost related to playoff and championship games? 

      Should any team advance to playoff and /or championship games, all travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of each family.

 13.  How can I help? 

Nonnewaug Chiefs Pop Warner is run entirely by volunteers and your help is greatly appreciated.  A volunteer form will be included in your registration packet, and will describe the specific ways you can assist in the success of the organization.

Frequently Asked Cheerleading Questions

1. Who may participate in Nonnewaug Chiefs Youth Cheer Program?

Any child between the ages of 7-15 who lives in Woodbury, Bethlehem, Morris, Washington or Roxbury is eligible to participate as a competitive or non-competitive member of a Spirit Squad. Children 5-6 ( age determined by 7/31 ) may participate as a mascot on any Spirit Squad. Residents of any town where there is not a chartered Pop Warner Program may also participate.

Please note: Scholastic Fitness is a requirement ( 2.0 GPA min )

2. How is a Spirit Squad determined?

A squad is determined by age and ability. Pop Warner has specific age limits for each level that are strictly enforced:

Mitey Mite Born Between 8/1/98 - 7/31/01

Jr Pee Wee Born Between 8/1/97 - 7/31/00

Pee Wee Born Between 8/1/96 - 7/31/99

Jr Midget Born Between 8/1/95 - 7/31/98

Midget Born Between 8/1/93 - 7/31/97

3. Are there tryouts to make a team?

No, there are no tryouts. Children should have the opportunity to try something new and different, as well as showcase their talents. There is a limit to the number of participants allowed on the roster. A small competitive Spirit Squad is 20 per roster and a large squad is no more that 35 per roster per level.

4. What are the levels for Spirit Squads?

For competitive Spirit Squads there are three levels. Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.

5. What is the difference between the levels?

The difference between each level is based on tumbling and stunting. The levels are in place for the safety of the participants, as well as giving the teams the ability to compete with other teams at the same skill level.

6. Is everyone required to attend Cheer competitions?

Only participants that elect to be competitive are required to perform at the Cheer Competitions. Noncompetitive participants are encouraged to attend to show support.

7. Can a participant change from their Competitive or Non-Competitive Status mid Season?

A participant can change their status before September 5th .

8. Is practice in August Mandatory?

Participants are required to have logged 20 hours of conditioning prior to participating in a Game or competitive routine. Practice is mandatory during the month of August. We encourage that family vacations take place prior to August 1 st .

9. Can a child still participate if they are not at practice every day in August?

Yes, however we encourage full participation in August. A parent/guardian must contact the Cheer Commissioner if there are scheduled conflicts. A Child role may change due to absences.

10. Where is our game field?

Gallop Field in Bethlehem ( behind the Bethlehem Library).

11. Where will practices be held?

In August, September and into October the Spirit Squad Practices will be at Mitchell School. Earlier in the season practices are indoors, later in the season the practices are indoors with other locations possible.

12. What additional equipment is needed?

Competitive and non-competitive Spirit Squads will need to purchase sneakers, body liners, bloomers, and may need to purchase a warm up Suit. The total additional cost throughout the season will be approximately 150.00.

13. How many competitions are there in a season?

There are 4 competitions during a season. There is a league competition, State Competition that all competitive squads will participate in. The top 2 squads in the league from each category move onto the Regional Competition and the top 3 in each Category in the Region receive a bid to the National Competition.

14. Where are the Competitions?

The League competition is local, the State Competition is in New Haven. The Regional Competition is normally held over Thanksgiving Weekend in the Springfield, MA area. The National Competition is located at Disney World in Orlando Florida.

15. Who covers the cost of the Competitions?

All travel, ticket and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the family.

16. Are there fundraisers to help offset the costs?

Yes, and we encourage all participants to volunteer and help to fundraise throughout the season. The success of the Nonnewaug Chiefs youth Football and Cheer depends upon volunteers and participation in fundraising.

17. How can I help?

Again, Nonnewaug Chiefs Youth Football and Cheer is run entirely by volunteers and your help is greatly appreciated. A volunteer form will be included in the registration packet. This form will describe specific areas where you can help out. A little help from everyone will make this season a successful, fun and exciting one. If you have any suggestions please contact any board member.