When is the registration period for the upcoming 2009 season?

Who can participate in LPW?

What forms/documents are required for my child to participate?

What is the registration fee, available discounts, jersey re-use policy & acceptable payment methods?

Are football/cheer uniforms included in the registration fee?

When will our Head Coach contact us?

When does the season begin and how often are practices?

When and where are games played?
How many games will be played and are there opportunities for post-season play?

What cities/associations do we play?

What is the parental commitment?

Is it mandatory to fundraise?

Whom can I contact if I have questions about football/cheer registration?

Q: When is the registration period for the upcoming 2009 season?

A: Registration for the 2009 season will take place May 2, May 30 and June 27, 2009. Each sign-up will be from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Shoal Creek Elementary School.  All athletes must attend one of the three scheduled sign-up dates listed on the website to get accurate weights and measurements. Don’t delay in signing up as roster spots are limited and are determined by the number of teams at each division level. Returning players have priority over participants signing up for the first time.
 

Q: Who can participate in LPW?

A: Liberty Pop Warner serves participants with Liberty and some Kansas City and Kearney addresses that are within the Liberty Public School District boundaries. If there is not a program available in your school district then you may join LPW. Additionally, participants must meet the following basic criteria:

1. Are between the ages of 5-13 as of July 31^st, 2009

2. Meet the age /weight requirements (football only) set forth by National Pop Warner Little Scholars organization. click here for ages/weights

3. Maintain a 70% scholastic grade point average.

4. Be cleared by a medical professional and free from any medical condition that would prevent full participation in Pop Warner activities.

Q: What forms/documents are required for my child to participate?

A: Each player or cheerleader must provide the following information to participate:

1. Copy of official state issued Birth Certificate (already on file for 2008 participants)

2. Completely filled out 2009 Participant Contract and Parental Consent Form

3. Completely filled out 2009 Participant Contract Addendum

4. Completely filled out 2009 Pop Warner Physical Fitness/Medical History Form

5. Copy of complete year end 2008-2009 Report Card

Click here to download required forms. If any of the above items are not turned in by August 1, 2009 your child will not be allowed to begin practice until all items are received. These items can be mailed at any time to LPW, PO Box 1404, Liberty, MO 64069, turned in at one of the sign-ups or given to a LPW Board Member.

Q: What is the registration fee, available discounts, jersey re-use policy & acceptable payment methods?

A: The football and cheer registration fee is $255 per participant. Additional siblings receive a $30 discount.  All returning players able to re-wear their jersey from the 2008 season will receive a $35 discount.  Player's ability to re-use their jersey is dependent upon the jersey being of an appropriate size, in good condition and the player's number being available.  Returning player number availability criteria:  1) Same coach/team = guaranteed your same number 2) Older/lighter players with a new coach/team = will need to purchase a new jersey and change numbers IF their number is already taken by a returning player with that coach/team.  Fees may be made by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.  Credit/debit card use will incur an additional transaction fee.  Payment plans are available with a down payment due at the time of registration.   Credit/debit card charges must be for the full amount at the time of registration.

Q: Are football/cheer uniforms included in the registration fee?
A: All equipment is provided for tackle football (except shoes, socks, athletic supporter and mouth guard) and must be returned at the end of the season, with the exception of the personalized jersey which is the player's to keep.  Cheer includes game day uniform and warm-ups (jacket/pants) which they will keep.  Cheer poms will be provided, but are to be returned to LPW at the end of the season.

Q: When will our Head Coach contact us?
A: Your child’s coach will contact you in late July.

Q: When does the season begin and how often are practices held?
A: Practices may begin August 1, 2009. Tackle players will practice 5 days a week beginning August 1 through Liberty’s first day of public school (10 hours per week) with practices reduced to 3 days a week (6 hours per week) thereafter. Cheerleaders will practice 2-3 days a week. Practices are typically held from 6:00-8:00 pm at Shoal Creek Elementary and Liberty High School.

Please keep in mind that football and cheer are a huge commitment. Extended vacations during this period are not recommended, particularly during the first week of practice. Our National rule book states that all football players MUST complete a full 10 hours of conditioning before participating in any contact drills. Missing any time once practice starts can cause your athlete to fall behind, especially at the beginning of the season when most plays/cheers are being taught. The season lasts approximately 3 ½ months with some teams possibly playing longer in playoffs and regional/national games.

Q: When and where are games played?
A: All games are played on Saturday.  Most games will be played at the Heart of America complex located in Independence about 15 miles south of Liberty. LPW will host one home game at Liberty High School and we may be invited to play in other Northland home games in varying locations. You will be expected to have your football player or cheerleader to every game at least one hour before the game is scheduled to start warm-ups and weigh-ins for football players (every football player has to be weighed-in before every game).

Q: How many games will be played and what are there opportunities for post-season play?
A: Ten+ games are played each season.  There are 8 regular season games scheduled, followed by playoff games and, if the team qualifies, the Truman Bowl game (Heart of America championship). If your coach elects not to participate in the playoffs, your team will continue to play against other non-playoff teams for a total of a 10 game season.  If a Junior PeeWee, Pee Wee or Junior Midget level team wins the Truman Bowl they may continue to play in state, semi-regional and regional and national games until they lose a game or win the National Championship (Division 3 may play up to Regionals, but not to Nationals).  Travel costs for any out-of-area games are the responsibility of the respective team and parents.  Individual teams may fundraise to help offset travel costs with the approval and supervision of the LPW Board of Directors.

Q: What cities/associations do we play against?

A: LPW plays in the Heart of America League of the Mid-America Pop Warner Conference. Heart of America currently includes teams from Kearney, North Kansas City, Park Hill, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Fort Osage and Liberty.  Many of the associations have multiple teams per division,  so there are plenty of teams to play.
 

Q: What is the parental commitment?

A: Most importantly, you do your children a great service by making sure they get to practices and games on time and with the right equipment/uniform. Parents are also required to attend practices and games or at least have another designated adult who is to be responsible for your child. Coaches are not babysitters and athletes need to have a ride available if practice is let out early for any reason.

In addition, LPW relies heavily on parents volunteering their time. There are many activities that go into making Pop Warner a great experience including volunteering as a Team Manager, Team Equipment Manager or working on the "chain gang", charting the mandatory minimum plays, running water to players, providing snacks -- and it's a great way to get to know the other parents and your child's teammates. We will also need the help of parents during the Liberty Days Homecoming Game and keeping our practice fields free of trash. LPW is run exclusively by volunteers. All parents need to help in some capacity.

Q: Is it mandatory to fundraise?
A: Yes.  Heart of America Pop Warner has a mandatory fundraiser that the Liberty association must participate in.  This money goes directly to the league we participate in, Heart of America and does not stay with LPW.  Between August 1 and August 14 you will be required to pay $80 in advance of receiving your 80 candy bars that you may in turn sell for $1 each. Any additional fundraising activities that directly benefit Liberty Pop Warner are encouraged, but voluntary.

Q: Whom can I contact if I have questions about the football program:
A: You can send an email to info@libertypopwarner.com  for more information.