SC Shockers

Bulletin re: Arizona Pop Warner Football Equipment

As stated at the Federation sponsored clinics held on August 4, 2007, all football equipment (helmets, shoulder pads, etc.) utilized in the 2007 football season will be provided by the local Associations. 

This is not a new policy - it has been in effect for over forty years.  It has only recently become an issue due to the emergence of different types of football programs that do not have the financial backing to provide this equipment to their participants, nor do they strive to attain the high level of safety that Pop Warner does. 

There are several other factors taken into consideration of this policy.  The first is that we look at every child that participates in this program as being of equal value.  When more affluent parents are able to purchase state of the art helmets/shoulder pads for their children, while others are not, an unequal environment exists on the football field.  This is not in adherence with the principles of Pop Warner Football. 

Each Association has a volunteer Board of Directors.  Within that Board are members who have the knowledge and experience to: 1.) assess the quality of the Association equipment, 2.) understand the requirements for reconditioning of a helmet, 3.) possess the experience to assist in the sizing of helmets to determine a good fit for the child, and 4.) have the financial backing of the Association to order new equipment that provides the utmost safety for each and every child that participates. 

As was also explained at the Federation clinics, a parent can provide a receipt for a newly purchased helmet and make a donation of that equipment to the Association.  That equipment is then the property of the Association and can be used for the current season.  This form of equipment donation has been utilized across the valley periodically. 

As previously stated, this has not been an issue until this year.  While there will be no changes made for the 2007 season, the Federation Board will accept written requests from any interested party detailing an alternative to this policy for the 2008 season.  Those requests can be mailed to the address at the top of this memo and must be signed by the individual submitting them (emails on this issue will not be accepted).    

Arizona Pop Warner

Federation Board of Directors