Is it safe for my child to participate in St. James Football?
While injury is always a risk in any contact sport or any athletic activity our governing body, Pop Warner, has a medical advisory committee of neurosurgeons, sports medicine professionals, pediatricians and researchers that steer athlete safety protocols for football and cheer & dance. In football, Pop Warner has instituted the nation's most advanced safety measures, including limiting contact to 25% of practice time; eliminating kickoffs and the three-point stance for their youngest divisions; banning full-speed, head-on tackling and blocking drills; and mandating that any player who suffers a suspected head injury receive medical clearance from a medical professional trained in concussion evaluation and management before returning to play. We, at St. James, must adhere to these rules as an organization in addition to our own safety protocols that we have in place.
How do I sign my child up to participate in St. James Football?
All registrations take place through the St. James registration portal. Please contact us via email if you have any questions prior to registering and we will respond within 24 hours.
How much does it cost for a child to join the St. James program?
Registration fees vary. St. James students and parishioners, of the parish, will receive a $100 reduction in price vs non-students/parishioners. Currently, a St. James student/parishioner registration cost is $350. Non-St. James students are $450.
How old must a child be to participate in the St. James Pop- Warner program?
Tackle football programs are open to youth participants ages 7-14. We do not offer cheerleading at this time. A child's team placement is determined by his/her age on July 31 of the current year.
Does my child need to "try out" for a St. James team?
No. Under Pop Warner’s governance, member programs are not permitted to hold tryouts. Teams are also not allowed to cut any players who have expressed a desire to participate. In addition, Pop Warner has a mandatory play requirement to encourage all kids to participate in competition.
How are participants placed in age divisions?
Participants are placed on a team based upon their age on July 31st of the current year. Participants will play in their respective age divisions under the age-appropriate/unlimited weight rules. Players will have the opportunity to "play up", if deemed appropriate by the advisory board.
Is there an academic requirement to participate?
Yes. Proof of satisfactory progress in school is required. A 2.0/70% or the equivalent shall be the minimum grade point average acceptable to participate. Those who do not meet this requirement, or home-schooled students can still play if they follow the alternative eligibility process which is monitored by progress reports, as deemed necessary by Pop Warner.
How do I sign up to coach or volunteer with my local program?
Coaching candidates will go through an interview process with a team appointed by the advisory board. The St. James program will have limited parental involvement on a coaching staff. The terms "Daddy Ball" or "Daddy Board Ball" will not apply to this program. Qualified candidates will be chosen and awarded a coaching position, if the advisory board approves.
What is required to coach or volunteer?
All St. James coaches and volunteers – regardless of position – are required to pass a national background check. This is required of all individuals who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to or contact with youth participants. All coaches are required certifications in their respective sports – a USA Football certification or a YCADA certification. Chosen volunteers will also need to strictly adhere and follow the St. James 'Child Protection Program' and go through 'VIRTUS' training.