When is registration for the Fall 2024 football and cheer season?
Registration is from March 15, 2024 to July 15, 2024.
What is included in the cost of registration?
Football registration cost includes two game jerseys (home/away), game day pants, t-shirt, and helmet decals. The fee also covers referees, practice field usage, certified athletic trainers at games and team equipment. **7U registration includes one game jersey and everything else.**
What are the weight/ages for each football division? This season Hill Country Pop Warner has changed to Age Based system. In the 7U, 9U, 10U and 12U divisions in order to play a skill position player has to be within a certain range of weight for safety reasons.
| Age/Weight Division | Age(s) | Certification Weight | End of Season Weight |
| 7U | 5-7
| none | Unlimited |
| 9U | 7-9
| Unlimited, but110 or less to play skilled position | Unlimited |
| 10U | 8-9-10
| Unlimited, but 125 or less to play a skilled position | Unlimited |
U12
| 10-11
12 | Unlimited, but 140 or less to play a skilled position | Unlimited |
How do I register my child?
Registration is done exclusively online (under available program tab). In addition to registering, you will need to provide the following forms prior to the first day of practice on August 1, 2024.
If the forms are not turned in by the first day of practice, your football player or cheerleader may not practice.
When completing registration, please submit a headshot of your football player or cheerleader. The shot should be from the shoulders up. No sunglasses, helmets, or masks. SWA Dawgs photos will use the photos for player cards and Certification by Hill Country Pop Warner.
What equipment do I need and where do I buy/rent it? When do I get sized for my uniform?
We will have uniform sizing kits for the players to try on. In addition, Vikn Sports will be at both sessions to size for equipment (helmet and shoulder pads); you will have the option to rent or purchase equipment from Vikn. They will also offer practice gear and accessories so it will be 1 stop shopping. Items needed are: matte black helmet w/black facemask, shoulder pads, cleats, mouth guard, practice jersey (color TBD) and a pair of practice pants. Fittings are on TBD
Are coaches certified?
Yes, all of our coaches have to clear a background check and complete the USA Football Level 1 Coach Certification Course.
When does practice start?
Football practices will begin on August 1, 2024. This allows the teams roughly four weeks of practice before their first game/scrimmage. Practice times and locations will vary based on team assignments and field availability however practices are held in the evenings. Under National Pop Warner requirements, each player must meet conditioning requirements before they can participate in a scrimmage or game. These conditioning hours are done the first 2 weeks of practice therefore if a player misses ANY practices during the conditioning and readiness period during the month of August, it is very difficult for that child to make up the lost time. The player will be required to make up the conditioning hours under a coach’s supervision before he will be allowed to participate with the rest of the team. Please schedule your August plans (vacations, day camps or other sports) around practice, so as to avoid any conflict with your ability to attend ALL practices. If you have questions concerning this, contact us immediately.
Once school starts, the expectation of each player is that they attend ALL practices unless they are ill or have a required school event. After Labor Day, the maximum weekly practice time will drop from 10 hours per week to 6 hours per week and the maximum daily practice time drops to 2 hours per day (break time does not count against each practice).
How many practices are there per week?
Until school starts, teams will practice 4 days/week for 2 1/2-3 hours per day. Once school starts, teams will practice three days a week for 2-2 1/2 hours per day. Tiny-Mite teams do not have as many practices, dates and times are TBD.
Where will practices be?
Practices will be 2900 W Slaughter Ln (near Slaughter/Westgate). Time will be dependent on the team and coaches. Please check with your coach for specific details.
How many regular season games will my child play?
Generally 8 depending on the schedule and how many teams are in the division but a minimum of 6. Some games may be played out of Austin city limits (Georgetown, Leander, Buda, etc). If teams make the playoffs they will be asked to play games out of the state.
When do games begin and on what days are games played?
SWAPW home games are played at Burger Stadium or Bowie High School, and away games on fields throughout Central Texas. Game times and locations are assigned by Hill Country Pop Warner. Historically, the game schedule comes out just prior to the first game (about a week or two before) and is subject to change during the season. SWAPW has no control over the schedule so we ask that our teams and families be understanding and flexible.
Regular season games are played on Saturdays with the season typically beginning towards the end of August/first weekend in September (Labor Day) and running through the end of October/early November, not including play-offs.
Does 7U play by the same tackle rules?
No, we play by USA Football Rookie Tackle guidelines. Rookie tackle is a bridge between flag football and tackle; instead of 11 man tackle. they play 7 man tackle on a 40 yard field with a running clock. Players rotate between all positions so all players learns multiple positions and skills on both offensive and defensive. We limit the size of the Tiny-Mite roster to allow more play time for all players.
Is volunteering required. How do I sign up?
SWAPW is a completely volunteer-run organization that relies heavily on the support of our parents therefore YES every family is required to volunteer. After all, kids enjoy seeing their parents help their team.
We have many volunteering opportunities. If you would like to volunteer as a coach (head coach or assistant coach), team parent, team photographer or on the SWAPW Board, make a note of that when registering your player or send an email to us at [email protected].
All other parents are required to volunteer on game days. Football parents are required to volunteer at minimum 3 games; team parents will notify parents of volunteer opportunities throughout the season.
What is the refund policy?
Full refund until July 15th; after such date no refund with the exception of medical conditions preventing play. Refund requests must be accompanied by doctor’s note and subject to board approval. Refund amount would be based on date in season.
Upon ANY refund request, players must surrender any uniform or accessories distributed for the upcoming season.
If we are unable to field enough players to form a team or can't secure volunteer coaches for your child’s preferred division, you will be eligible for a full refund.
What are the boundaries of SWAPW?
Southwest Austin Pop Warner is the Pop Warner franchise for all kids who reside in the Bowie High School, Crockett High School and Akins High School districts.
Are there minimum play requirements for Pop Warner teams?
Yes. The minimum number of plays per player varies depending on the number of players on a team, and is governed by Pop Warner rules. The minimum number of plays is usually 8-10 plays (excluding special teams plays).
I heard Pop Warner announced new football rules for 2020.
Yes, National Pop Warner has implemented 3 new rules for the 2019 season:
1) New safety rule - 3-Point Stance will no longer be allowed on the offensive or defensive lines within the 7U, 9U Mite and 10U divisions. 12U division may continue to use 3 Point stance.
2) New Safety rule - No kickoffs at any division level unless your progress outside of HCPW in the playoffs were there are kickoffs in 12U only.
3) We have added a U12 or 12U division. While playing HCPW teams any player over 140 lbs cannot play a skill position. If we play a team outside of HCPW the 140 lb rule will not apply.
Will SWAPW be offering age based divisions?For the 2024 season, we will only offer at the. 7U, 9U, 10U and 12U/U12 division.
Is there required fundraising?Yes, all participants are asked to help with a fundraising activity (vary each other). You can pay $100 during registration to opt-out.