Rule Book & Admin Manual
Official Pop Warner rules, regulations, and administrative guidelines for coaches, parents, and league administrators.
Official Pop Warner Rules
Pop Warner offers a digital version of its official rule books at no cost. These official rules are the copyright of Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. The current rule book was released June 20, 2026.
How We Use These Rules
Utah State Pop Warner is an Age-Based, No-Weight, No-Boundary League
Pop Warner's national rulebook covers two distinct division systems — an age/weight matrix model and an age-based model — but does not always clearly separate them within the document. Utah State Pop Warner operates exclusively under the age-based division system. This means:
- Players are placed by age only — there are no weigh-ins or weight restrictions.
- Participation is open to all eligible youth regardless of where they live — there are no geographic boundary restrictions.
- Any section of the national rulebook referencing weight classes, weight-based divisions, or boundary enforcement does not apply to Utah State Pop Warner.
Where This Is Documented in the Rulebook
The age-based schematic is explicitly defined as starting with 5/6-year-olds with no minimum or maximum weights. This is the model Utah State Pop Warner follows.
Under 11-man tackle playing rules, Rules 2–6 are explicitly stated as specific to programs using the age/weight schematic only. Because Utah State Pop Warner uses the age-based model, Rules 2–6 do not apply to our league.
When in doubt about how a rule applies to our league, contact your association director or reach out to Utah State Pop Warner directly.
Official Rule Book
Released June 20, 2026The official Pop Warner rule book covers all regulations for football, cheer, and dance competitions. Click below to view the current edition on the national Pop Warner website.
View Official Rule BookAdmin Manual
Revised February 2024The Pop Warner Official Administrative Manual is available to member league and association administrators. It is password protected and exclusive to registered members.
What the Rules Cover
The official rule book addresses every aspect of Pop Warner football, cheer, and dance.
Football Rules
Age based model, game regulations, equipment standards, and conduct rules for all football divisions.
Cheer & Dance Rules
Competition guidelines, routine requirements, safety standards, and scoring criteria for cheer and dance programs.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholastic fitness standards, age and weight requirements, and registration eligibility rules for all participants.
Codes of Conduct
General and member codes of conduct governing behavior for athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers.
National Forms
Background check affidavits, roster affidavits, scholastic fitness affidavits, and other required documentation.
Championship Rules
Qualification standards, event procedures, and competition rules for regional and national championships.
Full Rules & Resources on PopWarner.com
For the complete and most up-to-date rule book, administrative manual, national forms, and compliance documents, visit the official Pop Warner national administration page.
Visit Pop Warner National Rules Page