Player Safety
Utah State Pop Warner is committed to the health and safety of every athlete and cheerleader in our program.
Safety Is Our Top Priority
Pop Warner Little Scholars has instituted the nation's most advanced youth football safety measures. We limit contact to 25% of practice time, eliminate kickoffs and the three-point stance for our youngest divisions, and ban full-speed, head-on tackling and blocking drills.
Any player who suffers a suspected head injury must receive medical clearance from a medical professional trained in concussion evaluation and management before returning to play. All Pop Warner coaches are required to complete USA Football's Heads Up Football training, and cheer coaches must complete YCADA training.
Our program is guided by an independent Medical Advisory Committee of neurosurgeons, sports medicine professionals, pediatricians, and researchers driven by medical science and professional expertise.
Key Safety Measures
Pop Warner leads the nation in youth sports safety standards.
Limited Contact
Contact is limited to 25% of practice time to reduce cumulative impact exposure for all players.
Concussion Protocol
Any suspected concussion requires written medical clearance from a licensed professional before return to play.
Mandatory Coach Training
All football coaches must complete USA Football Heads Up certification. Cheer coaches must complete YCADA training.
Medical Advisory Committee
An independent committee of neurosurgeons and sports medicine experts guides all safety policies and rule changes.
Eliminated Dangerous Drills
Full-speed head-on tackling and blocking drills are banned across all Pop Warner programs nationwide.
SafeSport Certified
All coaches and volunteers complete SafeSport training to ensure a safe environment for every participant.
Concussion Policy
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Pop Warner takes every suspected concussion seriously.
Return to Play Guidelines
- 1
Any participant suspected of sustaining a concussion shall be immediately removed from practice, play, or competition.
- 2
The participant may not return to Pop Warner activities until evaluated by a licensed medical professional trained in concussion management.
- 3
Written clearance from that licensed practitioner is required before the participant may return to any activity.
- 4
When in doubt, sit them out. All decisions must be made in the best interest of the child.
Required Safety Courses
All coaches and volunteers must complete these certifications.
CrashCourse Concussion Education
Online concussion education for coaches, parents, and athletes.
PREPARE Sports Safety Course
First aid and emergency preparedness training for team staff.
SafeSport Trained Course
Mandatory training to protect athletes from abuse and misconduct.
USA Football Heads Up Certification
Required certification for all Pop Warner football coaches.
Emergency Game Day Protocol
The home team is responsible for providing medical coverage at each game or competition.
At minimum, one individual must be present who is EMT qualified or certified in Red Cross Community First Aid and Safety.
All teams must carry complete medical release forms and emergency contact numbers for every player.
An emergency action plan must be established and practiced early in the season and repeated throughout.
National Safety Resources
For the complete Pop Warner national safety guidelines, concussion management resources, healthy habits, hydration tips, and the full Medical Advisory Committee details, visit the official Pop Warner Safety page.
Visit Pop Warner National Safety Page