Lakewood Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (LPW) is affiliated with the only national youth sports organization (Pop Warner) in America that requires its participants to perform adequately in the classroom before permitting them to play or cheer. Pop Warner believes that the standards they have set give these children a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for academics and athletics that will help them develop later on in life.

Like such organizations as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), Pop Warner has academic guidelines and criteria that need to be met in order for a child to participate.

THE NATIONAL POLICY

Proof of satisfactory progress (SCHOLASTIC FITNESS) in school is required. A 2.0/70% or the equivalent shall be the minimum grade point average acceptable to participate. GPA is based on the end of the school year report card from the previous school year. In cases of doubt or conflict of opinion, a written statement by the school administration shall be deemed final. NOTE: This rule as it relates to scholastic grades may not be made more stringent by any team, association, or conference, as other rules may be. No local team/squad may be eligible to participate in conference championships and/or bowl games if it has not met the nationally published scholastic requirements.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A 2.0/70% GRADE POINT AVERAGE?

We understand that not all student-athletes are able to meet the scholastic requirements. If a child does not meet the requirements of scholastic fitness, he/she must fill out and submit a Scholastic Eligibility Form in order to be certified and participate. This form must be accompanied by a passing progress report or report card to be eligible for play after October 15, 2008. That report must be dated between Sep. 15, 2008 and Oct 15, 2008.

RECOGNITION

Each year, at many levels (League, Conference, Region, and National), children are recognized for their scholastic achievements. This recognition takes different forms depending upon the organization and age. Those who qualify for National recognition usually attend an award ceremony held at either Disneyland or Disney World.

ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION

Each year, the most academically accomplished Pop Warner kids compete for Academic All-American status. This process begins at the conference (OEC) level and up through each of the eight Pop Warner regions to the National level. In 2007, approximately 380,000 kids participated in Pop Warner. As our numbers once again reached record levels, 276 First Team members, over 4,200 Second Team members and 900 Honorable Mention scholars were named as Academic All-Americans at the National Level for 2004-2005.

The Pop Warner All-American Program requires a minimum 96% grade point average to apply for All-American status. After the applications have been processed, Pop Warner determines National First Team All-Americans (35 football, 25 cheer per grade), National Second Team All-Americans and National Honorable Mention Scholars.

For more information on the Pop Warner All-American program, visit the All-American page on the Pop Warner website and/or view the All-American FAQ's form.