Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is the only national youth sports organization in America that requires its participants to perform adequately in the classroom before permitting them to play. We believe the standards we set give children a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for academics and athletics. Similar to organizations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association and National Federation of High Schools, Pop Warner has reasonable academic guidelines and criteria to participate in our programs.
SCHOLASTIC FITNESS: NATIONAL POLICY
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. In cases of doubt, conflict of opinion, or if a valid report card is not submitted, the nationally published scholastic eligibility form shall be used and deemed final. NOTE: This rule as it relates to scholastic grades may not be made more stringent by any team, association, or league, as other rules may be. No local team/squad may be allowed to participate in Regional/National sponsored championships 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 not all student-athletes are able to meet our scholastic requirements. If a child does not meet the requirements of scholastic fitness, a Scholastic Eligibility Form may be submitted. This form is to be completed by those participants that have not met the requirement of 70 percent and/or 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) at the time of team certification in late August. Once school begins the form along with a progress report or report card from teachers/school to be eligible for play after the October 19, 2024 deadline. That report must be dated between Sep. 1, 2024 and Oct 19, 2024. If no progress report or report card is submitted the player shall be found ineligible for the rest of the year. Our Milford Eagles Scholastics Coordinator will be in contact with you if your child requires this form.
POP WARNER ALL-AMERICAN SCHOLAR PROGRAM
Each year, the most academically accomplished Pop Warner participants compete for an All-American Scholar award. The applicant must have a a minimum 96% grade point average, be in grade 5th or higher in the current academic school year, and fill out an application submitted with copy of a complete report card. New England Regional office determines the winners for our Southern CT League and our National office determines the winners from each of the eight Regional Leagues. Applications for 2024 are submitted in the Fall and awardees are announced in Spring 2025.