Welcome to the Home of the Colts
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
- Where do I find help to complete the Pop Warner Registration Process?
- How do I upload documentation?
- Do teams need to provide any medical personnel during practices?
- Why is Pop Warner so strict?
- Why Does Pop Warner require background checks for anyone coming into regular contact with players?
- Why do I have to give a $175.00 equipment deposit check to MARA to get my equipment?
- What do we need at Equipment Distribution?
- Why do I have to provide my child’s report card?
- My son’s helmet is hurting, what can I do?
- Where will our games be held?
- When is the first game and when will we see a game schedule?
- How do I find out about practices and games in inclement weather?
- Can I bring my dog or pet to games?
- When does the season begin and end?
- How much time is involved?
- What time do teams practice?
- Are the coaches paid employees of Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA)?
- Do we have to buy all the equipment?
- What equipment do I need to buy?
- How much will my child play?
- Can we vacation once practice starts in August?
- Game Schedules
- Middle School Football and MARA
Where do I find help to complete the Pop Warner Registration Process?
-
This link should provide you with the guidance needed to complete the process
How do I upload documentation?
-
This link has instructions on how to upload documents into your player profile
Do teams need to provide any medical personnel during practices?
-
Pop Warner requires someone with CPR certification to be present during practices,
even if not from the same team. With multiple teams practicing, this requirement is met.
-
For all games, certified medics are present — this is included in your registration fee.
Why is Pop Warner so strict?
-
Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. (PWLS) is a national non-profit youth football/cheer
program for ages 5–16. It emphasizes safety, academic performance, and structured team play.
-
It’s the only national youth sports org that requires academic standards to participate.
Why does Pop Warner require background checks?
-
All adults in regular contact with players (coaches, assistants, team parents) must
pass a background check. This is a safety requirement by both Pop Warner and MARA.
Why do I have to give a $175 equipment deposit check?
-
MARA-issued equipment is expensive and must be returned in good condition.
-
A $175 check is collected but not cashed — it’s held in good faith until equipment
(helmet, shoulder pads, game pants) is returned. If not returned, the check is cashed
to help offset costs.
What do we need at Equipment Distribution?
-
Players must be present to be fitted. No equipment issued to parents without the player.
-
MARA uses a barcode system to track equipment. A $175 deposit check (held, not cashed) is required.
-
If you purchase your own helmet or shoulder pads, you must sign a liability waiver.
-
MARA provides: helmet with chin strap, shoulder pads, game jersey, socks, and pants (returned at end of season).
-
You must purchase: cleats and a mouthguard. Optional: upgraded chin strap.
Why do I have to provide my child’s report card?
-
Pop Warner is officially called “Pop Warner Little Scholars.” A minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% is required to play.
-
Players with a 96% GPA or higher are eligible for national recognition as “Little Scholars.”
My son’s helmet is hurting, what can I do?
-
Helmets are designed to fit snugly for safety and may be uncomfortable at first.
-
Do not alter the helmet padding or interior—this is dangerous and against the rules.
-
If there are issues, contact your coach or the MARA Athletic Director.
Where will our games be held?
-
Games are held at multiple fields; home games take place at MARA’s upper field (left of parking lot).
When is the first game and when will we see a game schedule?
-
Team certification ends late August; scheduling begins right after.
-
First game is typically the first Saturday after Labor Day. Expect initial schedule in early September.
-
The full schedule may be released in stages depending on Pop Warner.
How do I find out about practices and games in inclement weather?
-
Visit www.maracoltsfootball.com and check for updates.
-
Coaches will also communicate cancellations.
-
If nothing is posted, assume practice/game is still on.
Can I bring my dog or pet to games?
-
No. Pets are not allowed due to insurance liability.
-
MARA is private property and not a public park.
When does the season begin and end?
-
Practices start the first week of August.
-
Season can extend into November and possibly beyond due to playoffs or bowl games.
How much time is involved?
-
Pop Warner is a big commitment for both kids and parents.
-
First 2 weeks: "conditioning" phase, 4 nights/week, up to 2.5 hours/night.
-
After school starts: reduced to 3 nights/week.
What time do teams practice?
Practices typically run 2 to 2.5 hours, often between 6:00 PM and 8:45 PM. Schedules vary slightly by team.
Important: Ensure your child stays hydrated before and during practice, especially in the heat of early August!
Are the coaches paid employees of MARA?
No. All coaches are volunteers, as are committee members and support staff.
Interested in volunteering? Reach out to [email protected].
Do we have to buy all the equipment?
No. MARA provides:
- Helmet
- Shoulder Pads
- Game Jersey
- Game Pants
These items must be returned at the end of the season (except the jersey).
What equipment do I need to buy?
- Football cleats
- Athletic supporter with cup
- Practice pants (with integrated pads)
- Practice jersey
- Game socks
- Mouth guard (required)
- Optional: Upgraded chin strap, padded girdle
How much will my child play?
All players will play. Coaches assign positions based on skill, experience, and effort. Playing time varies, but each division follows the MPR (Minimum Play Rule).
The more a player puts in, the more they get out!
Can we vacation once practice starts?
Yes, but keep in mind:
- The first 2 weeks are mandatory conditioning and install periods.
- Missing practices can delay your child’s progress and impact early season play time.
- Pop Warner requires a minimum number of practice hours before players can participate in games.
That said, kids do catch up! We’d rather have them play than not at all—just communicate with the coach.
Game Schedules
All scheduling is done by the Executive Board of the Pop Warner Little Panthers:
www.popwarnerlittlepanthers.org
MARA competes against any of 16+ other associations. The schedules are made by volunteers and it is a very difficult job to do.
Teams that perform well may enter playoffs and advance to the Optimist Bowl. Winners can continue to Regional Playoffs and potentially the National Championships.
Please note: schedules are released one week at a time based on standings.
Most teams play 9 games. Due to odd team numbers, some teams may have a BYE and play 8.
- Players cannot play for both their middle school and Pop Warner team at the same time.
- If a player leaves the school team, they can rejoin MARA as long as they registered before the cutoff.
- Pop Warner often offers more playing time: school football requires 1 play minimum, Pop Warner requires 8 (not including special teams or penalties).
- Pop Warner games may continue into November or beyond and can be played under the lights, unlike most school teams.
- Pop Warner players may compete for a national title at Disney World.
- Many 7th graders do not make the school team. Players can start with MARA, try out for school, and return to MARA if needed.
THANK YOU
We THANK YOU for your participation in the MARA Colts Football Program. We hope that you and your children will have a positive, safe, and fun experience with us. Please tell us how we’re doing and how we can make things better!