Is football safe for my child?
Very few sports can guarantee an injury-free environment. Due to football being a contact sport, every precaution is taken to minimize injuries. Primarily this is accomplished by the use of protective gear, and grouping children into similar age/weight classes. Additionally, stretching and conditioning, teaching proper technique and position placement are utilized in this safety-first environment.

What equipment is provided?
All flag participants receive a game jersey, game pants and mouth guard. All tackle football participants are provided a helmet w/chin strap, shoulder pads, rib guards, practice pants, thigh and knee pads, mouth guard, practice jersey and game pants. Tiny Mite and Mitey Mite participants also receive a tailbone and hip pads. The only required item not provided is an athletic supporter with cup and cleats. All provided equipment is returned (clean) except for the mouth guard and game jerseys. Note – Tackle participants must buy their game jersey prior to each season.

What is expected of my child?
Show up to games and practices - fundamentals, skills, and plays are stressed during practices and utilized during games, the more your child misses the less development they will experience. Listen to coaches - football not only teaches skills but discipline. Your coach will encourage your child to develop both. Try their hardest and never give up - this teaches pride in accomplishment and a sense of sportsmanship.

How old do you have to be to play?
All children ages 5-15. Level of play is based on ages as of August 1. Ages 5-6 play Flag Football, ages 7-15 play Tackle Football.

Will my child play against similar sized children?
Yes. For safety reasons, all teams are based on age and weight. For instance, a Mitey Mite level team is only for ages 8-9 with weights not to exceed 90 pounds. (Please see the 2011 Age and Weight Matrix under our Forms section.)

Can my child play on the same team with a friend?
We cannot guarantee roster assignments.

What position will my child play?
The position your child plays can vary throughout the season and is based on their skill level, team needs, player safety and complexity of the position. This is primarily determined by the coaching staff. Coaches do make an effort to try players in new positions when possible. Usually, the player must be familiar with that position from attending practice before they play that position in a game.

Will my child get a lot of play time or just sit on the bench?
Our league requires all teams to play all players for at least 6 plays per game (8 plays for Tiny Mite and Mitey Mite.) If this is not done, the team forfeits the game. Coaches should strive for much more, but this can also depend on the child's desire to play and safety issues. If you have any concern over playing time please discuss this with your coach or the coach coordinator.

Is there any reason that would cause my child to sit out a game or limit their play?
There are legitimate reasons that can exempt the player from the minimum plays rule. Some of the reasons may include: a player missing practices that week, is ill, or the parent request that their play is limited (due to academics or other issues). The coach fills out a form with the reason and provides it to the opposing team advising that the player is exempt for that week.

When do practices start?
Practice starts August 1st. Each participant must complete 10 hours of practice before they can wear football pads and participate in contact drills which helps reduce the risk of injury.

Where are practices held?
All practices are held at our Maxim Road practice facility. Our practice facility is located on Maxim Road, approximately 100 yards West of Lakewood-Farmingdale Road (Route 547.) Occasionally, a coach may schedule a practice to review game films at another location.

What is the practice frequency?
Generally, practices are 4 days per week for the first month and then practices will reduce to 3 days for a maximum of 6 hours per week starting the day after Labor Day (this is done to avoid conflict with school work).

Do we play in all weather conditions?
The only weather that will cause cancellation of practice or games is lightening and occasionally excessive heat. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have valid contact information with the coach and remain accessible should practice or a game be cancelled so you can pick your child up.

How long is the season?
The season generally runs from August 1st through the end of October.

When are the games played?
Although there can be exceptions, games are usually played on Saturdays or Sundays from early morning to mid afternoon (Saturdays can have starts as late as 8:00 PM.)

Where are games played?
All home games are played at the Howell Pop Warner Complex, located at 300 Old Tavern Road, directly across the street from the Howell Police Station. Road games can be at any one of our conference opponents including Asbury, Freehold, Holmdel, Manasquan, Monmouth, Point Pleasant and/or Rumson Fair-Haven.

Who will be my child's coach?
This is generally determined by the availability of volunteer coaches at that level of participation. Generally, this is a coach with a child on the team, but there may be some experienced coaches used that do not have a player at that level.

Do you need volunteers or coaches?
We can also use volunteers and coaches. Depending on the age group we may already have enough coaches, but will always consider more. All coaches must allow a background check. We always need volunteers to work the 'chains' at home games, assist coaches with 'spotting' (ensuring opposing team players have played the minimum plays), and working the concession stand.

What documentation is needed to sign up?
The following documentation is required before your child can participate in practices: Birth Certificate, Medical release, and insurance information (for emergencies). All forms are provided at sign-up.

Does my child need a physical?
Yes, the medical release includes this requirement. The physical must be completed after January 1st of the current calendar year and before your child participates in any practices.

Will my contact information be shared with team members?
A coach may choose to provide a contact list to all players, but should gather consent before allowing your information to be included.

How does my child get to the games?
You are responsible for getting your child to all practices and games. However, you may be able to coordinate this with other parents if needed.

Additional Questions?
For additional Football related questions, please contact Tim Lindon, Vice President of Football, by email tim.lindon@howell-lions.com or by phone at 732-908-0692