Abbigail Lenhart asked:

In football can the quarterback run the ball?

Jim’s answer:

Jack has it right ... and I have seen the same rule applied to some 8 on 8 Flag leagues. Never have I seen it with tackle leagues.

asked:

is it written any where in the pop warner rules that a child can only play one sport during the season

Jim’s answer:

No, but based upon the schedule required from pre-season through to the end of season (practice of course) I don't think a kid can participtate in Pop Warner and another intense sport. My son is in scouts and gives up all the campouts and hikes in the ... Continue reading »

C B asked:

what is the best defensive formation for youth football?

Jim’s answer:

For most ages (below 13) the 5-3 or 6-2 are the easiest to teach and most standard.

Tiffani Miller asked:

my son is being taught to tackle chest to chest. I have heard many conflicting stories on this method. What is your opinion. He is 14 years

Jim’s answer:

Proper technique would have the shoulder pad into the hip (or lower) with the head up. This prevents head/neck injury and gives the tackler the best position to stop the runners legs.

Gretchen Shetler asked:

is it ethical to have son of the ref on the opposing team. we had lots of flags they had few. i saw after whistle hits and clips next to ref

Jim’s answer:

I agree with Toby ... there should be enough refs to avoid this situation.

Brian Element asked:

My team can drive the field but we have a hard time in the red zone. wether is the pressure but we have an average of 5 failed red zone

Jim’s answer:

We have found that, as a power team, our opposition tightens even more in the red zone, so that is when we mix in a sweep, counter or play action pass off one of the power plays. This usually loosens the "D" up, even if it doesn't score immediately.

Jeanna Reyes asked:

why cant you play other sports while playing pop warner football?

Jim’s answer:

I don't believe Pop Warner says you can't (hard rule to enforce), but I can tell you that the practice and game requirements/commitments make it almost impossible to do a second sports season at the same time.

Chad Jordan asked:

I have 16 football players, only 4 are giving their best. How do I get the others to get motivated and work?

Jim’s answer:

To go with the bribe concept, our defensive coordinator promises "taco tuesday" if the defense shuts out the other team. It really is all about the kids learning that the coaches can coach, but the players have to play.

Chris Becker asked:

7th gr. son, 5'10, 130, fastest/strongest/tallest on team. Starts @ R Tackle. Wants to play other pos. Coaches play sons instead/What to do?

Jim’s answer:

Have seen this before and Chelsea is right about your son talking with the coaches. I know our coaching staff "ignores" parents input because it is invariably skewed. However, if a player expresses an interest in another position we entertain the optio... Continue reading »

Bob Palmer asked:

I wrote yesterday that I am having an issue with an assistant coach more concerned with his son than the team...

Jim’s answer:

Jack,

You noted the key item ... the Head Coach needs to exercise control. Talking with him offline may be your best (and first) step. With some of the issues we have faced over the last four years the best person to bring it up is the one that does... Continue reading »