Referees & Officials
Your experience. Their future.
Our Mission
Pop Warner uses football and cheer & dance as a starting point to teach kids something bigger: teamwork, discipline, academic commitment, and how to show up for others. Every rule we set, every requirement we enforce, and every resource we provide comes back to one goal — giving young people the tools they need to succeed in life, not just on the field.
Why Coach or Volunteer
Pop Warner is built to set its coaches and volunteers up for success — here's how.
- You'll never go in unprepared. All head coaches are required to complete a coaching education course, and Pop Warner provides resources every step of the way.
- Safety is built in. Our standards, mandatory background checks, and concussion protocols mean you're working within a structure designed to protect kids — and you.
- Resources at your fingertips. From administrative tools to conduct guidelines, Pop Warner gives you everything you need to run a great program.
- A national community behind you. You're joining a network of over 40,000 coaches and volunteers across the country who share the same mission.
- Your contributions get recognized. Pop Warner honors coaches and volunteers who go above and beyond through regional and national honors, with the penultimate being the National Hall of Fame.
Ways to Get Involved:
There's a role for everyone. Pop Warner volunteer positions include Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Team Admin, Trainer, Equipment Manager, Coach Trainee or Student Demonstrator, Scholastics Coordinator, and League or Association Board Member — among others. No matter your background, there's a way to contribute.
How to Get Started
Getting involved is straightforward. Use Pop Warner's League Finder to locate your nearest program, then reach out to them directly to ask about open positions. Each local program manages its own volunteer needs, so connecting with them is the fastest path to getting on the field.
Complete Your Requirements
All coaches must pass a coaching certification course. Anyone with regular contact with participants will need to complete a background check.
Show Up
The rest is just being there for the kids in your community.
Pop Warner League Finder
View Pop Warner Location Map in a full screen map



