If I missed the registration, can I still sign up my child for football or cheerleading?    Please call Kim Dailey at 508-278-0608 or Faithe Sabourin for cheerleading 508-966-2985 to see if any openings are available. 

What do I need to know about my child getting on a team?   Pop Warner allows children from 7 to 15 years of age to play football and cheer.  BBMU officials place football players on a squad by weight and age.  Cheerleaders are placed on a squad by age.  Squads are formed using the Pop Warner age/weight schematic.  BBMU cannot accommodate requests to be placed on teams with siblings/friends/neighbors. 

What do I need to know about practices?  The first practice of the 2008 season will be on Monday, August 4th.  Practices are held at the Bellingham Memorial Middle School fields from 6 – 8 pm.  All coaches expect everyone to be on the field, ready for practice, promptly at 6 pm.  In August, practices are Monday through Friday.  When school starts, we cut back to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Practice is optional the night before the first day of school.  We require that a parent is available at the practice field at all times in case of emergency. 

What happens if practice is cancelled or rescheduled?  Practices are called off if weather conditions make it unsafe for the players and cheerleaders.  Your team parent will issue the hotline number for you to call to check the status of practice.  Most make-up practices are held on Saturday morning. 

What if my son/daughter can't make some of the practices in August due to vacation?   The first week of practice is critical to all participants.  All children must undergo 10 hours of conditioning before they can participate in practice.  Football players are fitted for equipment during the conditioning week.  Missing time in August may put your child behind the rest of the team.  We strongly urge parents to plan accordingly and avoid prolonged vacations in August. 

How many games do we play and who are we playing this year?   There are 8 regular season games (4 home and 4 away).  We also plan scrimmages and participate in the Jamboree in August.  The dates and times of the games are TBD by Hockomock officials. 

What about times and places for the games?    Parents will be given a schedule as soon as it issued by the Hockomock league.  The season has started on Labor Day in recent years.  Home games are played at the Bellingham High School football field on Blackstone Street.  Most games are played on Sundays in the following order: MM at 9 am, A at 10:30, B at 12 noon, C at 1:30, and D at 3.  Each head coach sets his or her own policy about when players and cheerleaders should report to the field on game day.  Directions to away games will be on the website and given out prior to each game.   

What if I want to volunteer to coach?   If you would like to be an assistant coach for any of our teams, contact Kim Dailey for football and Faithe Sabourin for cheerleading.  They will put you in touch with the head coaches who are responsible for choosing their assistants. 

What do I need to know about paperwork turn-in?   There will be two nights scheduled on July 15th and July 29th.  You need to bring the following items:  the medical release signed and dated by your doctor, a birth certificate with a raised seal if you did not play in the BBMU program in 2008 season, and a copy of the child’s entire June 2009 report card.  If you miss paperwork turn-in, you must make arrangements to get the paperwork to BBMU prior to July 30th.  Pop Warner regulations do no allow children to start unless 100% of the required paperwork is complete. 

Why do I have to give my original birth certificate?   Pop Warner rules require that all new (were not rostered in the BBMU program in 2008) players to provide an original birth certificate.  If you do not have an original, contact the town hall in the town your child was born, the town you resided in when your child was born, or the state office of birth registry to obtain one ASAP.  BBMU will make a copy that is then certified by the Hockomock League.  We retain the certified copy from season to season.  The original birth certificate will be returned to you in September – we promise!! 

What are the scholastic requirements for Pop Warner?   Your child must have a GPA of 70% or greater for the entire 2008-2009 academic year, including “specials”.  If your child’s GPA is lower than 70%, you will need to sign a waiver stating that it is beneficial for you child to participate in Pop Warner, and provide progress reports from school during the season.  

What do I need to know about football equipment?   Parents will need to buy the following:  football cleats with plastic spikes, a cup, a football girdle, and extra mouthpieces.  BBMU issues the following during the conditioning week:  helmet with chin strap, shoulder pads, practice pants, 7 piece pad set, belt, and mouthpiece.  Game jerseys and game pants are distributed at Punt, Pass, and Kick in mid-August.  If you plan on using your own helmet or shoulder pads, they must be approved by the equipment manager, Tony DellaTorre, during conditioning week.  BBMU will loan equipment for off season camp.  Contact Kim Dailey if you need equipment. 

What do I need to know about supplies for my cheerleader?   Parents will need to buy sneakers, a crop top, and boy cut briefs.  BBMU issues a uniform top and skirt at Punt, Pass, and Kick.  Cheerleaders have the option of purchasing a personalized a warm-up suit.        

What do I need to know about Master Weigh-In?  The Hockomock league has tentatively scheduled Master Weigh-In for Saturday, August 29rd.  All football players are required to attend, or they will not be eligible to play in the first two games of the season.  BBMU will provide chaperones and busing to Brockton.  If you have concerns about your child making weight, please speak with Kim Dailey.  Please know that we do everything possible to ensure your child makes weight.     

What is the refund policy?   No refunds will be issued after July 1st if your child withdraws from the program.  If your child has a documented medical condition that disallows participation in football or cheerleading, if a football player does not make weight, then BBMU will issue a refund. 

What about my child’s playing time?  Pop Warner has Minimum Play Rules (MPR).  All players must play a minimum number of plays in each game.  The number is dependent on level and size of the squad.  Each player on A-D squad must get six plays, and plays increase for smaller squads.  Each player on MM must get 8 plays, and plays increase for smaller squads.  Parents assist coaches on each team to track minimum plays.  Players are not guaranteed equal playing time.     

Are there playoffs?   Yes for the A, B, C and D squads.  Teams can make playoffs a number of different ways. 

What are the Cheerleading Competition and Exhibition?   The A and B cheer squads from Hockomock organizations compete for the chance to go on to the next level.  Finalists then go Regional competition.   The Hockomock Cheer Competition will be held on Saturday, October 24th in Franklin .  The C and D cheer squads attend an Exhibition for Hockomock squads that is usually hosted in Franklin; the date for the exhibition is TBD.

What can parents do to help?  All parents will be required to volunteer during the season.  Parents can volunteer for MPR duty, concession stand and sideline help during the home games.  These efforts will be coordinated through the head coaches once the season begins.  Football coaches are always looking for good photographers to film their games.  If this is a hobby of yours and you have the appropriate equipment, see the head coach. 

What if I have issues with other parents or coaches?    We ask that you speak with the head coach first.  However, if your issue is not resolved, then see the President or Cheer Coordinator. 

Where can I get BBMU merchandise?  All merchandise containing the BBMU logo can be obtained through the association only. We sell hats, caps, sweatshirts, and tee shirts throughout the season.  Children can earn coats and other outerwear through their fundraising efforts of our PPK event.  If you would like to obtain something during the off-season, contact Missy Fahey. 

Are all board members and coaches required to go through a CORI review?    Yes.  Each year, all of our volunteers are required to submit to a review by the Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) - the state agency authorized to provide CORI.