Carthage Comets Pop Warner

Thinking about becoming a Comet?
Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Who can join the Comets? 
Any child living in Carthage School District, Fort Drum, Copenhagen, Harrisville, or any other local School district that does not offer a Pop Warner cheer or football program is eligible. Children must be between the ages of 5 and 13 (as of July 31st). In general, a passing grade point average of a minimum of 70% is required.
Does my child have to try out to become a Comet?
Absolutely not! The Comets do not hold tryouts for any of their football or cheer teams!
When do we practice?
The 2022 season practice begins on Monday, August 1st. Practices are determined by Head Coaches and facility availability and is subject to change. We do practice and play in the rain; however, we will cancel if lightening is threatening. Teams are permitted 10 practice hours per week until Labor Day, and up to 6 hours after. Schedules are TBA.
Why do we practice so much?
Practice is vital to understanding how to play football, how to cheer, and how to avoid injury. Per Pop Warner regulations, we devote the first 20 hours to physical conditioning. Our athletes are trained in the techniques, strategies, tactics, and skills that are needed to play safely, and to avoid injury. We believe that your child’s development, knowledge and safety as a player or cheerleader depends upon this pre-season conditioning, training, and practice. The Comets suggest that summer vacations are taken before the start of the practice season. There is a lot to learn during the month of August. The athletes need to condition, and coaches need the month to evaluate.
Where do we practice?
Our practices are held on the football fields behind the CCS turf, and Cheer practice starts at the tennis court. By September, Cheer teams will begin practicing inside schools based on availability.
When do we play our games? 
The Conference will typically schedule 8 football games for the Comets. The first game or scrimmage tends to be the last Sunday in August. Our regular season is typically concluded by Halloween. All regular-season games are played on Sundays. The exact game schedule will be determined and announced by late August. 
Where and when will the cheerleaders perform? 
All of our cheerleader's cheer for their corresponding football team for home and away games. Our cheerleaders also participate in a minimum of one Cheer Competition per year. Should our competition-level squads (Mitey Mite level and above) perform well at this competition, they may be invited to compete in successive Pop Warner competitions.
Who are your coaches?
Our coaches are parent volunteers who have years of experience coaching and working with athletes of all ages. All coaches are required to submit to background checks and attend Pop Warner certification classes and coach’s clinics.