What
to expect at AAU and USATF Junior Olympic track meets
Arrival
Before
coming to a meet, check the information on event schedule, directions,
and
rules. It is important to come at least 1 hour early to allow timely
check-in and proper warm-up. If the event you participate in is
scheduled late
in the meet, you do not have to come by the very beginning of the meet
unless
there is a time deadline for registration. The district or area
meets typically are
within 1-2 hour drive and are easily fitted into a one-day trip.
The Regional or National meets can be as far as 4-5 hours
away and start early,
so for these you might consider driving the evening before and staying
in the
area overnight. This option is more time consuming and expensive, but
really
helps athletes to be fresh on the meet day and makes the whole
experience more
rewarding.
Registration
/ Check-in
Registration
for the first qualifying meet in USATF or AAU series is typically
done online.
Contact your Club Coach to find out if the entried are submitted
collectively by a club official. When coming to the meet,
bring athlete's AAU or USATF card
and a copy of athlete’s birth certificate in case those documents are
required at check-in. Beware of the event schedule
and keep track of your events coming up. While being on track, listen
to
announcements and calls for events. As the event is called, the athlete
must
report to the check-in area. At some of meets, each athlete is provided
with the
bib number when checking in. Additionally, when called for an event to
the clerking area, athletes are given hip numbers, which need to be
attached to shorts on both
hips and be visible to judges. At many meets it is typical to proceed
from
younger to older age groups within a particular event. If you are
scheduled to
compete in a field event and track event at the same time, you should
first
check-in with the head official of your field in order for you to be
able to
compete in that field event when you have completed your track event.
Registration
for the next upper-level meet has sometimes to be done at
the preceding qualifying meet. So check with the registration deck
before leaving since entries mailed-in later may not be accepted.
Being
prepared
Large
age-group track meets can move slowly due to the number of events and the large
number of participants. Athletes and parents should expect to spend the good
part of the day at the meet, sometimes up to 3-6 hours. Due to that reason we
strongly recommend you come prepared.
The
list of necessities includes, but is not limited to:
-
water, drinks
-
cooler with ice
- lunches, snacks
- canopy tent
-
chairs, seat pads, blankets
-
umbrellas
-
sunglasses
-
sunscreen
-
hats
-
extra clothes
Do not forget your running shoes and uniforms. Athletes are allowed to wear spikes at the AAU and USATF meets, but spikes are not allowed at the Hershey meets. We always encourage to wear Club uniform at the races, although it is not mandatory for individual competitors. Relay teams must wear Club uniforms.
Many
meets have concession stands with food, drinks, apparel, so bringing some cash
for purchases may be a good idea. Depending on the venue, spectators may be
charged admission at the state and regional meets.
Parents
Transportation to the meets is responsibility of parents. Parents
should supervise their children during the meet unless special arrangements are
made. Some coaches of the Club might be present at the meets and can be
available to help with meet logistics.
Parents
are usually not allowed in the mid-field or in the athlete clerking area. If you
believe your child needs assistance, check with a meet official. Usually parents
and athletes who are not competing at the moment stay at the bleachers or
designated spectator areas around the track. Parents are always welcome to cheer for their
athletes, but make sure not to interfere with events in progress.
Traveling as a Club, we often find a spot and set up a tent near the track to stay together. This especially helps
if kids become nervous or intimidated of the unfamiliar setting.
Safety and logistics
Be quiet when you are at starting line; follow the instructions given by the
head starter.
If leaving a field event to participate in a track event, first inform (check-out
with) the head official of your field event, or they have the right to
disqualify you from your field event.
Each
athlete is allowed to compete in total 4 events, which need to be
chosen at the first
qualifying meet. At the following meets, you will be allowed to compete
only in
the events you qualified for. Each meet typically advances 3-6
top athletes in each age group
in each event to the next-level meet. Check the meet rules for
details. If you qualified for the next meet and plan on attending, do
not
forget to register before leaving.
Sportsmanship
Athletes and parents should know and understand the rules of track and field. Officials and event management personnel are there to help make this a positive and rewarding experience for everyone. Show respect for the officials and their decisions. Showing respect for opponents and recognize and appreciate the varying skill levels of all participating athletes.
We
should always remember that the participants in youth athletics are only
"kids." Treat them accordingly. Show a positive manner when cheering.
Parents should be aware of the amount of pressure their children can handle at
competition and provide all possible support if they face a challenge. Our goal
is to make it a positive experience for all.