What are the different age groups and what is the birth date cutoff? | Age Division | Year of Birth | | Sub-bantam | 2004+* | | Bantam | 2002-2003 | | Midget | 2000-2001 | | Youth | 1998-1999 | | Intermediate | 1996-1997 | | Young | 1994-1995** |
What events are contested at the track and cross country meets?
Does a parent need to be present at each practice and meet? A parent is required to either remain at each practice/meet or designate (in writing) another person as having responsibility for the athlete. In other words, unless specifically discussed with a coach prior to practice, someone responsible for the athlete must be present at practice. Please note that this is primarily a medical/liability matter where we’re trying to ensure the safety of the athletes.
Who do we compete against? Other youth track clubs located in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
How does event sign-up work? Beginning the Monday before our first meet, and each Monday preceding subsequent meets, we will have a Meet Sign-up Sheet available at practice. Each athlete will need to check off the events they want to compete in for the upcoming event. If you’re not present at the Monday practice, you can e-mail your athlete’s preferred events no later than midnight on Tuesday. This timing is necessary in order for us to get the sign-ups into the Meet Manager software in time to be included in the upcoming meet schedule. It is not possible to submit late entries.
Can the athlete pick different events to try? Absolutely. Our goal is to help the kids get the most out of the program. We will be encouraging all of the athletes to try something different, both at practice and during the first few meets. We plan our season in a manner that lets the athletes try different distance races and then focus one their key events as we move closer to the USATF meets. Also, we will work on the relay events and do our best to assemble relay teams such that each interested athlete has an opportunity to compete in these unique races.
What are my volunteer obligations?
What form of communication is used by the club to reach parents/athletes? This web site will be the primary means of communcation. E-mail communications will be sent as needed. Additionally, the coaches will be at practice a few minutes before and after the scheduled times to talk with parents or athletes to address any questions or concerns.
Are there additional expenses required by the athlete? We will not ask for any additional money, however, the athletes are responsible for transportation to all meets. There are additional team shirts, bags, etc. for sale, but purchase is optional.
What running gear does my child need? Your child will need to have a pair of athletic running shoes for practice and meets. Appropriate running attire should include warm ups, running shorts, long and short sleeved shirts. Athletes can use running shoes including trainers or racing flats.
Where can I buy running shoes? You can buy running shoes at any of the sporting goods stores, e.g., Dick’s, The Sports Authority, as well as specialty runnings stores such as Fleet Feet, Big Peach Running, etc.
In cross country some kids will be wearing spikes (if the course permits.) Spikes are not a necessity. Please don't feel like you need to go out and purchase them. If you do decide to purchase spikes, please get "md" spikes (middle distance) or distance spikes. You will probably need to replace the spikes with 1/4" to 3/8" spikes. The shorter spikes can be used for track in the spring. Eastbay (online) usually has some good deals on clearance spikes ($10-$25). Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority sell spikes for about $50. Majority of runners at this age do not need spikes but a good majority will have them at the meet.
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