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Checklist for Meets

Parents are in charge of their athletes at the meets!

With approximately 150 athletes, the coaches are there to coach. It is up to the parents to listen for event calls and make sure that their child is at the proper event on time. If you cannot attend but your child can, please arrange for another adult to be in charge of your child.

Running events take precedence over field events!

All meets follow a suggested order of events. If your child is scheduled in a running event and a field event at the same time, the athlete must check in with the field event leader and then proceed to the running event. The athlete is expected to return to the field event after the running event.

Athletes should attempt a variety of events at the early meets.

As a parent, encourage your child to try different events. Athletes may be surprised to find out that they are very good at an event that they do not usually do. Divisions A & B athletes may participate in three events at a meet; older divisions may participate in four events.

Track meets can last from two to three hours all the way up to all day depending on the number of athletes and clubs competing. Athletes should come prepared to meet all their needs. Sometimes facilities are very limited in what they offer. Here is a checklist of some items that you should plan to take with you, obviously, some are optional:

Entry fee for athletes and spectators
Water bottle or sports drink
Running shoes and/or spikes
Uniform, plus a t-shirt or long sleeved shirt to wear underneath in cool weather.
Sweat suit or warm-up suit
Sunscreen
Extra shoelaces
Extra spikes and spike wrench
Cooler for drinks and healthy snacks (Oranges, grapes, apples, bagels, etc.)
Blanket or lawn chair
Stop watch
Umbrella
Camera or camcorder
Safety pins

Make sure upon arriving at the meet, that you:

Register for the meet and for the events in which you are participating
Check the schedule to see when you will be competing
Take a warm-up lap
Stretch out
If you are in a relay, check in with the coach
Find out where your event will be held (especially important for field events)
If you are in a running event, take a few practice starts
Is you are in a jumping event, set up your approach marks and take a few run-throughs
If you are in a throwing event, familiarize yourself with the throwing area

When you are not competing, it is important that you not interfere with the events that are underway. ALWAYS be careful in crossing the track to get to an event. NEVER cross the track during an event. NEVER cross field event runways or throwing areas. ALWAYS go around! Between events try to stay in the shade, stay loose, rest and cheer on your teammates!

☺ HAVE FUN! The meets are the most enjoyable part of track and field! ☺