Parents Corner
We’ve all been new at one point when it comes to competing
in youth track meets. This guide should help answer many of the more common
questions we’ve heard over the years. If you have additional questions, please
feel free to discuss with your club coach or contact the USATF Illinois Track
& Field office.
Generally speaking, how do track meets work?
Youth track meets offer all events in multiple age group divisions. Typically, all the age groups will compete in a
certain event and then the meet will move to the next event; that is, they’re
not organized such that all Bantam, and then all Midget and then all Youth
events are held. It’s possible that your child may compete in the first and
last event of the day. Track meets typically run on a rolling schedule,
meaning that upon completion of one event the next one closely follows. Because
of this – and the fact that events may take more or less time than expected
– it’s impossible to tell at exactly what time your child will compete
(unless he/she is participating in the first event of the meet).
In which age group will my child/ren compete?
Generally, USATF competitions use 2-year age groups. Although 'age' group may suggest an
athlete's age at the time of the event is used to determine his/her group, the
year of birth determines the 'age' group. Generally speaking, the 'age' groups
are:
8 & under - Sub-bantam
9 & 10 - Bantam
11 & 12 - Midget
13 & 14 - Youth
15 & 16 - Intermediate
17 & 18 - Young Men/Women
What’s a “qualifying” meet?
Qualifying meets are those meets at which your child must be in
attendance and achieve certain performance criteria in order to qualify for the
next higher meet. The qualifying meets for
Illinois is the State (Association) meet and the Region 7 meet. Your child must
compete in both meets in order to qualify for the National Junior Olympics meet.
How long do meets last?
Track meets are multi-hour, sometimes all-day events. And some of the larger
meets – state, regional and national competitions, for example –
are spread over two or more days. Make sure you check the appropriate meet schedule to determine which day(s) you need to
be in attendance.
How early do we need to arrive at the meet?
It’s a good idea to arrive an hour or so before the meet is scheduled
to start. This allows time for you to complete the registration and/or check-in
process. (Even if you’ve pre-registered for the meet, athletes typically must
check in upon arrival.) It also allows time for your child to warm up on the
track and to orient him/herself with the complex (e.g., location of heating
tent, restrooms, etc.).
What must I have to complete the registration process?
You’ll need to know two things – (1) the event(s) in which your
child will be competing and (2) your child’s USATF number. It is also a good
idea to have a copy of your child's birth certificate.
How much does it cost to
register for a track meet?
Each track meet is different. Amounts may be fixed or may depend on the
number of events in which your child will be competing. Generally, meet
registration costs between $5 and $20.
In which event(s) should enter my child?
Generally, your child has either been training as a sprinter (Coach
Cooper) or a distance runner (Coach Barber) and coaches will have worked with
your child to determine the optimal running events for him/her. During
early-season meets, however, athletes and coaches may still be working to
determine the event(s) in which athletes are strongest. If your child has been
working out with the sprinters, it’s best to place him/her in sprint event(s)
– 100 meters, 200 meters and/or 400 meters. If he/she has been training with
the distance group, middle- to long-distance races – 800 meters, 1500 meters,
3000 meters – are preferable. If a change subsequently needs to be made
regarding optimal running event placement, coaches will work with the athletes
accordingly. Hurdlers and field athletes – jumpers, throwers and vaulters
– should be placed in the event(s) in which they have been training.
How will I know when it’s my child’s turn to
compete?
First, you’ll have to know in which age division and event(s) your
child will be competing. Then, you’ll listen for the announcement of a
“first call” for that event. For example, the announcer will announce over
the public-address system, “First call – bantam girls, 100 meter dash.” If
your child is signed up to compete in this event, she should then make her way
to the clerking area.
I think my child earned a medal/ribbon/etc.? How and
where does he/she get it?
The distribution of medals/ribbons/etc., as well as the number of
participants receiving them, varies by meet. Some awards are presented to
athletes immediately following each event, some meets include podium ceremonies
for each event and some meets hand out all awards in a centralized location
throughout the day or at the end of the day. Just keep your ears open for
instructions.
What should I bring to the track meet?
Track meets are hours-long events, so it's important for athletes to
come prepared (after a good, carbohydrate-rich breakfast, of course). You
should bring proper foods and drinks for your athlete (e.g., water, pretzels,
fruit, bagels, trail mix, crackers, orange slices, raisins, etc.); weather
protection (e.g., canopy/umbrella, sunscreen, blanket, hat, sunglasses, etc.);
comfort items (e.g., portable chair, pillow, cooler, seat cushion, insect
repellant, etc.); and stuff to keep everyone entertained (e.g., books, puzzles,
games, iPods, homework, etc.). Concessions typically are available at track
meets.
How can I help ensure my child achieves peak
performance?
You can help ensure your child performs at his/her best at meets by
providing a carbohydrate-rich breakfast to begin the day. It’s also important
that while at the venue he/she remains in the shade and engages in minimal
physical activity when not stretching, warming up or competing. And most
importantly, encourage and support your child – not only the day of the meet
but throughout the season.
Where can I find the results from the meet?
During the meet, official results typically are
posted in a common area as the events are completed. Additionally, you will
be advised where to find results on the internet.
Are pictures typically available following the meet?
Sometimes. Third-party providers may cover certain meets and will
provide information at the meet regarding options to view/purchase photos &
videos..
As the
parent of a athlete, your major responsibility is to provide a stable,
loving and supportive environment. Check out some articles that will
help you become the best swim parent possible to your athlete. 
Your
child's coach is the one you have assigned to judge a athlete's
performance and technique. Your role is to provide love and support
regardless of outcome. Here are some articles that will help you as a
parent understand the coach's role and build a positive relationship
with the coach.