Athlete Meet Checklist

Athlete Meet Checklist

ATHLETE MEET CHECKLIST

It's important to be prepared for every meet and that starts with properly packing your gym bag the night before every meet. Keep in mind that the spring weather is very unpredictableand once the sun sets the temperatures can drop dramatically. So, be prepared for the sun, the snow, the rain or whatever mother nature will throw at us this spring. It's better to take too much than not enough! You'll be glad you did.

□Gym Bag

□TEAM Uniform- You can't participate without a school uniform.

□Track Spikes- Make sure the spikes you have in your shoes are intact.

□Towel- When you get wet you will appreciate something to dry yourself off with and help reduce the chill.

□Extra Pair of Socks(2)& Change of Clothes - Too much is better than not enough, take extra.

□Stocking Cap & Gloves - Most of the body heat is lost through the head. Take a sweatshirt, a hood is ok, but a hat in addition to is best.

□Running Tights & Top - Remember, if you are on a relay team your under gear can't be different than the other 3 teammates.

□Warm Ups/Sweats-Always keep them in your gym bag. You’ll need extra warm clothing.

□Running/Training Shoes– Bring these to warm up/ walk around when not on the track.

□Cellphone- Leave in your bag during the meet.

□FOOD- Healthy snacks, fruit & drinks - it's cheaper to take food than to buy it at the concession stand.

□Extra Contacts - Contact solution, glasses, etc.

□Hygiene Products - Suntan lotion, deodorant, toilet paper (often this is the first thing to go at meets), etc. When you need them, you need them!

□Plastic Trash Bags- Keeps your items dry in bad weather. Take one to sit on and put your gym bag in also.

AT THE MEET PARTICIPATION, COMPETITION &RULESREMINDERS

  1. Allow plenty of timefor warming up prior to your event(s)-Improper warm up can lead to a bad performances & worse yet, injury!
  2. Check in prior to event start- Listen to the announcements or ask one of the coaches for clarification on when& where to check in at. Most races will have a first,second& final call.Make sure you/relay team are checking in by the 1st call!Races will not be held up for you or your relay team if you don't check in and get the starting line on time.
  3. Uniforms- Tuck in your tops andprior to the checkin make sure everyone on your relay team is wearingmatching uniforms.
  4. One False Start and You’re Out!- No second chances!
  5. No running on or below the inside line of the track or you will be disqualified- Stay in your lane!
  6. Hurdles, 100, 200, 400, 4x100 relay & 4x200 relay races require that you stay in your lanes the entire race.
  7. 800, 1600, and 4x400 events will start out in lanes/alliesbut you can eventually break to lane one.
  8. Break Points - All races have adifferent break point so make sure you know where the break points are. When in doubt ask a coach, or track official prior to your race starting.
  9. Relay exchange zones- Know the exchange zones for each relay race because they are different.When in doubt ask a coach,or track official prior to your race starting.
  10. Relay Teams- Have relay card and baton ready for races
  11. Cool Down- To reduce muscle lactic acid build up and sore muscles you need to cool down properly after your events.Remember, a cool down is just as important as the proper warm up!
  12. NO Profanityor Throwing of the Baton- These two acts will result in automatic disqualification in the current event or relay team! Even if you are not running in those events!
  13. Give it your best effort every time you step on the track – Be Confident!
  14. Be supportive of your other teammates that are participating.

PARENT MEET SURVIVAL TIPS

Track season can be a long cold, wet and downright unpredictable experience from one meet to the next. You can leave the house and it's 60 degrees but once the sun goes down the temperature can drop 10, 15, even 20 degrees in a few short hours.

□Always Take Extra Clothing - If you don't wear it your kids will.

□Hats - Ear Muffs, Knit Cap

□Gloves - If you don't wear them your son/daughter will.

□Sweats & Jackets

□Rain Gear - Again, you never know when it will rain at a track meet.

□Umbrella - Be it rain, sun or snow

□Extra Cash - If you don't need it your kids will.

□Miscellaneous Items - Suntan Lotion, Hygiene Products, Tissues, Band-Aids, Contact Solution, Etc.

□Camera/Video Camcorder - Make sure the batteries are charged up.

□Blanket(s) - Those bleacher seats get cold when the sun goes down or on a windy, cloudy day!

□Stadium Seats - If you have one, bring it! Those metal/wood bleachers are hard.

FAQ about Track and Field

  1. What does it mean to check in? You would go to your event and tell the official your name and school.
  2. What is first call, second call, and final call? They are terms referring to when you need to report to your event.
  3. What happens if I have a running event and field event called at the same time? Report in at field event and tell them you are going to go to your running event.
  4. Can we leave the track meet when finished with events? No, group meeting at the end of the meet then you may leave.
  5. What if I get sick/injured before my event? Find one of the coaches.
  6. What if a track meet is cancelled? You will be able to call home from the office and there will be no practice that day. Meets will be cancelled by 2 pm.
  7. If I have a doctors/dentist/eye/ortho appointment and miss some school do I get to participate that day in practice or meet? Yes- this is an excused absence.
  8. Once we stretch as a team at track meets, do I need to continue to stretch before my event? Yes- keep stretching. Stay warm.
  9. If I ride home with a friend’s parent is that allowed? You must have a note from your parent prior to the meet stating who you are riding home with and then that parent must sign you out.
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