Dear Track Parents,

Track meets can last a long time and there is a great deal of waiting involved. The athlete may have one event right away and then have to wait several hours before the next event. Their events might be really close together with waiting before or after their events.

What does all of this mean??

A track meet is fun but can get boring and long. The athletes will probably get hungry as well. They should bring a small cooler with a lunch and snacks. Depending on the timing, they will be able to eat before and after their events. Comfort items will also help pass the time. Homework can be completed if time permits.

With this in mind, please review the list and consider sending a lunch/snack with them.

Suggested food and snacks to pack in your cooler

Oranges or bananas

Yogurt

Pretzels

Juice, water

A sandwich for after events

Trail Mix

Crackers

Raisins

Suggested comfort Items to bring

Sunscreen

Extra socks

Umbrella/rain gear

Small blanket or beach towel

Small pillow

Homework

Must Bring

Uniform and Socks                    

Running Shoes and Spikes

Sweat bottoms and jacket

Equipment such as chalk, shot put, or discus

Most of our track meets begin around 3:45 pm.

Parents will sit in the bleachers to watch the events for most track meets. The athletes will sit together in one section of the bleachers or on a grassy area while the parents sit in another location.  

When your athlete is competing, you may be able to go down closer to the event. This depends on the size of the meet and the rules at each meet. The rules and guidelines will be announced over the PA at each meet.

The Richland team will warm up together when we get to the meets. Closer to their event, each athlete will warm up again. Being warmed up and stretched are very important parts of competing.

Each event will be called over the PA system. There will be three calls. First call means to get ready for your event. Second call means to start heading to the bullpen. Third call means you need to be in the bullpen and checked in with the racing event official. If the athlete does not make it to the bullpen on time, he or she will be scratched.

Field events which include shot put, discus, long jump, and high jump begin first. These events will be called before the meet starts. Listening is key to success at track meets.

If an athlete is competing in a field event and their running event is called, the athlete tells the official at the field event and checks out to go run. When the running event is over, the athlete goes back to the field event.

Many times, the field events will still be going when all of the running events are complete. All athletes will wait together until the meet is over. We will board the bus together and head home.

Parents will be allowed to sign out their athlete for the ride home.