What is track and field?

Track and field is a variety of different athletic competitions that take place on an athletic track.  Events can include individuals or teams, generally amateurs, and can be both indoor and outdoor meets. The field events include the high jump, long jump, and shot put. The track events are races including sprints, and longer runs such as the 1000- and 2000-meter races. This is a great sport for boys or girls who like to run, jump and throw.  Introducing your child to track at an early age can ensure a lifelong love for the sport. 

 

Unlike most other sports, track is a very flexible sport so kids who start later are not missing out on crucial skill-building years because most of track is what kids do naturally, which is running, jumping and throwing.   The age, maturity of the child and their ability to follow directions will determine the events that are appropriate for them.  For instance, hurdles, long distance events and most field events are not recommended for young children but they should enjoy the 100 meter dash or long jump.

 

What are the governing organizations for track and field?

USA Track and Field  (USATF) is the national governing body for track and field, road running, cross country running, racewalking, and mountain/ultra/trail running in the United States.  International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) - is the world governing body for track and field. 

 

Amateur Athletic Union, AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the US dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.  The youngest participates are 8 and under in AAU.  The AAU Junior Olympic Games are known as the largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States. It has become the showcase event of the AAU Sports Program.

 

Youth membership in AAU or USATF is not required to compete during regular season.  However, membership in USA Track & Field, is a required for an athlete to compete in the State, Regional, National Junior Olympic meets or the State and National Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championship meets.   Athletes can either compete as part of team or club or as individual or 'unattached' status.

 

What is the commitment level...

Registration for track and field clubs is normally in April with meets held generally each weekend through August. For high school students, ages 15 -18,  club season starts after the school track season ends (June to August).  State qualifying  meets take place in June and regional qualifying meets take place in July.   AAU National Junior Olympics takes place the first week of August for those who qualified.

Practices are usually two to three times per week.   A lot of these clubs serve as a feeder programs for high school track and cross country. 

What is the season for track and field?

There are two seasons for track and field. The indoor season is in the winter.  The outdoor track and field season usually begins in the spring and lasts through the summer.