How long are track meets?
Track meets are very long events that have the potential to last for upwards of 10 hours. Therefore it is important that you take the proper track meet necessities along with you. Meets are held on Saturday or Sunday. Some of the larger meets like regional and national competitions are spread over two or more days. AAU & USATF sanctioned meets (begin in June) are two day (Sat. & Sun.) meets and may require travel out of state.
In all events, the top three finishers in each event win medals: gold for first place, silver for second place and bronze for third place. The first three across the finish line in races will win the medals. In the high jump, the three athletes who jump the highest over will win. The three athletes who jump the longest distance, in the long jump, win medals. In the shot put, the person who throws the ball the longest wins medals.
NOTE: In many meets, the top 6 finishers will receive medals/ribbons.
AAU youth competition age groups are based on the year of birth. The age divisions for competition year 2022 are as follows:
| Age Division | Birth Year | |
| 8 & under | 2014 & after | |
| 9 year old | 2013 | |
| 10 year old | 2012 | |
| 11 year old | 2011 | |
| 12 year old | 2010 | |
| 13 year old | 2009 | |
| 14 year old | 2008 | |
| 15 & 16 year old | 2006 - 2007 | |
| 17 & 18 year old | 2004 - 2005 |
USATF youth competitions typically take place in two-year age divisions. These age divisions provide young athletes the opportunity to compete with other athletes of similar ability. The age divisions for competition year 2020 are as follows:
| Age Division | Year of Birth |
| 7 - 8 | 2014-2015 |
| 9 - 10 | 2012-2013 |
| 11 - 12 | 2010-2011 |
| 13 - 14 | 2008-2009 |
| 15 - 16 | 2006-2007 |
| 17 - 18 |
2004-2005 |
Registration and Transportation
Registration for and transportation to the meets are responsibility of parents. Parents should supervise their children during the meet unless special arrangements are made. Fayetteville Rockets coaches will be present at the meets and may be available to help with meet logistics.
During the meets, parents are not allowed in the mid-field or in the athlete check-in area. If you believe your child needs assistance, bring it to the attention of a coach. Usually parents and athletes who are not competing at the moment stay at the bleachers or designated areas around the track. Parents are always welcome to cheer for their athletes, but make sure not to interfere with events in progress.
We, as a track club, often find a spot at the track to stay together. This especially helps if kids become nervous or intimidated of the unfamiliar setting. This also allows the coaches to ensure the Athletes are prepared when their events are called. Coaches will escort the athlete to the check-in area, and begin warm up procedures with the athlete.
Meets
The developmental meets in the beginning of the season are to provide the athlete the opportunity to try a large variety of events and meet qualifying standards for larger meets. Performance at High School meets can also be used as qualifiers. The state meet typically only has qualifying marks in the high jump and long jump and all other events are open. The Fayetteville Rockets encourages all our athletes to take part in all developmental meets, State Youth Athletics Meet, and the State Junior Olympic Meet. Eligibility for the regional and national meets are based on performance at the State meet.
Junior Olympics
The AAU holds Junior Olympic sport games one time each year. For an athlete to be eligible for this event, they must qualify by ranking in the top four in a regional event. The AAU Junior Olympics participant count is usually over 15,500 in twenty two different sporting events, including track and field.
The USATF, or USA Track and Field, also also holds Junior Olympic games. The USATF participant record is over 70,000 in track and field and cross country events.
Young track and field athletes can participate in both AAU and USATF competitions. There has been some debate over which organization is 'better'; however, opinions differ and competition varies from year to year.
Track meet necessities...
Age group track meets can move slowly due to the number of events being offered and the large number of participants therefore it is important that you go to a meet prepared. You should carry extra food and clothing. You need to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including rain. Lastly, you should bring some items to keep you occupied between events which could be quite a while.
FOOD ITEMS
Water, Sports Drinks, Juice
Fruit - Orange Slices
Trail Mix, Raisins
Pretzels, Crackers
Bagels, Low fat Pastry
Cooler, Ice or Ice packs
*Avoid Fast Food & Greasy Foods
EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING
Training Shoes/Track Spikes and Uniform
Sweats/Wind Suits
WEATHER PROTECTION
Umbrella, Poncho
Blanket, Extra clothes, Extra socks, Jacket
Tent
Sun block, Hat
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Allergy Medicine
Small Medical Kit
Folding Chair, Seat Cushion
Insect Repellant
Towels
Cell phone
Cot
ENTERTAINMENT
Books/Magazines
Cards
Puzzle book
Handheld gaming system
I-Pod
Tablet
