4/4: April 5 Track Meet Order of Events and Details

Track parents and guardians-

We’re excited to kick off our first meet of the season on Saturday, April 5 at the Longmeadow High School track. The meet will be run in 3 shifts, lasting about 45 minutes each. Keep in mind these times are approximate. Grades 1-3 will be first, with the gun going off at 8:30 for the first event, Grades 4-5 are next, Grades 6-8 are last.  Because we start on time, Grades 1-3 should arrive a little early, especially if you still need to pick up your uniform (see below for more details).  The order of events is below, and this email addresses a number of logistical issues and questions we have gotten.

Just a reminder from the Info. Sheet on the website and from Sunday’s email, if you did not register your child for the meet under athletic.net, your child may participate by showing up to the event when it is called and we will place them in a heat.  We can give them their time or distance but we cannot include them in the results or the scoring.

April 5 Order of Events (all field events occur at same time as running events)

8:30 am:  400m Grades 1-3 (girls then boys)

100m Grades 1-3 (girls then boys)

9:00 am:  Grades 4-5 arrive

800m (Grades 1-5) (girls and boys combined)

100m Grades 4-5 (girls then boys)

400m Grades 4-5 (girls then boys)

9:30 am:  Grades 6-8 arrive

1600m Grades 6-8 (combined boys and girls)

100m Grades 6-8 (girls then boys)

400m Grades 6-8 (girls then boys)

For all three shifts, the field events of long jump (girls only this week), shot put, and turbo javelin will take place at the same time as the running events.

For those new to track & field, a meet can feel a little chaotic at times. NOTE that running and field events will be taking place at the same time. In the event of a conflict between a running event and field event, the running event takes priority. Your child should leave the field event after telling the official, go to the running event, and then return to complete the field event.

T-Shirts

In this meet, your kids will compete on their color teams against other kids in the program. If you do not know your child's color team or number, please go to the Roster on the website, www.longmeadowtrack.org. If you have not received your shirt and/or number yet, please go to the scorer's table on Saturday morning.  Please arrive early to get your shirt and to pin your number to your shirt.  Your child will be wearing the color T-shirt this week, not the black/white singlet if you have received one (everyone will get a singlet once our order comes in).

Bib Number

Your child must wear his/her bib number. Please RETAIN your bib number for the rest of the season. You will use it at each meet. If you have an issue with your bib number, please go to the scorer's table for assistance.

Weather--stay warm!

It looks to be a little chilly at the beginning of the meet on Saturday. Bring sweatshirts, sweat pants to wear before competing, and then wear shorts while running. Sweat pants/sweat shirts can be worn while your child is waiting and then taken off just before competing.  Hats and gloves are great because you can take them on and off easily to regulate body temperature.  Tights, not so much.  I am not a fan of tights or leggings unless it's winter and I know that I will be wearing them even when I am at my warmest while running.

Bathroom:  There is a porta-pottie near the concession building.

Water Bottles:  don't forget your own water bottle (1 quart).

Weather Cancellations

Rain does not appear likely tomorrow morning.  In general, we will still run through a few sprinkles.  Please check your email on Saturday mornings if the weather is looking iffy. I will send an email canceling the meet between 7 am and 8 am if we are going to cancel. If you hear nothing, you can assume the meet is on.