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 unpredictable and 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 - multi event athelets may have 2 pairs of spikes - make sure the spikes you have in your shoes meet the track requirements
* 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 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 - Alway keep them in your gym bag. Best yet, take an extra set just in case you get wet or need extra warm clothing.
* Running/Training Shoes - Bring an extra pair in your gym bad just in case your main pair gets wet, muddy, etc.
* NO Jewelry! - This is an automatic disqualification without exception.
* 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, toilet paper (often times 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. Actually, take one to set on and put your gym bag in also.
AT THE MEET PARTICIPATION, COMPETITION & RULES REMINDERS
* Allow plenty of time for warming up prior to your event(s) - Improper warm up can lead to a bad performances & worse yet, injury!
* Check In prior to event start - listen to the announcements or ask one of the coaches for clarification on when & were 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.
* Uniforms - Tuck in your tops and prior to the check in make sure everyone one on your relay team is wearing matching uniforms.
* NO Jewelry - This is an automatic disqualification
* One False Start and Out! No second chances!
* No running on or below the inside line of the track or you will be disqualified - stay in the middle of your lane!
* Hurdles, 100, 200, 400, 4x100 relay & 4x200 relay races require that you stay in your lanes the entire race.
* 800, 1600, 3200, 4x400 and 4x800 events will start out in lanes/allies but you can eventually break to lane one.
All races have a different break point so make sure you know were the break points are.
When in doubt ask a coach or track official prior to your race starting.
* 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.
* Relay Teams - Have relay card and baton ready for races
* Cool Down - To reduce muscle latic 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!
* NO Profanity or throwing of the baton - these two acts will result in automatic disqualification in your event or relay team!
* Give it Your best effort every time you step on the track - Be Confident! * Be supportive of your other teamates that are participating
Remember, if there is something you need prior to the start of the meet please bring it to the attention of the coaches prior to leaving the school and/or getting on/off the bus. Again, proper proactive measures eliminate unecessary emergencies and will allow you and the coaches to enjoy the meet.
* Gym Bag
* TEAM Uniform - you can't participate without a school uniform. * Track Spikes - multi event athelets may have 2 pairs of spikes - make sure the spikes you have in your shoes meet the track requirements
* 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 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 - Alway keep them in your gym bag. Best yet, take an extra set just in case you get wet or need extra warm clothing.
* Running/Training Shoes - Bring an extra pair in your gym bad just in case your main pair gets wet, muddy, etc.
* NO Jewelry! - This is an automatic disqualification without exception.
* 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, toilet paper (often times 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. Actually, take one to set on and put your gym bag in also.
AT THE MEET PARTICIPATION, COMPETITION & RULES REMINDERS
* Allow plenty of time for warming up prior to your event(s) - Improper warm up can lead to a bad performances & worse yet, injury!
* Check In prior to event start - listen to the announcements or ask one of the coaches for clarification on when & were 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.
* Uniforms - Tuck in your tops and prior to the check in make sure everyone one on your relay team is wearing matching uniforms.
* NO Jewelry - This is an automatic disqualification
* One False Start and Out! No second chances!
* No running on or below the inside line of the track or you will be disqualified - stay in the middle of your lane!
* Hurdles, 100, 200, 400, 4x100 relay & 4x200 relay races require that you stay in your lanes the entire race.
* 800, 1600, 3200, 4x400 and 4x800 events will start out in lanes/allies but you can eventually break to lane one.
All races have a different break point so make sure you know were the break points are.
When in doubt ask a coach or track official prior to your race starting.
* 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.
* Relay Teams - Have relay card and baton ready for races
* Cool Down - To reduce muscle latic 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!
* NO Profanity or throwing of the baton - these two acts will result in automatic disqualification in your event or relay team!
* Give it Your best effort every time you step on the track - Be Confident! * Be supportive of your other teamates that are participating
Remember, if there is something you need prior to the start of the meet please bring it to the attention of the coaches prior to leaving the school and/or getting on/off the bus. Again, proper proactive measures eliminate unecessary emergencies and will allow you and the coaches to enjoy the meet.