Frequently Asked Questions
When is practice?
Track and Field is scheduled to start Tuesday, March 23, 2010, and continue through Thursday, July 29, 2010. From March 23rd until May 11th - practice will be Tuesdays at the Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902 (Near the Carousel Ride.), from 6:10 pm until 8:00 pm; and on Sundays at John F. Kennedy High School 1901 Randolph Road, Silver Spring, MD 20902, from 3:30 pm until 5:00 pm
Thereafter, starting Monday, May 17, 2010 practice will be held Mondays through Thursdays from 6:10 pm until 8:00 pm at John F Kennedy High School
What is proper attire?
Practice: Athletes should come to practice in sweats at all times. Coaches will determine when athletes may wear shorts. Athletes may wear shorts under their sweats in the event that the coach OKs shorts after warming up. Only standard t-shirts may be worn for practice. No decorative sleeves, tanks tops or other variation of the standard tee.
Track Meets: In addition to the rules above, athletes should bring a white t-shirt to meets along with designated uniform items. This will be discussed before the first few meets when new athletes may not have uniforms yet. Lightweight socks are best, as opposed to thick, bulky socks. On hot, sunny days, athletes should wear a hat.
What kind of shoes?
Practice shoes should be standard running shoes. Athletes are putting extra stress on their feet and ankles and will feel best if their shoes have adequate ankle, arch and heel support. At track meets, athletes should wear runner’s spikes as specified by coaches. These shoes allow for extra traction and speed and decrease the chances of injury due to falls, slipping and inadequate support. Talk with coaches FIRST!!
Are their diet restrictions?
Practice: Athletes should avoid greasy, fried, and heavy foods. Fast food is a definite NO NO!! Especially on practice days and in preparation for meets, athletes should eat light, healthy foods. All meals should be finished two hours before practice. Athletes should also drink plenty of water before coming to practice. Again, all food and drink should be finished two hours before running.
Track Meets: Athletes should have their own supply of drinking water, fresh fruits and vegetables and light, healthy snacks. Athletes will not be sitting with parents/guardians, so they should have their own food/water supply. Athletes are encouraged to snack lightly throughout the day and avoid filling up at any one time.
Food to stay away from:
Apples
Foods that are encouraged:
Fruits (esp. bananas)
Vegetables
Coaches will advise athletes and parents/guardians on additional diet recommendations as needed.
What else does my child need to bring to a meet?
Sunblock and insect repellant are good items to have at any meet. Also extra hair bands (if applicable), socks, rain gear and a few Ziploc bags should be in your bag always. While there is a first aid kit and stand at each meet, athletes would be wise to have a few band aids and first aid basics with them as well. Any other personal hygiene items you require are advised as well. Athletes need to bring their own blanket or chair. NO boomboxes, gameboys or other entertainment devices are allowed at any meet or practice.
What if it rains?
Track meets or practices will not be cancelled due to rain. Only in the event of lightening may officials or coaches cancel. Rain gear is the responsibility of each athlete and his/her family.
Meet Times
Before a meet, coaches will give out relevant location, time to get there, event information, directions etc. It is imperative that parents/guardians are at the track immediately following practice to receive such information. If you cannot be available, your child is responsible for getting the information to you. Upon arrival at the track, athletes will go with the coaching staff and parents/guardians should be seated elsewhere. Athletes will answer to and be under the direction of the coaching staff at all track meets. Athletes should have everything they need for the entire meet. They are generally not allowed to sit with, consult or talk to parents/guardians during a meet.
What if I cannot attend a meet?
Arrangements may be made with other parents or coaching staff for meets that parents/guardians are unable to attend. Please take steps necessary to get your child to/from meets that you cannot attend.
Do I need to bring First Aid Supplies?
SSTC has a first aid kit that will always be available. Each track meet also has a first aid station to accommodate all runners. However, it is a good idea to have a small supply of those things you may personally rely on or feel comfortable using (i.e. band aids, ointments, balms or other creams). Please have Ziploc bags in the event an ice pack needs to be made. You may also bring portable instant ice packs just in case.
What if my child wins a race?
Athletes winning medals or ribbons at a meet will receive those awards during practice the following week. No award will be given at a track meet. Coaches will collect all awards at the meet and distribute them appropriately.
What else do I need to do?
The Silver Spring Track Club requires a big commitment from both athlete and parent. Parents/guardians will be asked to volunteer at track meets, get involved in fundraising events, and to generally support the team in any way possible. If you have connections in the travel/hospitality industry or can offer any other expertise or insider deals, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Your registration fee barely covers the cost of registration at the track meets for your child. They do not cover any of the other many expenses necessary to keep this team successful. Often, our volunteer coaching staff must cover some or all of their expenses when your athletes are invited to advance to more competitive, invitation-only meets. They are committed to ensuring that each athlete is invited to advance to another round, if the athlete is physically prepared to meet the challenge. An equal commitment is necessary from parent and athlete alike to reach our personal and common goals.