Q: What do I do right after school on practice/meet days?
A: After packing up your back pack, students can head right to the MS gym. Please change into your workout clothes (must adhere to the school-dress code), and start getting into line for attendance to be taken. We then meet as a team to discuss all necessary announcements, and then we walk down to the MS Track as a group (with all our belongings). We do not return to the MS.
Q: What do I pack for Track practice?
A: For practices, we suggest packing a healthy snack to eat before practice (but no food is allowed in the gym, so eat before entering). For athletic gear, we suggest LAYERS! We recommend shorts, a t-shirt, AND sweatpants, a sweatshirt/jacket, and running shoes. We also suggest hats/gloves :)! We WILL run in the rain, so please store a garbage bag in your track bag so athletes can stuff all their items into a water-proof bag if needed (we also suggest a small Ziploc for cell-phones)!
Q: What gear do I need to buy and what do we do for uniforms?
A: Athletes only need running clothes and shoes! MS athletes can wear spikes in competition (not necessary to do so). Spikes are not meant to be worn for extended periods of time. The best use is to wear them for time trials, races, or field event competitions, and then put on normal running shoes once those events are completed. Athletes purchase their own uniforms and pay online. Orders must be placed by April 16th to guarantee they are ready before the first meet. Click here to do so, and check out all the other items available for purchase!
Q: What do I have to do to officially sign-up?
A: Click here and follow through ALL the steps!
Q: What happens if it starts raining or there is bad weather during practice/meets?
A: We DO hold track practice/meets in the rain. If there is thunder or lightning during a meet, the official running the meet makes the call regarding a delay vs. canceling. During practice, we move to an indoor location. Students can notify their parents regarding any change to plans. In the event that practice is cancelled ahead of time, an announcement will be made over the PA for all students, and it will be announced on twitter (follow us @SalineMSTrack).
Q: What if I can't make it to practice every day? Can I still be on the team?
A: Our expectation is that all track team members will make every effort to attend all practices and meets, staying until the end of each. We understand that middle schoolers are still trying out different sports, so we are willing to work with you to make it possible to be on the team. HOWEVER, we strictly uphold the HS Athletic Department Policy that in order to compete in a meet, the athlete must participate in practice the day before the meet (that would also mean the Friday before a Monday meet). Additionally, student-athletes may only attend practice/meets ONLY if the student attends a minimum of 3 of their academic classes that day.
Q: What if I am unable to pick up my athlete after practice?
A: If an athlete is not picked up from practice by 5:15pm (practice ends at 5pm unless otherwise stated in an email) the athlete(s) will be sent to the library to be picked up.
Q: What's the difference between 6th grade Track vs. 7th & 8th grade Track?
A: As of 2017, the answer is nothing, except for how you pay! 6th graders pay through Community Ed, and 7th & 8th graders pay through the HS Athletic Office "Pay-to-Participate" Fee. (Click here to do so)
Q: Can I drive my child home from away meets? Can they ride with a friend?
A: Athletes may only ride home with their parent if the parent SIGNS-OUT with the designated coach at the end of the away meet. A child may only ride home with a friend if we have a SIGNED NOTE from YOU giving permission for your child to ride home with another parent.
Q: What do I/we do if I/my child will miss practice?
A: We would greatly appreciate if the athlete or parent notifies all pertinent coaches regarding any absences. Click here to determine which coaches to contact.
Q: What should I do if I'm having a hard time balancing Track and my academics?
A: We all view our team as STUDENT-athletes. We support students receiving academic support whenever needed. Just let your coach(es) know ahead of time! We do have grade-checks, and if a student has a single 'E' in any class, or two 'D's, then they will not be able to compete.
Q: What events am I allowed to participate in?
A: No athlete may compete in more than 3 events. We ask athletes what they are interested in, and balance that with where we, as coaches, see them being most successful, and we place them in events. It can change from meet to meet and the athletes will know ahead of time (typically just the day before).