Track & Field FAQ

Last Updated: 2.11.26

Here to answer some track questions. First, thanks to all the athletes and parents who are working to get us off to a strong start. Track season can be a lot of info and moving parts, but it is a fun season.  

1. When do I know when my athlete should practice?

For now, athletes should try to attend practices of events they want to participate in and events continue to pursue. We do define track as a semi-cut sport, only because of a lack of entries allowed per meet (3 entries) and practice time available. For example, if I have 32 pole vaulters (8 per grade and gender - 7B, 7G, 8B, 8G), it is very hard to get anyone enough practice to safely compete. Coaches will communicate with athletes who make the minimum jump or throw requirements. These athletes should attend the practices as frequently as possible. Some athletes may have multiple events though and may have to balance out their practices to get work for multiple events. If an athlete does not make the main practice group, they are encouraged to talk to the coach of that event to see when they can attend. We also have jump-offs, throw-offs, etc where athletes can compete to earn a spot in the meet. They can also challenge for a spot. We know it is not a perfect situation, but we do try to build in opportunities for them to still pursue their interests, work on those events, and also have a chance to prove themselves for the chance to compete. We do strive to get all athletes who want to participate in a meet the opportunity to do so in at least one meet. 

2. We know that “everyone participates in track.” How is this participation fulfilled?

Participating in practices before or after school and competing in meets definitely fulfill their obligation; however, all the athletes participate in track practice during the athletic period. Athletes will alternate between strength-training days and speed/endurance days. Giving great effort on the running days fulfills the requirements for participating in track. This also allows the athletes to be ready to participate if they are needed to fill a spot to help the team. 

3. Are track clothes or spikes required? 

No. These purchases are optional. Some athletes at middle school meets do have spikes, but most do not. Since track season is so short (less than 2 months), we have acquired an inventory of track spikes for the program to loan to athletes for meets and even practices if needed. Coaches will loan out spikes to those competing in the first meet soon. The boys wear black spikes (unless you already have another color) and plain white socks, mid-calf or higher, for meets. We do have new Nike socks to loan out as well if needed.  

4. Do we order meals?

We do not do food orders for track meets. This is because participation varies meet by meet. Parents may drop off food for meets before 4:00 at the front office. More info about meets will be sent out before the first meet. 

5. Order of Events

Track meets start with field events (4:30) and the 2400 (5:00), all other running events (see attached) begin around 5:30. A student will be able to sign out with a parent present after he is cleared to leave by a coach. 

6. LISD Clear Bag policy and Ticketing

All the new policies still apply. For entrance, we do not use Hometown Ticketing. High school programs run the meets as a fundraiser, so cash at the gate is most common. We will pass on ticket prices as we learn more.