FAQ


Parent's Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP?
Boys and Girls ages 6 – 17 years old are able to join DCTC. The athletes compete based on age divisions established by USATF and AAU.
MY CHILD HAS NEVER RUN TRACK BEFORE? CAN DCTC HELP?
DCTC’s program is designed to introduce kids of all abilities to field events, sprint and distance running.  Our goal is to build a team environment that will support our youth emotionally and socially through their involvement in track and field. Kids will improve their physical conditioning as they learn skills related to track and field.
HOW LONG DOES THE SEASON RUN?
The spring / outdoor season will begin March 23, 2013 and end June 23, 2013.  For athletes that desire to compete in the USATF and AAU Regional and National Meets, the season will run through July based on their advancement in the trial events.  An additional purchase of USATF and AAU memberships are required for athlete participation in the National meets. More information will be provided regarding this process during the season.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?
Team practices are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. We may have additional practices added some weeks for those that need to work on field events. Ad hoc practices may be added during the season once track meets begin. 

Practices are held at Saunders Middle School.
ARE PRACTICES MANDATORY?
Practices are NOT mandatory. We acknowledge that in this day and age our kids are on the go all the time and are involved in numerous activities. However, practice improves performance and we encourage attendance as much as possible. We want this program to be what you desire it to be.
WHAT WILL PRACTICES LOOK LIKE?
Practices will start off with going through different warm ups followed by a workout for the different events. Even though our program is both recreational and competitive, practices will not differ for each athlete, but we will accommodate to the different age groups and level of experience.
We desire for this to be a fun experience so we will try and be creative in making it fun and exciting, but we will also want to challenge them to push themselves to do things they may have never done before.
WHEN ARE TRACK MEETS HELD?
Track meets are typically held on Saturdays, they are rarely scheduled on Sundays but it is a possibility that it may occur. A team calendar will be distributed to the athletes and is available on the DCTC website.
WHAT IS THE INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR PRACTICE AND MEETS?
As always, the athletes Parental / Guardian’s judgment is the overriding decision for attending practice or a track meet during inclement weather.

Practice and track and field events will not be cancelled due to rain alone.  Rain cancellations will be made at the site of practice, due to the precarious nature of rain.  Heavy rain, wind, and lightning are the overarching factors of cancellations.  If adverse weather conditions, i.e. lightning, heavy-heavy rain, wind or excessive heat, leads to a cancellation of practice it will be made no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the day's program.  The cancellation announcement will be made via email and text message.  You may also call the DCTC information number at (571) 306-DCTL.
​
DCTC will pay close attention to heat advisories and cancel practice based on the recommendation of local news forecasts.

All track and field meets are subject to delays due to lightning. The call for this is made during the meet. If a 30-minute inclement weather delay is issued and the parent/guardian elects not to wait, that parent/guardian is obligated to inform DCTC’s coaching staff of the decision.  Relays may be affected which could influence other athletes to stay or leave.
WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE COVER?
The registration fee of $195 for new athletes covers the following: Athlete uniform, team bag, team shirt, weekly practices, entry fee for track meets, and athlete ticket for the DCTC end of season celebration.

Returning athletes that have a current 2013 DCTC issued uniform, the registration fee is $155. Registration fee includes the following:  Team shirt, weekly practices, entry fee for track meets, and athlete ticket for the DCTC end of season celebration.

Athletes and parents may register online as well as purchase additional team gear, i.e. uniforms. warm up suits, bag, team photos via the Lightning Gear page at an additional cost.

Family Discount: Available to any family that registers 2 or more children. After the first fully paid registration, a $10 discount will be deducted from the $165 registration fee for each additional child.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR MY CHILD?
In addition to the online registration form, athletes must provide a copy of the following by the first day of practice:
WHAT SHOULD THE ATHLETES BRING TO PRACTICE?
Athletes should wear loose athletic clothing (weather appropriate), running shoes, a bottle of water and a winning attitude. Parents can feel free to watch practice or take advantage of the track for exercise.
HOW MUCH DO PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED?
The success of DCTC is dependent on volunteers who are willing to assist during practice and meets, with equipment and tent set-up, gathering athletes for events, photography, record and time keeping, snacks, etc.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)