2023 Meet Schedule  (club invite only)
Order of Events will be posted upon receipt from host Club
April 16 Westminster Track Club (HOME MEET) 
April 23 Catoctin
April 30 Bullseye Running-Howard County NOTE:  NO 15/18 FIELD Events, 15/18 Running events only;  ONLY TWO (2) attempts in Long Jump
May 7 Freedom Flyers @ Winters Mill High School
May 21 FSK Jr Eagles Running
May 28 Bullseye Running-Howard County (small scale meet, invite only; replaces Clarksburg)
June 4 Lightning NOTE:  NO Discus

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Track & Field - Click here for Information about our program.
Practice Rotation Schedule - Parents should discuss with their athlete(s) so they know where to report for each session. If an athlete is not participating in an event listed in session one, please only report for session two. Team Warm Up lap prior to session one only.

2023 Spring Track

• Practice days M/W/TH; however, Thursday is for athletes registered in Sunday's meet to allow for additional coaching in the registered events.  If there is no meet, all athletes may attend Thursday's practice.
• Practice time tentative for 645PM-8PM and dependent on coach availability. No team warm on track.  Athletes report to first practice rotation.
• Restrooms MAY be accessible during practice.
• Age groups limited to 7 through 16 (age as of 12/31/23).  
• Meet payment ($10 per athlete)   Events and payment MUST be submitted to Coach Barb no later than Wednesday practice. Parents encouraged to use VENMO; however, cash or check will be accepted. Parents can pay in advance for all meets (planned to attend) or per meet. Meet fees are NOT refundable once athlete is registered for the upcoming meet.  This is an ENTRY fee, not a participation fee.
• Athletes cannot change their events on meet day unless to scratch.  Athletes will be HEATED in advance.
• Number of MAX events athletes may participate in meets (12 and under-(3); 13 and up-(4)) relays WILL count towards # of events 
• Westminster Track Club will host the first meet of the season, tentative for Sunday, April 16, 2023, WolfPack parent volunteers required to assist and lead events during our home meet only.  Additional volunteers (siblings, WolfPack alums, high school students) are encouraged and wlecome to assist.  Student volunteer hours may be provided
• WolfPack coaches may not be available at all meets.
  ** Individuals should NOT jump/play on High Jump or Pole Vault mats or play in Long Jump sand pits. No one is permitted on WHS infield in stadium. **

Return to Play Guidance (2023)
While we continue to move towards some degree of "normalcy", we encourage parents/athletes/coaches continue to exercise wellness checks prior to reporting to practice and meets.  If anyone experiences any of the below, individual should stay home.

• Fever in the last 2-14 days (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
• Unexplained cough, shortness of breath, muscle pains, shaking with chills, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in the last 2-14 days
• Prolonged exposure (15 minutes or more or within 6 feet or less) to anyone exhibiting the systems above in the last 2-14 days.

If anyone tests positive for COVID-19 during a season or when in contact with other volunteers or athletes, they should notify Coach Barb immediately and consult with their medical provider for medical advice.

Hand Sanitizer
Highly recommended that all athletes (especially throwers) bring their own hand sanitizer, hand and/or disinfectant wipes for hands to practices and meets. 

Events By Age Division
Events vary depending on age of athlete as of December 31st of the current year

FAQs
Do I need a copy of my child’s birth certificate for registration?
No, but if you choose to compete in any AAU or USATF sanctioned meets, you will need to provide a photocopy to Westminster Track Club.

What about practices?
We generally practice on Mon, Wed and Thurs evenings from 6:45PM - 8:00PM at Westminster High School. On occasion, due to WHS home games, the practice time may vary in any given week.  Please check our calendar for specific times and the website for any updates.  Arrive on time as we have a lot to cover in a short period.  If the athlete needs to leave practice early for any reason, it is their responsibility to inform the head coach at the beginning of practice. In the event of inclement weather each athlete’s parent should make a decision, individually on whether or not to attend practice. Practices will be canceled due to heavy rain or lightning. We will post a notice on our website and try to make every effort to email and text parents in advance should practice need to be canceled. Practices are NOT an opportunity for parents to run errands.  Although we understand unexpected situations may arise, for the safety of your child we request that you not leave the premise.  In the event your child is injured and we cannot reach you, the coaching staff will take necessary action if immediate medical attention is required.  Any and all medical expenses are the responsibility of the child's parent/guardian.*For 2021 Track and Field season, due to COVID-19 protocols, parents encouraged to observe from the bleachers. Practice time modified to 645-8PM, athletes report directly to event in FIRST practice rotation session.  

What happens if we miss a meet or practice? 
We want your child's experience to be fun. If you have other plans, or if she or he is tired or ill that day, please do not worry about it. We will see you at the next practice. That said, conditioning is important, and the practice plans follow a progression that will help your child learn track and field skills. If you do not attend practices, your athlete will not receive the benefit of the progressive conditioning and skills. Since track is an individual sport, there are no other team members who are depending on your child to show up on any given day (unless he or she participates in relays).   

It’s raining. Are you holding a meet?
Meets are rarely canceled. Usually, the meet director will institute a weather delay in cases of thunder or a real deluge or other very nasty weather.  Consult the web site for cancellation information.

When are the meets and how do I enter them? 
Meets begin in early April and are held on Sunday through early June.  As information (Order of Events) becomes available, it will be posted on the website.  Participation at meets is encouraged but not required in order to join Westminster Track Club. *Effective in the 2021 Track and Field season until further notice, payment is required to a designated WolfPack Coach IN ADVANCE. NO MEET DAY REGISTRATIONS will be accepted.
   

What are age groups and how many events can my child participate in at a meet?
During the regular season, athletes are grouped by age group based on the athlete's age as of December 31st of each year not the age as of any meet day. The age groups and number of events include: 6 & Under (2)- ONLY 50M dash and long jump;  7/8 (3), 9/10 (3), 11/12 (3), 13/14 (4), 15/16 (4), and 17/18 (4).  Beginning with the State or National qualifier through Junior Olympics, athletes compete in the division based on his/her year of birth only. EXCEPTION, the last two age groups remain grouped as noted above and the athlete is eligible if still 18 as of year end.  High Schoolers can join the Westminster Track Club and particpate in the 15 and up age group as long as they are NOT on their high school track team. *Effective in the 2021 Track and Field season until further notice, Age Groups limited to 7/8 through 15 and max of (3) events for each age group are permitted at meets. 

What is AAU Track & Field?
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer sports organizations in the country. As a multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. The AAU philosophy of “Sports for All, Forever” is shared by over 500,000 members and 60,000 volunteers nationwide. Over 34 sports are offered in the 57 AAU Districts. Programs offered by the AAU include: AAU Sports Program, AAU Junior Olympic Games, AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award and the AAU Complete Athlete Program. Meets are based on a stair-stepping program of qualifying meets, beginning with the State meet and leading up to the National Junior Olympic Meet.

What is USA Track & Field?
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the national governing body of track & field. Before any athlete can compete in a USATF-sanctioned meet he/she must first become a member of USATF. Athletes are encouraged to apply for their USATF membership as soon as possible to ensure that they have their USATF membership card (usually called a "USATF card" or sometimes, by summer track veterans, a "TAC card") in hand before their first meet.  Junior Olympic (or "JO") meets are based on a stair-stepping program of qualifying meets, leading up to the National Junior Olympic Meet.

What are the AAU Jr Olympic Games?
The AAU Junior Olympic Games are known as the largest national multi-sport event for youth in the United States. It has become the showcase event of the AAU Sports Program. The AAU has partnered with several outstanding cities for this event. Host cities included Des Moines, IA; New Orleans, LA; Hampton Roads, VA; Knoxville, TN; Detroit, MI, and Houston, TX.

Do I have to become a member of AAU or USATF in order to run with Westminster Track Club?
No. Youth membership in AAU or USATF is not required to compete during our regular season. However, if you wish to participate in AAU or USATF competitions, you will need to join AAU and/or USATF. The club will handle the registration but there may be additional fees for membership.

What about uniforms?
Uniforms will be issued to each athlete at the beginning of the season, once the registration fee is paid in full. If a uniform or part of a uniform is lost it is the financial responsibility of the parent/guardian to replace it.  In order to compete in any meet, Westminster Track Club athletes must wear their full uniform.  Athletes may wear undergarments such as the team tshirt, or compression long sleeve shirt or shorts; however, we request that they are plain royal, black or white.  Athletes not wearing the uniform as noted above will receive a warning on first offense; however, may be prohibited from participating in a meet if repeat offense. 

What kind of shoes should I get?
A comfortable running shoe is highly recommended. For training purposes you want shock absorption and some support. You can use that same shoe for competitions if you like.  We do not recommend our athletes wear an every day, broken in shoe.  Once you figure out that you are serious about the sport, a specialized shoe, such as a pair of track spikes, or throwing shoe is an option for competitions, but not required. Visit Run Moore located in downtown Westminster and mention that you are a member of WolfPack to receive a 10% discount on shoes.

How will I know what events my child will compete in?
Your child's participation in the early practices, combined with what he/she likes and ultimately what the coaching staff observes, will determine where the child is best suited. There are jumps, throws, sprints and endurance events.  Please consult the Events By Age Division for additional information on age group appropriate events. 

I don’t have any experience with running or track. Are you sure you want me to help coach at practices?
Yes. Yes and Yes! Many of the drills require only adult supervision, and most do not require coaches to run. We have short and sweet explanations of the various drills and games we play for conditioning, and the more adults participate, the smoother practices run. If you have a very young runner, think about shadowing him or her during the practice. Do not be shy. We need your help. We would love to have your assistance and will try to put you where you will have the most fun using your talents to help the kids.

Do we need to attend all practices and meets?
It is tough to improve your performance if you are not steady with your training. Although not required, you will get much more out of it if your attendance is consistent. If your are chosen for a relay, regular attendance will be expected.  Family commitments and obligations come first, we understand that there might come a time when you and your athlete cannot attend a practice or a meet.  We appreciate notification for any anticipated absences too.  

What is a P.R.?
A Personal Record (P.R.) is the whole reason for competing in a sport like this where results are quantified and recorded. Whether you are the fastest in the world or just the fastest in the living room, you should elevate your game. The quest for a P.R. is the catalyst for SELF MOTIVATION.

Should I eat a meal before practices or meets?
Definitely NOT within 60 minutes of having to do strenuous activity. Do not come starved either. Non-sugar-loaded snacks will keep you going until you get the after-workout meal.

View our Meet Essentials section of the website for more helpful information.