• Outdoor Season-Firebird Track Club members from 6 to 18 years old
  • 18 years old may not turning 19 years old before August 1st of the current year.
  • HS students can start after their high school season has finished in May.

•  Indoor Season-Members range from 6-14 years ( K-8th grade).
  • Due to regulations HS students must run with their High School Indoor Track Program and cannot run with the Firebirds.

• To successfully train and develop all our youth to become more knowledgeable about track and field and to reach his or her optimal achievement level of competition

• To promote the importance of academic success and support our athletes to prepare them to compete in the classroom as well as on the track.

• To reduce obesity by getting kids moving toward an active lifestyle, focusing on proper nutrition, and conditioning.

Firebirds Track is considered a competitive developmental team. We are not an Elite team in the  sense that we do not hold tryouts and require time standards to participate. However, we have a legacy of training elite athletes that rank top in their division and  advance to the Junior Olympics.

We do not participate in brand name track meets, such as Nike and New Balance as a whole.  Also, we do not discourage qualifying athletes to participate unattached.

A sports physical form is not required to participate, however, due to the strenuous nature of some activities, parents are urged to consult with their child's physician concerning his/her fitness to participate.

Suppose your athlete has had a change in their physical condition at during the season, such as illness, injury, or hospitalization. In this case, parents should let the Coaches know immediately.

Some conditions can be made worse due to the strenuous nature of some of the activities

• Athletes should come to practice in comfortable workout clothing/sporting attire (sweatpants, long sleeve shirts, light jackets or sweaters for cooler weather) suitable for running. No jeans, jean shorts or pants allowed during practice.

Running Shoes:

Our athletes’ feet are very important to their success. If they are wearing the wrong type of shoes, it will cause foot/leg/ankle/heel and/or hip problems. For track season, all athletes are required to practice in running shoes. The proper running shoes are designed to protect the feet from all of the injuries noted above.

NO basketball, crocs or casual shoes. 

Tip: Most running shoes will have "running in the name".

Example:

Spike Shoes are needed for every track meet; all athletes are encouraged to run in spike shoes, referred to as “spikes”.

Spike shoes have holes in the sole that accommodate metal replacement spikes.  The maximum spike length allowed for running track and field events is ¼” Pyramids.

There are spikes made for different events (shorter distance/sprinter; long distance; field event), so please purchase the proper spikes for your child’s events.

If you have questions about purchasing spikes (sizing, fitting, type, etc.), please speak with a Firebirds coaches for assistance.

Please be aware that inventory shortages and shipping delays are common at the beginning of the outdoor season.

Example:

Parents of young athletes should check their child’s spikes after every few meets to determine if they need to replace the spikes in the spike shoe.  Please also purchase an extra bag of spike replacements ( ¼ “Pyramids) to have on hand to replace in your athlete’s spike shoes as needed.

Primary Hydration:

Water, Water, Water!!!!!

• We cannot stress enough the importance of drinking enough water and being well hydrated to participate in practice and meets.

• We recommend your child drink water throughout the day: at least three to four (3-4) 16.9 fluid ounces before 4:00pm on the days that they come to practice and lots of water throughout the day during meets.

• Hydration is critically important for safety and health each day, but especially so on practice and meet days.  As the outdoor season progresses and the weather gets warmer, hydration is extremely important to help avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Secondary Hydration:

May be used during the track meets.

• Gatorade and Powerade are good but should be monitored to make sure they are being used properly.  These drinks are meant to replenish the electrolytes that have been lost through perspiration.

• Pedialyte, Liquid IV are believed to be better electrolyte replacements with less sugar than Gatorade and Powerade.

ENERGY DRINKS -NOT ALLOWED

• Monster

• Red Bull

• 5-Hour Energy

• Rock Star

• Etc.

The Firebirds strongly discourages the consumption of Sports/Energy Drinks and/or soda as a form of hydration for our athletes.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-energy-drinks-for-kids-a-good-idea/

Athletes must be on time for practice and meets, however we understand that families have a life outside of track.

•  If an athlete is planning to be absent during practice, the parent or athlete should notify the Club  of his/her absence via the TeamSnap Calendar.

• If an athlete arrives late to practice, the athlete should see one of the assistant coaches to properly warm up before joining the team practice.

The Firebirds coaches and staff will:

• Update the TeamSnap Calendar and send communications via the TeamSnap group chat.

It is always a good idea to check the TeamSnap Calendar before heading to practice during suspected inclement weather.

During thunderstorms, the club will suspend practice and find appropriate shelter until there is an "all-clear" from any lightning strikes.

If practice is cancelled due to repeated lightning strikes, the club will notify Parents through the TeamSnap app.  Athletes will not be dismissed until a parent has picked them up.

PLEASE NOTE:  Track and field events are routinely held during the rain.  Competition or practice is only suspended or cancelled for lightning strikes.

*Prior to ordering, each athlete must be fitted to ensure parents  order the appropriate uniform kit.

Step 1: Get fitted! 

Firebird Uniforms are custom-made uniforms and the sizing does not run true to standard sizes—so everyone must get fitted.

The fitting dates will be provided on the schedule in TeamSnap at the beginning of each season.

Attend a fitting and try on samples to find the best fit. Staff members will be available to assist with questions.

**Size adjustments are available: longer/shorter (but not wider/tighter).

Step 2: Confirmation!

After finding your sizes during your fitting, we ask that you go back to the check-in table and fill out an order ticket (which will be used to place your order).

**Don't miss this step: You must complete and confirm your order ticket at the check-in table to receive the link for ordering.

Step 3: Order!

Once step 1 and 2 are completed, you will receive the team store link via TeamSnap or email to place your order.

**Important: Do not place an order before being fitted

All athletes will be required to have these 5 pieces:

• Warm-up jogger hoodie

• Warm-up jogger pants

• Dri-fit warm-up shirt

• Compression jersey top

• Compression shorts

The package pictured above covers all 5 required pieces for $115.00. 

**Customization: First initial + last name

***No returns on custom gear – if there’s a production issue, the vendor will replace the item.

Step 4: You're ready to race in style!

Estimated delivery is 3 weeks after the order was placed.

A track meet is a sports event that involves various running, jumping, and throwing competitions, all taking place on a track and/or field.

Developmental Track Meets

• The purpose of developmental meets are to give athletes competitive experience in a relaxed environment.
• Allows athletes to demonstrate what they are learning while competing against athletes of the same age.
• Helps athletes learn race etiquette, and prepares athletes for high standard track meets.
• Allows coaches to evaluate athlete progress and training practices.

Qualifying Track Meets

• A series of meets where athletes compete to be top-ranked or qualify to advance to the next level.

For example, in order to participate in a Regional track meet you must have competed and qualified at the District level track meet.

Track meets are not mandatory but highly encouraged. It is a way for athletes to showcase their hard work from practice, test personal limits, gain confidence, and show team spirit!

Track meets require a full day commitment from athletes and parents. If an athlete is unable to attend a track meet, the athlete should note their attendance in Teamsnap prior to the deadline for the  meet registration.

Please do not RSVP "going" to a track meet if you do not plan to attend.

Please note:

• Qualifying meets require participation in a serious of meets in order to advance. For example, an athlete cannot participate in a regional track meet if they have not competed and qualified at the district level track meet.
• The TeamSnap Calendar will note whether a track meet is developmental or a qualifier. This information will also be shared during the parents meeting.

Athletes:

• Track meet entry fees were included in the registration fee!
• For your convenience, the coaching and administrative staff will register athletes for all scheduled track meets.
• Parents are fully responsible for transportation, any meals, and hydration of their own athletes.

Please Note: A fee of $30 may be issued for any athletes that RSVP to compete but do not show. It is very important to communicate any emergencies with your child's coach.

Spectators ( All non-athletes or non-coach):

• Each track meet requires spectators above a certain age to purchase tickets.
• Tickets range from $10-$20 per day.
• Information regarding the cost and how to purchase tickets will be shared on the TeamSnap Calendar and in the parent meeting prior to each track meet.

TRACK MEETS ARE LONG AND CAN LAST ALL DAY!!!

Track meets typically start before 9am and can end after 8pm. This depends on the schedule and flow of the track meet.

Schedules will be provided for each track meet (when the host makes them available)

• On the TeamSnap Calendar
• Shared in the group chat on the TeamSnap app.
• Provided during the parents call prior to the meet.

Athletes should arrive at least 90 minutes before their first scheduled event or as directed by their coaches.

This allows:

• The athlete time to properly warm up
• Time for the athlete to receive their race bib and important instructions.
• Roll call for all relay participants.
• Be present for any meet alterations or events that run ahead of time.

Before each meet, a spreadsheet will be emailed to parents. This spreadsheet will  list the events for every athlete that was registered to compete .

• It is important to review this spreadsheet to make sure your athlete is listed and express concerns immediately.
• We value your feedback but ask that you trust the coaching staff. Event selection will be made at the discretion of the coaches only.

• Athlete should arrive in full uniform
  • Firebirds Compression Top
  • Firebirds Compression Shorts
  • Warm up suit
  • Running shoes

Uniform Information: https://www.firebirdstrackclub.com/uniform-store/

• Competition Spikes (for sprinter, jumpers, throwers)
• Lots of  Water!!!!!
• It will be a long day. Please bring items that will allow you and your athlete to be comfortable.
• Food and snacks
• Any Medication

Other items that may be helpful:

• Portable Chairs
• Lotion/Sunblock
• Deodorant
• Sun visors or hats
• Umbrella
• Female hygiene products
• Trash bags
• Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Pony tail holders
• Sun glasses
• etc

Track Meet Essentials

An "event" is the category or activity that an athlete will compete in.

An Outdoor Track is 400 meters (double the size of a typical indoor track.)

SPRINTS

50 Meters – 50m distance on the straightaway section of the track (Usually for younger athletes)

100 Meters – 100m distance on the straightaway section of the track

200 Meters – Halfway around the track from the curve to the finish line

400 Meters – 1 whole lap around the track

MIDDLE DISTANCE:

800 Meters – 2 whole laps around the track

1500 Meters – 3 & 3/4 laps around the track

3000 Meters – 7½ laps around the track

5000 Meters Race Walk – 12.5 laps around the track

HURDLES:

80m Hurdles – 8 Hurdles over 80 meters

100m Hurdles – 10 Hurdles over 100 meters

110m Hurdles – 10 Hurdles over 110 meters

400m Hurdles – 1 whole lap around the track, athlete stays in their lane the entire race after starting out of the blocks and must clear ten hurdles that are evenly spaced around the track

RELAYS:

4x100 Meter Relay – 4 athletes run in lanes over one lap of the track each covering 100 meters before passing a baton to the next relay team member.

4x400 Meter Relay – 4 athletes run one complete lap of the track each covering 400 meters before passing a baton to the next relay team member.

4x800 Meter Relay – 4 athletes run two complete laps of the track each covering 800 meters before passing a baton to the next relay team member.

FIELD EVENTS (THROWING):

Shot Put – Athletes compete to push a heavy metal ball as far possible; the winner is the athlete who has the longest throw.

Hammer Throw – Athletes complete by throwing a heavy metal ball attached to a handle of flexible wire as far they can; the winner is the athlete who has the longest throw.

Turbo Javelin – (ages 8-12) Athletes compete by throwing an object known as a javelin, a spear-like object made of metal and fiber glass, the winner is the athlete who has the longest throw.

Javelin - (ages 13-18) Athletes compete by throwing an object known as a javelin, a spear-like object made of metal and fiber glass, the winner is the athlete who has the longest throw.

Discuss – Athletes compete by throwing a heavy disc called a discus in an attempt to mark a farther distance than his/her competitors.

FIELD EVENTS (JUMPING):

High Jump – Athletes run forward to gain momentum and then jump over a horizontal bar.  The bar is raised higher in each successive round.  The athlete with the highest jump wins the competition.

Pole Vault – Athletes compete by using a long, flexible pole as an aid to leap over a horizontal bar. The bar is raised higher in each successive round.  The athlete with the highest leap wins the competition.

Long Jump – Athletes jump for distance from a running start into a sandpit. The winner is the athlete with the longest jump.

Triple Jump – Athletes perform a short run and three consecutive jumps landing first on one foot, then the opposite foot, and finally both feet, in continuous motion.  The winner is the athlete with the longest jump.

Events will be called based on the meet schedule.

Track facilities have speaker systems, some better than others. The meet announcer will call specific events and age groups when it is time to check in for a race.

• Please be attentive and listen out for these messages.
• Parents are encouraged to monitor the TeamSnap chat as parent volunteers try to update the chat when events are announced.
• Athletes 13 and up, are required to listen for their events and make sure they check in on time.