Some of the new parents have asked about what to take to a meet and what to expect, so here is a summary.

Take:
Singlet
runners
shorts
sweatpants/track pants
jacket
layers(put a long-sleeved top under the singlet if its cold out!)
water bottles
snacks
hair elastics
meet schedule
sunscreen

Other suggestions:
Blankets
Umbrella
Gloves (April is unpredictable)
Chairs

Although there is a concession at all meets, you might want to take your own lunch, snacks and maybe even a cooler. Make sure that you are providing healthy meals and snacks as the athletes will be expending lots of energy!

Basically, prepare for any weather: hot, cold, wet or dry.

When you get to the meet, find our club, who always tries to sit together. Bring a blanket or chairs to Peninsula, as they don’t have stands. Our club usually, over the years, has set up at the end of the track, between the high jump and the start line, so if you get there before others in our club, stake a section of grass for us!

Some of the coaches will be at the meet, and they will have with them the stickers, which can be explained by any returning parent, athlete or coach. They must have one on their singlet when they go to compete at each event. (easier to put a bunch on at the beginning of each day) Thanks to Joell, our assistant registrar, who is making these up for us this week. The coaches also have with them a small first aid kit, with band aids, icepacks, basic first aid supplies, and sunscreen (if you forget yours we don’t want anybody to get scorched).

Ribbons are given for the first 8 in each event, and can be picked up at the meet, about 1-2 hours after the event. If ribbons are not picked up, they will be passed on to our club at the next meet for distribution.

At a meet, try to get your son/daughter to try lots of events, even if they barely know how to do them. That way, they will learn as they go, have fun, get to know other athletes from our club, and meet others in their agegroup who are from other clubs.

Relays are always a fun part of any meet, and the kids can put in a competitive relay or a fun relay. A competitive one is made up of all boys or all girls in these 4 agegroups: 9 and 10 yrs, 11 and 12 yrs, 13 and 14 yrs, 15 and up. A fun relay is a combo of any of the above. There are two kinds of relays: 4 athletes who each run 100m., or Medley relay, which has 4 athletes (older ages only) who run: 200, 200, 400, 800.

If you aren’t going to this meet, try to save this info so you will be better prepared for the meet/s you are going to attend. Carpooling is being organized by Jim Galbraith so he will contact you if you have indicated on the signup sheet that you are interested.