What is Track and Field?
Track and field is one of the world's oldest and most diverse sports. It is a collection of athletic events that involve three basic human movements: running, jumping, and throwing. The name comes from where the events take place: track events are held on an oval running track, and field events are held on the grass or sand area inside or near that track. It's a fantastic way for young athletes to build endurance, speed, and mental toughness. With events organized by the USATF Youth Committee, participants get to experience the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of team sports. It's not just about the physical benefits; running also instills values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
When are practices?
6:15 PM to 7:45 PM Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
What are the Benefits of Track & Field?- Track and field is often called the "foundation of all sports" because it develops three core pillars of athleticism: speed, power, and endurance. It is also versatile: there is an event for every body type. Whether your child is built for explosive sprinting, technical jumping, or steady distance running, they will find a place here.
- Individual & Team Growth: While athletes often compete for personal records (PRs), they also learn the value of teamwork through relays and supporting their teammates.
- Mental Toughness: Track teaches self-discipline and the "growth mindset"—the understanding that hard work directly leads to measurable improvement.
- Health & Habits: We focus on proper running mechanics and nutrition, helping youth establish healthy lifestyle habits that last a lifetime.
Where are our Track & Field meets held?
Our meets are held at high school and college stadiums throughout the Cobb County and Greater Atlanta area. Because we participate in the CCYTL (Cobb County Youth Track League) and USATF/AAU circuits, locations vary each weekend to accommodate different host schools. Common locations for our spring season include local High Schools such as Marietta HS and Pope HS. Larger regional meets may be held at venues like Life University or high schools in the surrounding districts such as Morrow HS
Do runners need spikes?
The short answer is no, they are not required, but they can be beneficial as an athlete progresses.
- Beginners (Ages 7-10): Most younger or first-year athletes are perfectly fine competing in a high-quality pair of running sneakers.
- Intermediate/Advanced (Ages 11-18): As athletes become more competitive, "spikes" (specialized lightweight shoes with metal pins on the bottom) provide better traction and power on synthetic tracks.
- The "All-Around" Recommendation: If you choose to buy spikes, we recommend speaking with a coach for new athletes, as they may have feedback on the type of spikes recommended for your athlete (Sprint, Mid Distance, Long Distance, or Multi-Event).
- We often host a "Team Fitting Day" with a local retailers to help you find the right pair!
How are age groups determined?
Track and field uses "Birth Year" to determine age groups, rather than the child's age on the day of the race. This ensures fair competition.
- USATF (Two-Year Divisions): Competition is broken down into two-year brackets (e.g., 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, etc.).
- The "December 31st Rule": Your child’s "competition age" is determined by how old they will be on December 31st of the current year.
- Example: If your child is 8 now but turns 9 in November, they will compete in the 9-10 age division all season.
What is the schedule at meets?
Most Spring track meets follow a standard "rolling schedule." This means events don't have a specific start time (e.g., 10:15 AM); instead, one event starts as soon as the previous one finishes. Pro Tip: Always listen for the "First Call," "Second Call," and "Third Call" over the stadium loudspeaker. When your athlete hears "First Call," they should head to the Clerk of Course (the check-in area) unless otherwise instructed by a SETC coach.