2016 Aurora Track Information Packet

Transcription

1 2016 Aurora Track Information Packet City of Aurora Youth Sports PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THIS ENTIRE PACKET AND KEEP IT FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON TO REFERENCE AS NEEDED.

2 Thank you for registering for the Track and Field program with the City of Aurora! This information packet is designed to assist you with questions that you might have concerning practices, meets, conduct and hopefully anything else that might arise. GENERAL INFORMATION If at any time you have questions, feedback, concerns or need more information, please don t hesitate to talk to a coach, the head coach, or the program supervisors. Program Director: Beckie Javinar Youth Sports Supervisor: Keith Baily Head Coach: Wesley Lyle Assistant Head Coach: Passion Griffin AURORA SPORTS WEATHER LINE Visit Aurora Track Online: (click on the Track link) We are affiliated with the Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics (CARA) Track Program. Visit CARA Track Online: PRACTICES Rangeview High School, E. Iliff Ave. in Aurora Ages 4-8: Practices are held Tuesday and Wednesday evenings starting May 31 through July 20, Practice time will be from 5:30-6:45pm starting May 31 through July 20, 2016 Ages 9-16: Practices are held Wednesday evenings 6:45-8:00pm and Thursday evenings 5:30-6:45pm starting June 1 through July 21, The track facility is located northeast of the school building, on Telluride Street. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch their kids at practice, but please stay in the bleachers and off the track. A coach may make announcements at the beginning and/or end of practice. A parent or guardian is required to remain at practice for children ages 4-8 years old. All children must be picked up when practice ends for their age group. Practice Format: Each practice will follow a general format, as outlined below: Warm-up: All athletes run a warm-up lap and stretch as a team Form drills: A continuation of warm-up. Emphasis is on developing proper running form. Running instruction: More focused instruction in running, including starts/finishes, conditioning, sprint work and other activities. Specialty Practice: Athletes will work in smaller groups on specific events, such as relays, sprints, distance running, and field events. Multiple events will be available for practice each week. Attendance: Please make an effort to be on time to practice. It is recommended that your child attend practice both days their age is scheduled. We realize that summer is a busy season, and vacation or other activities may interfere with participation. Although not required, we appreciate when you can let the head coach know if your child will not be at practice or meets. 1

3 Be Prepared for Practice: Please make sure your child has the following at every practice: WATER! It is important for athletes to stay hydrated. It is recommended that your child brings at least oz. of water to every practice. Even more is recommended on really hot days. A running shoe. Shoes designed for running are a must; please do not let your child wear basketball shoes, soccer cleats, or other shoes not designed for running. Track spikes are optional. Track spikes are lighter weight shoes with spikes screwed in on the bottom at the forefoot of the shoe. Use of spikes should be reserved competition and at certain times during practice, as instructed by the coach. All athletes should wear their regular running shoes to practice, and can bring spikes for use during designated times. ¼ inch spikes are allowed for CARA track meets. If you have questions about running shoes or track spikes and what is appropriate for your child, feel free to ask a coach. Clothing appropriate for running, jumping, throwing, etc. On most days, a t-shirt and shorts or some sort of athletic bottoms will do just fine. On days when it is cooler, it is recommended that you bring sweats, a light jacket, wind pants, etc. Please do not wear jeans, skirts or casual clothes. Sunscreen. Important even on cloudy days! Practice Cancellations: Practice is rarely cancelled and if so, only the case of severe weather or other unexpected circumstances. Please call the AURORA SPORTS WEATHER LINE at for updates. This message line is typically updated between 4:30 and 5:00pm for evening practices. In the event that weather becomes an issue during practice (e.g. tornado warning, lightning, heavy rain), we will end practice early. Please remain at the track in the event that you need to pick up your child if practice ends early (ask a coach if not sure). TRACK MEETS Track meets are held at various locations during the season. The 2016 schedule is included in this packet. All registered participants are eligible to participate in any track meet. Maps/directions to the track meets will be posted online at (click on the Track link) and available in hardcopy the week before each meet. You may also find the information on the CARA track website at What to Expect: Track meets are different from other sporting events. There are many events going on at once, and for newcomers, things can seem chaotic especially at the first meet of the season. Athletes and parents are expected to be a little more independent, but coaches are always available to help. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the day: Track meets can last several hours. Events start at 8:30am and depending on the number of participants and other factors, the last event may complete at 2:30 or 3:00pm. Most events for athletes ages 8 and under are completed earlier in the day. You are free to leave once your child has completed all of his/her events. The meet will follow a schedule (more information in the next section). Please review this schedule and bring it with you so that you are aware of the order of events. An announcer will be present at each track meet to keep everyone updated on the progress of events. Athletes and parents should pay attention and listen to the calls so that they know when their event is coming up. When your event and age group is called, please report to the designated area. Final Call means you should quickly make your way to the designated area, if you are not there already. Parents will need accompany children under age 8 to field events and to the staging area for running events. A coach will accompany kids from the staging area to the track for running events. Please be sure to find or pick up your child at the finish line when they are finished running. 2

4 Parents, family and other spectators are not allowed on the track, in the field, or inside the staging area (unless they are accompanying a child age 8 and younger, and please stay in designated areas). A team tent will be set up at the meets (in the bleachers or in the grass) to provide a central meeting place for announcements, schedules/field maps, emergencies, etc. However, due to the size of our team not everyone will be able to sit under the team tent. Please plan to bring your own tent, canopy, umbrellas, chairs, etc. to provide a comfortable place for you to sit during the meet. Bring a cooler (with plenty of ice!) with lots of WATER, healthy food and snacks. Some athletes like Gatorade or other sport drinks. Athletes should not drink pop. Bring SUNSCREEN, hats and sunglasses! If the weather will be cool or rainy, bring sweats, jackets and long pants to stay warm. Don t forget your uniform and running shoes (and spikes if you have them). Event Schedule: All regular CARA meets begin at 8:30am with field events, 9:00am for the first running event. It is recommended that athletes arrive before the meet begins to receive any updates and warm-up with the team at 7:30am (Exception: STATE MEET field events start at 8:00am and running events start at 8:45pm). The order of events is provided at the end of this packet. Because the number of participants in each event varies at each meet, an exact start time for each event is not provided. However, events will be run in the order listed on the schedule. A schedule of events is included at the end of this packet. Participation in Events: Athletes will compete with others in their age group and gender (e.g. 7-8 boys, 9-10 girls). Your age group is determined by the age you will be on July 23, Athletes are allowed to compete in an older age group for any event (i.e. run up) but cannot compete in an age group less than their age as of July 23, A list of the events available in each age group is included at the end of this packet. All athletes are allowed to participate in up to 4 events at regular CARA meets; this can be any combination of running and/or field events. All athletes will receive a ribbon (1 st through 8 th place) for participation in each event. No sign-ups are required for running events; athletes will check-in at the staging area when their event is called and heats will be placed on the track. Athletes will need to sign in at field events, so that groups can be organized and tracked. We encourage athletes to participate in events that they enjoy and will help them develop their skills. Feel free to try different events during the season; we strongly encourage athletes to practice an event before trying it for the first time at a meet. If you have questions or want advice on what events to choose, please feel free to ask a coach! Relays: Everyone is welcome to participate on a relay. The 6x50m shuttle relay (6 persons, co-ed relays allowed) is for ages 8 and under and the 4x100m relay (4 persons, same gender or co-ed relays allowed) is for ages Relays for ages 8 and under will be put together at the staging area during the track meet. Athletes ages 9-16 who wish to participate in a relay should practice with the relay coaches during the week prior to the meet in which they want to run. Because you are with a team, the relay requires dedication, responsibility and commitment. As much as possible, relay coaches will put together teams during the week so that athletes will know who they are running with during a meet and will have a chance to practice together. Please note that some teams may change throughout the season due to vacations, absences or interest. All of the relays from our team for ages 9-16 will be set up according to desire and commitment to participate, experience, and participation during relay practice. Some athletes may be placed on a relay team with children from other agencies if there are an insufficient number of runners for a full team from Aurora. 3

5 Some teams may be mixed with boys and girls; in this case, the relay will run with the boys groups. These mixed relays gives as many athletes as possible the opportunity to run a relay if desired. Uniform: All registered participants will receive a team t-shirt at the beginning of the season. If you do not receive your t-shirt during the week before the first track meet, please make arrangements to pick it up at the Aurora Sports Office in the Aurora Municipal Center, located at E. Alameda Pkwy, Suite 1900, in Aurora (hours are 8am-5pm). Participants MUST wear the current year s team t-shirt to meets in order to compete at track meets. If you do not have a current year s team t-shirt at the track meet, you may not be allowed to compete. We ask that all athletes wear black shorts for uniform consistency and team unity, but this is not required. Meet Cancellations: Meets are rarely cancelled due to weather; please come prepared for the conditions. In the case of severe weather, please call the AURORA SPORTS WEATHER LINE at for updates. We will attempt to update the weather line as early as possible the morning of the meet. When weather becomes an issue during the meet (e.g. tornado warning, lightning, heavy rain), the meet host will make an announcement accordingly. PICTURE DAY Date: Wednesday, June 29, 2016; Time: 5:30 P.M. (for all athletes); information will be provided during the season. Please wear your track t-shirt for pictures. All athletes are invited to be a part of the team photo, and you will have the option to purchase team and/or individual photos if you choose. Order forms will be available prior to picture day; you must bring payment on picture day if you want to purchase photos! Photos will be returned to you a few weeks after picture day or you may pick them up from the Aurora Sports Office. TRAVEL The City of Aurora does not provide and is not responsible for car pools or transportation of any individual either to or from a practice or track meet. Feel free to coordinate with other parents/families to arrange carpools to meets and practice. PLEASE DO NOT ASK any coaching staff to be responsible for your child. If a child is left at a practice or a track meet, every attempt will be made to contact the parents or guardian of that child to arrange a pick-up. If no ride can be arranged, the local authorities will be called to transport the child home safely. CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Care of Uniform and Equipment: Team t-shirts should be worn to all of the track meets. Remember to wash them regularly. Please do not cut or alter your t-shirt in any way. Shorts, sweatpants, etc. are not allowed to sag during any practice or meet. Baseball caps cannot be worn during participation in practices or meets unless they are secured to the hair by the use of bobby pins or hair clips. The equipment that is used during the season is NOT OURS! It is loaned to the team by the practice facility. Any equipment that is pulled out is for teaching/practice purpose, and athletes must follow coaches instructions at all times regarding use of equipment. Horseplay on or around or destruction of the equipment will not be tolerated. Violations of equipment rules will create unsafe conditions and will result in disciplinary actions until the situation is resolved. Sportsmanship: All members of the track team (including parents and spectators) will conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner while at a meet or a practice. Fighting, horseplay, profanity and/or disrespect toward coaches, athletes, and others will not be tolerated. Violation of any conduct rules will result in immediate removal from the situation and a specified bench time to be determined by the head coach. Continued violations will require a meeting with the head coach and/or program supervisor, the 4

6 athlete, and a parent/guardian to determine whether continued participation will be allowed. Poor conduct by any athlete or spectator could result in removal from practice or track meets. GOOD SPORTSMEN/WOMEN ARE ALWAYS WINNERS! Smoking, Drinking and Drug Abuse: Any athlete that is caught smoking, drinking or abusing any drugs or other illegal substances will be immediately removed from the area and their parents and/or officials notified. All practice and meet facilities are tobacco free facilities. Please help us in enforcing this city ordinance. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES No matter how organized or inclusive a program seems to be there may be problems or concerns that arise. If the parent(s) or the participants(s) have any problems, concerns and/or suggestions about the program, coaching staff, or other parents or participants, please come to the head coach FIRST. This is the first line of action and many concerns can be resolved when acted upon quickly. In the case that the head coach does not resolve the situation the next step is to contact the program supervisor. The supervisor will gather all of the information necessary and decide on a course of action. If necessary, a private conference of all parties involved will be used to help gather information about the problem. If at this level the grievance is still not satisfied, it can be addressed to the Youth Sports Supervisor. Ages 5 & 6 50 Meter Dash 100 Meter Dash 200 Meter Dash 6 x 50 Meter Relay Baseball Throw Standing Long Jump Ages 11 & Meter Hurdles 100 Meter Dash 200 Meter Dash 400 Meter Dash 800 Meter Dash 1600 Meter Run 4 x 100 Meter Relay Softball Throw Shot Put Discus Long Jump High Jump Track and Field Events Ages 7 & 8 50 Meter Dash 100 Meter Dash 200 Meter Dash 400 Meter Dash 6 x 50 Meter Relay Baseball Throw Standing Long Jump Ages 13 & Meter Hurdles 100 Meter Dash 200 Meter Dash 400 Meter Dash 800 Meter Dash 1600 Meter Run 4 x 100 Meter Relay Shot Put Discus Long Jump High Jump Ages 9 & Meter Dash 200 Meter Dash 400 Meter Dash 1600 Meter Run 4 x 100 Meter Relay Softball Throw Long Jump High Jump Ages 15 & Meter Hurdles 100 Meter Dash 200 Meter Dash 400 Meter Dash 800 Meter Dash 1600 Meter Run 4 x 100 Meter Relay Shot Put Discus Long Jump High Jump 5

7 CARA Track Success Tips for Parents, Spectators and Participants Parents, for a better experience, your safety, increased meet efficiency, and in consideration of the athletes, meet staff and fellow spectators, please keep the following in mind: 1. Participants should wear their Track Team Shirt during the meets. This helps with organization, identification, and team spirit. 2. Participants should check in with their team/coaches at the beginning of the meet in order to receive instructions on where events are to be held as well as any special instructions regarding event order, staging etc. 3. Field events begin at 8 am, and running events at 8:30 am at each meet. Events will follow the same order each meet, but times are may vary, as each event is run on a ready basis. Please see the order of events sheet and listen for calls for event made by the announcer each day. 4. Participants should try to complete their field events while waiting for running events, but should go to the staging area when their running events is called, and then return to do their field events. 5. Please refrain from waiting for your child in the staging area. This is a very busy area and there will be staff at this area to make sure the athletes are taken care of once dropped off. 6. There will be shade provided in the staging areas and by many of the teams in the stands. As space is limited in the stands for tents, family tents may be directed to set up in other areas surrounding the track; please check with your coach or a meet host staff person for these designated areas. Also, remember to bring plenty of fluids and sunscreen. 7. Please try to watch your child s track events from the stands. Hanging out on the infield or at the finish line is not allowed. Field events should be viewed from the stands when possible or the designated spectator area, and compliance with directions from meet staff, volunteers and coaches is expected. 8. Participants should compete in ONLY four events per meet. The expectation being the fifth event if they are participating with a relay team. 9. For any concerns with meet operations, sportsmanship issues on meet event days should be directed towards your team coach, who will follow up with meet directors and staff as necessary. For more information on the program please visit 6

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10 City of Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department Recreation Division Lightning Policy 1. Monitor: The Site Supervisor is the designated Weather Watcher for their facility. At the beginning of their shift, Site Supervisors should be aware of, and notify their staff of, weather forecasts that may impact operations. In case of bad weather or the forecast of bad weather, the Site Supervisor will: a. Monitor the weather using the Spark Lightning Alert on the WeatherBug app on their mobile device. b. Monitor the app every minutes, more if necessary. c. All staff should visually check for lightning, listen for thunder and watch for other threats. 2. Notify: Notify facility staff and patrons that storms are approaching whenever: a. Lightning is detected within 20 miles of the facility. b. A severe thunderstorm watch is issued for the facility or storms are detected within 20 miles. c. A tornado watch is issued for the facility. 3. Lightning: When lightning is detected within 10 miles of the facility as indicated by the Spark Lightning Alert on the WeatherBug app, or if thunder is heard, the Site Supervisor will immediately: a. Notify facility staff that outdoor activities are suspended. b. Using a PA system and/or bull horn, announce to guests that all outdoor activities will be suspended and advise all patrons and staff to move to shelter locations (indoors or in an enclosed vehicle). i. At sites without a PA system, the Supervisor should utilize a city vehicle or personal vehicle to drive-around and make this announcement. Do NOT use a golf cart. c. Site Supervisor will make this announcement TWO TIMES, then shelter themselves immediately. i. Any equipment on deck or in the field should be left as is; do not collect or put things away. d. Once sheltered, the Site Supervisor will: i. Notify the Superintendent via a cell phone that the site has been evacuated/activity suspended. ii. Continue to monitor lightning strikes on the WeatherBug app. iii. Once lightning is detected within 10 miles of the facility, all outdoor activities must be suspended for no less than 30 minutes from the latest lightning strike. e. All Clear: Once 30 minutes have passed without lightning or thunder, notify staff and patrons that it is all clear. Revised January 2016 i. After the all-clear notice, Site Supervisor will determine if play will continue, cancel, postpone or reschedule based on time, facility and/or field conditions. Staff will assist with communicating the Site Supervisor s decision to patrons. Example notification: Your attention please, your attention please. Due to lightning in the area we ask that everyone please 9

11 exit the facility and go to their vehicles. We will be on a 30 minute delay on a clock that resets every time lightning is detected. We ask that you please clear the facility now. Go to your vehicles now. We will notify you when we are set to resume. Thank you for your cooperation. Acceptable Shelter Locations in Lightning and Thunderstorms. 1. Closed, hard-top vehicles. 2. Buildings with four walls in a room or area away from windows; in addition, a location on the lowest level possible is best. Unacceptable Shelter Locations: 1. Picnic shelters, dugouts, and all other structures without four (or more) enclosed walls. 2. Garages or similar building with large doors that are open during the storm; these facilities are acceptable only if all doors are closed. 3. Under or near trees, fences, light poles or any other tall structure. 4. Near or in water, including pool decks or showers. Additional Requirements for Site Supervisors Site Supervisors are responsible for checking their facility s PA system, or bull horn, at the first of each month to ensure proper working conditions. Immediately report any issues to the Division Manager. Keep extra batteries in the designated bull horn area for replacing, and replenish surplus batteries, as needed. Additional Considerations for Evacuation Time Some facilities may require additional time for evacuation once severe weather has been identified in the area. The following factors should be considered when calculating necessary warning and evacuation times or distances: 1. Distance from the farthest point at the facility to acceptable shelter. 2. Amount of time required to notify all patrons and staff at the facility. 3. Number of patrons and staff on site and nature of activity (e.g. open swim, softball tournament, etc.). Indoor Pools The City of Aurora will not evacuate indoor pools for lightning or thunderstorms. As noted by the International Life Saving Foundation in their Lifesaving Position Statement LPS 16: There has been a great deal of debate over whether indoor swimming pools should be evacuated. However, there have been no recorded deaths arising from properly grounded indoor pools and it maybe that evacuating an indoor pool may increase the risk of a lightning strike as patrons may venture outside or go to the showers where metal pipes may conduct the electricity from a strike to the building. [Source: Aquatics International, Aquasalt, November/December 2008 When lightning strikes Should you close your indoor pool when lightning approaches.] Revised January

12 2016 SCHEDULE Please be prepared to pay a gate admission fee at some of the meets. June 18 Evie Garrett Dennis Campus: 4800 Telluride Street, Denver, CO June 25 Hinkley High School: 1250 Chambers Road, Aurora, CO June 29 Picture Day Rangeview High School, 5:30 P.M. for ALL Athletes July 2 NO TRACK MEET July 9 Jefferson County Stadium: 500 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO July 16 Jefferson County Stadium: 500 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO July 23 CARA Track and Field STATE MEET Longmont High School: 1040 Sunset Street, Longmont CO *Note: Earlier start time for State Meet 8:00 A.M. - Field Events 8:45 A.M. Running Events Maps/directions to the track meets will be available in hard-copy the week before each meet. You may also find the information on the CARA track website at. This schedule is subject to change, and any changes during the season will be announced accordingly. 11