Frequently Asked Questions
What ages can participate?
We welcome athletes from grade 1 through grade 12. Our practices are organized by age groups and skill levels. Many of our high school athletes join us during the indoor season and return after their high school season ends.
What are the age groups for track meets:
For most non-national meets, the following age groups are available:
Primary – 6 & under (not available at all meets)
Sub Bantam – 8 & under
Bantam – 9 & 10 years old
Midget – 11 & 12 years old
Youth – 13 & 14 years old
High School – 15 & up
Boys and girls compete separately at the meets. The athlete's age is determined by their age as of 12/31/2025.
What meets will the team participate in?
Currently, the list of meets is not available. Typically, the schedule is released in December for the Indoor Season and in April for the Outdoor Season. Once the meet selection is finalized, an email will be sent to the team. Athletes are not required to participate in meets.
Indoor Season
Club Team: Expected to participate in 2-3 meets, primarily in Arlington at Thomas Jefferson and/or Winchester.
Elite & High School Teams: Expected to participate in 3-4 meets, including National meets. Past venues include The New York Armory, Ocean Breeze, Liberty University, The TRACK in Boston, University of South Carolina, and Virginia Beach, VA.
Outdoor Season
Club Team: Expected to participate in about 3-4 meets in Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Falls Church, and Loudoun County.
Elite Team: Expected to participate in 4-5 meets during the regular season, with 2-3 in Northern Virginia/Maryland and 2-3 in Richmond or Hampton. The team will also participate in at least one National Meet.
What equipment do I need?
Running shoes are required for practice. Please avoid wearing high-top shoes or skater shoes. For sprinters, running spikes are recommended for outdoor meets. You can find running spikes at Potomac Running or online. The coaches can assist you in choosing the right type of shoes. Additionally, athletes must wear a uniform for meets, which costs $45.
Optional team gear is available for purchase.
What events can an athlete participate in?
Indoor Season Events
Running events: 55m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, Hurdles (age 11+) and Relay races
Field: Long Jump, Triple Jump (age 13+), High Jump (age 9+) & Shot Put
Outdoor Season
Running events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, Hurdles (age 11+) and Relay races
Field: Long Jump, Triple Jump (age 13+), High Jump (age 9+), Javelin, Shot Put, Discus (age 11+)
Please note that not all events are offered in some meets.
Who chooses the events for the athletes?
The coaches select the events they feel each athlete will be most successful in. However, if an athlete would like to try a specific event, they should discuss it with their coach a few weeks before a meet. Typically, we must submit our event list for each athlete to the meet organizers one to two weeks in advance and meet day adjustments are not possible.
What if I am not able to attend one of the meets?
We realize the importance of family and understand that an athlete may miss a meet. We only ask that you let your coach know, preferably at least 2 weeks in advance. Many times we are required to submit and pay for events our athletes will be participating to the meet organizers a week or two before the meet. Since athletes can only participate in 3 or 4 events, if you child is on a relay team and cancels at the last minute, 3 other kids lose an opportunity to participate in an event.
What if I am not able to attend some of the practices?
Our coaches are very understanding if an athlete is unable to attend practice. We recognize that many of our athletes participate in multiple sports and may not be able to attend every practice.
What is the difference between the Elite and Club Team?
The Elite/Advanced Team is for experienced athletes who compete at a higher level. This team will travel for some meets and participate in National meets.
When are tryouts for the Elite/Navy/HS Advanced Teams?
There are no tryouts for the Elite, Navy or HS Advanced Team. Coaches continuously evaluate athletes throughout the season and may add athletes at any time.
What are the requirements for the Elite/Navy/HS Advanced Team?
Be chosen by a coach or qualified for Junior Olympics in an event with a minimum of 2 heats (16 participants)
Willing to go to National Meets – Junior Olympics and/or National Championship
Higher level commitment for practice & training
Flexible with practice schedule as practice location & times may change due to the availability of a high school track.
What happens if my child is selected for the Elite Team and we are not able to make the commitment for the Elite Team?
We understand that not all athletes are able to make the commitment for the Elite Team. If your child is selected for the Elite Team, you will be given the opportunity to accept or decline the invitation. You may decline the invitation and continue to participate on the Club Team.