FAQ – Any questions? dup

My child has a conflict and can only attend one practice per week. Can they still participate?

Yes, they can attend when they are available.  Please note that we do not prorate the tuition based on when you attend. 

How do I know if my child will like track?
Please attend a practice session to see if your child enjoys it. You do not have to schedule an appointment; just come to a practice and meet with a coach before practice.

How do I know if my child will like track?

Please attend a practice session to see if your child enjoys it. You do not have to schedule an appointment; just come to a practice and meet with a coach before practice.

My child has a conflict and can only attend one practice per week. Can they still participate?
Yes, they can attend when they are available.  Please note that we do not prorate the tuition based on when you attend. 

The season has already started. Can we still join?
Yes, come to a practice to see if your child likes it.  

Are there tryouts to join?
No, everyone is welcome to join the Jets.

I’m struggling financially. How can we still join?
The Jets never want to discourage participation for financial reasons. Fill out the financial aid form and email it to Coach Curtis (Jetstrack66@gmail.com). Coach Curtis is the only one who makes the financial aid decisions.

Do you train for all of the track and field events?
No, we primarily focus on running events.  We are open to including other events, like long jump and hurdling, if we have parents experienced in these events and are interested in coaching.  

I subscribed to the email list, but I’m not receiving your emails.
Make sure to add cambridgejets@gmail.com to your safe sender list.  Gmail has been sending our emails to the spam/junk folder. Here is a link for Gmail users on how to add to the safe sender list.

Practice & Meets

What is a practice like?

• Practices begin with a warm-up jog (usually 2 laps). 
• Then the children go with their coaches where they do dynamic stretching and exercises to prepare their bodies to run.
• Workout – running either on the track, on the hills, or through the park.
• Practices end with a session of strength training focusing on the core – exercises include planks, pushups, sit-ups, etc. 

Do all of the children practice together?
No, the children are divided into 3 groups:

• Beginner Jets – 6-9 years old and have never run with the Jets before.  This group is for the younger ones who do not have the strength and stamina to keep up with the older kids.
• Main Jets- 10 years old and up.  This is the largest group.  
• Elite Jets – Athletes who have successfully competed with the Jets in previous seasons.  Coach Curtis chooses the participants of this group. 

Do you practice in the rain?
No, we do not practice in the rain.  We will cancel practice by the middle of the afternoon of the practice day by sending out an email. Please make sure to subscribe to the Jets’ email list so you will be informed.
Always use your best judgement to decide if it is safe for you and your children to attend practice. 

Can I go run errands during practice?
No, do not leave the field area.  You are responsible for your child.  If your child needs to use the toilet, you must take them.  We do not let them go alone, and we do not have extra coaches available to take them. 

My younger child wants to run like their older sibling. Can they also join?We have a strict starting age of 6 years old, even for siblings. We look forward to them joining the team when they are 6 years old.

I enjoy working with kids. Can I help out?
Yes, we are always looking for parent volunteers to help at practice. You do not have to know about track or running to help.  Quite often, we need help with crowd control and cheering them on.  Please talk to Coach Curtis about volunteering.

Will my child compete in track meets?
Competing in track meets is available to all participants. Some children want to participate in the meets and look forward to them. Others just like to run and never compete.  Participation is up to the child.

What events should my child run?
Don’t worry, the coaches will register your child for the meet and enter them in their events. The coaches know what will work best for your child.

What happens at a track meet?
1. There will be a first call for your event over the loudspeaker. At this point, you should be done warming up and have gone to the bathroom.  (There are supposed to be 3 calls, but no need to wait for the last one)

2. Check in for your event: The coaches will tell you where the check-in table is located.  The athlete tells the clerk their name, and the clerk will check them in and tell them where to wait for their race to be called. Do not leave the area after you check in, or you could miss your race.  Parents are not allowed in the clerking area. Older athletes or coaches will make sure the athletes get there.  The athletes need to learn to do this themselves.  The coaches will be there to help them if there is a problem.

3. Wait for your heat (race) to be called and line up on the track. Do not leave the area or you can miss your race. 

4. Race starts: hear the gun, then run fast and have fun. 

5. After your race, go back to your parents in the stands. 

What time will my child’s race be held?
We do not know.  The duration of a track meet depends on the number of children registered and how well the meet is run.  In general, track meets are all-day events taking several hours. Because they are long events, always make sure to bring water/hydration and healthy snacks.  Bring sunscreen, hats/umbrellas, and something quiet to entertain the kids between races (like a book, NOT a ball.  They should be saving their energy for their races). They should also have sweatpants or tights to keep their muscles warm.