The Cambridge Jets want to encourage all athletes to participate at the level that they are comfortable. To be part of the team, they do not have to participate in meets. They are welcome to only attend practices.
For those that are interested in competing here is the information that you will need.
To participate in meets as a Cambridge Jet you must:
1. Complete the Jets registration. So you are in good standing and able to participate in meets.
2. Get USATF Membership: $30 with code 020031
It is valid for the calendar year and you must renew every January.
As part of the USATF membership you must complete the Age -verification process. Video to help with the process.
3. Order team uniform – We require the team to wear our blue spandex tank tops and shorts for all Jets meets. Order in advance! It will take a few weeks for your order to be fulfilled.
Practice Footwear – Beginning runners can wear any well fitting athletic shoes. For more experienced or older runners can be fitted at Marathon Sports or other running shoe store.
Meet Footwear (running spikes) – If your child is less than 10 years old, spikes will not make much difference in your child’s performance. If you still want to buy spikes, make sure to buy MIDDLE DISTANCE SPIKES, regardless of the distance that they run. Younger children, who can not run on their toes with spring spikes or handle the stiff long distance spikes, can hurt their feet if they run with inappropriate spikes. Before purchasing spikes, please talk with your child’s coach.
4. Complete the Jets sign up form for the meet and pay the meet registration. – When the team decides to participate in a meet, you will receive an email with the meet information including the registration cost and a link for the Jets signup form.
Once you complete the form and pay Coach Curtis (cash or Venmo) he will register the athletes and their events. Trust the coach.
Meet participation information and FAQ
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.
How do I sign up my child for a meet?
When the team decides to participate in a meet and email will be sent to all parents with the link for a Jets sign up form and the cost of the meet registration.
If you decide to participate in a meet:
- Make sure you have completed the Jets registration for the season
- Complete the Jets sign up form
- Pay Coach Curtis for the meet registration. (cash or venmo)
The coaches will register your child for the meet and determine which events they should run.
How many meets are there?
There are 2-8 meets per season. We participate in USATF, AAU and other local community meets. We do not participate in road races.
How much do meets cost?
Meets cost between $10-$25.
Talk to Coach Curtis if you need financial aid.
Where are meets located and how do we get there?
Parents are responsible to get their child to the meet. If you do not have transportation, talk to other parents to carpool.
Most meets are in the Boston area. Regional and District meets are in New England including Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. National competitions have been held in Virginia Beach, New Orleans, Chicago, and Detroit.
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 time will by 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.
What happens at a track meet?
- Arrive at the suggested time so the athletes can warm up together.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Race starts: hear the gun, then run fast and have fun.
- After your race, go back to your parents in the stands.
Cambridge Jets Track Club 