Information For The 2024 Season
- Does my child have to try out for the team? What are the age ranges?
No. We accept everyone. I’ve coached all skill levels, and encourage all children to give it a shot. Even if you feel your child isn’t the most athletic, we will find an event for them.
Athletes can start as young as 5 and be as old as 18. Age divisions are based on your child’s birthday at the end of the calendar year. Example: If your child is currently 4, and their birthday is December 30th, they can compete. All high school age children are allowed to compete as long as they don’t compete for their high school team due to CIF rules.
- When does the season start/end?
Registration will open up in January. The season officially kicks off Saturday, February 3rd, and this will also be our first practice date. The tentative season schedule has our first meet March 16th and the last regular season meet will be April 20th. Our championship meets will be held April 27th, May 4th, and May 11th (May 11th will be held in Santa Barbara). I will explain the championship meets at our team meeting.
- Where do you guys practice? Meet locations?
Practices are held at Burbank and Burroughs High school. Our calendar will have the location listed for you if ever in doubt. This season we will also utilize a few of the parks in Burbank, as we did during Cross Country season.
Locations for the meets haven’t been determined yet. Our meet schedule meeting is in January. Meet locations are based on school availability. Locations range from the Glendale/Burbank area to the Lancaster/Palmdale area. Our final meet, Individual Even Championships (IEC’s) will be held in Santa Barbara.
- What is the practice schedule?
This is based upon the permits. Generally we practice Tuesday/Thursday evenings (5:45-7:15) and Saturday mornings (10-12). When the track meets begin, we will no longer have Saturday morning practices, because that is our Meet days. We will then add Monday evenings.
- Do I need to attend every practice/meet?
No you don’t. I understand that children these days have very busy schedules, have homework and/or school events, or are playing other sports. On the same note, your athlete gets what they put into it. There is a minimum number of meets that must be competed in to be eligible for the end of season championship meet.
Please note, if your child is on a relay team, they will need to be at the practices set aside for relays. If not, they may be replaced at the upcoming meet.
- What is the cost?
This is currently being discussed by our Vikings board. Last season our prices were $275 for new athletes and $225 for returning athletes. This fee covers everything for the season: uniforms, meet fees, awards, and our end of season BBQ.
- Does my child need spikes?
Although spikes are not mandatory, it is greatly encouraged. I do encourage parents to get spikes early, because the closer we get to the season, the harder they are to find.
It is usually easier to find spikes in women sizes, so just convert the size to fit your child. Spikes do run narrow, so I suggest getting an accurate size from a shoe store. Even though they are labeled as women spikes, boys often don’t mind the colors.
- What events do they compete in?
There are various running and field events. Running events are the 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, 1500M, 3000M, 4x100M relay, and 4x400M relay. The field events are long jump, high jump, shot put, and javelin. Some age groups are restricted on events they are able to compete in. This will be discussed at our team meeting.
- As a parent what is needed from me?
To complete your registration you will need to have a copy of your child’s birth certificate, passport, or official school documentation that has their age and date of birth.
Please note we are a volunteer driven organization. All of our coaches/meet workers are volunteers. Parents will be asked to help run the various events that the children are participating in. You will be given instructions on how the event is run, and what to look for. At away meets, we will only be responsible for 1 or 2 events, but at home meets we will be responsible for the whole thing.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all. I’ve heard we have some returning families that have been away for a while, and a lot of new families. This is already shaping up to be a fantastic season. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to email me. You can contact me here through the Instateam app, or email me at bvtrackteam@gmail.com. Feel free to tell your friends to bring their children out. If you’re new, please come and introduce yourself. I won’t be hard to find. Thanks and enjoy the rest of your day.
Coach Anderson