MEET PREPARATION FOR YOUTH ATHLETES

Meet preparation begins in practice — not the morning of the race. Athletes who train consistently arrive confident, knowing their warm-up routine and event plan.

The week before a target meet, coaches may reduce volume and emphasize sharpness — shorter, faster reps with full recovery. Sleep and hydration matter more than extra practice sessions.

Meet-day warm-ups follow a team structure: jog, dynamic mobility, drill progressions, and event-specific primers. Athletes stay with coaches until called to the clerk.

Parents support by being on time, packing gear the night before, and keeping energy positive. Avoid coaching from the stands — trust the staff's race strategy.

Review the Parent Guide meet-day checklist and confirm AAU membership, uniform, and spikes (if approved) before you leave home.