WHAT IS USATF TRACK & FIELD?

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the national governing body for the sport in the United States — from youth development through Olympic competition. USATF sets technical rules, maintains national records, and sanctions elite-level competitions.

Not every Stride Nation Elite athlete needs USATF membership for every meet. Our primary summer circuit runs through AAU. However, some meets, record submissions, and championship pathways require USATF registration.

Because Stride Nation Elite's competition schedule runs through AAU, USATF registration is optional for our families. It mainly applies if your athlete independently pursues USATF-sanctioned events, national ranking, or record opportunities outside our core circuit.

USATF-certified coaches on our staff train athletes using nationally recognized technical standards — starts, sprint mechanics, hurdle form, and relay exchanges.

Our Parent Guide walks families through AAU registration step by step. USATF is a separate, optional pathway — if you're weighing it, usatf.org outlines current youth membership requirements.