PARENT GUIDE

THE SPORT

What Is Track & Field?

Track & field is a collection of running, jumping, and throwing events. Youth athletes compete by age division — not grade alone — so every athlete races against fair competition.

Running events include sprints (60m–400m), distance (800m+), hurdles, and relays. Field events include long jump, triple jump, high jump, shot put, and discus at older age groups.

At Stride Nation Elite, we focus on speed development — sprints, hurdles, relays, and foundational field events — with coaching tailored to each athlete's age and experience.

Meets are organized by event: athletes check in, warm up, report to their event, and compete in heats or flights. Results are posted after each event.

AAU

What Is AAU?

AAU is the primary governing body for most youth track & field meets Stride Nation Elite competes in during the summer season — including district, regional, and Junior Olympic qualifiers.

Every athlete must hold a current AAU youth track & field membership before competing in AAU-sanctioned meets. Coaches verify membership at check-in.

• Eligible for AAU district, regional, and Junior Olympic meets

• Standardized age divisions for fair competition

• National pathway recognized by college recruiters

• Insurance coverage through AAU membership

USATF

What Is USATF?

USATF is the national governing body for track & field in the United States. Some meets, championships, and record-keeping pathways use USATF membership and standards.

USATF membership may be required for specific meets or record submissions outside the AAU circuit. Our coaches will tell you when USATF registration is needed for your athlete's schedule.

• Access to USATF-sanctioned competitions when applicable

• Official national record and ranking pathways

• Alignment with Olympic development standards

• Additional meet options for advanced athletes

TAAF

What Is TAAF?

TAAF governs amateur athletics for many Texas-based competitions and state-level championships. Some Texas meets operate under TAAF rules alongside or instead of AAU.

If your athlete competes in TAAF-sanctioned Texas meets, a TAAF membership may be required. Not every Stride Nation Elite athlete needs TAAF — ask Operations or your coach about your meet schedule.

• Eligibility for TAAF state-level Texas competitions

• Texas-specific age division and qualifying standards

• Additional in-state meet opportunities

• Pathway to Texas amateur championships

MEET DAY

How Meets Work

Youth track meets can feel busy at first. Here's the rhythm most families follow once they attend a few competitions.

Arrive early — typically 60–90 minutes before your athlete's event call time. Check the meet schedule on Athletic.net or the meet program for heat assignments.

Athletes warm up with coaches, check in at the clerk's tent, and report to the start line or field event area when called.

Parents should bring chairs, shade, snacks, water, and patience. Outdoor Texas meets can last several hours.

• Arrive early — athletes should be checked in with coaches before warm-up
• Stay with the team area unless warming up or competing
• Support teammates and represent Stride Nation Elite with sportsmanship
• Follow coach instructions for event check-in and call times
• Parents cheer positively — leave coaching to the staff on meet day

GEAR

Uniform Information

Official Stride Nation Elite team uniform required for meets. Jersey, shorts, and warm-up details provided at orientation. Sizing and ordering instructions sent after registration.

• Training shoes for practice — spikes only when coaches approve for meets
• Official Stride Nation Elite uniform required for competition
• Sizing and ordering instructions sent after registration
• Bring AAU membership card to every meet

INVESTMENT

Costs & Fees

AAU ~$16–20/yr · Meets ~$15–35 each · Uniform separate

Club dues vary by age group and season. The director emails your athlete's exact rate before you commit — first practice is a no-obligation visit.

Meet entry fees are separate from club dues and vary by event. Budget approximately $15–$35 per meet; nationals and travel meets may cost more.

First practice is a no-obligation visit. Club dues are confirmed by email before you commit.

• Club dues: Varies by age & season — confirmed by email before you register
• AAU membership: ~$16–20 per athlete per year (required before competing)
• Meet entry fees: ~$15–35 per meet, separate from club dues
• Team uniform: Required for meets — sizing and ordering at orientation

AWAY MEETS

Travel Expectations

Most meets are in the greater Houston area. Regional and national qualifiers may require overnight travel — families plan and budget separately.

• Local meets: Spring, Klein, Houston metro — typically same-day trips
• District & regional meets: may be 1–2 hours away in Texas
• Junior Olympics & nationals: multi-day travel; families coordinate lodging
• Travel costs (gas, hotels, meals) are separate from club dues and meet entry fees
• Coaches communicate meet schedules and travel expectations through Team App

FAMILY ROLE

Parent Expectations

Support your athlete with encouragement — not pressure. Trust coaches to manage training and race strategy.

Communicate absences through Team App or Operations. Arrive on time for practices and meets.

Model sportsmanship in the stands. Youth track is a family sport — we represent Stride Nation Elite together.

• Respect coaches, officials, teammates, and competitors at all times
• Parents support athletes positively — no coaching from the stands
• Punctuality and communication are expected every week
• Represent Stride Nation Elite with discipline, humility, and effort

FOR ATHLETES

Athlete Expectations

• Attend practices consistently and communicate absences in advance
• Complete assigned warm-ups, drills, and cooldowns with full effort
• Maintain academic standards — student-athletes lead on and off the track
• Treat teammates, coaches, and officials with respect at all times
• Take ownership of personal goals, preparation, and meet-day readiness
• Athletes must attend a minimum of 2 practices per week during competition season
• Arrive 10 minutes early with proper training gear and hydration
• AAU membership card must be current before competing in sanctioned meets
• Notify coaches in advance of absences via Team App or email

GET STARTED

Registration Process

Four steps to join Stride Nation Elite — no website forms required.

• Step 1: Learn about the program (this guide + Why Stride Nation Elite)
• Step 2: Review requirements (ages, gear, practice expectations)
• Step 3: Obtain memberships (AAU required; USATF/TAAF if applicable)
• Step 4: Register — complete AAU, set up Athletic.net, contact Operations

QUESTIONS?

Contact Information

Operations handles parent questions, registration onboarding, and season logistics.

• Text: 470-860-3389 (Text messages only — no calls)
• Email: admin@stridenationelite.com
• Practice: Klein Collins High School Track, Klein / Spring, Texas