TIPS FOR PARENTS AND ATHLETES

CLOTHING AND OTHER GEAR

• WATER BOTTLE - Bring a water bottle preferably with your name on it to every practice.
• CLOTHING - Always come prepared with layers for a range of weather. A warm spring night can turn cool fast. 
• RUNNING SHOES - Please make sure shoes are lightweight, well-fitted and designed for running.
• TRACK SPIKES - Spikes are not mandatory, but can be an asset for athletes at PISE and track meets when running on synthetic material. Track spikes can range in price from $60 - $150 / pair and be purchased at 218 Run, Frontrunners or the Running Room. Used spikes are available to borrow or try on; please ask a coach.
• SINGLETS AND PEN TRACK HOODIES - Singlets must be worn at all sanctioned meets. Hoodies are available to order once a season.

OTHER TIPS

• Eat a healthy meal or snack at least one hour prior to practice start time.  
• If your child has an injury PLEASE do not bring them to practice. Parents of injured athletes will be contacted for pick up.
• During practices, parents of young children should be nearby and are welcome to offer to help the coaches.

PREPARING FOR TRACK MEETS

MEET FEES
To compete at any of the Island or Mainland track meets you must register your athlete online. Links to registration pages will be emailed and available on the website and Facebook page well before registration deadlines, which are typically one week before meet dates. Each event entered is paid for online.

AT THE MEET
On the day of the track meet, arrive at least 60 minutes before your first event. Upon arrival at the venue, locate fellow Pen Track club members and coaches, pick up your competition number, become familiar with the venue and proceed to warm-up with your fellow club competitors.
 
WHAT TO BRING LIST FOR TRACK MEETS

• Pen Track singlet and shorts 
• Running shoes, extra pair of socks
• Track shoes/spikes, if you have them
• Sweat pants/long sleeve shirt/jacket to wear during warm ups and in between events
• Hat and sunscreen
• Blanket and/or chair (some venues don’t have stands or bleachers), umbrella or sun tent.
• Water bottle(s) 
• Cooler packed with healthy snacks/lunch.
• Most meets have a concession with food and beverages available for sale.

 
RESULTS

• Event results are posted onsite within an hour or two after the event.
• Ribbons/medals should be picked up at the meet. Coaches will pick up any awards left behind.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES:
The club is entirely volunteer run. There are many ways parents can help the Club and we encourage everyone to do the best they can.   

• We are always looking for coaches, coach assistants or those willing to take coach training in a specific event area. 
• All parents at VIAA Island Series Meets will be assigned a volunteer shift. 
• Help lighten the load of our coaches during practice - Set up and put away equipment before and after practices (hurdles, cones, mats, wickets), rake long jump pits or ask a coach how you can be of help