MTC Frequently Asked Questions or Concerns

Practices:
Question: Does my child have to attend every practice?
Answer:  No, because our children are involved in so many activities, the Manhattan Track Club holds practices every day to accommodate and work with various schedules. We do recommend practicing at least 2 to 3 times per week.

Question: How should my athlete prepare for practice?
Answer: To prevent injuries on those days it is cold and damp, you should always dress in layers. You can shed your sweatshirts, jackets, stocking caps, gloves, and pants when your muscles get stretched and warmed. It's cool to be prepared, un-cool - unprepared. Bring a water bottle to every practice. It is important to keep your body hydrated. And STAY AWAY FROM THE SODA!

Question: How will I know if a track practice is cancelled?
Answer:   Practices are generally not cancelled unless storms and lightening. Because we have a track to use, we do not have to worry about wet fields. If it is lightening and storming 15 minutes before practice, you can assume it will be cancelled. If it begins to storm during practice we would like you to pick up your child, they will be kept safe in the locker rooms at the field until you arrive.

Clothing & Equipment:
Question: When should my child wear track spikes?
Answer:  They should only wear their track spikes during their events. Track spikes ARE NOT to be worn an entire practice or meet. Every athlete is to change back into their regular shoes after their event.

Question: Should the athletes wear socks with spikes?
Answer:  Ideally, a track spike should fit like a glove - almost like running barefoot. Therefore, if any sock is going to be worn, a thin sock is recommended. For a more experienced athlete, my recommendation would be no socks with track spikes.

Question: Should they wear their uniforms to practice?
Answer:  No, uniforms are ONLY for use at track meets.

Track Meets:
Question: What do we bring to meets?
Answer:   Because of the uncertainty of weather conditions, come prepared. When weather reports have called for sunny and warm days, we've experienced at times rainy and cold. If in doubt, bring sweatshirts/sweatpants, change of shoes, socks, umbrellas (which are good for rain or sun).

Question: What types of snacks should we pack to bring to meets?
Answer:   Healthy snacks. Some ideas would be orange slices, bananas, cut up melon, grapes, crackers, rice cakes, sandwiches, juices and of course water. Even good foods should be eaten in moderation and not right before your event. No sodas, candy, chips or fast food. Please save that for after the meet.

Question: How will I know how to get to a meet?
Answer:   The track club usually meets at a designated time and place so we can follow each other out to a meet. If that's not possible, we usually provide directions (the web site often has drivings dierctions to the meets).

Question: Will my child be able to participate in every meet?
Answer:   For developmental and invitational meets, yes. As the season progresses, the meets get a bit more competitive and athletes need to qualify to continue on. Fortunately, there are developmental and invitational meets throughout the season that anyone will be able to attend.

Question: Why do the athletes need to stay out of the sun?
Answer:   The sun is very draining to athletes. Sitting in the sun during a track meet can create dehydration, fatigue and other heat related injuries. This is also the cause of feeling sick after running an event. Track meets are usually long and when an athlete does need to be out in the sun, be sure to have sun block.

Question: Does the Club pay my registration fees and turn in my meet registration?
Answer: No the parent and the athlete are responsible for track meet fees and turning in registration forms on time. The coach or a parent will help if needed.

Question: Do we need to take money to track meets?
Answer:   It is always a good idea to bring extra money to for whatever may be needed. Most meets have concession stands and t-shirt sales.

Question: How long do track meets last and do we have to stay until the end?
Answer:  Every track meet will be different as track meets are unpredictable. When you are sure that all of your events are done, and you have received your metals, you can leave. We would appreciate it if you would let us know that you're leaving.

Question: Why does my child have to run around the track when he/she is a thrower?
Answer:  Throwers will not be required to run as much as the other athletes but it will be a part of conditioning and teamwork.