Track and Field Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can compete for the St. Michael / St. Charles CYO cross country team?
The team is open to all children in grades K-8 that live in Livermore. In addition, it is open to those children that attend St. Michael Parish, St. Charles Parish, or St. Michael School.
When are practices?
Practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The specific times vary each season. In the past two seasons, practices were scheduled from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM."
Where are practices?
Practices are conducted either at Livermore High School or Granada High School tracks, depending on availability for the season. In case of scheduling conflicts with other sports, we will arrange for an alternative nearby field for the practices.
When/where are meets?
A season includes four practice meets, a relay meet, a qualifying meet, a section meet, and the diocese championship meet. The locations of these meets vary, with Granada High School, Ygnacio Valley High School, Monte Vista High School, and Moreau High School having hosted the majority of them in the past.
What are the events?
- Running: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 meters
- Field: long jump, softball throw, high jump, shot put
- Relays: 4x100, 4x400, Sprint Medley
What is the maximum number of events each child compete in at a meet?
· 2 running events, 1 field event and unlimited relays
-or-
· 2 field events, 1 running event and unlimited relays
How do you qualify for the championship?
To be eligible for the qualifying meets, participants must attend at least two out of the four practice meets. Advancement from the qualifying to the sectional meet, and from the sectional to the championship, is based on performance results. For specific rules and details, please direct your inquiries to the coaches or coordinator.
How many practices does my child need to attend?
While there are no mandatory attendance requirements for practices, we recommend that children participate in at least two practices per week to see improvement. However, we understand that children and their families may have busy schedules with various activities.
Can my child participate in track and field as well as other sports or activities?
Yes, many children successfully engage in CYO track and field while also being involved in soccer, baseball, swimming, scouts, clubs, and other activities. Additionally, many find that the running training in track and field enhances their performance in other sports.
My child wants to improve. How can I help them get better?
That's great! The approach should be based on the child's age and interest level, but encouraging them to be active year round is a great start. They can also run on their own or with parents or older siblings to prepare for the season. During the season, they should attend as many practices as possible, and running on their own might be appropriate. Please discuss this with the coaches if you need more help.
How can parents help?
We always need help coaching and running practice - no experience necessary! Most of coaching is herding cats when you're dealing with elementary age students, so the more parents the better. Furthermore, we require parental assistance during meets, which may include tasks such as setting up and dismantling equipment, timing, managing the finish line, monitoring gates, and organizing staging areas, among others.
What shoes and clothing should my child wear?
It's important for children to wear comfortable clothing suitable for running. Early in the season when the weather may be cool, kids should bring warmups to practice.
What else should my child bring to practices?
We strongly encourage bringing a bottle of water, especially as the weather gets warmer during the season. We will have water breaks to ensure hydration. Be sure to put your child's name on it so it can be returned when they forget it!
Who can compete for the St. Michael / St. Charles CYO cross country team?
The team is open to all children in grades K-8 that live in Livermore. In addition, it is open to those children that attend St. Michael Parish, St. Charles Parish, or St. Michael School.
When are practices?
Practices are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The specific times vary each season. In the past two seasons, practices were scheduled from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM."
Where are practices?
Practices are conducted either at Livermore High School or Granada High School tracks, depending on availability for the season. In case of scheduling conflicts with other sports, we will arrange for an alternative nearby field for the practices.
When/where are meets?
A season includes four practice meets, a relay meet, a qualifying meet, a section meet, and the diocese championship meet. The locations of these meets vary, with Granada High School, Ygnacio Valley High School, Monte Vista High School, and Moreau High School having hosted the majority of them in the past.
What are the events?
- Running: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 meters
- Field: long jump, softball throw, high jump, shot put
- Relays: 4x100, 4x400, Sprint Medley
What is the maximum number of events each child compete in at a meet?
· 2 running events, 1 field event and unlimited relays
-or-
· 2 field events, 1 running event and unlimited relays
How do you qualify for the championship?
To be eligible for the qualifying meets, participants must attend at least two out of the four practice meets. Advancement from the qualifying to the sectional meet, and from the sectional to the championship, is based on performance results. For specific rules and details, please direct your inquiries to the coaches or coordinator.
How many practices does my child need to attend?
While there are no mandatory attendance requirements for practices, we recommend that children participate in at least two practices per week to see improvement. However, we understand that children and their families may have busy schedules with various activities.
Can my child participate in track and field as well as other sports or activities?
Yes, many children successfully engage in CYO track and field while also being involved in soccer, baseball, swimming, scouts, clubs, and other activities. Additionally, many find that the running training in track and field enhances their performance in other sports.
My child wants to improve. How can I help them get better?
That's great! The approach should be based on the child's age and interest level, but encouraging them to be active year round is a great start. They can also run on their own or with parents or older siblings to prepare for the season. During the season, they should attend as many practices as possible, and running on their own might be appropriate. Please discuss this with the coaches if you need more help.
How can parents help?
We always need help coaching and running practice - no experience necessary! Most of coaching is herding cats when you're dealing with elementary age students, so the more parents the better. Furthermore, we require parental assistance during meets, which may include tasks such as setting up and dismantling equipment, timing, managing the finish line, monitoring gates, and organizing staging areas, among others.
What shoes and clothing should my child wear?
It's important for children to wear comfortable clothing suitable for running. Early in the season when the weather may be cool, kids should bring warmups to practice.
What else should my child bring to practices?
We strongly encourage bringing a bottle of water, especially as the weather gets warmer during the season. We will have water breaks to ensure hydration. Be sure to put your child's name on it so it can be returned when they forget it!
