Officials Tips – vol. 1
With the season’s first track meet just a few days away, here’s a few tips to help the budding indoor track star.
What are you wearing?!
I’ve seen my share of and have even disqualified athletes for wearing an improper uniform during competition. It’s common practice to don a pair of sweat pants or throw on a T-shirt between jumps, throws, and vaults; just remember to remove them when the official calls you up. I watched a pentathlete get disqualified for wearing a t-shirt over his tank….at a State Qualifier!!
Undergarments should be SOLID in color, including the stitching! For Fairport, that would be ‘white’ undergarments with ‘white’ stitching….yes, they do make them. And I might add, the Champion brand is about half the cost of the other guys.
Shoes. NO METAL SPIKES. Indoor spikes are available and you can get them from Fleet Feet or MedVed.
Listen up!
Hey, how you get into the groove is your own business, just don’t get caught with any ANY electronics in the competition area. No iPods, cell phones, cameras, nothing. And if momma has her little point and shoot cam and takes a cute pic of you jumping, save the review for the ride home. Don’t you dare get caught looking at your latest high jump in the middle of the event. Results if you do = immediate disqualification.
Also, listen up, it’s very noisy at an indoor track meet. You need to LISTEN TO THE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Don’t miss your event because you didn’t hear the staging calls. They’re announced frequently amidst the cheering of ongoing events. Another good reason to leave the iPods at home.
Nourishment!
While there is usually a snack counter available, they don’t exactly serve the best ‘performance enhancing’ delicacies. I suggest you bring your own high quality carb packin’ goodies. These meets tend to run (no pun intended) rather long. So plan on being there awhile, and remember to eat some energy inducing items about 1.5 hours before your event.
Study Hall!
Since you’re going to be there awhile, it’s an excellent opportunity to get in some homework. Last year’s FHS valedictorian was frequently noted for his effective use of ‘off-event’ time. Bring the books, get the work done while you wait….just remember to listen for the announcements for your events.
Cheerleaders!
Yes!! We have cheerleaders at Indoor Track & Field. Surprised? No, they’re not wearing skirts and sportin’ frilly hair sprangles(well, actually Ange and Barnum do.) They’re wearing a FHS track and field uniform just like you. YOU are our cheerleaders; so don’t forget to cheer on your fellow teammates. They need the support as much as you do.
~next up: Event Tips
Rochester, NY