WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP?

Boys and Girls ages 7 – 17 years old are able to join DCTC. The athletes compete based on age divisions established by USATF and AAU.

MY CHILD HAS NEVER RUN TRACK BEFORE? CAN DCTC HELP?

DCTC’s program is designed to introduce kids of all abilities to field events, sprint and distance running.  Our goal is to build a team environment that will support our youth emotionally and socially through their involvement in track and field. Kids will improve their physical conditioning as they learn skills related to track and field.

HOW LONG DOES THE SEASON RUN?

The spring season will tenatively begin March 2018 through June 2018. For athletes that desire to compete in the USATF and AAU National meets the season will run through July based on their advancement in the State and Regional rounds. An additional purchase of USATF and/or AAU memberships are required for athlete participation in the national meets. More information will be provided regarding national meets during the season.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?

6:30pm-8:00pm - Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at Freedom High School, 15201 Neabsco Mills, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Practices will vary by age. We may have additional practices added for those that need to work on specific events. Also, ad hoc practices may be added during the season once track meets begin.



ARE PRACTICES MANDATORY?

Alternate practice schedules or missed practices must be discussed individually with the DCTC coaching staff. We acknowledge that in this day and age our kids are on the go all the time and are involved in numerous activities. However, practice improves performance and we encourage attendance as much as possible. We want this program to be what you desire it to be.

WHAT WILL PRACTICES LOOK LIKE?

Practices will start off with going through different warm ups followed by a workout for the different events. Even though our program is both recreational and competitive, practices will not differ for each athlete, but we will accommodate to the different age groups and level of experience.

We desire for this to be a fun experience so we will try and be creative in making it fun and exciting, but we will also want to challenge them to push themselves to do things they may have never done before.

WHEN ARE TRACK MEETS HELD?

Track meets are primarily held on Saturdays, however there may be an occasional track meet scheduled on a Sunday. A team calendar will be distributed to the athletes and available on the DCTC website.

Meets are held throughout the Washington DC Metro area, including Virginia and Maryland.

WHAT IS THE INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR PRACTICE AND MEETS?

As always, the athletes Parental / Guardian’s judgment is the overriding decision for attending practice or a track meet during inclement weather.



Practice and track and field events will not be cancelled due to rain alone.  Rain (or snow) cancellations will be made at the site of practice, due to the precarious nature of rain.  Heavy rain, wind, and lightning are the overarching factors of cancellations.  If adverse weather conditions, i.e. snow, lightning, heavy-heavy rain, wind or excessive heat, leads to a cancellation of practice it will be made no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the day's program.  The cancellation announcement will be made via email and text alerts.  You may also call the DCTC information number at (571) 306-DCTL.

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DCTC will pay close attention to weather advisories and cancel practice based on the recommendation of local news forecasts.



All track and field meets are subject to delays due to lightning. The call for this is made during the meet. If a 30-minute inclement weather delay is issued and the parent/guardian elects not to wait, that parent/guardian is obligated to inform DCTC’s coaching staff of the decision.  Relays may be affected which could influence other athletes to stay or leave.

WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE COVER?

The registration fee covers athlete uniform (new athletes only), weekly training sessions, and county permit fees.



Athletes and parents may register online via the Registration page.

Additional items, such as team and parent t-shirts, replacement uniforms, warm up suits, team photos and optional events may be purchased at an additional cost.

WHAT SHOULD THE ATHLETES BRING TO PRACTICE?

Athletes should wear athletic clothing (weather appropriate), running shoes, proper undergarments, a bottle of water and a winning attitude. 

HOW MUCH DO PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED?

DCTC is a volunteer driven program. Our Coaches and staff are volunteers and we encourage our Parents to be involved as much as possible. Parents will be asked to sign up for various duties throughout the season.

The success of DCTC is dependent on volunteers who are willing to assist during practice and meets, including equipment and tent set-up, gathering athletes for events, photography, record and time keeping, snacks, etc.