Saints Philip and James CYO Track & Field
Parents FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Who may participate in SSPJ Track & Field?
Any member of the Saints Philip and James Parish who attends Kindergarten through 8th Grade may participate. They do not need to attend SSPJ school.
When is the season?
The season starts March 1 for children in Grades 4 through 8, and March 15 for Kindergarten through Third Grade.
What equipment do we need?
You’ll be happy to hear that not much equipment is required. You’ll want to get your boy or girl a good pair of running shoes, and they simply require some sweatpants or sweatshirts (sometimes gloves and winter hat) for practice. Your children will need to dress in layers, bring their shoes, a water bottle, and a great attitude!
Who will my child run against?
Your child will compete with children in their own age group. Boys generally race against boys, and girls against girls.
There are four age groups (updated for 2012 Track)
Subnovices: Kindergarten through Third Grade – regardless of age
Novice: Born in 2001 or 2002
Minor: Born in 1999 or 2000
Cadet: Born in 1997 or 1998, or on or after September 1, 1996.
When are practices?
Practices are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. All practices are at the Downingtown East High School Track.
Do I need to stay for the practices?
We strongly recommend that a parent or familiar adult remain at practice for subnovice boys and girls, and use your best judgement with older kids.
What kind of meets are there?
There are four meets called “developmental meets” on Sundays at 12:45 p.m. The location will vary and will be noted. There are usually four or five schools that participate in each meet. We recommend that the children be at the track at least 20 minutes before the start of the meet so that we can stretch as a team and prepare for the races. Meets can last 3 hours, but are usually a lot of fun.
What events are there in the meets?
Subnovices will participate in up to three events:
100 meters
200 meters
800 meters (optional)
(one lap of the track is 400 meters.)
We let the subnovices run the 800 meter race if they wish to, and usually, by the end of the season, most of them do and are very proud.
The Novices, Minors, and Cadets will participate in these events:
100 meters
200 meters
400 meters
800 meters
1600 meters
4 x 800 open relay
4 x 100 meter relay
4 x 200 meter relay
Shot Put
High Jump
Long Jump
Triple Jump (cadets only)
Novices and Minors compete in up to three events, and Cadets can do up to four. The coaches will select the events that the children will participate in.
When does the season end?
The Region 17 Championship Meet will be either May 14 or May 15. Everyone participates in this meet. This is the final meet for the subnovices, and they will run a 100 meter race.
All novices/minors/cadets will compete in this meet, and they need to place well in this race in order to qualify for the Area E Championship the following week. If they place well in that meet they will qualify for the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Championship meet at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field.
What are the Penn Relays?
The Penn Relays is the United States’ most prestigious track & field event, and Tuesday, April 26, is CYO Night at the Penn Relays. Boys and girls teams comprised of four runners and an alternate in two age groups (a total of four teams) will be selected by the coaches. They will run a 4 x 100 meter relay race under the lights at Franklin Field, and if they do well, they will participate in the finals that Friday. There is no additional cost to be in the Penn Relays.
Are there other team events?
The track & field team has a few other activities throughout the year, including a team mass, a service project, and a friendly Relay Carnival with the team from Saint Elizabeth.
How do I sign up?
Watch the Saints Philip and James CYO web site for details: http://www.sspjcyo.net/
If you have any other questions, please contact the coach at don@robsonind.com.
