Athlete / Parent Expectations

Please ensure your athlete has proper running shoes for practices and meets.  Basketball shoes / high tops make it difficult to run in and will not provide the proper support.  Spikes can also be purchased for your athlete but will be completely optional.  

As with Track and Field, our goal will be to instill an interest in running / competition.  The first 2 - 3 weeks will be difficult for most of our runners as they are working toward getting into shape.  Our ask is that you please emphasize effort to your athlete during this initial period and throughout the remainder of the season.   We encourage parents to begin having their athletes do some light jogging / stretching a few times a week prior to the kick-off of our season to help ease them into the conditioning period.

 Practices are not a drop-off situation.  Parents are required to stay at the Riverside track until practice has ended.  It is too big of a group with too many uncontrolled variables, like weather, for you to drop your child off.  

Meet Expectations

As part of your athlete’s participation on the Fire, they’ll have the opportunity to participate in meets hosted by the IYTA (Indiana Youth Track Association) at no additional charge (included in your club fees).  Optional meets hosted by USATF will be available although a registration fee will be required.

IYTA Membership (covered under your registration fee) 
All Mudsock Track & Field athletes automatically receive membership in the Indiana Youth Track Association (IYTA) including entry into IYTA sponsored meets. (All IYTA meets are local: Westfield, Noblesville and Fishers). We will participate in 4 IYTA events during the year, which make up most of the track meets. Athletes will be responsible for all costs of travel to all meets and for all fees to enter non-Mudsock Track & Field/IYTA sponsored meets.

USATF Membership (cost $30)
All athletes must be registered for a USATF membership by visiting USATF.org and using the FIRE code 16-0177 to link with our team. Membership lasts one year and must be renewed. You can upload the athletes birth certificate directly to their account and MUST DO SO for proof of age in order to compete at the USATF State, Regional & National meet. 

AthleticNET Account (free)
Families are encouraged to create a free account for their athlete at Athletic.net so that they can keep track of their athletes records throughout their Track & Field and/or Cross Country career.