What Is A Track Meet? Your Guide To Understanding Track and Field

So, you're thinking about joining a track meet? Whether you're a newcomer curious about the world of athletics, a seasoned pro, a new parent of a student athlete or just wondering what goes on at these thrilling events, you've come to the right place!

"If you turn up worrying about how you're going to perform, you've already lost. Train hard, turn up, run your best and the rest will take care of itself. I don't think limits.” - Usain Bolt

Let’s dive into what a track meet is, what happens during one, and why they’re so much fun to attend or participate in.

What Is a Track Meet?

A track meet is a sports event that involves various running, jumping, and throwing competitions, all taking place on a track and field.

“I wasn’t going to let someone else’s words to impede day progress.” Lex Gillette (5x Paralympic Medalist, 4X World Champion)

Think of it as a festival of athleticism, where participants test their speed, endurance, strength, and agility in different events. Track meets can be held at different levels, from local school competitions to national and international events like the Olympics.

The Basics of a Track Meet

Track meets are usually divided into two main types of events: track events and field events.

• Track Events: These include all the races that take place on the track. From sprints like the 100-meter dash to longer distance runs like the 1,500 meters, as well as hurdles and relay races, track events focus on speed, endurance, and teamwork. Learn more about track events here.

• Field Events: Athletes may compete and explore the different field events like the long jump, high jump, shot put, discus throw, and javelin. Field events test an athlete’s power, technique, and precision.

How a Track Meet Is Organized

A typical track meet is organized by a single meet director featuring a mix of track and field events. Here’s a general breakdown:

Entry Request

Before you can participate in a track meet, you need to submit a request to enter. This involves registering for the meet and paying any associated fees. Learn how to sign up for track meets here.

You can usually register for 4 events at most and you pay for each of those events between $25-$50 dollars on the different sign up sites or in person to the meet director at the meets. Cash is usually accepted or you can pay with your card online.

Check-In

Athletes arrive and check in for their events. This is when they receive their event numbers and instructions for the day. It is crucial to check in on time, as failing to do so means you will not be allowed to compete. Usually in track events you will be given a number to stick on your leg that corresponds with the lane you will be running in. Don't worry if it falls off once you start racing, it's just to make sure you are in the correct lane to start. You will also receive a bib and four safety pins to put on the front of your shirt.

For field events, the general rule is to check in about 30 minutes before the event begins. This ensures you are present and prepared. Key things to know for different field events can be found here. Sometimes after they check your shoes, they will put a plastic zip tie on them so they know they are in regulation.

Note: If you decide not to compete or if you get injured, you can "scratch" out of an event during the check-in process. This means you officially withdraw from the event, so you won’t be penalized. Additionally, if you need to leave early, you don't have to stay until the end to collect your medal. You can usually arrange to receive it later, or sometimes it can be mailed to you.

Warm-Up

Before the events start, athletes warm up to get their muscles ready for the intense physical activity. Proper warm-up techniques are essential for optimal performance and injury prevention. It's also important to observe track etiquette during this time, such as knowing where to warm up and how to share the space respectfully with other athletes.

Get ready for your first meet with these essential tips and learn about track etiquette here.

Opening Ceremony (Optional)

Some meets kick off with an opening ceremony, which can add a ceremonial and festive touch to the event. In the U.S., this often includes the playing of the national anthem. The national anthem is a moment of unity and respect, celebrating the athletes' dedication and the spirit of competition. Read about the significance of opening ceremonies here.

Track Events

The running events usually begin with shorter sprints and gradually move to longer distance races. Many track events, such as the 100-meter dash, involve preliminary rounds or heats. In time you will learn more track lingo and how these terms like “heats,” “up,” “on call,” “on deck,” and “in the hole” are used.

Field Events

Simultaneously, the field events will be taking place. They usually begin in the morning before the races begin. If the meet starts later in the day they will still usually start the meet. Athletes rotate between attempts in their respective field events and can have multiple flights.

Typical Schedule

Track meets can vary in their scheduling format. Some meets use a rolling schedule, where events start one after another without fixed start times, allowing for a more fluid and adaptable schedule. But that also means you have to pay attention when one event is finishing so you don't miss your event. Others use a schedule with specific start times, where each event has a set time to begin, making it easier to plan your day.

Additionally, some track meets, especially those featuring combined events like the pentathlon, heptathlon, or decathlon, may be held over two days. These multi-day meets allow athletes to complete their combined events and ensure that all other events are split across the two days. On average, a track meet lasts about 8-12 hours per day if all events are running. Learn more about the differences between these scheduling formats here.

Download The Typical Indoor and Outdoor Highschool Track Meet Schedule here:

Typical High School Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field Events.pdf

Download PDF • 66KB

Live Scores and Results

During the meet, live scores are often available under “live results” on the event’s or school’s website, allowing spectators and participants to track performance in real-time. Additionally, hard copies of results are frequently printed and taped to a wall for attendees to check times and marks. This system ensures that everyone has access to up-to-date information about the meet's outcomes. Most track meets offer live results on their official sites or through paper results posted on walls around the venue. Learn more about accessing live results.

Finals and Relays

The meet often concludes with the finals of each event and exciting relay races, where teams compete to pass a baton in a coordinated effort.

Awards Ceremony

After all events are completed, awards are often given to top performers. For individual athletes, awards are typically handed out during or immediately after the meet when the results are announced. If you are part of a team, the head coach may collect the awards on behalf of the team, and you’ll receive them later at a team meeting. However, it's important to note that not all meets provide awards. Learn more about track meet awards and scoring.

What to Expect as a Spectator

Attending a track meet is an experience full of energy and excitement. You’ll see athletes of all ages and skill levels competing, and the atmosphere is usually charged with cheers from supportive fans.

Sometimes if you are lucky there will even be a concession stand but don't always bet on it. Always a good idea to bring your own drinks and snacks to eat in the stands. Most meets do not allow food beyond water on the main field.

Most track meets have specific rules about where spectators can go. Generally, spectators are not allowed on the field because they may not have the awareness needed to avoid running into athletes, who are focused on their events. At local meets, the atmosphere is usually quite relaxed, and spectators may have more freedom to move around. However, as you progress to collegiate, national, and Olympic meets, the level of restriction increases significantly. At these higher-level events, access to certain areas may be strictly controlled, and you might need a wristband or pass to enter specific zones.

Parking: When attending a track meet, parking is usually provided in designated areas near the venue. Be prepared to find parking spots in general areas, as there may be large buses carrying school teams and staff. These buses often take up a significant portion of the available parking. However, there is typically ample general parking where you can stay for the day. It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a convenient spot and to familiarize yourself with the parking layout. Check out these tips for attending your first track meet to ensure you have a smooth experience.

Traveling as a Track Athlete: If you’re an athlete traveling to a meet, the general rule of thumb is that if the meet is more than a 2-3 hour drive away, it’s often best to travel the night before. Staying in a hotel overnight allows you to arrive fresh and ready for the meet the next day. For additional advice on managing air travel with sports equipment and making your journey as smooth as possible, you can explore the Track and Field subreddit for tips and shared experiences from fellow athletes.

Be prepared for a full day of action. Bring snacks, water, and comfortable seating if you’re planning to stay for the whole event. Understanding these rules will help you enjoy the meet while ensuring the safety and efficiency of the competition.

Why Are Track Meets Important?

Track meets are more than just competitions—they serve several important purposes for athletes and fans alike.

"Friendships are born on the field of athletic strife and the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust." Jesse Owens

For semi-professional and professional athletes, track meets are crucial events as they provide opportunities to qualify for prestigious competitions such as world championships and the Olympics. Success at these meets can be a gateway to representing one’s country on the global stage and achieving personal career milestones.

For amateur athletes and those just looking for fun, track meets are a fantastic way to experience the thrill of competition, test personal limits, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow competitors.

Additional Tips

• Traveling Considerations: If you're traveling by plane for a meet, plan to arrive the night before if the meet is more than 2-3 hours away by car. This way, you'll be rested and ready for the competition.

  
  

• Parking and Spectator Information: Look for general parking areas and be aware that large buses from schools may occupy a significant amount of space. Spectator access is typically limited to certain areas, so be prepared for varying levels of restriction depending on the meet’s scale.

  
  

• Spikes: There are rules for how long the metal spikes in the bottom of your shoes can be. Most track meets allow 1/4 pyramids. Most times christmas tree spikes are not allowed because they can do damage to the track. Sometimes when you check into your event, you will need to show you spikes are in regulation.

  
  

• Weighing Implements: For events like javelin, discus and hammer throw, you will need to weigh in your implements during the check in process to make sure they are fitting the meets weight standards.

  
  

• Meet Officials: Sometimes the meet officials can be a little grumpy if they expect you to know all these rules. If you come across someone having a bad day, don't worry. This happens to seasoned athletes too.

With all this information, you should be well-prepared for your first track meet experience, whether you're participating or spectating. Enjoy the excitement and best of luck to all the athletes!

If you are seasoned pro, do you have any suggestions for new meet goers that could make their first time much more enjoyable? Please feel free to comment below.

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