Track and Field 2010

Hillsboro Middle School Track and Field

February 25, 2010

Hillsboro Middle School Track and Field

Dear Athletes and Parents:

Middle School Track practice will begin Monday, March 22. We will however schedule a day prior to Spring Break in order to check out practice sweat tops and bottoms.  Practice each day will be at our new facility located south of the Tabor College campus.  Middle school athletes will walk to and from practice with the coaching staff.
 
Physicals: Each athlete competing will need to have a physical and a permission to participate form on file with the district. Athletes who have competed in a fall or winter sport will already have these items on file.

Discipline: Appropriate behavior is expected at all practices, bus rides, and meets as well as in the locker room. Any unacceptable behavior will be dealt with on an individual basis by the coaching staff. It is important for each athlete to understand that we have many athletes and work in a large practice area, which is a different situation than when practicing football, volleyball, basketball or wrestling. Athletes must be responsible when traveling to and from events. We want to represent our community and our sport with pride. Under no circumstance will horseplay, bullying, taunting or fighting be tolerated.

Dress: Each athlete will be issued a pair of sweat pants and top, as well as a uniform shirt and shorts. Please be prepared for cool temperatures before spring officially arrives. A jacket, stocking cap and gloves are things each athlete should have prepared to use at practice. We go outside most days despite the weather. Athletes should also have shoes appropriate for the gym in the case weather conditions force us to train inside.

I suggest each athlete have a pair of running shoes. Basketball shoes are not always good running shoes. Athletes may also choose to have a pair of track spikes if they are competing in sprinting events or jumping events, but they are not mandatory.

Each athlete is responsible for taking care of their uniform and sweats. If a uniform or sweat is returned damaged or discolored, the student will be charged for the item.

Electronic Devices: We live in an electronic age. Cell phones, MP3 players, and other digital media are part of our lives. In order that these devices do not distract athletes, they are NOT to be used during practice or meets. Cell phones may be used to communicate with parents on the ride home in the bus. Electronic devices are not allowed to be used outside the bus when at a competition.

Jewelry and Uniform rules: Each year there is always confusion about what is acceptable dress for track meets. I have included the dress regulations for you to look over, but simply stated IF YOU ARE NOT BORN WITH IT, YOU CANNOT WEAR IT. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets (of any kind) are illegal to wear during track meets. They cannot be covered up with tape.

Undergarments: Occasionally cold weather dictates the use of tights and perhaps an undershirt. Tight colors on the Hillsboro Middle School will be black if worn under the shorts, or under the top. These tights or undergarments must be of a solid color, no exceptions.

Under Armour: The popular Under Armour apparel has two manufacturer’s logos located on the garment. These will NOT be allowed to be worn. Garments may only have one logo. Please do not try to mark them out or cover them up. They are still there.

I would like to keep it very simple. Generally, athletes need to wear only the school issued shirt and shorts when competing. Proper warm-up prior to the event and the use of sweat pants and top will be sufficient when competing. Please also avoid wearing caps during practice or meets.

Lunches: Athletes are encouraged to bring a lunch to the track meets. Many times track meets last until into the evening.

Practice: We will practice each day at the new facility south of the Tabor College campus. Athletes will walk to and from practice with a member of the coaching staff. It is my hope that each athlete trains for a running and field event each day as well as competes in both. The Hillsboro coaching staff works with both high school and middle school athletes each day. Practice time is limited so it is imperative that we work hard on our events and take advantage of each practice session. This year’s coaching staff includes assistant coaches: Donya Anderson, Nathan Hiebert, Mike Jilka, Don Penner, Jim Robb and head coach Dennis Boldt

Awards: Most Track and Field meets award ribbons to event place-winners. Some meets award 1st – 3rd place, other meets 1st – 5th and even 6th place. Ribbons are picked up by the coaching staff after the meet and handed out on the trip home if time permits. If not, they will be handed out the day following the meet, or when the official results are received. Ribbons are many times a source of frustration if the host school does not place the correct amount of ribbons in the packet. If an athlete earned a ribbon and did not receive the ribbon after the meet, the coaching staff will do everything possible to obtain the correct ribbons for all athletes. Many times results are sent via fax or mail following a meet and we will hold the ribbons to ensure accuracy.

Safety: Safety is always an issue in Track and Field. High school, middle school and college athletes all train at the same facility. It is important that athletes listen to their coaches concerning training techniques as well as being observant to where other athletes are training. The discus, shot put, javelin and hammer throw are all events with potentially dangerous implements. Please encourage your son or daughter to take extreme care when moving from event to event at the facility.
 
Spring Break:  There will no practice over spring break.

T-shirts: Each year track team members purchase a team t-shirt or similar apparel. More information on pricing and sizes will be given when available.

Video Cameras, Digital Cameras:  Many times parents may wish to video tape the performance of their son or daughter during competition. Please be aware that athletes may not review the tape until the competition has completed and the results announced. For example a parent may take video or digital pictures of their child during a high jump competition. If the parent shows the athlete the images during the competition in order to critique and enhance the athletes performance this is seen as an advantage and the athlete may be disqualified.

Water Bottle: Each athlete needs to have a water bottle for practice. There are limited drinking facilities at our practice sites. Good hydration is very important throughout practice and athletes will be given time to get drinks.

Web Site: Do your kids inform you of everything? Communication is important, particularly in track and field, when many times weather dictates the track schedule. In order to help parents and athletes, a web site has been created to help inform you of upcoming events, changes, and general announcements. This web site can be found through a link at www.usd410.net

I welcome all athletes to experience this sport and know that many middle school athletes are involved for social reasons, but it is my hope that each athlete can find an event in which they not only enjoy, but excel in as well.

The sport of Track and Field is new to many of you as athletes and parents. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me at school. 947-3991, e-mail: dennis.boldt@usd410.net Good luck this season and I look forward to working with each of you.

Field Events:
Long Jump
High Jump
Shot Put
Discus
Pole Vault (not available at all meets)
Triple Jump (not available at all meets)

Running Events (listed in typical order in a track meet)
3200 M Run (8th grade only, many times ran during field events)
75 Low hurdles (30” hurdle height)
100 M Dash
1600 M Run
4x100 M Relay
400 M Dash
4x200 M Relay
800 M Run
200 M Dash
800 M Medley relay 100,100,200,400