FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions  

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

• Running / Training Shoes: A quality pair of running shoes is the most important piece of gear an athlete can have. After all, this is what’s between the athlete and the ground and is the primary defense against injury.  A good rule of thumb is to buy a new pair of shoes for each sport season. Redmond Track works with Super Jock n Jill in downtown Redmond. They hold an annual “Spike Night” where Redmond athletes can get a discount and find a shoe that works for them. 

• Competition Spikes: Spikes are specialty shoes used mainly to compete (run, jump throw, etc.) but occasionally might be incorporated into training. These are lighter shoes with "spikes" for grip on the bottom. They are lightweight and have better grip on track surface.

• Running Clothes: Technical fabrics used to make socks, shirts and shorts are all great because they wick away sweat and prevent blisters. They are lightweight and help you stay cool when its hot and warm when it's not. Early Spring in the NW is can get rainy, windy, and cold days. We start in the snow and end with sunshine! Athletes need to bring layers to practice.

• Redmond Spirit Gear: You can Order Redmond Track Spirit Gear. The website will be open all season, but order ahead of time so that you can wear your gear to practice!

• Water Bottle: It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day, remember to drink a little a lot, not a lot a little! Bring a water bottle to practice. Hydration packs or carriable water bottles are not necessary. Just a basic water bottle with your name on it works great. 

• Roller: You can buy a foam-roller, a stick-roller, or a lacrosse ball (or find something similar around your house). Self-massaging sore muscles is a great way to prevent tightness and injuries. You can do this one your own time before and after practice and bring to meets. 

• Competition Gear: Athletes are issued uniforms for the season. These include: a jersey top, shorts and jacket. These need to be returned at the end of the season, or they will have to pay a fine. 

WHAT IF I NEED TO MISS PRACTICE?

Track & Field is a Varsity Sport, not a conditioning club. Practice is a very important component of the sport and the team. Every workout or run prepares athletes to compete to their potential. We expect everyone to make the commitment to come to practice and to be an integral member of the team. We do not recommend that athletes participate in an outside sport at the same time as Track & Field. There are only 40 practices and 10 races in the season, so we expect commitment and accountability. To be clear, these are our expectations:

• Varsity athletes will attend practices and meets Monday through Saturday during the season. Varsity athletes that miss Saturdays will be counted as absent. Junior Varsity athletes are welcome to practice on Saturdays with their event coach, but will not be counted as absent on those days.

• Junior Varsity athletes will attend all practices and meets Monday through Friday.

• Absences must be excused through an email to their event coach prior to the start of practice.  Attendance will be taken DAILY via Final Forms, and all missed practices automatically generates an email to athletes parents. 

• Texts, verbal notices, and messages from other team members are not an acceptable means of communication.

• Athletes missing 3 days (practices or meets) unexcused will not earn a Varsity letter. 

• Consecutive days missed due to illness, injury, or family will count as one absence.

• After 5 absences total the athlete will dismiss themselves from the team.

• Valid excuses for missing practice include injury, sickness and family emergencies. School projects, clubs and homework are unexcused absences.

HOW DO I FIND MEET RESULTS?

All current and past meet results can be found on Athletic.net.

HOW DO I EARN A VARSITY LETTER?

Track & Field is a challenging and rewarding sport. Earning a varsity letter is a privilege and an honor. One must follow the listed expectations and guidelines below: 

1. Athletes can letter by qualifying for the Varsity KingCo meet (Top 16 in the Conference in at least one event).

2. Mostly importantly, athletes must meet the expectations of the Redmond coaching staff, which includes attendance at practices and meets and demonstrating good sportsmanship, attitude and dedication. Athletes who miss more than 3 practices includes meets may be ineligible for a letter.

3. Athletes can also letter by achieving a minimum standard in at least one event.