Track: What to know about USATF or AAU state championships

[Anonymous]

My 9 year old has a very good 800 time. He's not going to win state or even go to regionals, but he would be in the middle of the pack at the state championship based on times.

We do CYO we aren't part of any of the clubs that almost all the runners seem to attend. But it seems like we can just register as unaffiliated and show up. Is that a thing people do and what's that like? Can we just show up for his event and not need to wait around all day?

It says no "street shoes." What does that mean? I assume we need to buy some fancy shoes that are not sneakers?

If we sign up, should we just do the one event he's competitive in or sign up for 3 as long he can generally keep in range.

This would just for fun and exposure and a reward for a great CYO season, I don't think he's going to want to then join a track club (too much pure running not enough chasing after a ball).

[Anonymous]

I can’t speak for AAU, but USATF youth track usually has state qualifiers. You can’t just sign up for the state championships. In our state, you have to place top 4 at one of the district meets in order to earn a berth to states.

You’ll need a USATF membership, but your son can run unaffiliated.

[Anonymous]

Re: no street shoes, that probably just means proper running footwear. Ie, no crocs or basketball sneakers. Is this outdoor track?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can attend unaffiliated. But, you have to qualify at districts, once you do that you need to qualify at regionals to make it to junior olympics. My child has been in the Jr. Olympics 3 years in a row. If your child truly has a fast time, I would highly suggest joining a track team. Our coach is a former NCAA D1 athlete who has coached a current world record Olympian. He's awesome with all of the kids and very involved in their training. GL!

[Anonymous]

Amazing! Who is your coach and where do they train youth?