WHAT IS THE INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY FOR PRACTICE AND MEETS?
As always, the athletes Parental / Guardian’s judgment is the overriding decision for attending practice or a track meet during inclement weather.
Practice and track and field events will not be cancelled due to rain alone. Please be mindful that we have the option to move our practice indoors if weather conditions worsen during practice. Rain (or snow) cancellations will be made at the site of practice, due to the precarious nature of rain. Heavy rain, wind, and lightning are the overarching factors of cancellations. If adverse weather conditions, i.e. snow, lightning, heavy rain, wind or excessive heat, leads to a cancellation of practice it will be made no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the day's program. The cancellation announcement will be made via email and posted on our website.
We will pay close attention to weather advisories and cancel practice based on the recommendation of local news forecasts.
All track and field meets are subject to delays due to lightning. The call for this is made during the meet by the Meet Director. If a 30-minute inclement weather delay is issued and the parent/guardian elects not to wait, that parent/guardian is obligated to inform the coaching staff of their decision. Relays may be affected which could influence other athletes to stay or leave.
WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP?
Boys and Girls ages 9 – 18 years old are able to join. The athletes compete based on age divisions established by USATF and AAU. Age is determined by the age the athlete will be at the end of the current year for the current season. For example, if athlete is currently 10 years old during the month of February, but will turn 11 years old by the end of the year, he/she will compete in the 11 - 12 age group and is eligible to register.
MY CHILD HAS NEVER RUN TRACK BEFORE. CAN HE/SHE STILL PARTICIPATE?
Our program is designed to introduce kids of all abilities to field events, sprint and distance running. The goal is to build a team environment that will support our youth emotionally and socially through their involvement in track and field. Kids will improve their physical conditioning as they learn skills related to track and field.
HOW LONG DOES THE SEASON RUN?
The spring season begins in mid-March and runs through mid-July. For athletes that desire to compete in the USATF and AAU National meets the season will run through July based on their advancement in the Local and Regional rounds.
The winter season begins in December and runs through February.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?
Indoor Season
Practice days and times are Tuesday and Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM. (Inside the school, not on the outdoor track facility)
Arrive no later than 7:45 PM to pick up your child from practice.
Outdoor Season
Practice days and times are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM
(days subject to change due to conflicts with high school activities)
Arrive no later than 7:45 PM to pick up your child from practice.
Practice Locations
Maurice J. McDonough H.S. – 7165 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret, MD 20675
McDonough H.S. will be our home field for practice events. There are times when scheduling conflicts arise as the high school athletic programs take precedence for use of the track and athletic fields. When this occurs we must adjust our schedule and move to another location to hold practice. Please stay up to date on practice locations by visiting our website.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Required to eliminate the amount of trash left behind at the track.
Wear Running shoes. No basketball shoes allowed.
WHEN AND WHERE ARE TRACK MEETS HELD?
Indoor Meets
Meets are held primarily on Sundays at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785.
A meet schedule will be available on the team website.
Outdoor Meets
Track meets are primarily held on Saturdays at various locations across the DMV; however, there may be an occasional track meet scheduled throughout an entire weekend including Fridays and Sundays.
A meet schedule will be available on the team website. Meets are held throughout the Washington DC Metro area. As the competition rounds progress there will be travel required outside of the DMV if your child advances to the next round and chooses to participate. Parents are responsible for providing transportation for their athlete.
WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE COVER?
The registration fee covers athlete uniform, athlete t-shirt, weekly training sessions, meet entrance fees for athletes, and team insurance.
Additional items, such as parent t-shirts, replacement uniforms, warm-up suits, team photos, and optional events may be purchased at an additional cost.
WHAT SHOULD THE ATHLETES BRING TO PRACTICE?
Athletes should wear athletic clothing (weather appropriate), running shoes, proper undergarments, a bottle of water and a winning attitude.
HOW MUCH DO PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED?
The Comets of Charles County is a volunteer-driven organization. Our coaches and staff are volunteers and we encourage our parents to be involved as much as possible. Parents will be asked to sign up for various duties throughout the season.
The success of our organization is dependent on volunteers who are willing to assist during practice and meets, including equipment and tent set-up, gathering athletes for events, photography, record and timekeeping, snacks, etc.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY?
We reserve the right to cancel events at our discretion or when out of our control. All athlete requests for cancellation and refund must be received by our Administrator by June 24, 2023. No refunds will be provided after this time. All fees paid, with the exception of a $50 administrative fee, will be refunded provided the notice of cancellation is received before the deadline.
Athletes dismissed from the program for improper conduct will not be refunded.