Mattawan Middle School Track & Field FAQs

How do I sign up my student to participate in the middle school track & field program?

Have your student or yourself complete the Sign Up Google Form. This will place your student onto the team roster and added to the communications leading into the season.
What are my child's requirements to join Track & Field?

Valid & Signed Sports Physical Form on file with the school Valid & Signed MHSAA Consent Form on file with the school Pay to Participate Fee Paid (for only 7th & 8th graders) Signed Athlete & Parent Program Agreement Athlete and/or Parent need(s) to join the team's BAND App for all communications
What is the minimum grade level that can participate with the middle school track & field team?

The program is for 7th and 8th graders only.
Do I need to pay to participate if I paid last fall/this winter for another sport my child participated in?

No, if you paid during the current school year then you will not need to pay again. More details about this can be located at https://mattawan.revtrak.net/athletics-menu/rw-athletics-pay-to-participate/
How much does it cost for the Pay to Participate?

$75 https://mattawan.revtrak.net/athletics-menu/rw-athletics-pay-to-participate/
Can my child participate in Track & Field and another sport?

In our previous season we tried to accommodate dual sport athletes but we found it hurt us (the team) overall. All practices and track meets are mandatory for the athlete to participate in. If another sport does not interfere with this program's schedule (practices/meets) then it maybe tolerable to accommodate. A conversation with the athlete, parents and coaches maybe needed if there are conflicts.
Should I purchase running shoes for my child?

Running shoes, yes. Having good and proper running shoes under your feet is key to a successful running experience. With middle schoolers, as you know, they are consistently growing. My suggestion is to get your child fitted for a training type of running shoe. Something that is good for workouts but also good for longer runs. I also suggest to head to Gazelle Sports as they will look at their walk stride and stance to best determine what style of running shoe. I suggest this because everyone is different and shoe manufacturers have different styles of running shoes (neutral vs structured vs supportive). Gazelles does a great job at figuring that out and will provide suggestions on what shoe type. In regards to spikes, it’s a personal preference. Spikes are structured/built based on what distance the athlete will compete in. If it was my child I would hold off on purchasing spikes until a later date. Again it’s a personal decision. Our goal is to teach fundamentals for the program. Spikes will definitely provided a better competitive advantage at a meet but I’ve also seen kids at this age do better not wearing them.
Should I purchase track spikes for my child?

While spikes do provide an extra competitive grip on the track, at this time this is truly a personal decision on acquiring spikes. For most of our practice days we will not be using spikes during our workouts.
Do they wear their team singlet during practice?

No. The Mattawan team singlet is only used for track meets.
When is the first day of practice?

First day of team practice is Tuesday, March 12th
When is practice?

Practice will take place directly after school is dismissed. Students are to get dressed at the school (locker room if they have access or use the school's restrooms) and then proceed to the track. Practice starts at 3PM and ends at 4:30PM. Please make arrangements to pick up your student at the end of practice.
What days are practices held?

Practices will take place on Monday through Friday. We will host the practice directly after school. Students will need to report to the high school football stadium. They will need to be dressed and ready for practice to start at 3pm.
Is there team practice during spring break?

No, but the coaches will hand out 'at home' workout plans for the team prior to spring break. These workouts are written to be done during spring break.
How do we communicate to the coaches if our child is unable to attend a practice?

Complete the team's Google Absent Form that is posted in the BAND App.
On school half days, where there be practice?

While we'd like to host practice on half days, we understand that transportation for your child can be a challenge thus we will NOT host practice on school half days.
How many track meets are there this year?

Typically we will have around 8 to 10 meets to compete at during the season. More details about these meets can be located from our Track Meets page.
What is the capacity/maximum events an athlete can participate in?

Max of 3 events (this could be a combination of running and/or field) 70m / 100m / 200m: 10 entries per gender for quad meets / 12 entries per gender for dual meets 400m / Hurdles: 8 entries per gender 800m / 1600m: Unlimited entries Relays: Up to 4 teams per gender; designating a varsity team that scores Long Jump: 6 entries per gender High Jump: 3 entries per gender Shot Put: Unlimited entries
How are track meet's scored?

For KAMSL QUAD meets, the scoring is as follows: 5, 3, 2, 1 to score the first 4 overall places of each non-relay event. Relays are only scored to the 1st place of 5 points. For KAMSL season end meet, the scoring is as follows: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 to score the first 8 overall places of each event.
Can my child ride home with us (parents) at the end of a track meet rather than the team bus?

Yes, as long as the parent(s) sign their child out from the sign-out clipboard that is located with the coaches/team tent.