Youth Program FAQ
General Program Information
Who is eligible to participate?
The Solon Track Club Youth Program is open to children who have completed Kindergarten through 6th grade (generally ages 5–12). Athletes of all ability levels are welcome—no prior track experience is required.
Do participants need to live in Solon or attend Solon schools?
No. While the program is Solon-based and closely connected to the local track community, children from surrounding areas are welcome to participate.
Who is eligible to compete in the “invitational?”
Only athletes who participated in at least 1 practice will be eligible to compete at the “Invitational” track meet. Full participation is encouraged but not required.
Schedule & Location
When does the program take place?
The summer youth program runs over four weeks in June, consisting of:
Three practice sessions (June 10, 13, and 20)
One culminating community “Invitational” track meet (June 27)
Exact dates, times, and arrival instructions will be shared with registered families closer to the start of the program.
Where are practices and the meet held?
All sessions are planned to take place at the Solon High School track facility, pending final scheduling approvals. Location details will be communicated well in advance.
Daily Logistics
Is this a drop-off program?
Yes. The Solon Track Club Youth Program is an optional drop-off program, consistent with other Solon-area sports camps and activities.
All coaches, staff, and volunteers working directly with athletes are background checked and trained to ensure a safe, well-supervised environment throughout each session.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and observe but are not required to remain on-site during practices or Meet Day.
How does check-in and pick-up work?
Athletes will check in with volunteers upon arrival and must be signed out at the conclusion of each session. Families are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to allow time for check-in, warm-ups, and instructions.
For safety reasons, athletes may only be released to a parent or guardian unless prior arrangements have been made.
Are athletes supervised at all times?
Yes. Athletes are supervised at all times by a combination of Solon Track Club coaches, background-checked volunteers, and high school athlete helpers under adult supervision. Activities are conducted in visible, group-based settings to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.
What to Bring / What to Wear
What should my child wear?
Comfortable athletic clothing
Running shoes or sneakers (no spikes required)
Weather-appropriate layers
What should my child bring?
A labeled water bottle
Sunscreen (applied before arrival)
Optional light snack
Please leave valuables at home.
Events & Participation
What events are offered?
Athletes may participate in a mix of running and field events, including:
50m, 100m, 400m, 800m, and 1 mile
Long Jump, High Jump, and Shot Put (age-appropriate)
How many events can each athlete enter?
Each athlete may compete in up to three individual events, plus relays or special events where offered.
How are relays and special races handled?
Relay teams and special races (such as the Fastest Kid in Solon) are formed using practice seed times, Invitational event placement, and age-group considerations to encourage competitive, fun, and balanced races.
Meet Day & Awards
Is this a competitive meet?
The Invitational is designed to be positive, supportive, and age-appropriate. While athletes are timed and measured, the emphasis is on participation, improvement, and enjoyment.
Are awards given?
Yes:
All participants receive a medal
Top 3 finishers in each event and age group receive trophies
Special awards are presented for select races and recognitions
Weather & Safety
What happens if the weather is bad?
We closely monitor weather conditions. In the event of:
Rain: Sessions may proceed with adjustments
Lightning or unsafe conditions: Activities will be delayed, modified, or canceled. Practice sessions and the Invitational may be rescheduled to rain dates, weather permitting.
Families will be notified via email as early as possible.
What safety measures are in place?
Age-appropriate instruction and supervision
Clear volunteer roles
Emergency procedures in place
Medical considerations reviewed as provided by families
Registration, Payment & Refunds
Is registration complete once I submit the form?
No. Registration is only complete once payment is submitted.
Form submissions without payment do not secure a spot.
What is the refund policy?
All registrations are final. No refunds are offered for any reason, including schedule conflicts, illness, weather, or non-attendance.
Solon Track Club operates as a community-driven program with minimal overhead. Entry fees and donations are used solely to cover operational costs, with all remaining proceeds benefiting the Solon community and local charitable initiatives. Because funds are committed in advance to facilities, insurance, equipment, awards, and staffing, we are unable to offer refunds.
Photos & Media
Will photos or videos be taken?
Yes. Photos and videos may be taken during practices and Meet Day for program promotion and community sharing.
Can I opt my child out?
Yes. Families may opt out during registration, and we will make every reasonable effort to honor those preferences.
Community & Purpose
Is Solon Track Club a for-profit organization?
No. Solon Track Club is community-run and operates with minimal overhead. Any proceeds beyond program expenses are reinvested into future programming and benefit local charities.
Still Have Questions?
If you have additional questions, please contact us at:
📧 Solontrackclub@gmail.com
We’re excited to welcome your family and look forward to a fun, memorable summer on the track.