EDMONTON HARRIERS TRACK & FIELD CLUB

Prospective Summer Members 2012

What is the cost?

Fees for new members, joining after April 1st for the season to the end of August will be $250.

What do we get for the $?

Coaching
Use of equipment
Facility rental
Entry fees to all club supported competitions

Are there any other fees/expenses?

All members are required to get a provincial Athletics Alberta card.  Fees vary according to age group.

Pee Wee $50 11 years old & under as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 2001 or later)
Bantam $50 12-13 years old as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 1999 & 2000)
Midget $75 14-15 years old as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 1997 & 1998)
Youth $75 16-17 years old as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 1995 & 1996)
Junior $95 18-19 years old as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 1993 & 1994)
Senior $95 20+ years old as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 1992 or earlier)
Master $75 35+ years old as of 31 Dec 2012 (born in 1977 or earlier)

This fee goes directly to Athletics Alberta, not the club. Information about registering with Athletics Alberta can be found on their web site at www.athleticsalberta.com or you can contact the office at 780-427-8792.
Athletes are required to wear a club singlet when competing, available for $35. Out of town expenses, travel, accommodation and food/incidentals are the responsibility of new members (the club may subsidize some fees for those who have been members for a full year or more).

Where and when do we train? How often? Can we take part in other sports as well as track & field?

One great thing about track & field is the flexibility possible in terms of training. Because it is basically an individual sport, others do not rely on your being at training at a specific time as much as they do in team sports.

For the outdoor season we usually base ourselves at 2 facilities: Foote Field and Rollie Miles track (Strathcona Composite High School). This year Rollie Miles is being re-developed and will not be available for much or all of the year. However, we will still do some training in that area, based at Strathcona Composite High School. We will also probably schedule some sessions, particularly for distance runners, from Hawrelak Park or other city area parks. Specific training times will be set when we know the availability of the tracks. Usually we are not allowed on to Foote Field until near the end of April.

How often you train is an individual decision made in consultation with your coach(es). Young athletes are encouraged to continue with other sports – the training in track & field usually benefits other sports a great deal. These athletes might train with us once or twice a week. As you get older you will want to specialize more and might be doing specific track & field training up to 6 times a week. Club coaches are available 5 days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. A small number of our high school athletes are training up to 6 times a week. Again, it is usually possible to do some of these sessions from home or your school rather than coming to the club. As a general guide most elementary students train 1 or 2 times a week, junior high athletes train 2 or 3 times a week but many do less than that, especially if they are involved in other sports.

Training sessions usually start at about 4.30 and go to 6 or 6.30, depending on age etc. Saturdays are usually 10.30 at Hawrelak Park.

What Events Can I Do?

The club offers coaching in all track & field events except pole vault. Younger athletes will be encouraged to take part in many different events. This helps develop all-round athletes and specialization comes later. Even if you think you know which event you want to specialize in at a very early age we will strongly encourage you to try other events. Track & field includes running: sprinting, distance running and hurdling; jumping: long, high, triple (and pole vault) and throwing: shot, discus, javelin and hammer. There is an event or two for everyone.

How Long Is The Season?

Again, this varies. Some athletes finish as soon as the summer holidays begin, others, especially those on representative teams, train and compete right through mid August. Cross country season is Sept – early Nov.

Other Committments

Our club is seen as a leader in the Edmonton area in terms of offering services to the general community. Usually there is a requirement of all members/parents to do at least 3 volunteer slots per season – indoor and outdoor. Without this the sport could not exist. This involves helping out at track meets. No prior experience is required. One of these volunteer slots will be a full day commitment. This summer season we may only be asking you to fill 2 volunteer slots.

Meets that you may be asked to work at include: Mini meets on May 5 & 19, Hersheys Provincial Championships June 16/17 (this is the full day opportunity), Hershey local meet (date to be determined) and our elementary cross country series in Sept & Oct. In some cases the athlete can fulfill the volunteer commitment but we do need adults in some cases. If everyone does their fair share the volunteer requirement is very small. We do not work bingos, bottle drives etc. Every 18 months or so we have a casino, where every family is expected to work. We recently had our casino so will not have another one for at least 12 months.

Like most other volunteer organizations we sometimes have difficulty getting enough people to volunteer to be on the Board.  Many hands do make light work. If you take up a position on the Board your other volunteer requirements may be reduced.

Do I Have To Have Special Athletic Ability?

Anyone with a positive attitude towards the sport is welcome. The emphasis is placed on personal achievement and growth (doing your personal best). We find that everyone who is willing to apply themselves will improve. Many of our members are outstanding athletes. Do not be discouraged if you can’t perform like them at first – with patience and a reasonable amount of effort you will improve.

What Ages Does The Club Cater To?

Because the youngest age group for competition is Pee Wee (11 and under) our membership is restricted to athletes 10 and older, unless they have specific coach recommendation and Board approval. There is no upper age limit.

What About Competitions?

For the outdoor season the competitions available depend on your age and, in some cases, your ability. The club supports any member who wishes to compete in meets that are open to anyone. This includes the Provincial Championship Meet, held this year in St Albert. Other local meets include mini meets and the Sherwood Park Classic. Again, there is a great deal of flexibility – you choose which meets you wish to enter (guided by coaches). There are some out of town meets that involve additional expense, notably a major meet in Calgary (CALTAF) and a meet in Kelowna (Jack Brow).

How Do I Start?

More detailed info about the club can be found on our web site at www.edmontonharriers.ca. Membership forms can be downloaded from that site. Prospective members are welcome to come out and try the sport, but you must bring a signed waiver form (available from the site).
Continue to check the club web site for more details.

Summary:

$250 + Athletics Alberta Membership + singlet ($35)
Events coached/available: all except pole vault
Training flexible 1 – 5 days a week with the club
Ages 10 + (unless you have coach recommendation and Board approval)
Based at Foote Field, Rollie Miles and Hawrelak Park
Must commit to work 3 meets as a volunteer (may be less). New Board members welcome.
Meets/Competitions -   see the complete fixture list on the web site.
Emphasis on Personal Best – no great ability needed.

To foster the development of athletics and the athlete’s potential through the administration and promotion of training and competition and provide a leadership role in the Greater Edmonton area.