At the CYO level, we understand and expect that your child will be participating in different activities that may conflict with some practices or meets. That’s perfectly okay. The TeamSnap app is the best place to mark and update your child’s attendance throughout the season. It is imperative that your child participate in only one running intensive sport per day. Doubling up on the same day will almost certainly lead to injury or illness.

Please update your child’s meet attendance on TeamSnap by Wednesday of the week of the meet, as the event assignments are due to the Region several days prior to the meet.

At SJR, the coaches choose the events in which each athlete will compete at a given meet. Athletes are limited to a certain number of events at each meet, and the Practice meets are an opportunity for the coaches to gather seed times for the team leading up to the Championship meets. The practice plan is designed to develop the kids to compete in each of the events offered at least once throughout the season, and the coaches are in the best position to determine when an athlete is ready for a certain event.

That being said, the coaches are happy to hear from a parent who may have a special request for their child and will do their best to accommodate them. Any requests are due by Wednesday of the week of the meet, as the event assignments are due to the Region several days prior to the meet.

All experience levels are welcome, and everyone participates! Athletes are welcome (and advised) to come to a couple of practices prior to registering to see if the sport is a good fit for them. For this purpose, late registrations are allowed without any late fee or penalty. Please note that for younger runners (3rd grade or lower), parents are required to stay and be present at all practices and meets.

Technically, yes. CYO Track & Field and Cross Country are team sports with an element of competition. They require a certain amount of focus and perseverance, and some younger athletes are just not ready. Our Bantam and Sub-Novice coaches do their best to keep the younger athletes engaged, but parents are encouraged to observe their athlete(s) and decide if they are ready for the sport.

Parents with experience in Track & Field and/or Cross Country are always needed to help out with the team! Please contact the coach if you can lend a hand.

Practices for both Track & Field and Cross Country are typically one hour long. Parents of Bantam/Sub-Novice athletes must stay and be present for practices. Varsity athletes may be dropped off, but parents are always welcome to stay!

Track meets typically last 3 hours. Championship meets are longer. Athletes will complete in multiple events during that time, with down time between events. Athletes may arrive late or leave early if needed, but please communicate with the coach ahead of the meet so they are not scheduled for an event for which they can’t be present. Athletes should be present at the track at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the meet to warm up and be ready to perform at their best.

Cross Country meets are typically 3 hours long. Athletes only run in one race during the meet, so athletes may arrive after the start of the meet (if their event is later in the schedule) or leave after their event is finished. Athletes should always arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their race to warm up and be ready to perform at their best.

Running shoes, water bottle, and weather‑appropriate clothing.

Yes! CYO meets rely on parent support.

Proper running sneakers are strongly advised for athletes of all ages. We recommend consulting with your local running store to ensure the best fit and selection of shoe for your child’s needs. If you’re looking for a good local recommendation, check out Bucks County Running Company in Doylestown, PA.

Spikes are not required for practices or meets, but Varsity athletes may benefit especially for sprints and running in wet weather. Most tracks require that spikes be no longer that 1/4” long.

Track & Field and Cross Country meets are held rain or shine. Exceptions may be made for thunderstorms, and cancellations or in-meet delays will be communicated via TeamSnap.

Practices are generally cancelled for rain, but athletes should expect to practice unless they hear otherwise via TeamSnap.

Registration opens approximately 2 months prior to the start of the season. Look for the “Register Now” buttons on the season pages of the website.

Late registrations are possible so as to accommodate athletes trying the sport out first. To register late, please contact the coach or the SJR CYO Athletic Director.

You’ve got Q’s, we’ve got A’s!