Browse F.A.Q. Topics
Costs
How much does it cost to participate?
The cost to register is $150 per child. Uniforms cost $80. Track meet registration fees are typically $10-$20 each. Transportation and housing are the parent/guardian's responsibility. Running shoes / track spikes can be purchased from retailers. The team does not offer shoes.
General
How do the Flights communicate?
The Flights communicate through GroupMe. Parents/guardians will receive a link after they are fully registered (link will not be sent immediately after registering online). Note: Decisions to cancel practice will be made no earlier than 4:30pm on the day of. This is due to constantly changing weather conditions.
Practice
Do you practice in inclement weather?
Only temperatures below 40 degrees and lightning will stop practice. We practice in the rain. Dress accordingly. Note: Decisions to cancel practice are made no earlier than 4:30pm on the day of. This is due to constantly changing weather conditions.Where and when is practice held?
The Charlotte Flights hold practice at Johnson C. Smith University Irwin Belk stadium. Practice is Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Practice for long jump, field events and hurdles will be held on Tuesdays, beginning in April. Same time and location. Communications will be sent during the season. Click for Google Maps.
Registration
How do I register for the Charlotte Flights spring/summer track season?
You can register via two ways. You can either submit your registration and payment online, or you can print the forms and bring them to Pearl Blakney-Lewis at practice. In either case, please be sure to bring a copy of your child's birth certificate. The cost is $150 per child (subject to change). Uniforms cost $80. Additional cost for track spikes and track meet entry fees are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Visit our Registration page to begin the online process.
Track Meets/Competitions
Do the Flights compete in USATF or AAU?
The Charlotte Flights generally compete in USATF competitions. The Flights organization maintains membership in USATF and AAU. Charlotte Flights registration includes USATF membership. If parents/guardians would like their athlete to participate in additional AAU meets, the parent/guardian will need to register their athlete.How long is the season?
The primary track season lasts from March to June for all participants. Participation in USATF Regional and National meets is dependent on the athlete's performance. Click here to view the schedule. See below for a high level description of in-season and off-season activities.Spring- Early March - Registration
- Mid March - Practice begins
- Late April/Early May - Developmental Meets begin
- June - Invitationals and USATF State Track Meets
- July - Invitationals and USATF Regional Track Meets
- Late July/early August - USATF National Junior Olympics
Fall/WinterOffseason workouts include Water Running, Strength and Core Training, Endurance/Conditioning/Biomechanics drills.- September 15th to February 28th - Offseason workouts
- Locations: JCSU, Revolution Sports Academy and Mecklenburg Aquatic Center
My child doesn’t have track and field experience, can they still compete?
Working with youth is what we do. We strongly encourage you to allow your child to join us. No experience is required. If they participate in the program we've developed, they will experience personal improvement and success over time.Where are track meets held?
Early in the season, track meets are held locally in Charlotte, in Greensboro and Durham. As we progress to mid/late season we participate in USATF at the State, Regional and National level. Locations vary, each season. To view the current schedule, visit our Schedule/Results page.What are the age groups?
Membership is open to all boys and girls ages 5-18 that reside in Mecklenburg County and the extended Metro area. Youth competitions typically take place in two-year age divisions. These age divisions provide young athletes the opportunity to compete with other athletes of similar ability. Age divisions are based on the athlete's age as of December 31 of the current year. For competition year 2016, age divisions are as follows:Age Division Year of Birth 8 & Under (previously Sub-bantam) 2008+* 9 - 10 (previously Bantam) 2006-2007 11 - 12 (previously Midget) 2004-2005 13 - 14 (previously Youth) 2002-2003 15 - 16 (previously Intermediate) 2000-2001 17 - 18 (previously Young) 1998-1999** * Per USATF Rule 300.1 (c) “Athletes must be at least seven (7) years of age on December 31 of the current year to compete at the Youth Athletics or Junior Olympic National Championships.”
** Athletes who are still 18 through the final day of the USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships are eligible to compete in the 17-18 age division through that meet. This extended eligibility does not apply to cross country events.What is the difference between USATF & AAU?
The Charlotte Flights are members of United States of America Track & Field (USATF) which is the governing body for track and field, cross country running, road running and race walking. The Athletic Amateur Union (AAU) is a non-profit volunteer sports organization in the United States.
Travel
Is there travel involved? Is transportation provided?
Travel varies year to year. In the early part of the season, travel is typically limited to the Charlotte and North Carolina region. The USATF Regional and National Junior Olympics meets are scheduled annually and locations can vary. Transportation costs are the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Limited transportation may be provided for the USATF State, Regional and National Junior Olympics participants on a case by case basis. Click here to view this season's schedule.
Volunteering
How can I get involved with volunteering or coaching?
We depend on our volunteers and coaches. Volunteering will provide you an opportunity to help create teamwork amongst parents, coaches and team members; and create a sense of family and community. If you are interested in helping us, please visit the Support the Flights page to sign up for upcoming events or share your interests and expertise.