How to Start an Elementary Track Team

According to First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, childhood obesity has tripled over the past three decades. Schools with budget deficits have cut physical-education classes and athletics programs, and children spend more and more time doing sedentary activities, such as watching television and surfing the Internet. Children's caloric intake has increased by 200 calories daily due to increased snacking, according to the campaign. One way for parents to combat childhood obesity is to start volunteer-run sports teams, such as track and field, in their children's elementary schools.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk with other parents at your child's school to see if there is interest in starting a track team. Speak at parent-group meetings to get the support of parent leaders, teachers and administrators. Do some research to see how much each parent might have to pay for their child to join. You can purchase team uniforms if you wish, but it's less expensive if you don't. Track is a relatively low-budget sport because all kids need is a set of play clothes and athletic shoes. This information may persuade parents to support your team.

    • 2

      Distribute flyers advertising sign-ups for the team. Ask teachers to pass out flyers to their students. If the school has a parent newsletter, ask the editor to write a short article about the team. Include your contact information so that parents can ask questions.

    • 3

      Ensure that you have enough volunteers to help you manage the team. It's possible to coach it on your own, but having an assistant coach is ideal in case you can't make a practice. Another parent or teacher may be interested. If not, contact local colleges to see if a student-athlete may be interested in coaching. Be sure to follow the school's guidelines for having outside volunteers visit the campus, and perform a background check on anyone who will be working directly with the kids.

    • 4

      Hold your first practice. Teach your new athletes how to warm up properly and how to run using good form. Show them the various types of races, such as the 100-meter dash and the 4 by 4 mile relay, and field events, such as long jump, that they can do. Demonstrate how to use any equipment safely and how to prevent injuries. Hold practices two to three times a week at the same time and place.

    • 5

      Contact other local youth track coaches at elementary schools and community centers to see if you can organize a meet. It's not necessary for your team to compete against other teams, but having a meet can be very exciting for kids. If there aren't any nearby track teams with kids the same age as yours, your team members will still enjoy competing against one another.