Age Group Track Program Giving Students in the Intermediate Grades the Opportunity to Participate in a Citywide Event Claudia Grimes Physical Education Teacher King CLC & Barber CLC Akron Public Schools Program Manager-Age Group Track Program
The Age Group Track Program originated in 1964 under the direction of Larry Dessart, Joan Sheplin, Joe Polacek and the University of Akron (Tom Adolph and Jim Ewers). It was sponsored by the Akron Touchdown Club. The annual event took place in May at the University of Akron's Buchtel Field. In the 70 s Joan Sheplin and Fred Schuett continued this annual event as a district program establishing the event in March at Firestone High School. In the 90 s, Tedd J. Malcolm, Andrew W. Maluke, and Dan Pren continued this program as a teacher facilitated event. The 50-Yard "Steeple" Race was added and the events were divided into two divisions (4 th & 5 th grade, and 6 th grade). KeyBank continued to provide the awards for the program. Today, the Akron Board of Education is proud to support the continuation of this long-standing tradition in our schools. Acknowledgements We would like to thank Suzanne Boser for her illustrations. A special thanks to Dan Bartel, Sylvia Baxter, Becky Brant, Joseph Sardone, Dave Chaffman, Stephen Donahue, Suzanne Leyerle, and Kathy Saxon for all of their time, help, professional advice and guidance.
Mission Statement The Akron Public Schools Age Group Track Program offers students in the intermediate grades the opportunity to participate in a citywide event, which highlights skills that have been taught and developed in their Physical Education classes. The Age Group Track Program is a culminating activity, which gives students a chance to view their talents in the context of a larger population. It also allows parents, staff, administrators and the business community the opportunity to become actively involved in the education process as they support and encourage students to become involved in activities that promote lifelong excellence. Order of Events: Standing Long Jump Running Hop-Step-Jump 170-Yard Run 50-Yard Stop Sprint 50-Yard Steeple Race Shuttle Relay (25 yards one way) Implementing a Program: Eligibility: A meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 (3:15 p.m.); Crouse CLC, for those interested in implementing a program. Fourth and Fifth Grade Participants are elementary school students only and must be in the fourth or fifth grades. Boys and girls who were 12 years of age before September 1 of this academic school year are not eligible to participate (birth date prior to: September 1, 2002). Sixth Grade Participants are middle school students only and must be in the sixth grade. Boys and girls who were 13 years of age before September 1 of this academic school year are not eligible to participate (birth date prior to: September 1, 2001).
Parental Approval: It is suggested that each teacher (adviser): 1. obtain parental approval for their participants, 2. verify the age and grade of their participants, and 3. obtain a parental statement indicating that each child is physically able to participate. 4. It is advisable to have a copy of your participants' emergency medical cards on hand. This may be accomplished by using the PARENTAL PERMISSION AND RELEASE FORM provided in this packet. It is also recommended that this signed PARENTAL PERMISSION AND RELEASE FORM be placed on file in your school office. Entries: Each school may enter one student in each event with the exception of the shuttle relay. Schools should enter four (4) students in the shuttle relay. A STUDENT MAY PARTICIPATE IN NO MORE THAN ONE (1) RUNNING EVENT AND ONE (1) FIELD EVENT. THE SHUTTLE RELAY IS CONSIDERED A RUNNING EVENT. No new entries will be accepted at the meet! All entries must be printed on the official entry blank, with appropriate signatures, and received by the deadline. Any entry forms that are changed, modified or illegible will not be accepted. Allow two days for APS pony transfer. Awards: Awards are donated by Akron Public Schools. Heat winners will receive a ribbon following each heat in each event. Ribbons will be awarded to the first through twelfth place finishers in each event. These awards will be distributed following each event. There will be no team awards. Participation ribbons will be sent to the physical education teacher for all students participating. Results will be sent to the principal and physical education teacher of all participating schools.
Starting Signal: The starting signal for the running events will be both audible and visual. The commands will be: Runners, take your mark, horn (start). T-Shirts: Participants may wear school T-shirts. Do not use the word Team on the T-shirts. This is not a team activity. The word Team may refer to interscholastic competition which is prohibited at the elementary level by the State of Ohio, Department of Education. School Banners: State guidelines stipulate that this program is for individuals. School banners will not be permitted; however, for locating purposes, teachers or advisers may make a school sign out of 8-1/2 X 11 paper tacked or stapled to a yard stick or dowel rod (which may not exceed forty inches in length). Events, Suggestions and Descriptions The following suggestions are to aid the physical education teacher or adviser in developing the skill of each student. It is recommended that the Age Group Track Program be used as a culminating activity for a unit in track and field. Standing Long Jump: This skill is one in which the student pushes off with both legs simultaneously, incorporating the body and arms to jump as far as possible in a straight line. Because of this, there should be a bending of the knees, rocking action by the feet and an upward thrust of the arms at the moment of take-off. Therefore, it is very important that the student lean forward at the take-off to attain adequate height in the jump in order to achieve the furthest distance, landing on both feet simultaneously. This event will be measured to nearest 1/4 inch from the back of the take-off line to the nearest point of landing (behind the heels). A foul will be called on participants if they step on or over the take-off line, takeoff and/or landing on one foot. Fouls count as a jump. Any participant charged with three fouls will be disqualified. Each individual will attempt three jumps; the longest jump will be recorded. The twelve individuals recording the longest distance will place.
Running Hop-Step-Jump: The running hop-step-jump sequence must be: run to the take-off line and takeoff from either foot (the take-off foot must be from behind the take-off line), hop to the same foot, step to the opposite foot, and jump to both feet (simultaneously). This event will be measured to nearest 1/2 inch from the back of the take-off line to the nearest point of landing (behind the heels). A foul will be called on participants if they begin the sequence while stepping on or over (past) the take-off line, and/or do not perform the proper sequence. Each individual will attempt three jumps; the best jump will be recorded. Fouls count as a jump. Any participant charged with three fouls will be disqualified. The twelve individuals recording the longest distance will place. 170-Yard Run: Each contestant will run counterclockwise the length of the basketball court and back to the starting line, three complete times. Turns will be made around cones at both ends. Please, stress that students will run three complete laps. Runners interfering with another runner, cutting to the inside of a cone (both feet must go around cone), receiving an advantage while knocking over a cone, and/or repeat false starting will be disqualified. This is a timed final event. Each participant will run once. The twelve individuals with the fastest recorded times from all heats will place.
50-Yard "Stop" Sprint: Runners will sprint 25 yards, stop, pick up a four (4) inch sponge ball from a deck tennis ring (located on the turning line) and sprint back to starting line with the sponge ball. Runners interfering with another runner, crossing the finish line without the sponge ball, and/or repeat false starting will be disqualified. This is a timed final event. Each participant will run once. The twelve individuals with the fastest recorded times from all heats will place. 50-Yard "Steeple" Race: Runners will run 25 yards, jumping three sets of hurdles, go around a cone (either direction), run back to starting line, jumping the same three sets of hurdles. The hurdles will be placed at intervals of 20.0, 37.5 and 55.0 feet from the starting line and are approximately 18 inches height. Runners knocking down a hurdle, interfering with another runner, cutting to the inside of the cone (both feet must go around cone), receiving an advantage while knocking over a cone, both legs not going over the hurdle, and/or repeat false starting will be disqualified. This is a timed final event. Each participant will run once. The twelve individuals with the fastest recorded times from all heats will place.
Shuttle Relay: The relay consists of four students from each school. This event is run on the straight-away with four teammates facing each other (two at opposite ends of the running area). The number one and three runners (located at the starting end) will run in the even numbered lanes and number two and four runners (located at the turning end) will run in the adjacent odd numbered lanes. The start and finish are at the same line. Batons are used and will be handed off from the right hand only. The number one runner begins with the starting signal and runs toward and to the left of the number two runner. Any runner not staying in their designated lanes, not exchanging baton with their right hand, not exchanging the baton from behind the take-off line, running outside of designated lanes, interfering with another runner (on another relay), finishing without a baton, using an improvised starting block (placing the feet behind another runner s feet to provide a starting advantage), and/or repeat false starting, will be disqualified. This is a timed final event. Each relay will run once. The twelve relays with the fastest recorded times from all heats will place.
Akron Public Schools 51st Annual Age Group Track Program Parental Permission and Release Form I give permission for my child to participate in the Akron Public Schools Age Group Track Program at Firestone High School. My child is in good physical health and physically able to participate in the Age Group Track Program at North High School. I understand the program starts at 9:00 a.m. and will finish at approximately 11:30 a.m. I will arrange or provide transportation for my child both to and from the Age Group Track Program at Firestone High School on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Any claims against Akron Education Association, Akron Board of Education or their representatives, as a result of any and all injuries which may occur to this competitor, are waived. My child s birth date is: My child s age on September 1st was: Parent/Guardian signature: Date: Akron Public Schools 51st Annual Age Group Track Program Parental Permission And Release Form I give permission for my child to participate in the Akron Public Schools Age Group Track Program at Firestone High School. My child is in good physical health and physically able to participate in the Age Group Track Program at North High School. I understand the program starts at 9:00 a.m. and will finish at approximately 11:30 a.m. I will arrange or provide transportation for my child both to and from the Age Group Track Program at Firestone High School on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Any claims against Akron Education Association, Akron Board of Education or their representatives, as a result of any and all injuries which may occur to this competitor, are waived. My child s birth date is: My child s age on September 1st was: Parent/Guardian signature: Date:
Eligibility: Mail to: Entry Deadline: Fax: Akron Public Schools 51st Annual Age Group Track Program Official Entry Blank - Fourth & Fifth Grades Program Date: Saturday, March 21, 2015 Program Location: Program Time: Participants must be in the elementary school only and in the fourth or fifth grade. Boys and girls who were 12 years of age before September 1st of this academic school year are not eligible to participate (birth date prior to: September 1, 2002). Adam Motter Learning Specialist-Physical Education and Social Studies Ott SDC, Room 215 Monday, March 16, 2015 No entries or changes will be accepted if received after 3:00 p.m. on that date. It is your responsibility to confirm that this form is completed and appropriately signed without modification and received by the deadline. Allow two days for APS pony delivery. A fax (330-761-3252) will be accepted if typed or printed legibly, and received and in my office before the deadline. Fax cover sheet must have the following information: Adam Motter Social Studies and Physical Education, Room 215 Just because you sent (faxed) this information, do not assume I have received it. It is still your responsibility to confirm my receipt of your entry. North High School Gymnasium 9:00 a.m. to approximately 11:30 noon. Please note: The doors will not open before 8:45 a.m. EVENT Standing Long Jump Running Hop-Step-Jump 170-Yard Run 50-Yard Stop Sprint 50-Yard Steeple Race GIRLS NAMES (PLEASE PRINT) Birth date Shuttle Relay (batons will be used) 1. 1. Alternates: 2. 2 3. 3. 4. 4. BOYS NAMES (PLEASE PRINT) Birth date Everyone must be seated during the program; no one is to be practicing in the halls, standing by the rails, or sitting on the steps. As teacher (adviser), I agree to monitor all spectators and contestants from my school. As teacher (adviser) for the above participants, I hereby acknowledge and confirm that each participant has met all eligibility requirements and has parental approval to participate in this program. Any claims against Akron Education Association, Akron Board of Education or their representatives, as a result of any and all injuries which may occur to these participants for the 51st Annual Age Group Track Program, are waived. School: Signature of Teacher or Adviser: Signature of Principal: Date:
Akron Public Schools 51st Annual Age Group Track Program Official Entry Blank - Sixth Grade Participants must be in the middle school only and in the sixth grade. Boys and girls who were 13 years Eligibility: of age before September 1st of this academic school year are not eligible to participate (birth date prior to: September 1, 2001). Adam Motter Mail to Learning Specialist-Physical Education and Social Studies Ott SDC, Room 215 Monday, March 16, 2015 Entry Deadline: No entries or changes will be accepted if received after 3:00 p.m. on that date. It is your responsibility to confirm that this form is completed and appropriately signed without modification and received by the deadline. Allow two days for APS pony delivery. A fax (330-761-3252) will be accepted if typed or printed legibly and received and in my office before the Fax: deadline. Fax cover sheet must have the following information: Adam Motter Social Studies and Physical Education, Room 215 Just because you sent (faxed) me this information, do not assume I have received it. It is still your responsibility to confirm my receipt of your entry. Program Date: Saturday, March 21, 2015 Program Location: Firestone High School Gymnasium Program Time: 9:00 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m. Please Note: The doors will not open before 8:45 a.m. EVENT GIRLS NAMES (PLEASE PRINT) BIRTHDATE BOYS NAMES (PLEASE PRINT) BIRTHDATE Standing Long Jump Running Hop-Step-Jump 170-Yard Run 50-Yard Stop Sprint 50-Yard Steeple Race Shuttle Relay (batons will be used) 1. 1. 2. 2 3. 3. 4. 4. Alternates: Everyone must be seated during the program; no one is to be practicing in the halls, standing by the rails, or sitting on the steps. As teacher (adviser), I agree to monitor all spectators and contestants from my school. As teacher (adviser) for the above participants, I hereby acknowledge and confirm that each participant has met all eligibility requirements and has parental approval to participate in this program. Any claims against Akron Education Association, Akron Board of Education or their representatives, as a result of any and all injuries which may occur to these participants for the 51st Annual Age Group Track Program, are waived. School: Signature of Teacher or Adviser: Signature of Principal: Date:
Records are kept from year to year in both divisions. This is an all volunteer program. Teachers are not required to participate but most do. No one is paid for the time they spend before school, after school or on the Saturday of the program working with our students. Many retired teachers and administrators return every year to help with this program. With the introduction of computers and printers the results are available during the program. Ribbon winners are announced and students received their ribbons there. The Friday before the program teachers meet at the site after school to set up the floor, seating for the participants and the layout for the next day. On the day of the program, teachers and volunteers arrive early to make sure we are ready for the crowd. Approximately one thousand spectators watch over 400 students participate in the program. Akron Fire Department is represented. They help with the awards and serve as paramedics if needed. The Monday after, two people work on getting the results to principals and teachers quickly. Ribbons that were not collected the day of the program are sent to the schools along with the results.