Q. How do I join the team email?
A. Send your email address to staplesrunning@optonline.net.

Q. How do I find directions to non-FCIAC meets?
 A. There are several options: First, check on the main page of this site for the link labeled 'Directions.' You will also find that many meets have a website associated with them(ie. Yale Invite). Finally, your athlete's coach always has a copy of the directions.

Q. How do I find out when my runner is competing?
A. See the Order of Events page on this website. The timing of the meet varies from week to week depending on how many teams attend and how many athletes they have on their team. Every Staples morning meet begins at 10 am. The meet usually ends between 3 pm and 4 pm.

Q. How can I help at the meets?
A. There are many ways. Here are a few:
- Help set up equipment at 8 am on Saturday morning each week or just come for one week.
- Support the team by working a shift at the concession stand. It is a great experience to hear how wonderful our children are. They are polite, funny, and spending time participating in a healthy activity.
- Donate food to the concession stand.
- Make a contribution to the concession stand.

Q. Is my runner allowed to wear spikes on the Staples indoor track?
A. No.

Q. Where is the starting line?
A. The answer varies -
For Dash and Hurdles - At the beginning of the straight part of the track on the far side of the track.
For 300 and 600 - Under the Trinity banner.
For 1000 - Near the beginning of the straight part of the track on the far side of the track.
For the 1600 and 3200 - Near the finish line.

Q. What does FCIAC stand for?
A. A sports conference in our county,
FAIRFIELD COUNTY INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE.
There are three divisions: west, central and east. Staples belongs to the central division. See www.fciac.net

Q. Where can I find results for the meets?
A. Check the following links on the home page:
 Northeast Timing, Club CT, My Sports Results... Or ask your runner ...they will get results from their coach.

Q. Where can I buy running gear?
A. Locally, there are a few retailers
Runners Roost in Darien
Athletic Shoe Factory in Westport
Kilometers in Ridgefield

Online retailers
www.kilometersct.com
www.roadrunnersports.com  
www.eastbay.com/ 
www.dickpondathletics.com/

Q. Is my athlete competing at Staples or going to the invitational meet at another location?
 A. While most athletes compete weekly at the Staples meets, some who have met specific qualifying standards may attend another meet such as the Yale Invitational.  Ask your son or daughter for details. Also see the question on qualifying standards.

Q. How do you know if you qualified for the team?
 A. Each year after the time trials, some athletes and parents think that they have not qualified to be on the team. This is not the case! Everyone who participates in practice regularly is on the team! Read below about qualifying standards.

Q. What are qualifying standards?
 A. All invitational and championship meets have requirements/standards for participation in running(based on time) and field(based on height or distance) events. These standards vary depending on the meet. There are opportunities to qualify for these meets each Saturday at Staples. Even if your athlete does not qualify for these post season meets, they should continue to attend practice. It will pay off for them eventually. For example, technical events and distance events take many, many hours (weeks, days, years) of practice before results are seen.

Q. Are all indoor tracks the same size?
 A. No.

Q. What is the distance around the Staples indoor track?
A. 160 meters

Q. How many laps in the 300?
A. a little more than 1.75

Q. How many laps in the 600?
A. 3.75

Q. How many laps in the 1000?
A. 6.25

Q. How many laps in the 1600?
A. 10

Q. How many laps in the 3200?
A. 20

Q. Are spikes allowed at other tracks?
A. There are rules for each track based on its surface. Check their site.

Q. How do I sign up for the Concession Stand?
A. There are two ways to support the team at the concession stand. First you can offer to bring food. Second, you can offer to work a shift at the stand. Links to both of these oppor tunities can be found on our homepage. 

Q. What is a shift at the Concession Stand like?
A. Most shifts include a lot of fun and humor! Depending on the time of day and number of teams at a meet, your job at the stand will vary.  Early morning shifts are geared toward setting up for the day and receiving purchased or donated items. The middle of the day shifts include restocking, coffee making, hot dog sales and chili serving. The end of the day tasks include packing up for the next weekend and cleaning up the equipment used at the stand. On every shift, you have an opportunity to see how wonderful our teenage athletes are. These are kids who have chosen a healthy lifestyle and to spend most of their Saturday at a track meet! They are interesting, polite, and funny young adults.