Below are the most Frequently Asked Questions about our club, events, meets, practices and more. Please take a moment to read these to see if your question is answered before contacting a staff member.
Team Participation
Who can participate?
Children ages 6 to 18 can participate in AAU Club Track & Field. The Comets have students that represent every age category competing with the team.
What is the practice schedule?
Practices begin in April and run through July. They are held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Check here for more details.
Does my child have to attend every practice?
All practices are optional, but they are a great way to work with coaches to learn techniques and improve skills.
Can my child do school sports at the same time?
The Johnson County Comets wants to ensure our athletes are meeting the Kansas State High School Activities Association Guidelines. For further guidance, contact us via email with your specific question or visit the KSHSAA website.
Basics of the Rule
High school and middle school students in Kansas cannot compete in the same sport for both their school and a club team at the same time. They also cannot participate in any group practice outside of their school team while in season.
A few more details . . . Athletes can compete in 2 different sports at the same time (i.e. club track and school soccer). Middle school athletes in involved in school sports for the Olathe District or a CYO school program can participate in the same sport for both school and club at the same time.
Meets
How many meets do the Comets participate in each season?
The Comets will compete in 3 developmental meets each year, as well as the AAU Missouri Valley State Qualifier, AAU Region 16 Qualifier, and AAU Junior Olympics.
What are qualifier meets?
AAU has a hierarchy of meets that lead to the AAU Junior Olympics. Meets held early in the season are called developmental meets. These meets allow athletes to compete against other teams as they prepare for the State Qualifiers. To be eligible for AAU Regionals, athletes are required to participate in the State Qualifiers. From the State Qualifiers, the top 16 competitors in every event, for each age division, will advance to Regional Qualifiers. The Regional Qualifiers are the final step before advancing to the AAU Junior Olympics. The top 5 competitors from each region, in every individual event, for each age division, and top 3 multi-event athlete in each age division offered will advance to the Junior Olympics.
Does my athlete have to compete in meets to participate with the Comets?
No. Meets are optional. Meets are a fun way to celebrate personal gains throughout the season, and the kids would tell you they love participating.
AAU
What is AAU?
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) has been raising champions for more than a century. Since its inception in 1888, the AAU has set the standard for amateur sports in the United States with one goal in mind: “Sports For All, Forever.” AAU is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, multi-sport event organizations in the world, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs. Learn more about AAU by visiting their website.
What are the AAU age divisions?
All age divisions in the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) are determined by year of birth. This age applies to the entire year and represents the oldest possible age for the child during the calendar year. School year does not factor into division grouping.
| DIVISION | Birth Year |
|---|---|
| 8 & Younger | 2016+ |
| 9 Year Old | 2015 |
| 10 Year Old | 2014 |
| 11 Year Old | 2013 |
| 12 Year Old | 2012 |
| 13 Year Old | 2011 |
| 14 Year Old | 2010 |
| 15-16 Year Old | 2008-2009 |
| 17-18 Year Old | 2006-2007 |
What events are available for my athlete?
For complete details, view the official list of events from the AAU. Note: not all events or age groups are offered at every meet. View individual meet flyers for event details.
| Age Division | Events Offered | |
|---|---|---|
| 8U | Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m Distance: 800m, 1500m Relays: 4x100m Field: Long Jump, Shot Put, Turbo Javelin | |
| 9 & 10 | Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m Distance: 800m, 1500m Relays: 4x100m Racewalk: 1500m Field: Long Jump, High Jump, Shot Put, Turbo Javelin Multi Event: Triathlon | |
| 11 & 12 | Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m Distance: 800m, 1500m, 3000m Relays: 4x100m, 4x400m, 4x800m Hurdles: 80m Racewalk: 1500m Field: Long Jump, High Jump, Discus, Shot Put, Turbo Javelin Multi Event: Pentathlon | |
| 13 & 14 | Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m Distance: 800m, 1500m, 3000m Relays: 4x100m, 4x400m, 4x800m Hurdles: 100m, 200m Racewalk: 3000m Field: Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault, Discus, Shot Put, Javelin Multi Event: Pentathlon | |
| 15-18 | Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m Distance: 800m, 1500m, 3000m Relays: 4x100m, 4x400m, 4x800m Hurdles: 100/110m, 400m Racewalk: 3000m Steeplechase: 2000m Field: Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump, Pole Vault, Discus, Shot Put, Javelin Multi Event: Heptathlon (Girls), Decathlon (Boys) |