Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Athletes should generally be 6 years old and turning 7 during the season due to competition requirements from USATF and AAU. In some cases, exceptions may be considered based on the maturity and readiness of the athlete.

At this time, CTX Flames does not offer sibling or multi-athlete discounts. Because we operate as a nonprofit, registration fees are set only to cover each athlete’s uniform package and meet entry fees. Offering discounts would require the program to absorb those costs, which is not sustainable for the team.

We ask that you make sure this is a commitment that you and your youth athlete want to make as there are no refunds-no exceptions for any reason. All fees are non-refundable with no exceptions.

Once registration is completed, funds are immediately allocated toward uniform orders, meet registrations, and program expenses. For this reason, refunds cannot be issued under any circumstances.

CTX Flames competes in meets sanctioned by both USA Track & Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). These organizations govern youth track and field competitions and provide structured opportunities for athletes to compete at local, regional, and national levels.

The $375 registration fee goes directly toward athlete-related expenses, including:

• Uniform package (uniform, warm-up, bag, sleeves, and headband) 
• Meet entry fees for competitions throughout the season
• Team food pool, which helps provide meals, water, and sports drinks for athletes during meets
   

CTX Flames operates as a nonprofit program, and registration fees are structured to cover only the direct costs associated with each athlete.

Yes. Fundraising participation is Mandatory for all athletes.

Fundraising helps support important program expenses that are not covered by athlete registration fees, including:

• League and association fees
• Training equipment and equipment maintenance 
• Team supplies and operational costs
• Athlete meals and hydration support during meets
• End-of-season team celebrations and recognition events
   

Families who prefer not to participate in fundraising may choose the $200 fundraising buyout option.

These efforts allow CTX Flames to maintain a strong program without increasing athlete registration fees.

CTX Flames athletes may train and compete in a variety of track and field events, including:

• Sprints 
• Hurdles 
• Middle Distance and Distance 
• Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump
• Shot Put, Javelin, and Discus
• We do not offer Pole Vault or Hammer at this time
   

Event placement is determined solely by the coaching staff following a comprehensive athlete evaluation during the start of the season. This evaluation allows coaches to assess each athlete’s strengths, mechanics, and overall performance.

Based on these evaluations, athletes are placed in events where they have the greatest potential to develop and succeed. As the season progresses, coaches may adjust event placement as athletes grow, improve, and demonstrate new strengths.

For the integrity of the program and athlete development, event assignments are not determined by parent requests.

Athletes should bring:

• Running shoes AND spikes  (Every Practice)
• A refillable water bottle 
• Weather appropriate athletic clothing
• A positive attitude and willingness to work
   

Disposable plastic water bottles are discouraged.

Track meets can last several hours depending on the size of the event and number of participants. Families should plan for meets to potentially take most of the day.

Yes. A parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult must remain present or nearby during all practices, particularly for younger athletes. While our coaching staff is responsible for instruction and supervision during training, CTX Flames is not able to provide full custodial care for athletes before, during, or after practice.

Having a responsible adult nearby ensures that any emergencies, injuries, or unexpected situations can be addressed quickly, and that athletes have appropriate supervision once practice concludes.

For the safety of all athletes, no athlete should be left unattended at the practice facility. If an athlete, especially younger athletes, is repeatedly found without a responsible adult present or available, the family will receive a warning, and continued occurrences may result in dismissal from the program in order to maintain a safe environment for all participants.

Yes. CTX Flames operates under a Team Code of Conduct that outlines expectations for athletes, parents, and coaches. This document covers behavior standards, communication guidelines, and program policies to help maintain a positive and respectful team environment.

All families are expected to review and follow the Code of Conduct as part of participation in the program.

CTX Flames uses the Stack Team App as our official communication platform. All parents are expected to download the app, create a profile, and request access to the CTX Flames team.

The app is used to share important information such as:

• Practice schedules 
• Meet schedules
• Team announcements and updates
• Athlete profiles and team information
   

Parents are also required to RSVP for all practices, meets, and team events through the app. This helps coaches plan training groups, meet entries, and athlete participation.

If a parent does not RSVP for an event, the athlete will not be entered or scheduled to participate.

Parents are responsible for checking the app regularly and keeping their athlete’s availability updated.