BLUE LIGHTNING TRACK CLUB HANDBOOK

Competitive-Team Membership Handbook, Policies, Liability Waiver & Media Release Agreement

Please read each section carefully, complete every required acknowledgment, sign, and submit this agreement.

SECTION 1 — WELCOME, PURPOSE, AND CHAMPION CULTURE

Blue Lightning Track Club (BLTC) is a competitive youth track and field organization based in Conyers, Georgia. Founded in 2014 and led by Head Coach Steve Strother, BLTC competes in AAU and USATF track and field programs.

Our mission is to develop Champions on the track, in the classroom, and in the community. We use track and field to build athletic skill, confidence, discipline, healthy habits, leadership, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic.

At Blue Lightning Track Club, every athlete is a Champion. We maintain a positive, motivational, mentoring, and inclusive environment. We expect athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, and volunteers to protect that environment through their words, choices, and conduct.

The Blue Lightning Champions’ Mantra

We build Champions mentally and physically. We reinforce confidence through daily action, preparation, accountability, and a no-negativity approach. Obstacles are opportunities to learn, improve, and grow.

Champions on THREE—1, 2, 3…CHAMPIONS!

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — TEAM CULTUREI have read Section 1. I understand that Blue Lightning Track Club maintains a positive, team-first environment and that my Champion and family are expected to support the Club’s values, coaches, teammates, and standards of conduct.

SECTION 2 — COMPETITION ORGANIZATIONS AND AGE DIVISIONS

Blue Lightning Track Club may participate in AAU, USATF, and other approved track and field competitions. Age divisions are based on the athlete’s year of birth, not the athlete’s age on the day of competition. Meet-specific rules and eligibility requirements always control.

AAU Track & Field Age Divisions

AAU Division	2026	2027	2028
8 & Under	2018+	2019+	2020+
9 Year Old	2017	2018	2019
10 Year Old	2016	2017	2018
11 Year Old	2015	2016	2017
12 Year Old	2014	2015	2016
13 Year Old	2013	2014	2015
14 Year Old	2012	2013	2014
15–16 Year Old	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
17–18 Year Old	2008–2009	2009–2010	2010–2011

USATF Track & Field Age Divisions

USATF Division	2026	2027	2028
8 & Under	2018+	2019+	2020+
9–10	2016–2017	2017–2018	2018–2019
11–12	2014–2015	2015–2016	2016–2017
13–14	2012–2013	2013–2014	2014–2015
15–16	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
17–18	2008–2009*	2009–2010*	2010–2011*

*For USATF track and field, an athlete who remains 18 through the final day of the National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships may remain eligible even if the athlete’s birth year falls immediately outside the standard range. This extension does not apply to cross country. Athletes must be at least seven years old on December 31 of the current year to compete at USATF Youth Athletics or Junior Olympic National Championships.

SECTION 3 — COACHING PROGRAM AND EVENT ASSIGNMENTS

The Head Coach directs the Blue Lightning Track Club coaching program. Background-screened and trained assistant coaches, specialty coaches, and approved parent volunteers may assist throughout the season.

BLTC primarily coaches:

• Sprints and relays

• Middle-distance events

• Hurdles

• Jumps

• Throws

• Race walk when coaching resources are available

• Indoor and outdoor track and field fundamentals

Not every event is available during every season or meet. Coaching assignments depend on staff expertise, facilities, athlete readiness, safety, and the competition schedule.

Specialty coaching may be arranged when an athlete needs instruction in an event not currently supported by the regular coaching staff. A specialty coach may charge an additional fee. Any outside or specialty coaching arrangement involving a BLTC athlete must be coordinated with and approved by the Head Coach.

The Head Coach makes the final decision regarding an athlete’s training group, events, meet entries, relay assignments, and competition schedule. Decisions are based on development, safety, attendance, practice performance, time trials, meet results, team needs, and competitive readiness.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — COACHING AUTHORITYI understand that the Head Coach makes the final decisions regarding training, event selection, meet entries, and relay assignments. I may ask questions or schedule a discussion, but I will not interfere with coaching during practice or competition.

SECTION 4 — PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents and guardians are essential members of the Blue Lightning family. Parents/Guardians agree to:

• Encourage sportsmanship and demonstrate respect toward athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, competitors, and other families.

• Support the coaching staff and avoid coaching athletes or interrupting instruction during practice or competition.

• Address concerns privately and constructively with the Head Coach outside of active practice or competition whenever possible.

• Avoid public disputes with coaches, officials, meet staff, athletes, or other parents.

• Communicate absences, injuries affecting participation, travel limitations, and scheduling conflicts promptly.

• Ensure their Champion arrives prepared, properly dressed, hydrated, and on time.

• Help their Champion follow team nutrition, rest, recovery, and equipment expectations.

• Place their Champion’s physical and emotional well-being above winning, rankings, medals, or personal preferences.

• Review BAND and other official team communications regularly.

Persistent interference with coaching, repeated conflict, abusive behavior, or conduct that disrupts the team may result in restrictions, suspension, or dismissal from the Club without a refund.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — PARENT/GUARDIAN CONDUCTI have read Section 4, and I agree to communicate respectfully, follow the Club’s problem-resolution process, and avoid coaching interference or public disputes during practices and competitions.

SECTION 5 — ATHLETE CONDUCT AND PARTICIPATION

Champions agree to:

• Attend scheduled practices and arrive on time, prepared, and ready to work.

• Complete the team warm-up before participating in training.

• Follow coaching instructions and complete assigned workouts unless excused for a medical or safety reason.

• Give strong, honest effort and support teammates.

• Respect coaches, officials, volunteers, teammates, competitors, parents, and facilities.

• Use appropriate language and refrain from profanity, horseplay, intimidation, ridicule, or disruptive behavior.

• Set a positive example, especially for younger athletes.

• Place the team above individual attention, status, or preference.

Grounds for suspension or dismissal include, but are not limited to:

• Fighting, bullying, threats, harassment, or intimidation

• Disrespect toward coaches, officials, athletes, parents, or volunteers

• Repeated refusal to participate or follow coaching instructions

• Profanity, obscene gestures, explicit behavior, or explicit content

• Discrimination, ridicule, or conduct that causes team dissension

• Harmful or hateful social-media activity involving the Club or its members

• Repeated practice disruption or behavior that creates an unsafe environment

BLTC may use progressive discipline when appropriate. Serious misconduct may result in immediate suspension or dismissal without a refund.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — ATHLETE CONDUCTI have reviewed the Athlete Conduct requirements with my Champion. I understand that serious or repeated violations may result in suspension or dismissal without a refund.

SECTION 6 — PRACTICE, ATTENDANCE, RECOVERY, AND OUTSIDE TRAINING

Athletes should attend all scheduled practices unless excused by the Head Coach. Training plans build from session to session, and each athlete’s attendance and effort affect the progress of the entire training group.

Athletes must bring:

• A full water bottle

• Proper running shoes

• Weather-appropriate athletic clothing

• Any other equipment requested by the coaching staff

Late arrivals must complete the required warm-up and may not join an advanced workout already in progress if doing so would create a safety risk. Coaches will not delay the team’s planned activities to accommodate repeated lateness.

Rest and recovery are part of the training program. Athletes may not practice or compete with another club, coach, or team during the BLTC season without advance approval from the Head Coach. School-team participation is exempt, but the parent and athlete must communicate the school training and competition schedule so workloads can be managed safely.

Practices may be changed, moved, conducted virtually, or canceled because of weather, facility availability, unsafe conditions, or other circumstances. Updates will be communicated through BAND.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — PRACTICE AND OUTSIDE TRAININGI understand the attendance, preparation, recovery, and outside-training rules. I will communicate school-team participation and obtain advance approval before my Champion trains or competes with another club or outside coach during the BLTC season.

SECTION 7 — UNIFORMS, SHOES, EQUIPMENT, AND TEAM APPEARANCE

Only the official authorized Blue Lightning Track Club competition uniform may be worn when representing BLTC at track meets unless the Head Coach approves otherwise.

Athletes should have a track bag containing:

• Competition shoes or spikes

• Training shoes

• Team uniform and warm-ups

• Towel

• Filled water bottle

• Healthy food and snacks

• Weather-appropriate clothing

Proper running shoes are required for training. Basketball, tennis, soccer, fashion, and unsupported casual shoes are not appropriate substitutes. Spikes are encouraged for competitive events when permitted by the meet and facility.

When wearing BLTC uniforms, warm-ups, or branded apparel, athletes must represent the Club appropriately. Sagging clothing, wearing uniform shorts below the waist, do-rags, derogatory or explicit images, and clothing that conflicts with meet or team standards are prohibited.

SECTION 8 — TRACK MEETS AND EVENT PARTICIPATION

Parents and athletes are responsible for reviewing the meet schedule, event entries, arrival instructions, and team communications before each meet.

Unless otherwise instructed, athletes should arrive early enough to:

• Check in with the team

• Receive bib numbers and instructions

• Complete the team warm-up

• Report to event check-in on time

• Prepare mentally and physically to compete

Athletes and parents must listen for event calls. Missing check-in may result in disqualification and can affect an entire relay team.

The Head Coach determines event entries and seed marks. Seed times and marks will be submitted honestly and strategically based on verified performance, practice results, development, and coaching judgment.

Athletes should remain in the designated team area when not warming up, checking in, or competing. The team tent is a safe environment for athletes to rest, eat, focus, and support teammates.

Athletes may not enter unsanctioned competitions or compete unattached during the BLTC season without advance approval from the Head Coach. School competitions are exempt.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — MEETS AND EVENT SELECTIONREQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — MEETS AND EVENT SELECTION I understand that the Head Coach determines meet entries, events, seed marks, and competition assignments. I will ensure my Champion arrives on time and reports for every assigned event, including relay-alternate responsibilities.

SECTION 9 — RELAY SELECTION, QUALIFICATION, AND PARTICIPATION

9.1 Relay Philosophy

A relay is a team event. No individual athlete is greater than the relay team. Successful relay teams require speed, baton skill, timing, communication, trust, attendance, preparation, and a team-first attitude.

9.2 Qualification Does Not Guarantee Final Selection

Running on a relay at a regular-season, District, Association, Regional, qualifying, or championship meet does notguarantee that the same athlete will run on that relay at the next meet or at the National Junior Olympic Games.

Qualifying for the next level advances the relay team or relay pool, not an untouchable position for any individual athlete. Coaches may change relay members, alternates, legs, or running order at any time permitted by the governing organization and meet rules.

9.3 Relay Pools, Alternates, and Final Four

The Head Coach may establish a relay pool that includes principal runners and alternates. Every athlete in the relay pool must remain prepared to compete.

The final four runners are selected from the eligible relay pool based on factors including:

• Verified current speed and performance

• Baton exchanges and relay-zone execution

• Practice attendance and punctuality

• Health, conditioning, and readiness

• Work ethic and coachability

• Team attitude and communication

• Meet-event workload and recovery

• Travel availability

• Relay chemistry and competitive strategy

• Compliance with AAU, USATF, and meet eligibility rules

The fastest four open-event times alone do not automatically determine the final four. A faster athlete may be assigned as an alternate or removed when baton execution, attendance, readiness, conduct, workload, or team strategy supports another decision.

9.4 Relay Order

The Head Coach or delegated relay coach determines which athlete runs first, second, third, or fourth. Relay order may change between rounds or meets based on matchups, exchanges, athlete condition, event schedules, and competitive strategy.

9.5 Attendance and Baton Practice

Relay athletes and alternates must attend designated relay practices, arrive on time, learn exchange zones and rules, set and adjust fly marks, communicate with teammates, and complete assigned baton work.

Missed, late, incomplete, or unfocused relay practices may result in reassignment or removal from the relay pool. An athlete who is removed must earn reconsideration through attendance, performance, baton execution, effort, and team conduct.

9.6 Junior Olympic Relay Selection

The District/Association and Regional relay roster, including alternates, forms the eligible pool for the National Junior Olympic Games, subject to governing rules.

During the preparation period between the Regional Championship and National Junior Olympic Games, coaches may conduct practices, time trials, exchange evaluations, and readiness assessments. The Head Coach may change relay members and order through the final deadline or race when permitted by competition rules.

9.7 Travel Availability

Junior Olympic and qualifying competitions may require out-of-state travel. An athlete who cannot attend the required meet, travel dates, or designated preparation sessions cannot occupy a final relay position for that competition. Parents must communicate travel limitations immediately.

REQUIRED RELAY ACKNOWLEDGMENTSI understand that my Champion’s participation on a relay at one meet—including a qualifying meet—does not guarantee selection for the next meet or the National Junior Olympic Games.I understand that a qualifying relay advances the relay team or eligible relay pool. It does not guarantee any athlete a permanent or automatic position among the final four runners.I understand that alternates are active members of the relay pool and may replace a principal runner. A principal runner may also be reassigned as an alternate when the coaching staff determines that the change benefits the relay team.I understand that alternates are active members of the relay pool and may replace a principal runner. A principal runner may also be reassigned as an alternate when the coaching staff determines that the change benefits the relay team.I understand that the Head Coach has final authority to select relay members, alternates, and running order, and may make changes through the race when permitted by AAU, USATF, and meet rules.I understand that missed or incomplete relay practices, poor baton execution, lack of readiness, misconduct, or unavailable travel may result in my Champion being reassigned or removed from a relay.

SECTION 10 — TEAM COMMUNICATIONS AND BAND

BAND is the Club’s primary communication system for practice updates, meet information, schedule or location changes, weather notices, announcements, and program information. Email and the Club website may also be used.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for maintaining current contact information and reviewing BAND regularly. Turning off notifications does not remove the responsibility to check for team updates.

Parents should not send unauthorized whole-group announcements, solicitations, or disruptive messages through BAND. Questions involving a specific athlete or private concern should be sent directly to the appropriate coach.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — BANDI understand that BAND is the Club’s primary communication system. I am responsible for joining the required BAND group, keeping my contact information current, and reviewing team updates.

SECTION 11 — TEAM TRAVEL AND JUNIOR OLYMPIC PARTICIPATION

Travel, lodging, meals, transportation, admission, parking, and other meet-related expenses are not included in Club membership fees unless expressly stated.

The Club may identify a host hotel, but each family is responsible for reservations, payment, transportation, supervision, and travel arrangements. Families may use another hotel when necessary.

Athletes participating in the Junior Olympic Series are expected to attend required qualifying meets. Relay athletes must remain available for each required round and communicate conflicts immediately.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — TRAVELI understand that qualifying and championship meets may require travel at my expense. I will promptly communicate any travel limitation that could affect my Champion’s individual or relay eligibility.

SECTION 12 — PUBLIC CONDUCT, SOCIAL MEDIA, CLUB NAME, AND NON-SOLICITATION

Athletes and families represent Blue Lightning Track Club at practices, meets, team events, online, and whenever wearing Club apparel.

Members must not post or share content that bullies, threatens, harasses, discriminates, exposes private information, contains explicit material, misrepresents the Club, or damages the reputation or safety of BLTC and its members.

Concerns about the Club should be addressed privately through the Head Coach rather than through hostile, misleading, or disruptive public posts.

The Blue Lightning Track Club name, logo, marks, and designs may not be reproduced, sold, distributed, or used for an outside project without written authorization.

Commercial solicitation, recruiting, fundraising, product sales, political campaigning, or distribution of promotional material during practices, meets, team events, inside the team tent, or through team communications requires advance approval from the Head Coach.

Serious violations may result in immediate dismissal without a refund.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — PUBLIC AND ONLINE CONDUCTI have read Section 12. I agree to protect athlete privacy, represent BLTC appropriately, follow the social-media and non-solicitation rules, and obtain authorization before using the Club’s name or logo.

SECTION 13 — SPORTS PHYSICAL, HEALTH, ILLNESS, AND SAFETY

Each athlete must have a current sports physical completed and signed by an authorized healthcare provider before participating when required by the Club.

Medical considerations should be documented by the athlete’s physician on the sports physical. Parents should not enter detailed medical information or upload medical records through general registration or profile forms unless the Club provides a designated secure process.

Parents must promptly inform the Head Coach when an athlete has an illness, injury, medical restriction, or condition that affects safe participation. Athletes should not attend practice, meets, or team activities when they have a contagious illness, fever, vomiting, uncontrolled coughing, or symptoms that make participation unsafe.

The coaching staff may restrict or stop participation when an athlete appears ill, injured, unprepared, or unsafe. A medical release may be required before returning.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — HEALTH AND SAFETYI understand that my Champion must meet the Club’s sports-physical requirements. I will report participation restrictions promptly and will not send my Champion to practice or competition when illness or injury makes participation unsafe.

SECTION 14 — LIABILITY WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Participation in track and field, conditioning, training, travel, practices, competitions, and team activities involves inherent risks, including serious injury, illness, property loss, and other harm.

In consideration of participation, the Parent/Guardian acknowledges and assumes the ordinary and inherent risks associated with the athlete’s participation and agrees to the liability-waiver and hold-harmless terms presented in the final WP E-Signature document.

Important: The final liability language should be reviewed by the Club’s Georgia attorney before publication or signature collection.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — ASSUMPTION OF RISKI understand that participation involves inherent risks. I have read and agree to the liability-waiver and assumption-of-risk terms contained in this agreement.

SECTION 15 — MEDIA RELEASE

BLTC may photograph or record athletes during practices, meets, team events, and Club activities. Approved images and recordings may be used for coaching analysis, athlete development, the Club website, social media, announcements, newsletters, brochures, promotions, advertising, press releases, and other official Club purposes.

A parent or guardian may be incidentally recorded while attending an activity. Media will be handled according to the release terms in this agreement and applicable law.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — MEDIA RELEASEI have read the Media Release and authorize BLTC to photograph and record my Champion and use approved media for the official Club purposes described in this agreement.

SECTION 16 — FEES, REFUNDS, FORCE MAJEURE, SUSPENSION, AND DISMISSAL

Club membership provides immediate access to coaching, training plans, workouts, team communications, intellectual property, meet preparation, educational resources, consultation, and other benefits that cannot be returned after delivery.

Membership, registration, payment-plan, and program fees are non-refundable except where BLTC expressly agrees otherwise in writing or where required by law. Missing practices, declining participation, quitting the team, changing schedules, losing a relay position, or choosing not to compete does not create a refund or transfer right.

Failure to follow this agreement may result in suspension or dismissal without a refund.

BLTC is not responsible for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, facility closures, government actions, public-health emergencies, association decisions, meet-director cancellations, transportation disruptions, or other force-majeure events. When practical, the Club may provide an alternative schedule, location, virtual session, credit, or other accommodation at its discretion.

Important: The final refund, payment-dispute, and force-majeure language should be reviewed by the Club’s Georgia attorney before publication.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGMENT — FEES AND REFUNDSI understand the Club’s non-refundable fee policy. I understand that absence, withdrawal, dismissal, schedule conflicts, event assignments, or relay-selection changes do not create a refund or transfer right.

SECTION 17 — FINAL HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing, the Parent/Guardian confirms that they:

• Are authorized to enter this agreement for the Champion identified below.

• Have read and understood the Competitive-Team Membership Handbook Agreement.

• Have reviewed the applicable athlete rules with their Champion.

• Agree to follow the policies, expectations, and acknowledgment statements.

• Understand that noncompliance may result in restrictions, suspension, or dismissal without a refund.

• Understand that team orientation supplements this written agreement but does not replace it.

• Had the opportunity to ask questions before signing.

REQUIRED FINAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTI have read the complete Blue Lightning Track Club Competitive-Team Membership Handbook Agreement. I agree to its terms and confirm that I have reviewed the athlete responsibilities with my Champion.

CLUB CONTACT

Steve Strother
Founder and Head Coach
Blue Lightning Track Club
678-964-7006
2280 Wren Road SE
Conyers, Georgia 30094