Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: June 11, 2009 (added question/answer #9)

1. What are the dates of the World Youth Track and Field Trials?
The World Youth Track & Field Trials are June 30, 2009 and July 1, 2009 in Ypsilanti, MI.

2 What I do I need to do to participate in World Youth Trials?
Athletes need to meet the World Youth Trials eligibility requirements and qualifying standards and be 2009 members of USATF. Additionally athletes must enter the competition by the event deadline. For complete details please visit the Athlete Information page.

3. Can an athlete update an entry mark?
Qualifying marks and/or affiliations can be updated before the close of entries on 6/22/09. Please visit the entry information page.

4. Can athletes use their own implements for the World Youth Trials?
No. Meet management will provide implements for the throwing events (shot, hammer, discus, javelin) for the World Youth Trials. Participants must use the implements provided for competition. Personal implements in the throwing events are not allowed.

5. Can qualifying marks for entry into the World Youth Trials be achieved on an indoor track?
Yes. All qualifying performances for running events must be made on a standard indoor or 400m outdoor track. For a complete list of qualifying guidelines please visit the qualifying standards information page.

6. How do I figure out the field event metric conversions?
Imperial conversion for metric field event marks can be computed by using the field event mark conversion calculator: www.usatf.org/statistics/calculator .

7. Why is the World Youth Trials contesting weights/heights/distances that are not standard USATF events for this age group?
The track and field events being contested at the World Youth Trials are identical to those that will be contested at the 2009 World Youth Championships. The qualifying standards page lists the comparable weights/heights/distances for qualification and entry into the World Youth Trials. For the Heptathlon and Decathlon thehurdle heights and field event implements will be the same used at the USA Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships (which are the standard USATF youth implements/heights).

8. Are there other international competition opportunities for athletes not born in 1992 or 1993?
Yes. The 2009 USA Junior Outdoor Championships is a qualifying meet for the Pan American Junior Athletics Championships. For more information visit the 2009 USA Junior Outdoor Championships home page.

9. Does participating in the World Youth Track & Field Trials automatically qualify an athlete for the 2009 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships?
Athletes who participate in the World Youth Trials can be waived to the National Junior Olympic Championships if they submit 1) the official “waiver” form and 2) the official entry form to their Regional Coordinator prior to the athlete’s Regional Championship. The forms will be provided to all athletes at the World Youth Trials event. Athletes whose Regional meets occur prior to the World Youth Trials may contact their Regional Coordinator to obtain the waiver and entry forms.

Additional Questions? Contact Tricia Floyd .

World Youth Championships FAQ's