Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: 6/13/11

Where are the 2011 World Youth Championships?
The 2011 World Youth Championships will be held in Lille, France July 6-10, 2011.

When will the Team be selected?
The USA World Youth Team will be selected the evening of June 29, 2011. Please review the event's selection procedures for complete details. The official announcement will be made July 29, 2011 by 6:30pm at the Myrtle Beach Intermediate School. Athletes selected to the team will need to report to the hotel no later than 7:30pm for official team sign-up.

Will an athlete be considered for the Team if they have a passport by the time the team departs for France on July 2nd?
No. Item #4 of the selection procedures states that athletes must present to the team processing staff before 8:00 pm EST on July 29, 2011 his or her current passport valid until at least January 15, 2012 (or a copy thereof).

Will there be a Team and parents/coaches meeting before departure to France?
Yes. The team meeting will be held Thursday morning June 30th at 9am at Coastal Carolina University. The meeting will be held in the Adkins Field house in room ADF1 314/315. Drug testing information, travel procedures, rules and regulations, athlete expectations and open Q&A will be discussed during this session. It is strongly encouraged that parents and/or coaches make their return flights for late afternoon, Thursday June 30th in order to attend this meeting.

What are the travel dates & policies for the World Youth Team?
Athletes are responsible for their domestic travel logistics and costs to/from Myrtle Beach. USATF will be responsible for logistics and costs for international travel to/from France.

After the official team meeting, athletes will be under the supervision of USATF, move into the Coastal Carolina University dormitories, and participate in two (2) day training. The Team will depart, early afternoon, from Myrtle Beach on Saturday July 2nd. They will return back to Myrtle Beach Monday July 11th, early evening. Athletes will be housed overnight in Myrtle Beach on the evening of July 11th.

Once an athlete is selected to the team it is the athlete's responsibility to book (or change their) return tickets to their home city for Tuesday, July 12th. USATF will provide a Travel Agent at the Official Team Sign Up to assist with this endeavor.

Can athletes use their own implements for the World Youth Championships?
Personal implements will be allowed at the World Youth Championships. For guidelines and a list of approved implements visit the 2011 World Youth Championship website.

How much luggage can athletes take to France and who is responsible for applicable fees?
Athletes will be allowed one (1) checked bag for travel; maximum weight per bag is 50lbs (23kg). Athletes will be provided with an official Team USA bag which they may use for their one (1) checked bag. Laundry facilities will be available for use at Coastal Carolina University before departure to France.  Athletes will be responsible for all fees associated with overweight or additional luggage.  Athletes will also be responsible for luggage fees to their home cities from Myrtle Beach

Is there a list of recommended travel items for athletes who make the World Youth Team?
Athletes who make the Team are encouraged to bring a bath towel, wash cloth, and shower shoes. It is also recommended that athletes bring universal travel adapters/converters to recharge personal electronics used during the trip.

How will the shipment of pole vaults/javelins to the World Youth Championships be handled?
USATF will handle logistics and costs associated with shipping pole vaults and javelins to/from France. Athletes will be responsible for logistics and costs associated shipping poles to /from Myrtle Beach.

If an athlete is selected for the Team may they participate in the 2010 USA Youth Outdoor Championships?
No. Athletes selected to the World Youth Championships Team will not be able to participate in the USA Youth Outdoor Championships subsequent to selection to the Team. Athletes will instead participate in a 2 day training camp at Coastal Carolina University. This is to ensure that the athletes are well rested and free from injury.

Where can I learn more about the 2011 World Youth Championships and the history of the event?
More information can be found at the 2011 World Youth Championships page or at http://www.lillemetropole2011.com/. (Select the British flag for information in English).

Who is on the coaching staff accompanying athletes to France?
The 2011 World Youth Championship staff consists of a number of coaches, managers, and trainers with a wealth of knowledge and international experience.

Will USATF provide assistance to parents and coaches interested in traveling to France?
USATF will not provide assistance to parents or coaches interested in traveling to France for the 2011 World Youth Championships. However, USATF may have a limited number of additional airline tickets to/from Myrtle Beach for the dates listed above. If interested in purchasing these tickets, please contract travel@usatf.org by May 25, 2011 at 5PM ET for more information.

*Note: Inquiries about airline tickets after 5/25/11 will not be entertained.* Additional travel and tourism information can be found by visiting the Lille tourist/championships website office at http://www.lillemetropole2011.com/ (select the British flag for information in English).

Will World Youth Championships event tickets be available via USATF?
Currently there is free admission to the 2011 World Youth Championships. Please visit the event website, http://www.lillemetropole2011.com/ (select the British flag for information in English), for updated ticket and event information.

May I bring electronics on the trip?
Yes. However, athletes must ensure all electronics fit within their carry –on and/or one (1) checked bag. The electricity in France is 220 Volts (50Hz) and the plugs used are two round pins. A converter/adapter will be needed to charge electronics.

What is the practice/training schedule during Training Camp in Myrtle Beach and the World Youth Championships in France?
Athletes will have access to track and weight room facilities during both the training camp and the World Youth Championships. All athletes need to come prepared with a training regimen from their personal coaches.

May athletes visit with their parents and/or personal coaches who make the trip to France?
The purpose of the trip to France is to compete well and bring home medals. Athletes will be on a strict competition, training, and required activity schedule. Notification of any opportunity to meet with parents and/or personal coaches will be disclosed at the official Team Meeting.

Which medications are prohibited for use during the World Youth Championships?
If you have any conditions that require the use of medications, you should check the status of that medication by logging onto http://www.globaldro.com.

 Asthma medications with Formoterol and ADHD medications are common examples of prohibited medications. If you are taking a prohibited medication, you and your family doctor will need to complete paperwork in order to be able to use the medication at the World Youth Championships.

Athletes need to contact Melissa Beasley at USATF melissa.beasley@usatf.org to request the appropriate applications for your family physician to complete by JUNE 20, 2011.

Will athletes be subject to drug testing during the World Youth Championships?
Yes. USADA will make a presentation at the official team meeting to review the protocol for drug testing during international competition.

FAQs specific to the World Youth Trials

Additional Questions? - Contact Tricia Floyd