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Back to 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships

A–Z QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

📍 Falcon Stadium | Cerritos College, Norwalk, California
📅 July 27 – August 2, 2026

Stay connected all week for updates, announcements, and real-time meet information via BAND. Sign up here.

A

Access & Admission

All individuals must have a valid wristband or credential to enter any area of the venue. The event is not open to the general public. See Section W – Wristbands for details.

Ticket Options
  • VIP Experience: $300
  • Weekly Pass: $80
  • Early Bird Pricing: $70 through July 19, 2026
  • Daily Ticket: $22
  • Children 5 years and under: Free admission

Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
🔗 Tickets, Tent Village, and VIP

ADA / Accessibility

Falcon Stadium provides accessible parking, seating, and entry routes for guests requiring accessibility assistance.
ADA Parking Locations
  • Lot 1
  • Lot 10
  • Old Falcon Way
  • Aquatics
Accessible Seating

Accessible seating areas are available throughout the stadium and are identified with accessibility signage. 

Accessible Entry Routes

ADA ramps to stadium seating are located at:

  • Northeast stadium entrance
  • Northwest stadium entrance

For accessibility assistance during the championship, please contact event staff.

Admission Screening & Entry Procedures

To provide a safe and enjoyable championship environment, all guests entering Falcon Stadium are subject to security screening.

Entry requirements:

  • All persons and belongings are subject to inspection.
  • A valid wristband or credential is required.
  • Entry may be delayed if screening procedures are not followed.
  • Guests must comply with directions from security and event personnel.

Athlete & Coach Access

Competition areas are restricted to competing athletes and credentialed staff.
Parents and spectators are not permitted in:

  • Warm-Up Area presented by EoS
  • Clerking areas
  • Staging areas
  • Competition areas

Awards

Top 8 finishers in each event earn All-American honors and receive custom patches, hats, and medals.
National Champions receive a glass “National Champion” plaque.
Relay champions receive a plaque awarded to the coach.
Alternates receive medals only if they competed in a preliminary round.

All-American Rings (15–16 & 17–18 divisions only):

  • Awarded to 1st place finishers only
  • Onsite order form required
  • Rings produced and shipped after the meet
  • One ring per athlete regardless of number of wins

Awards are distributed following the official protest period. Athletes should report to the Awards Area no sooner than 30 minutes after their event concludes.
Athletes who miss the awards ceremony may pick up their medal at the Awards Area during the championship. Awards will not be shipped.
Team awards are not presented at this championship.

⚠️ All awards except All-American rings must be picked up onsite. No shipping.

B

Bibs

Bibs are required for competition.
Athlete wristbands are required for venue access.
Athletes 10 & under receive a different bib color than 11+.
Bib Replacement: $10 (card only, athletes still competing only)

C

Cashless Venue Policy

The 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships is a cashless event in select areas.

Cashless locations include:
  • Admission
  • Parking
  • Concessions
  • Vendor Village purchases 
USATF Merchandise Store:

The official USATF Merchandise Store accepts cash and electronic payment methods.

Check-In / Clerking

 

All athletes must report to the Clerking Area during the designated check-in window prior to competition. Click here to view the venue map.

Event Check-In Windows

Running Events

  • Athletes must check in at the Clerking Area 45 minutes prior to their scheduled event start time.
  • After check-in, all athletes are required to remain in the Clerking Area until they are escorted to the competition venue.

Pole Vault

  • Athletes must check in at the Clerking Area 120 minutes (2 hours) prior to the scheduled event start time.
  • Pole vaulters are also asked to check their poles at least 2 hours before the scheduled start time to allow sufficient time for inspection and processing.

Field Events

  • Athletes must check in at the Clerking Area by flight according to the schedule posted on Athletic.net.
  • After check-in, all athletes are required to remain in the Clerking Area until they are escorted to the competition venue.

Important: Athletes who fail to check in during the designated check-in window may be scratched from their event in accordance with USATF competition rules.

Coach Access & Restrictions

Credentialed coaches are permitted in warm-up areas only. Coaches are not permitted on the infield, in clerking areas, or on the field of play.

Exception: Coaches may assist athletes in Long Jump (8 & Under, 9–10) and High Jump (all ages) prior to competition only. Coaches must exit immediately once competition begins.

Coaching Credentials

To coach at a USATF Championship, you must be a member of the USATF Coaches Registry. All requirements must show “Green/Current” status in USATF Connect. “Pending” is not accepted.

Code of Conduct

All athletes, coaches, spectators, volunteers, officials, and guests are expected to help maintain a safe, respectful championship environment.

The following behaviors will not be tolerated:

  • Harassment or discrimination of any kind
  • Abusive, threatening, or disruptive behavior
  • Intoxication or impairment
  • Interference with competition
  • Fighting or unsafe conduct
  • Failure to follow directions from event staff, volunteers, or security personnel.
  • Violations may result in removal from the venue without refund.

D

Deadlines

July 19, 2026 @ 11:59 PM PT — Registration closes
Onsite registration is not available. No late entries will be accepted after registration closes.

Discounts

Take advantage of exclusive savings while you're in Southern California. The Visitor Guides include discounts, special offers, and recommendations for local attractions, dining, shopping, entertainment, and more to help you make the most of your championship experience.

🔗 Visitor Information Guide:
🔗 Long Beach Visitor Guide:

Athletes are only required to be present on the day(s) of their scheduled event(s), giving families and teams the opportunity to explore the area and enjoy local experiences between competition days.

This version makes discounts and special offers the focus, while still mentioning the travel opportunities. If the visitor guides don't actually include discounts, though, it's worth confirming that before labeling them as such.

E

Eligibility

Athletes must qualify through Association and Regional Championships or meet approved entry standards.

F

First Aid / Medical

Medical personnel are located on the north side of the stadium.

Food & Beverage

Vendor Village

Vendor Village, located in Lot 1 outside Falcon Stadium, will feature local food trucks and vendors offering a variety of food and beverage options.

Payment

Vendor Village food vendors are cashless.

Outside Food & Beverage

Outside food and beverages are permitted inside Falcon Stadium. Guests are encouraged to help keep the venue clean by using designated trash and recycling receptacles.

Alcohol Policy

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

H

Heat Sheets & Results

Live heat sheets, event updates, and results will be posted throughout the championship.
🔗  Live Results & Heat Sheets
🔗 Official Results


Hotels

Check out the hotels with exclusive Championship rates here.

I

Implement Inspection / Weigh-In

All implements are supplied by meet management. No outside implements are allowed in competition.
Exception: Pole vault poles only.

All implements must pass inspection prior to competition. Athletes are responsible for legal equipment use. Approved implements may be impounded after inspection.

Location: Weights & Measures Area (located in NW sction of the stadium)
Implements may be dropped off during the published inspection hours below.

Inspection Schedule

📍Location: Falcon Stadium, Weights & Measures Area (located in NW sction of the stadium)

Day Hours
Monday, July 27 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday, July 28 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday, July 29 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, July 30 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday, July 31 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, August 1 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, August 2 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

For Pole Vault specific inspection details, details, see Section P.

L

Lost & Found

Lost and Found will be located at the ticket office.

M

Map

View the Venue Map for event locations and key areas.

Merchandise

  • Official 2026 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships merchandise will be available for purchase on-site.
  • Visit the USATF Merchandise Store to shop official championship apparel, Nike performance gear, and exclusive USA Track & Field merchandise.
USATF Merchandise Store Hours
Day Hours
Monday, July 27 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 28 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 30 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, July 31 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 1 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 2 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

O

Opening Ceremonies

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

P

Packet Pick-Up

Required for all athletes and coaches. All credentials and wristbands are issued here only.

Day Hours
Sunday, July 26 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Monday, July 27 6:15 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday, July 28 6:15 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, July 29 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Thursday, July 30 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, July 31 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, August 1 7:00 AM –  2:00 PM
Sunday, August 2 6:00 AM –  12:30 PM

Parking

General Parking (Lot 10 – SW Lot)
$5 (card only)
📍 11051 166th Street, Cerritos, CA 90703
🔗 Purchase parking here

Photography & Media

Spectators may take personal photos and videos from designated spectator areas.

Access to competition areas, warm-up areas, and restricted zones is limited to credentialed media, officials, and authorized personnel.

Drones and unmanned aircraft systems are prohibited.

Pole Vault

Inspection Requirements (USATF Rule 302.5(n))

Athletes must report to inspection with:

  • Bib number
  • Vaulting poles

All poles will be inspected for:

  • Manufacturer pole rating compliance
  • Maximum allowable top handhold position
  • Athlete body weight (must be at or below manufacturer pole rating)

⚠️ NO EXCEPTIONS — athletes must meet all safety and compliance standards.

Inspection & Impound
  • All vault poles must be inspected prior to competition
  • Approved poles will be impounded by meet management after inspection
  • Athletes will retrieve poles prior to warm-up for their event
  • Athletes must report to the competition site at their assigned warm-up time
Inspection Schedule

📍 Location: Falcon Stadium - Weights & Measures Area (Located on NW side of the stadium)

Day Hours
Monday, July 27 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday, July 28 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday, July 29 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday, July 30 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday, July 31 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, August 1 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, August 2 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Pole Vault Rentals

Pole vault pole rentals are available through:
Ultimate Pole Vault Club / Ultimate Athletics
Contact: Livio Centanaro
Phone: 714-497-9338
Email: liviocentanaro@yahoo.com
Rental Rate: $30 for 1–4 days

Shipping Pole Vault Poles

Athletes, coaches, and clubs may ship vault poles directly to the championship venue prior to competition.
Only pole vault poles may be shipped. No other equipment will be accepted.

Shipping Address:

USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships
ATTN: Equipment Receiving – Athlete Name
Cerritos College
11110 Alondra Boulevard
Norwalk, CA 90650

Site Contact

Christopher Richardson
Cerritos College Track & Field
11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650
Phone: (562) 860-2451 ext. 2889
Email: crichardson@cerritos.edu

Practice

Practice facilities will be available during the following times:

  • Sunday: 1:00–4:00 PM
  • Daily: Available 1 hour prior to the start of competition.

Q

Qualification Pathway

Athletes must advance through Association Championships → Regionals → National Championships.
Top 5 at Regionals qualify for Nationals in Norwalk, California.

R

Re-Entry

Allowed with valid wristband or credential.

Results

Live results will be posted throughout the championship.
🔗  Live Results & Heat Sheets
🔗 Official Results


Reunification

To help ensure a safe, secure, and positive experience for all young athletes, USATF has implemented a reunification process for athletes aged 10 and under at all USATF Youth National Championships.
The information below outlines the steps parents, guardians, and coaches should take to prepare for the reunification process and help ensure a smooth and efficient pickup experience.

1. Pick up a reunification wristband at packet pickup
The adult picking up the packet (typically a coach or parent/guardian) will receive a reunification wristband for the associated athlete(s) age 10 and under. The wristband will match the athlete’s bib number(s) and is required for pickup from the reunification area. A form must be completed at packet pickup to receive a wristband and document authorized pickup information.

Additional or replacement reunification wristbands
Additional reunification wristbands may be requested at packet pickup for another parent, guardian, or coach. The individual requesting a wristband must provide a valid photo ID and be listed as an authorized contact in the athlete’s USATF Connect Profile. Coaches must be listed on the club’s Connect Profile. Lost reunification wristbands may be replaced at packet pickup with a valid photo ID.

2. Proceed to the reunification area after the race
After an athlete completes their event, authorized staff will direct them to the reunification area. Athletes will have access to water, Gatorade, and a place to rest while waiting for pickup. Only individuals wearing a matching reunification wristband will be permitted to check out an athlete. Please wear your reunification wristband and pick up your athlete promptly after their event.

Important: Bibs vs. Wristbands

At USATF Youth National Championships, athletes will receive both a bib and a venue access wristband. Each serves a different purpose:

  • Bibs: Required for competition and used as part of the reunification process for athletes age 10 and under.
  • Athlete Wristbands: Required for venue access for all registered competing athletes, regardless of age group. Wristbands must be worn throughout the event and are not used for reunification.
Bib Replacements

Bib replacements ($10, card only) are available only for athletes with remaining events.
Athletes who have completed all events are not eligible for a bib replacement. To re-enter the venue, they must purchase either a wristband replacement at packet pickup or a spectator admission ticket.
For more information on upcoming USATF Youth National Championships, visit https://www.usatf.org/events.
For questions or additional information regarding reunification, email usatfsafesport@usatf.org.

Ride Share

Alondra Blvd Drop-Off — North end (primary)
Studebaker Rd Drop-Off — West side (secondary)

S

Safety & MAAPP Policy

To ensure a safe environment for all athletes, the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) limit one-on-one interactions between adults and minors and set standards for training and competition settings. As part of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement, USA Track & Field is committed to providing an environment free from abuse and misconduct.
All event staff, volunteers, coaches, and officials must refrain from misconduct, including sexual misconduct, physical or emotional misconduct, bullying, harassment, and hazing. Anyone who witnesses or suspects misconduct is required to report it immediately in accordance with Safe Sport policies.
  • If you become aware of or reasonably suspect bullying, hazing, physical or emotional misconduct, or any other MAAPP violation, report it immediately to USATF Safe Sport.
  • If you learn of or suspect child abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual misconduct involving adults or minors, or criminal sexual charges, report directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
**Remember: All Adult Participants are required to report allegations of sexual misconduct or child abuse immediately to local law enforcement and/or CPS as well as the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Schedule Updates

The published timetable is always subject to change.
Athletes and spectators should continue checking the championship website and BAND throughout the week for schedule updates and announcements.
Schedule adjustments may occur after travel arrangements have been made.

Spectator Seating

Spectators must remain in designated spectator seating areas throughout the championship.
Seating areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise designated.
Access to athlete-only areas, including the Warm-Up Area presented by EoS, clerking, staging, and competition areas, is restricted to credentialed individuals.

T

Tent Village presented by E-Z UP
 

Tent Village presented by E-Z UP is the designated team base area for clubs and teams during the championship.
Reserved tent spaces are available for purchase and include:

  • Designated team area location
  • Tables and chairs
  • Additional chairs available for purchase

🔗 Reserve your tent here

Tent Rental Policy
  • Only officially reserved Tent City tents are permitted.
  • All tents must be reserved through Meet Management.
  • Outside tents are not permitted in Tent Village, Falcon Stadium, or team areas.
  • Unauthorized tents will not be permitted.
  • Tents are provided as rental equipment. A credit card or refundable security deposit may be required at check-in and may be used to cover missing or damaged equipment.

Travel

Make the most of your championship experience by exploring Southern California. From beaches and theme parks to shopping, dining, museums, and entertainment, there are activities for athletes, families, and coaches to enjoy between competition days.

Explore nearby attractions, day-trip options, and local recommendations in the Championship Visitor Guide.

  • 🔗 Visitor Information Guide:
  • 🔗 Long Beach Visitor Guide:

Athletes are only required to be present for the day(s) of their scheduled event(s). Families and teams are encouraged to plan ahead and enjoy the many experiences available throughout Southern California during their stay.

V

Venue Policies

The following policies are in effect throughout the venue:

  • All persons and belongings are subject to inspection upon entry.
  • Prohibited items cannot be stored on-site and must be returned to your vehicle.
  • Failure to comply with venue policies or instructions from event staff or security may 

Items prohibited inside Falcon Stadium include:

  • Umbrellas larger than handheld size
  • Weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives of any size, pepper spray, tasers, or self-defense devices)
  • Illegal substances (including marijuana and any controlled substances not prescribed and properly labeled)
  • Alcohol or any alcoholic beverages
  • Glass containers of any kind
  • Large bags or non-approved bags (see Clear Bag Policy)
  • Coolers, outside food, or outside beverages (unless medically required and approved)
  • Artificial noisemakers (air horns, whistles, megaphones, etc.)
  • Laser pointers or similar devices
  • Fireworks, explosives, or flammable materials
  • Sticks, bats, poles, or similar objects (excluding approved athletic equipment)
  • Balls, frisbees, or any recreational throwing/catching items
  • Unapproved banners or signs larger than 18” x 24”
  • Drones or remote-controlled devices
  • Smoking, vaping, or tobacco products of any kind
  • Pets (with the exception of ADA-compliant service animals)
  • Any item deemed unsafe or disruptive by event staff or security

W

Warm-Up Area presented by EoS

The Warm-Up Area presented by EoS is located at Wally Kincaid Field (baseball field).

Athlete access points:
  • East entrance (off Gridley)
  • West entrance (stadium entrance gate)
Athletes should arrive prepared and ready for competition.
Access is limited to:
  • Competing athletes
  • Credentialed coaches
  • Authorized event personnel
Parents and spectators are not permitted in the Warm-Up Area presented by EoS.
Small personal bags are permitted in the warm-up area.

Weather Policy

  • Southern California typically provides favorable summer weather for competition. USATF will continuously monitor weather conditions and may delay, suspend, modify, or postpone competition if necessary to ensure safety of all participants.
  • Athletes are encouraged to stay hydrated, use sun protection and remain attentive to weather-related announcements.
  • Any schedule changes will be announced through official championship communication channels.


Will Call

No tickets will be sold on-site. All tickets must be purchased in advance online prior to arrival.
🔗 Tickets, Tent Village, and VIP

Wristbands

Multiple wristbands are used for this event:
Athlete Wristbands — Venue access for competing athletes
Coach Wristbands — Credentialed coach access
Athlete Assistance Wristbands — Limited support access only
Pole Vault Coach Wristbands — Vault-specific coaching access
Spectator Wristbands — Venue entry for ticketed spectators
VIP Wristbands — VIP viewing and access areas
Issued at: Packet Pick-Up or venue entry depending on category

Coach wristbands are issued only to coaches with a current USATF Coaches Registry credential. Coach wristbands are not available for purchase.

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