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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 (link provided closer to the event).

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 $70 through July 19)
  • Daily Ticket — $22

🔗 Tickets / Tent City / VIP: https://www.ticketor.com/pcshockwaves/jotf

For Tent City and VIP details, see Sections T and V.

Tickets are not available for purchase at the gate. All admission tickets must be purchased online in advance.

ADA / Accessibility

ADA parking, seating, and accessible entry routes are available at Falcon Stadium.

  • ADA parking locations: (to be filled in)
  • Accessible seating areas: (to be filled in)
  • Mobility access routes available at all main entrances
  • Accessibility assistance contact: (to be filled in)

Admission & Entry Screening

  • All bags and personal items are subject to search
  • Entry may be denied if screening procedures are not followed
  • Valid wristband or credential required for entry and re-entry

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

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

The following behavior will not be tolerated and will result in removal:

  • Harassment of any kind
  • Abusive or disruptive language or actions
  • Discrimination or ethnic intimidation
  • Intoxication or impairment
  • Interference with competition
  • Fighting or unsafe conduct

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.

E

Eligibility

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

H

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

O

Opening Ceremonies

Opening Ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

  • Athlete and team recognition event
  • Includes opening program and meet kickoff activities
  • Location: Falcon Stadium

P

Packet Pick-Up

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

Day Hours
Sunday, July 26 12:00 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

Preferred Parking (Lot 1 – North End)
$20 (cash or card)
📍 11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650

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

Purchase via QR codes or https://cerritos.thepermitstore.com/

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: Weights & Measures Area

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
 
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

Sunday: 1:00–4:00 PM
Daily: 1 hour before competition + 30 minutes after

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.

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.

T

Tent City

Tent City is the designated team base area inside the stadium for clubs and teams throughout the championships.

  • Reserved tent spaces available for purchase

  • Includes tables and chairs
  • Located in designated team area inside venue
  • Additional chairs available for purchase

🔗 https://www.ticketor.com/pcshockwaves/jotf

Tent Policy

Only officially reserved Tent City tents are permitted.
All tents must be purchased through meet management.
Outside tents are not allowed and may not be brought into the stadium or team areas.
Unauthorized tents will not be permitted.

Travel

Check out things to do on this page.
Athletes are only required to be present for the day(s) of their scheduled event(s)

V

Venue Policies

Clear bag policy enforced.
All persons and belongings subject to search.
No storage available onsite.
The following items are strictly prohibited inside Falcon Stadium and all competition areas:

  • 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

Note: All persons and belongings are subject to search upon entry. Items not permitted cannot be stored on-site and must be returned to vehicles. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry.

W

Will Call

No tickets will be sold on-site. All tickets must be purchased in advance online prior to arrival.

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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