Organizer FAQs
The following is a list of questions most frequently asked about organizing the Hershey's Track & Field Games. If you don't see the information you need, please contact your State/Provincial Chair.
What is this program?
Hershey's Track & Field Games was founded in 1978 with the goal of bringing health and fitness into the lives of children. Our program coordinates track & field meets for children ages 9-14. Read more.
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Who can participate?
The only restriction for competition is age. Children must be 9-14 years old in order to participate in the track and field events. Anyone can volunteer and anyone can host a local event.
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Do I need a lot of equipment?
On the local level, all you need is a place to run outside, softballs, tape measures and stop watches. Items such as cones and a sand pit are conveniences, but not necessities. In the past, track and field events have been held in grassy fields or even on airport runways, so a track is not even necessary.
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What else do I need?
You will need a handful of volunteers. If you are short-staffed, consider asking parents to help out when they bring their children to sign up. One volunteer can serve many different functions. Also, consider printing out certificates for participation and making ribbons for the track & field event winners. Customizable certificates and other helpful tools can be downloaded from the Event Manager tool located in the Organizers' Resources area.
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Who runs the track & field event?
Local track and field events are coordinated by parks and recreation departments, schools, PTAs, service clubs, YM/WCAs, camps, track clubs and even parents.
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Where can I hold the track & field event?
Contact your local parks and recreation department to find a suitable location near you.
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What is in the Event Manager?
We've created a special area for Organizers with everything you need to run and promote a track & field event. Simply register your event to gain access to flyers, ads, banners and radio scripts that you can customize for your local event. You'll also find useful tools like assignment grids, job duties sheets and entry forms. Plus we'll post your event information on this Web site.
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How do participants qualify to go to Hershey, Pennsylvania for the North American Final?
In order to be eligible for the North American Final, a child must win an event at a district/state/provincial level and be selected to the regional team.
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Is there already a track & field event in my area?
Visit the Find My Event page for a listing of track & field events in each state. If none of the events listed are located near you, call your state/provincial chair to see if a new track event has been added, or consider hosting your own. It's easy and a fun way to bring community members together and promote physical fitness.
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