The way this team is structured, and the way we run our program, athletes are expected to be loyal to the team, themselves, and the coaches. There is an expectation of daily practice with the team because "success" is achieved only when they show up and train as a team. As each individual athlete improves, so does the team. They are expected to do workouts to the best of their ability. They are expected to listen to coaches and captains, and be open minded to suggestions and advice.

Athletes are expected to be at every meet they are scheduled to compete in. They are expected to communicate with coaches and team mates. They are expected to follow team rules and to do well in class and to do their homework.

Is a medical clearance required?

All prospective student athletes must have a Newburgh Health Appraisal Form completed by their family physician, school nurse practitioner, or school physician. This form and all other necessary forms can be obtained in the Health Office or by downloading them at this link. Return the completed forms to the Health Office to obtain a yellow clearance slip. No student will be permitted to tryout or participate unless they have obtained a yellow clearance slip. The yellow clearance slip will then be presented to the coach on the first day of tryouts.

What is Selection/Classification?

The Selection/Classification program is a process for screening 7th and 8th grade students to determine their readiness to compete in high school level interscholastic athletics by evaluating their physical maturity, fitness, and skill. The NYSED guidelines for Selection/Classification can be found at this link.

What is a Pink Card (Newburgh Athletics - Emergency Information) and why is it necessary?

The Newburgh Athletics - Emergency information card provides valuable information for the coaches and/or medical personnel in the event of an emergency involving the student-athlete. Besides containing emergency contact information and vital medical information, it grants permission for emergency treatment in the event that a parent or guardian can't be reached. All Newburgh head coaches carry these cards with them at all times so that emergency medical treatment can be administered without delay.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Any student failing more than two subjects will be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for the next marking period. In addition, a student must attend school regularly and be in attendance for all scheduled classes. Students who have a cut or cuts on record during a school week will have three days to clear the cut(s). If the cut is not cleared, the student will be ineligible to participate in the next scheduled contest.

Any student placed on In School Suspension (SAC) is ineligible to practice and/or compete while in SAC. Any student with an Out of School Suspension is ineligible to practice and/or compete for the duration of the suspension and must sit out at least one contest.

Students whose attendance falls below the 90% attendance level in any class, exclusive of excused absences, as recorded on the 30th or last day of each month, will be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for a period of at least one month and until the student attains at least a 90% attendance level.

What equipment is necessary?

A pair of RUNNING shoes is a must. Tennis, basketball, or “cross-trainer” shoes are NOT running shoes.

Many athletes will want to wear racing flats for the meets. These are lightweight, spikeless shoes that allow for peak performance at the many venues that we compete at that do not allow the athletes to wear spiked shoes.

Veteran and elite athletes will also want a pair of racing spikes. Similar to racing flats, these shoes allow for 1/8" to 1/4" spikes to be placed on the bottom of the shoes.

It is not necessary to purchase special running apparel. Loose fitting T shirts and shorts are adequate for daily training.

Sweatshirt and sweatpants are a must to keep the athletes warm when we train outside during the winter months. Many athletes prefer to wear "UnderArmor" type of garments as well.

Some type of head covering must be worn during the entire winter season while at practice.

A Newburgh singlet and shorts will be issued to every athlete. A warmup jacket and pants will also be distributed. This equipment is to be worn for meets only. Students will be billed for all equipment that is not returned at the end of the season.

What should I look for in proper running shoes?

Make sure that your child owns a comfortable, new or relatively new pair of running shoes by the start of the season. A good pair of shoes is the most important item of equipment to a runner. You need a good, basic well-cushioned pair of shoes that fit well. You don't need “motion control” shoes unless you already know that your child has gait problems (over-pronation or over-supination). You DON'T need expensive shoes with flashy gimmicks.

If possible, go to a store that deals primarily with running footwear and apparel. These stores have experienced runners as sales persons who can help you with the right fit for your athlete. The sales people at the sporting goods chain stores and the mall shoe stores just don't know their products or how to fit runners, despite advertising to the contrary. A real runner’s store should allow you to run in the shoe on the sidewalk outside the store or on a treadmill in the store. They should be able to tell you if you over-pronate in a particular shoe and offer alternatives. The advice you get in a good store is very valuable.

Running shoes should not have to be “broken in”. They should feel “RIGHT”, from the beginning. If they are uncomfortable when they are tried on, don't buy them, no matter how good they look! There’s no getting around that running shoes can be very expensive. The best way to prolong the projected 300 to 500 mile life of a pair of running shoes is to wear them for running only, not as school or social dress. With the mileage that our running program produces, most shoes will last 4-5 months at best. Shoes that are more than a year old or have been through a season of training and racing should be retired or else the risk of injury is significantly increased. Good shoes are the only real important piece of equipment that this sport requires and money spent on shoes is less money spent at a podiatrist!

When are practices?

Practice are scheduled after 9th period at the high school. Practice generally starts around 3:00 p.m. and can go as late as 6:00 p.m. depending on the weather or availability of facilities. Practice may also include school holidays. Training is always supervised by the coaches.

Can my student-athlete participate in other activities such as band or "club" sports?

There is no restriction on additional after school activities or club sports.. However, we prefer that our student-athletes limit their involvement in these types of activities. Track and field is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and a demonstration of school spirit. We hope that you, as parents, appreciate this philosophy and equally support this goal. Commitment, consistency, and dedication to the school and the team are essential for personal and team success. Other activities should not interfere with your child's involvement in this sport. Your student-athlete may be asked by the coaching staff to choose between these conflicting extra activities and athletic participation if it begins to interfere with their training or attendance.

How is the varsity team selected?

The top three athletes in each event are considered the Varsity athletes in championship level meets. Generally these decisions are straight forward as the performances of athletes can be ranked. There are times, however, that the coaching staff may need to move athletes into other events to maximize the chance for the team to win a competition. The decisions of the coaching staff are final and can't be appealed. All other athletes will compete at the Junior Varsity or Freshman-Sophomore level depending on the meet. All athletes that complete the season with the team will be awarded a varsity letter.

What events are there in a track meet?

Indoor Track	Outdoor Track
55 Meter Dash*	100 Meter Dash*
200 Meter Dash	200 Meter Dash*
300 Meter Dash*	400 Meter Dash*
400 Meter Dash	800 Meter Run*
600 Meter Run*	1500/1600 Meter Run*
800 Meter Run	3000/3200 Meter Run*
1000 Meter Run*	100/110 Meter Hurdles*
1500/1600 Meter Run*	400 Meter Hurdles*
1500 Meter Walk (Girls)*	2000/3000 Meter Steeplechase*
3000/3200 Meter Run*	400 Meter Relay*
55 Meter Hurdles*	800 Meter Relay
Shuttle Hurdle Relay	1600 Meter Relay*
800 Meter Relay*	Sprint Medley Relay
1600 Meter Relay*	Shuttle Hurdle Relay
Sprint Medley Relay	3200 Meter Relay*
3200 Meter Relay*	Distance Medley Relay
Distance Medley Relay	6400 Meter Relay
High Jump*	High Jump*
Pole Vault*	Pole Vault*
Long Jump*	Long Jump*
Triple Jump*	Triple Jump*
Shot Put*	Shot Put*
Weight Throw	Discus*
	Javelin Throw
	Hammer Throw
	Pentathlon*
* = State Meet Events

How many events can a student-athlete compete in?

For Indoor Track and Field, a contestant shall be limited to participation in three events in any one meet. For Outdoor Track and Field, a contestant shall be limited to participation in four events in any one meet. There must be one night of rest between contests and no more than three contests scheduled per week. An individual competitor may participate in a maximum of 18 contests.

What league are we in and how do we compete against the other schools?

Newburgh Free Academy is a member of the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) and competes in Section 9 of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). More specific track and field information can be found at the following link.

NFA competes in dual meets against individual schools and in local invitational and league meets against Orange, Sullivan, Dutchess, Ulster, and Rockland county teams. We also compete in major invitational meets along the East Coast against teams from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and many other states.

When and where are the meets?

During the indoor season, most of the meets are on Friday nights, Saturdays, or Sundays. Outdoor track meets are usually dual meets on Tuesday or Wednesday after school and invitational meets on the weekends.

Indoor venues include West Point's Gillis Fieldhouse and the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory in New York City. Outdoor track has more possible venues for competition since almost every high school has a facility. Some of the premier facilities that the Goldbacks compete at include Franklin Field in Philadelphia, White Plains High School, Iona Preparatory School, Middletown High School, Dietz Stadium in Kingston, Warwick Valley High School, and of course, Newburgh's own Academy Field.

How can I find the meet schedule and directions to the different meet locations?

The meet schedules are posted on this web site as soon as they are available each season and can be accessed by following these links (Indoors, Outdoors). Directions to the meets are also located on this site and can be found here.

How can I find meet results?

Results can always be found here on this site. There are also results links to other sites on the home page.

Can I drive my child to the meet and/or pick them up?

The School District policy on transportation of student-athletes states that “athletes must travel to and home from an athletic contest or practice on the transportation provided by the School District.” However, under certain circumstances and at the discretion of the coach, the following is permissible. In accordance with New York State Law, a student may utilize alternative transportation back from an activity/event site if…”the parent or legal guardian of a student participating in such event has provided the School District written notice authorizing an alternative form of return transportation for such student…”

It is necessary that the written notice given by the parent or legal guardian be completed prior to the event or at the event site before the time of the District provided transportation, specifying how the student will be transported away from the event site. Parents or guardians wishing to exercise this privilege must complete the information on the Transportation Waiver Form located at the following link.

How can I help my child prepare before meet day?

Make sure your athlete gets plenty of sleep the two nights prior to the meet. They also need to eat properly. Light, easy to digest foods (primary carbohydrates) are suggested. Athletes should not drink carbonated or acidic liquids. Hydration with plain water is always beneficial.

What foods are good on the day of the race?

Small portions of easily digested foods eaten at least 3 hours before competition are best, but water intake should never be limited. Most athletes feel best when they race a little hungry. Some foods that are good before a race include a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, banana, and water. Foods with a lot of sugar, fat, or anything that will fill the athlete up completely should be avoided. Athletes should not drink a lot of water immediately before their event. Soda, chips, fast food, and other "junk" food are not good to eat either. Discourage soft drinks after a competition because they will dehydrate them.

Where can I watch a meet?

Spectators generally need to remain in the stands at all times. In certain venues, fans are able to watch the field events in close proximity to the event. Track and field meets, especially indoor competitions, are similar to three ring circuses! There may be a race on the track and up to five field events going on simultaneously. Spectators need to look in every direction when moving around at a facility as they always seem to disrupt a competition at every meet in some way.

What can I expect on meet day?

Do not expect the attention of your child before their event. Athletes need time to warm up; be briefed by the coaches; and prepare physically and mentally for the competition with their teammates. Don't be surprised at the seriousness your child shows prior to and during an event. The intensity of competition may reveal a side of your young athlete’s personality you haven't seen before.

The first time you see your athlete after a race may be frightening. Some runners are more tired than others after a race. They have rubber legs, some are panting and gasping for air, their faces may be red and their eyes glassy. They may be nauseated, stagger, and appear as if they may faint. These symptoms are common and usually pass quickly.

A mistake parents sometimes make is to take their child off by themselves to try to take care of them. Please do not do this! Our coaches are experienced in dealing with these symptoms, trained in first-aid, and responsible for their care. To aid recovery, water is the best thing to drink immediately after a race.

Expect the possibility of some disappointment by your student-athlete after their event or the meet if the team did not win, or if they failed to achieve all of their goals. Athletes may need some emotional space afterward from you, friends, family, and their coaches. When they are ready to talk, they will come to you. Later on, they will need verbal support rather than criticism.