While it is not complicated, new athletes to the sport often do not know how to get started. There is an assumption that every meet has some kind of qualification process. There are very few meets that have this (an example will be provided later) as the vast majority simply require you to register, and nothing more.

Joining USATF is considered mandatory by the author as the vast majority of meets are provided by them. While you don’t have to qualify for their meets, you do have to be a member. It is highly unlikely you could create a competition schedule without these competitions. As you work through the steps to become a member, there is a very significant step where you can choose a local club to affiliate with. You can remain unattached if you want, but it is worth using the search feature to see if there is a club of interest in your area. If you are unsure, you can always add or change this later. If you have Facebook, you might consider a ‘pre step’ to joining USATF by doing a post on the Masters Track and Field page. Many people will do a post asking if there is an active club where they reside. This not only can help you choose a club, but also can provide you with some of your first local connections with other athletes.

Depending on your age, you may have changes to your event as a masters athlete. Hurdle distance and heights of hurdles, a few races are contested at different distances, and most notably – all of the implements will be different starting at 50 years old. At age 50, both genders have new implement specifications that they then use for 10 years. At age 60 and 70, this will occur. At age 80, the new implement specifications remain through all age brackets thereafter. Please note discus is an exception to the pattern. A helpful chart showing all of the implements for men and women across all age groups can be found here.

A few final words… It can be intimidating if it has been a long time since you have competed or maybe you haven’t even ever competed. Just sign up and get out there, the masters community is like nothing you have experienced previously in athletics. Everyone supports each other and puts a huge premium on knowing each athlete is trying to make their own progress hitting new personal records, whether it earns them a medal or not!

Still have anxiety?… As part of your training, if possible, consider including a simulation of a competition. This is a good way to establish a baseline of your time, distance, or height. Some events are easier than others to do based on facilities available to you, but do it if you can! Also, and this is said with caution, look at a meet you are considering’s previous results. Reviewing these can be helpful to compare against.

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE EMBARKING ON A MASTERS TRACK & FIELD JOURNEY!