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COMMON QUESTIONS & PARENT RESOURCES

BEFORE YOU REGISTER

Which program is right for my athlete?

Choose the program that best matches your athlete's experience and goals.

  • Foundations – Recreational; no competition required.

  • Competitive USATF – Compete exclusively in USATF-sanctioned meets.

  • Competitive AAU – Compete exclusively in AAU-sanctioned meets.

  • Competitive USATF + AAU – Compete in both organizations for maximum competition opportunities.

  • Postseason – For athletes who have already qualified for championship competition.


Does my athlete need experience?

No. Fast Fwd welcomes athletes of all experience levels. Whether your child is participating in track & field for the first time or preparing for championship competition, our coaches provide age-appropriate instruction and support.
 

What is USATF?

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track & field in the United States. USATF sanctions competitions and hosts the Junior Olympic championship series.

Learn more: https://www.usatf.org/membership


What is AAU?

The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the nation's largest youth sports organizations. AAU hosts sanctioned competitions and the AAU Junior Olympic Games.

Learn more: https://aausports.org/membership
 

Why does my athlete need a USATF or AAU membership?

Competitive athletes must have a current membership with the governing organization in which they compete.

Memberships provide:

  • Eligibility to compete

  • Athlete insurance during sanctioned events

  • Championship qualification

  • Official athlete registration

Memberships are purchased directly through USATF and/or AAU and are not included in Fast Fwd registration.


Which membership does my athlete need?

  • Foundations: No membership required.

  • Competitive USATF: USATF Membership.

  • Competitive AAU: AAU Membership.

  • Competitive USATF + AAU: Both memberships.

  • Postseason: Membership(s) that match the championship pathway.


How much do memberships cost?

USATF Youth Membership: Approximately $35 per year

AAU Athlete Membership: Approximately $20–24 per year

Membership fees are paid directly to USATF or AAU.


Does my athlete need a uniform?

Yes.

All Competitive and Postseason athletes must purchase and wear the official Fast Fwd competition uniform during sanctioned meets.

Foundations athletes are not required to purchase a competition uniform, but may do so optionally.


How do I receive my uniform?

After placing your uniform order, you may choose to:

  • Pick up your uniform at a scheduled team distribution at no additional cost, or

  • Have your uniform shipped directly to your home for an additional shipping fee.


Does my athlete need track spikes?

Foundations athletes only need athletic running shoes.

Competitive athletes are required to have track spikes for competition. We will provide recommendations and links after you register.


What equipment does my athlete need?

Foundations

  • Running shoes

  • Water bottle (available for purchase with FAST FWD)

  • Athletic clothing

Competitive

  • Running shoes

  • Track spikes

  • Fast Fwd competition uniform (available for purchase with FAST FWD)
    Fast Fwd warmup suit (available for purchase with FAST FWD)

  • Water bottle (available for purchase with FAST FWD)

  • Gear bag (available for purchase with FAST FWD)


When are practices?

Practice schedules vary by season and program.

Registered families receive their complete practice schedule before the season begins.


When are meets?

Most meets are held on Saturdays and Sundays.

Meet schedules are determined by USATF, AAU, and host organizations.


Will I receive a team calendar?

Yes.

All registered families receive access to our portal & shared team calendar, which includes practices, meets, registration deadlines, team events, and important announcements.


Can I receive a refund?

Registration fees are non-refundable once an athlete has been accepted into the program.

Because coaching staff, facility reservations, insurance, and roster spots are secured based on enrollment, refunds cannot be issued for withdrawals, injuries, schedule conflicts, or changes in participation.

AFTER YOU REGISTER

What happens after I register?

Once your registration is complete, you'll receive a confirmation email with everything you need to get started, including:

  • Welcome information

  • Practice schedule and season details

  • Team communication instructions

  • Shared team calendar invitation

  • Uniform ordering information (if applicable)

  • Important program links and resources

 

How do I receive team updates?

Fast Fwd communicates with families through our athlete management portal and mobile app.

After registration, you'll receive:

  • A direct link to the parent portal

  • Instructions for downloading the mobile app

  • Access to team communications

  • Practice and meet updates

  • Team announcements

  • Shared team calendar

  • Important reminders

We encourage all parents to enable app notifications so you don't miss important updates.

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How are athletes registered for meets?

Fast Fwd coaches and team administrators use Athletic.net to register eligible athletes for competitions throughout the season.

Having an active Athletic.net account allows us to:

  • Add your athlete to the team roster

  • Register them for eligible meets

  • Communicate meet information

  • Track performances and results throughout the season

Athletes must have an Athletic.net account before they can be entered into competitions.

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Do I need to create an Athletic.net account?

Yes.

All Fast Fwd Track Club families are required to create a free Athletic.net account after registering. Athletic.net is the official platform used by Fast Fwd Track Club and thousands of track & field organizations nationwide to manage athletes and competitions.

Athletic.net allows athletes and families to:

  • View meet schedules

  • Register for eligible competitions

  • View race results and performances

  • Track personal records (PRs)

  • View team rosters

  • Access athlete rankings and season statistics

  • Receive meet information and updates

Create your free account at:
https://www.athletic.net

 

How do I connect my athlete to Fast Fwd Track Club?

After registering, you'll receive a Registration Confirmation Email containing:

  • Your Fast Fwd USATF Club Code (if applicable)

  • Your Fast Fwd AAU Club Code (if applicable)

  • Step-by-step instructions for connecting your athlete to Fast Fwd Track Club on Athletic.net

  • Links to create your Athletic.net account

When setting up your athlete's profile, simply enter the appropriate club code(s) provided in your confirmation email to join the Fast Fwd Track Club roster.

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Will I receive links to everything I need?

Yes.

Your registration confirmation email includes direct links and instructions for:

  • Athletic.net

  • Parent Portal

  • Team Mobile App

  • Shared Team Calendar

  • Team Communication Platform

  • Uniform Ordering (when available)

  • Practice Information

  • Season Resources

Please save your confirmation email, as it contains important information you'll reference throughout the season.

 

When will I receive my uniform?

Once your order is processed, you'll be notified when your uniform is ready.

Families may choose to:

  • Pick up their uniform during a scheduled team distribution at no additional cost, or

  • Have it shipped directly to their home for an additional shipping fee.

TRANSFER INFORMATION

My athlete previously ran for another club. Can they join Fast Fwd?

Yes. Athletes are welcome to join Fast Fwd from another club.

Whether a transfer is required depends on the athlete's previous organization.


My athlete ran for a school team. Do I need a transfer?

Usually, no.

School teams are generally not affiliated with USATF or AAU, so no governing body transfer is required.


My athlete participated in Parks & Recreation, YMCA, or another community program. Do I need a transfer?

Usually, no.

Most community programs and recreational leagues are not affiliated with USATF or AAU.

Your athlete can register with Fast Fwd without completing a transfer.


My athlete participated in local conference meets with a club/team. Do I need a transfer?

Usually, no. ​

Most local conference programs are not affiliated with USATF or AAU. 

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My athlete previously competed for a USATF club. What do I do?

Athletes transferring from another USATF-affiliated club may need to complete the official USATF Club Transfer process before competing for Fast Fwd.

 

 

My athlete previously competed for an AAU club. What do I do?

Athletes transferring from another AAU-affiliated club  in the same sport may be subject to AAU club affiliation and transfer requirements before competing for Fast Fwd.

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  • To transfer to a new club in the same sport, you must either obtain a signed Club Release Form from your current club representative, or wait 60 days without competing in any AAU-sanctioned events.

  • Eligibility is determined by AAU. A club release form 

Learn more: https://aausports.org

 

I'm not sure whether my previous club was affiliated with USATF or AAU.

No problem.

Tell us the name of your athlete's previous club during registration, and we'll help determine whether any transfer requirements apply. Inquire by clicking here.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What ages can participate?

Fast Fwd Track Club serves athletes ages 5–18.


Can my athlete play other sports?

Absolutely.

Many Fast Fwd athletes also participate in basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, and cheerleading.


What if my athlete misses practice?

We understand that conflicts happen. Please notify your coach if your athlete will be absent. Consistent attendance is encouraged, especially for Competitive athletes.


Can parents stay and watch practice?

Yes. Parents are welcome to observe from designated spectator areas. To help athletes stay focused, we ask that parents allow coaches to provide instruction during practice.


What happens if it rains?

Practice or meet changes due to weather will be communicated through email, the team communication platform, and the shared calendar as soon as possible.


Who do I contact if I have questions?

Our coaching staff and program administrators are happy to help. If you have questions before or after registering, please contact by clicking here for assistance.

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