What are Youth Athletic and Junior Olympic meets?

Both Youth Athletic and Junior Olympic meets are sanctioned by USA Track & Field, and the same events are offered in both. Athletes in the Young Men/Women, Intermediate, and Youth age groups may compete in up to four (4) events, while Midgets and Bantams may compete in up to three (3) events. Combined event competitions do not count against an athlete's event limit.

Youth Athletic (also called "Youth" or "Age Group") meets are open to all USATF-member athletes. The entry procedure for each Youth meet will be explained at club practices, usually within a week or two of the meet. Any USATF-member athlete may register for and compete at any Youth meet. All meets on the competition schedule are Youth meets except those which include the phrase "Junior Olympic". (or "JO") meets are based on a stair-stepping program of qualifying meets, leading to the National Junior Olympic meet. The advancement procedure looks like this:

Local JO meets - The top six (6) in each individual and relay event from these meets qualify for the Association JO meet (note: not every event in the age groups are contested at the Local JO meets, so those events will begin competition at the Association JO meet)

Association Meet - The top six (6) in each individual event and top four (4) in each relay event from this meet qualify for the Regional JO meet

Regional JO meet - The top three (3) in each individual and relay event from this meet qualify for the National JO meet