FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please try these FAQs first. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please EMAIL!

COMPETING

  • Does my athlete have to compete?

    • No. However, competing is fun and it’s a great way to test the skills they have learned. We encourage our athletes to at least compete in Ocean hosted meets.

  • As a member, does is cost extra to compete?

    • Members compete for free in all Ocean hosted events (track & field, cross country). Also, the club pays entry fees for athletes to compete in select supported meets. See HERE.

  • How do I register my athlete for a meet?

    • All registrations are done online. Ocean hosted and Ocean supported meets (track & field, cross country) are listed under the “COMPETITIONS” tab. Athletes may compete in other meets at their own cost.

  • What’s a “seed time”?

    • A seed time is your athlete’s best official performance in that event. To be relevant, the seed time should be recent (current season or end of last season). Seed times are used to organize heats in track events. Please note that providing false seed times (faster than achieved) often leads to athletes being embarrassed on race day.

  • If my athlete is registered for a meet, do they have to attend?

    • Yes. Unless we have received notice before the Ocean withdrawal deadline, you are responsible for entry fees if your athlete is registered and doesn’t compete for any reason (illness, injury, interest, conflicts etc.). Clubs hosting events do not give refunds for withdrawals.

MEMBERSHIP

  • How long is the membership?

    • Memberships are valid for the calendar year.

  • What’s included in the membership?

    • Over 100 available training days with quality coaching.

    • Access to all age group appropriate Ocean programs.

    • Access to high quality equipment for all track & field events.

    • Competition support (free entry to Ocean hosted events, entries paid for select supported meets)

    • Competition singlet (T-shirt for Seahorse & Starfish)

  • When can I register my athlete?

    • The main intake/renewal period is early December to early January. However, if space permits, we intake throughout the year. Full programs will be shown on the REGISTRATION page.

  • Is the membership fee prorated if I register after January?

    • No. The membership still provides excellent value with over 100 available training days, expert coaching, high quality equipment and competition support.

  • Is the membership fee refundable if my athlete doesn’t like the program?

    • A partial refund (less BC Athletics) may be issued if your athlete has only attended one session and the refund request is made within 3 days of that session and 14 days of registration. We recommend all prospective members request a trial session prior to registration if they are new to athletics. See HERE.

  • Is the membership fee refundable if we move?

    • No.

  • Is the membership fee refundable if my athlete is injured?

    • If your athlete is not able to return, a partial refund (prorated for the remainder of the season from when the refund request is received and less BC Athletics fee) may be issued with a medical note. Please EMAIL.

  • Is the membership transferable?

    • No.

  • Where do I find my BC Athletics number?

    • Membership lookup is HERE!

  • How do I know what’s going on with the club?

    • Stay connected! Follow Ocean on Instagram, check the website and read your OCEAN RELAY every second Wednesday.

PROGRAMS

  • Can my athlete try the program before we register?

    • Yes! We offer a 1-session trial. The cost is $10 for a BC Athletics “Trial” membership (insurance). If you register after the trial, the $10 paid is applied to the BC Athletics “Competitive” membership (required). See HERE (scroll down to 1-session trial).

  • Can I register my athlete just for track & field season?

    • No, the membership is yearlong. It’s up to you if your athlete only comes during track & field session. The membership price is the same.

  • Can I register my athlete just for cross country season?

    • Perhaps. We offer a fall membership, but only for programs with available space. Registration details will be posted by August 15, 2024.

  • Do you have Spring Break and summer program?

    • No. Our mission is to promote and support athletics (track & field, cross country). We do so by offering yearlong programs whereby athletes make real and lasting progress.

  • Do you have running only programs for kids ages 9 to 13?

    • No. We offer Junior Development programs that introduce athletes to all the track & field events, including sprints, hurdles, middle distance, throws and jumps. When athletes reach high school, they are able to select an area of focus, which can include running only.

  • Do you offer one-on-one coaching?

    • No. All of our training happens in groups organized by birth year.

TRAINING

  • What’s the training schedule for my athlete?

  • Is training cancelled in the rain?

    • No! Athletes benefit from training in all safe weather conditions. Proper clothing (and footwear) is all athletes need to stay comfortable when training in wet and cold conditions. Training is only cancelled when the training and/or travel conditions are unsafe. Cancellations before 12pm on training day are posted to the home page. Cancellations after 12pm will be posted to the home page and emailed to all members.

  • Does my athlete have to attend all training sessions?

    • No. Unlike team sports, athletics training is an individual exercise. However, athletes that consistently attend 2 or more training sessions per week improve the most and receive great value from their membership.

VOLUNTEERING

  • Why is there a volunteer commitment?

    • Because volunteering is fun and it keeps our membership fees low. By hosting meets, we provide our athletes high quality competition opportunities close to home. We rely on volunteers to plan, organize and host these events.

  • How many hours are required?

    • Each member/family is required to complete at least 6 volunteer hours each year. Members are welcome to do more!

  • Can I opt out of volunteering?

    • YES! The volunteer opt out fee is $200. You can pay it during registration. If you have already registered and would like to opt out now, please send $200 fee to payments@oceanathletics.club.

  • Who can complete the volunteer hours?

    • High school and older members are welcome to volunteer and so can their parents, high school or older siblings and close adult relatives. For JD and younger athletes, parents, close adult relatives and high school and older siblings may complete the hours.

  • How can I volunteer?

    • Options and registration instructions are posted HERE.