I coach MS/HS cross country. We currently have no track team at the school. Has anyone started a new program from scratch before? If so how much did that cost and what steps did you take? Rough numbers I came up with were about $4,500-$5,000 for meet entry fees, transportation, uniforms, and the basic throwing implements.
With or without pole vault? A pit alone will run you $15K or more and poles are $500 or more a crack.
No pole vault. Pretty much starting off with the minimum. Starting block or two for practice, some relay batons, discus and shot for both boys and girls. We already have a few hurdles.
Seems like high jump stuff could be pricey - big a** landing pad thing.
LJ/TJ pit might be pricey if it needs to be built.
Not looking to install a track or jumping pits or anything like that for awhile. Just looking to get a program started up and running.
It costs way too much. It's ridiculous how much equipment and entry fees cost. If you can get the names of kids who would want to participate in track, not just your cross kids, but also sprinters and such, then it will make the AD a lot more susceptible to budgeting out a track team. I really hope this works out for you, because the power sports can have in kids lives is unreal. And you'll be able to reach so many through this track team.
Some of those costs are variable and a function of number of team members:
- uniforms
- transportation if taking busses
- blocks, hurdles: you only need a few if your team is small and you dont host a meet
Does any sports charities exist in your area? In my city, you can apply for grants from a local charity for any sports needs. They donate to the youth leagues as well as the school teams after reviewing applications twice a year.
Carpooling saves your bus budget. If you are on a shoestring, you just dont go anywhere if not enough parents are willing to drive.
Do you have a xc team? Reuse the same uniforms.