COVID PRECAUTIONS
After being cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, we return in 2021 with a new arrangement for Distance Night. We urge all athletes, coaches, and spectators to follow the protocols outlined below. This meet has received the support of Palatine High School and Township High School District 211 because we agreed upon these protocols. We expect all attendees to respect them.
Please wear a mask at all times and stay socially distant from other spectators. In running a big event like this, the impression of running a respectful event matters just as much as the health protocols.
TEAM CAMPS
Previously, we have allowed athletes and teams to establish team camps on our infield. Now, we ask that teams establish camps on the perimeter of the track, in the visitors bleachers (on the back stretch), or in the warm-up field just north of the stadium parking lot. Please do not set up in the home side bleachers (on the front stretch). Athletes should feel free to socially distance and cheer or watch the races from the fence lines, the visitors bleachers, or the main bleachers.
REGISTRATION
We have created two separate areas for registration - one for boys coaches and one for girls coaches. If you coach both, please let me know at cquick@d211.org so I can combine your packets. Each registration area will be in a garage door of our brown field building located near the main gate at the northwest corner of our stadium.
We realize that many school districts cannot turn around checks within the time frame given. If you are awaiting a check, please let us know at registration. We will mark you on our check-in list as Awaiting Payment. Each individual race costs $35.
COACHES
Only coaches are allowed to be on the infield. We are not printing passes for coaches so we will run on the honor system. Feel free to roam around, but please respect the mask rule.
ATHLETE WARMUP AREA, CHECK-IN, AND EXIT
Athletes will be able to warm-up on the grass practice field located just north of the stadium lot. Port-a-potties will be located near the warm-up area for their convenience. When it is their turn to race, we ask that athletes proceed across the drive to the large check-in tent located at the north end of the track by the 100 meter start line. They will check-in, drop off their sweats/gear, and receive their hip numbers.
After athletes complete their race, we will have them move through our established corridor on the infield back to the check-in area to retrieve their belongings.
AWARDS
We are still giving awards at the 50 yard line. If an athlete places in the top three in either The Undercard or The Main Event, they will receive a medal. Race winners in each session also receive the signature Distance Night vinyl record trophy. Athletes should check the live results and listen to the stadium PA for instructions on a brief award ceremony.
SPECTATORS
Each athlete is allowed 2-4 spectators on their behalf. Spectators need to check in at one of the two admission tables at the main gate to have their names “attached” to an athlete. There will be an admission for girls and boys, and our lists will be organized both by athlete name or school. Please respect these numbers because they are the only thing allowing us to manage the size and scope of this meet.
At the conclusion of the The Undercard session (7:00 pm), we ask that all spectators, coaches, and athletes not attached to an athlete in the The Main Event session exit the stadium. We realize that most would prefer to stay and watch, but we cannot accommodate the athletes, coaches, and spectators for both sessions within our currently established stadium protocols.
MEDIA AND COLLEGE COACHES
We are allowing member of the media and college coaches to attend. We ask only that you sign-in at the main gate and provide your name, affiliation, and contact information.