In order to participate with Derby City AC's Youth Athletic Program athletes must first be members in good standing with the club. (Please see Membership Page) . Individual Athlete Membership in a seperate governing body (such as AAU or USATF) may be required to participate in some championships. Club events require only DCAC membership.

Derby City Youth Athletics Philosophy

The Derby City Athletic Club seeks to provide a team-based atmosphere for youth who are hoping to extend their running experience outside of the regular school season.  In doing so, the club meets during three different "seasons" to training and/or race.  
  a. Pre-Cross Country season - general training and/or possible racing during June and July.  The main goal during this season is to help runners prepare for their upcoming school Cross Country season
  b. Competitive Cross Country post-season  - training and racing from October (or conclusion of the school season) through December in one of the post-season championship series or events (AAU, USATF, Footlocker, NXN).  The main goal during this season is to provide competitive racing experience.
  c. Winter/Indoor season - general training from December to March that may include a small number of indoor track meets.  The main goal during this season is similar to that of the pre-Cross Country season above.

The goals of the club center around three basic points.  First, we seek to provide a team atmosphere for athletes.  Second, we operate as a provider of appropriate training for the athletes who participate with our club.  Third, we strive to complement elementary, middle and high school team training and racing, rather than operate as a substitute.  School team coaches are highly encouraged to speak with us about any concerns they may have with their athletes training and racing with the Derby City team, as the Derby City coaching staff is always willing to accommodate the training desires of school coaches provided we believe those training desires are in the best interest of the athlete.  In situations where we cannot resolve potential conflicts over training and/or racing with school coaches, we ask the athlete to refrain from training and/or racing with the club team until the conflict is resolved.

To best meet our goals of developing team camaraderie, ensuring that athletes engage in appropriate training, and that the club experience remains a complement to the school team experience, we have two basic training-related rules (given below).  Both rules are always addressed and enforced within the context of a setting where coaches, parents and athletes work with one another in such a way as to ensure the best possible experience for all.The Derby City Athletic Club seeks to provide a team-based atmosphere for youth who are hoping to extend their running experience outside of the regular school season.  In doing so, the club meets during three different "seasons" to training and/or race.  
  a. Pre-Cross Country season - general training and/or possible racing during June and July.  The main goal during this season is to help runners prepare for their upcoming school Cross Country season
  b. Competitive Cross Country post-season  - training and racing from October (or conclusion of the school season) through December in one of the post-season championship series or events (AAU, USATF, Footlocker, NXN).  The main goal during this season is to provide competitive racing experience.
  c. Winter/Indoor season - general training from December to March that may include a small number of indoor track meets.  The main goal during this season is similar to that of the pre-Cross Country season above.