As we ring in the new year it begins the bulk of the indoor track and field season in Alabama. With just under a month until the AHSAA indoor state meet coaches and athletes alike are making their final preparations for the coming weeks. For some athletes this may mean practicing specific race tactics or dialing in a jumping or throwing technique they have been practicing throughout the off season. For other athletes it may mean going for a big personal record that will ensure they qualify for the AHSAA State Meet on February 2-3. Furthermore coaches tirelessly adjust their rosters to dial in what they believe will be the winning formula for their team on competition day.
See unlike cross country or outdoor track, where qualification for the state meet is determined by placement at sectional meets, indoor track and field in Alabama has a distinct qualifying process. Athletes must meet minimum standards to qualify for the state meet, but more often, qualification hinges on securing a top 16 mark or time in their event. Then even, each team is only allowed to enter 2 athletes per event and one relay. This system adds an extra layer of competitiveness and urgency to the preparations.
| Indoor Track Minimum Standards | ||||||
| 1A/2A/3A | 4A/5A | 6A/7A | ||||
| Girls | Boys | Girls | Boys | Girls | Boys | |
| Long Jump | 12'0" | 16'0" | 13'0" | 17'0" | 14'6" | 18'6" |
| High Jump | 4'2" | 5'2" | 4'2" | 5'2" | 4'8" | 5'8" |
| Shot Put | 23'0" | 30'0" | 25'0" | 35'0" | 27'0" | 37'0" |
| Pole Vault | 7'0" | 9'0" | 7'0" | 9'0" | 8'6" | 11'0" |
| Triple Jump | 28'0" | 35'0" | 28'0" | 37'0" | 28'0" | 38'0" |
| 4x200 Relay | 2:20 | 1:50 | 2:10 | 1:45 | 2:00 | 1:40 |
| 4x400 Relay | 4:50 | 4:00 | 4:50 | 3:55 | 4:45 | 3:55 |
| 4x800 Relay | 12:30 | 10:45 | 12:15 | 10:30 | 11:45 | 9:45 |
| 400m | 1:15 | 1:00 | 1:15 | 1:00 | 1:10 | :55 |
| 800m | 2:55 | 2:25 | 2:50 | 2:25 | 2:45 | 2:20 |
| 1600m | 6:40 | 5:30 | 6:30 | 5:15 | 6:15 | 5:00 |
| 3200m | 14:00 | 12:00 | 14:00 | 11:45 | 13:00 | 11:00 |
| 60m | 9 | 8 | 8.8 | 8 | 8.6 | 7.8 |
| 60m Low Hurdles | 12 | 11.75 | 11.5 | |||
| 60m High Hurdles | 11.5 | 10.5 | 10 | |||
As the indoor season kicks into full gear the next three weeks be sure to sure to follow our coverage as we highlight athletes from around the state as they battle for a top 16 mark in their respective classification.
*Daisy Luna of Hoover in chase of teammate Gabrielle Washington in the girls 7a 400m.
The official rules and details regarding the state meet and qualification criteria can be found on the State meet registration page. Additionally, more information is available through the provided links below, which offers comprehensive guidelines and standards that athletes must meet to compete at state. As the countdown to the AHSAA indoor state meet begins, the excitement and anticipation among the athletes, coaches, and the broader indoor track and field community in Alabama continues to build.
You can find all of the official rules on the State meet registration page or at the following link.