What is DCTOCA?
DCTOCA is the acronym for Dutchess County Track Officials and Coaches Association.  We are a group of individuals who enjoy the sports of Cross Country and Track and Field.

Who can be a member?
Anyone interested in the  sports of Track and Field and/or Cross Country

Is there a membership fee?
Yes.  Dues is  currently $30.00 per year. The fee  pays in part for administration costs and the  annual rulebook.

How do I become an Official?
Certification is required to officiate at any track meet.  Join the association,  go to meetings/clinics, and take the annual  test.  While most officials specialize in a favorite or preferred event, all officials must be familiar with the rules governing all events at a track meet and be able to officiate outside of their preferred event.

Where are DCTOCA meetings held?
At the Arlington Middle School located at 601 Dutchess Turnpike in Poughkeepsie (for directions go to the "Meeting Information" page).  From the parking lot, enter school at the main entrance located nearest to Route 44.  In the hallway, go left.  We are typically in the first classroom on the right across from the water fountain. 

When are meetings held?
Please check the meeting information page for meeting dates.  Historically we have met on the second Thursday of every month, but have modified that to every other month depending on our meet schedule and the school calendar.

 
What types of meets do we officiate?
Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Spring Track

What is Cross Country?
Cross Country (XC) is held in the fall. XC races are on trails through the woods and fields up and down hills and are typically 3.1 miles for Varsity and Junior Varsity, and 1.5 miles for modified or freshman.  Meets are usually large with many schools participating, and have been held at Ogden Mills, Bowdoin Park, Westchester Community College, and other sites.  DCTOCA now hosts the Bowdoin Park Cross Country Classic (Inaugural Year 2007) on the third  Saturday in September.

What is Indoor Track?
Indoor  Track is exactly that, running on a small track(200-250 meters) indoors.  Meets have been held at the Rockland Community College field house, at West Point in the Gillis field house, and more recently, at the Armory in NYC.  Indoor meets are usually very large with many participating schools.  They are either held on week nights (Fridays) or on the weekends, day and evening. 

What is Spring Track?
Time to run outside on the 400 meter track found at most high schools.  In the spring, we officiate small meets of 2-4 schools during the week, and larger invitationals on the weekends at a host school.  DCTOCA had hosted the DCTOCA Spring Invitational for many years, but decided to move to XC in 2007.  The last DCTOCA Spring Invitational was held at Arlington High School in May of 2007.