Overview
After you follow the steps in this article, you will be able to:
Print participant ID cards from your club.
Organize and store cards so they are easy to find on scanning days.
Hand out cards quickly and reduce lost-card issues.
Use simple scanning-day routines that keep things moving.
What you’ll need
A printer (or school print service)
Optional: cardstock, laminator, badge sleeves, lanyards, bins, or a pocket chart
About Marathon Kids ID cards
Marathon Kids ID cards are printable participant cards that include a QR code for scanning.
What’s on each ID card
QR code
Participant first and last name
Grade
Group/Class Name
Card size
4 × 3 inches
Tip: Some coaches use ID cards as a "season trophy" by adding stickers or coloring in milestones throughout the season.
How to print ID cards
Select Participants.
Select Roster.
Select the checkbox next to each participant you want to print cards for.
Select Print ID Cards.
Select Download all ID cards.
Use your browser’s print options to print or save as a PDF.
Printing tips and best practices
When multiple sets are helpful
Brain breaks or recess: Keep a quick-grab set for short movement breaks.
Multiple programs: Print separate sets if you run more than one program (for example, a before/after school club and PE).
Ways to print and sort cards
Color-coding: Print each grade level on different colored paper to make sorting faster. Lighter colors are easier to scan and read.
Sorting: Sort and store cards by group/class and grade level so they’re easy to hand out and collect
Durability: Print on cardstock and laminate, or use plastic ID holders to protect cards.
Tip: If you want ID cards printed by a specific grouping (for example, one grade level or class), use Search and Filter By (like Grade, Group/Class, and Gender) to narrow the roster first. Then select participants and print.
Choose an organization system
Choose a system that matches how you run your club. Keep it simple and consistent. Most coaches have the best results with by class/group organization.
Option 1: Bins or envelopes by class/group
Store cards in labeled bins or envelopes for each class/group.
Bring only the set you need to each session.
Option 2: Hanging pocket chart
Place each card in a pocket chart slot.
Organize by class/group or alphabetically.
Option 3: Badge sleeves or lanyards
Put each card in a sleeve (or attach to a lanyard) for durability.
Decide whether participants keep cards or you collect them after each session.
ID card routines during a session
These routines help you keep cards organized and move participants through scanning in an efficient way.
Passing out ID cards
Hand out cards using your chosen system.
Utilize student leadership roles or classroom jobs to distribute ID cards.
How participants should carry ID cards
Carry the laminated ID card in their hand.
Carry the ID card in a plastic ID holder.
Attach a plastic ID holder to a lanyard or ID clip for participants to wear.
Scanning-day tips
Use these tips to keep scanning fast and reduce delays when using ID cards
Keep cards flat and steady while scanning.
Teach and practice with kids how to scan ID cards.
Try to find a shady spot to scan ID cards to prevent sun glares from slowing down the process.
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |