Attendance at Practice

Your coaches expect runners to make every effort to attend practices and meets.

Of course, academics are the priority, and extracurriculars are clearly second. When an athlete needs to meet with a teacher for extra help or to make up missed school work, we suggest they ask their teacher if it can be scheduled before the school day or during team time. But if someone must miss or be late for practice due to academic matters, we only ask that they bring a note from that teacher. 

Parents are asked to plan family activities and schedule medical appointments, etc., with the cross-country schedule in mind whenever possible.

Some things - like tutoring sessions, music lessons, or religious instruction - can't always be rescheduled around cross country. We understand these can be important priorities, and support our runners who miss practices or meets because of them. 

Also, we do not discourage our runners from participating in other sports. However, for athletes to participate safely & competitively in cross country, commitment to the training program is crucial.

Finally, although it is obvious, let's say it anyhow - going uptown to meet friends is not an acceptable reason to miss practice. We get everyone out the door early on Friday, leaving plenty of weekend for socializing.

Runners who frequently miss practice can continue to attend to develop their fitness but will not compete in meets or travel with the team. 

If a runner has to miss because of an appointment after school, it is important that they stop by Mrs. Sabram's room during the day to let her know. It would also be okay to send an email. This is a basic responsibility when missing any practice or meet. 

• In most cases, the athlete should take this step themselves - communicating with their coaches is something young student-athletes can take greater responsibility for in middle school.

• Students should not ask a friend to explain their absence to the coaches or to ask another runner to sign them in on the daily attendance check-off.

Thank you,

Coach Black & Coach Sabram