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FTHS CROSS COUNTRY 2026 SEASON
TEAM RULES AND VARSITY LETTER CRITERIA
TEAM RULES:
*The following rules are established in the best interest of the TEAM. These are in addition to the policies of the Freehold Regional High School District. All school and district policies must be followed.
Practices:
All athletes are expected to attend all practices throughout the entire season. Only the coaches can excuse an athlete from practice. Three or more unexcused absences from practice can result in dismissal from the program.
All athletes are required to be on time for practice and are required to stay until the coach releases them. Three or more unexcused lates to practice can result in dismissal from the program.
Any unexcused absences from practice can jeopardize participation in upcoming meets.
All athletes are expected to maintain a positive attitude towards teammates and coaches and respect them at ALL times.
Meets:
Sportsmanship is required at all meets. Athletes are expected to win and lose with grace, and to treat all teammates, opponents, officials, coaches and spectators with respect. Lack of sportsmanship can result in loss of competition privileges or dismissal from the program.
Unsportsmanlike conduct and other unacceptable behaviors are subject to an appropriate penalty at the discretion of the SECA and/or Administration, taking into consideration the seriousness of the offense, any harm or injury to person or property, the remorse of the athlete, and any other relevant factors.
Failure to follow classroom procedures and/or to keep up with schoolwork can result in loss of competition privileges.
All athletes are required to attend all meets throughout the entire season, for which the coaches have placed them in the meet lineup. Only the coaches can excuse an athlete from a meet. Two or more unexcused absences from a meet in which the athlete was placed in the meet lineup can result in dismissal from the program or loss of varsity letter.
All athletes must take the team bus to all meets. A Parental Transportation Request Form must be signed by the coach, SECA, and parent/guardian at least 24 hours in advance if parental transportation is necessary.
During bus rides, athletes are expected to stay seated, clean up after themselves, refrain from throwing objects out the windows, and help to maintain a safe driving environment for the driver.
Detentions & suspensions from school (in/out) will result in the following: Conference with Mr. Mehl, athlete, and coach that may result in further suspensions from games/practices or dismissal from the team.
All athletes are NOT permitted to participate in an extra-curricular school-related volleyball/Wally ball or other athletic fund-raiser during the season (the season ends after Meet of Champions in late November). Failure to follow this rule can result in loss of competition privileges and/or loss of varsity letter.
Any concerns about meet lineups, race strategy, or other issues will be discussed privately after the meet/practice.
Being a part of the FTHS Cross Country Program is considered a privilege and is not a guarantee. If the following rules are violated, there is the potential for a meeting with Mr. Mehl, the coaching staff or school administration. Depending on the severity of the incident, you may be removed from participating in the program, if your actions violate the following rules. Suspensions for causes other than those stated below are at the coach’s discretion. Any suspension of over one week will result in a meeting with Mr. Mehl. All incidents leading to a suspension or dismissal from the team will result in parent notification.
DRUGS/TOBACCO/ALCOHOL
The use of and/or possession of any chemical substance in any form is prohibited. Chemical substances include, but are not limited, to the following: alcohol; tobacco in any form; vapes/e-cigarettes, anabolic steroids; controlled dangerous substances; any chemical which releases vapor or fumes causing intoxication; any mind-altering or behavior-altering substances used for purposes other than the treatment of illness; any prescription or over-the-counter medications except those for which permission to use has been granted pursuant to Board of Education Policy - Administration of Medication #5330. Self-administration of medication by a student for asthma, other potentially life-threatening illness, or a life-threatening allergic reaction is permitted in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.3 and 12.4.
For a second offense, the “30-day” option is not applicable, and the 60 calendar day suspension from team participation will be imposed. For a third offense, the student will not be eligible to participate in any athletics/clubs for the remainder of the student’s high school career.
INJURIES
Any student participant who sustains an injury during a school related activity must report it to their coach/advisor/athletic trainer immediately. If any injury occurs outside of school it must be reported as well. If an athlete is medically excused from participating in gym class, he/she cannot participate in any after school athletic activity. Once an athlete has seen a doctor, he/she MUST return to practice with a note clearing him/her to participate before they can participate.
ACADEMICS
Student-athletes at FTHS are held to high academic standards. If an athlete is not meeting their responsibilities in the classroom, he/she may be suspended from the team until his /her academic standard has been brought up to minimum standards. Academic expectations include being on time to class, being respectful to teachers and students, passing tests, and submitting completed projects/homework on time. In order for a student to participate in a scheduled athletic event or extracurricular activity, he/she must be in school on the day of the event or the last day of school for a Saturday event. A student must be present in school a minimum of FOUR hours of instructional time to be given credit for a day’s attendance. Students on Home Instruction who are not present in school for four hours of instructional time or more are not permitted to participate in athletics, clubs, or extracurricular activities including privileges. Any student who is tardy to school or leaves early from school must have a parental note. If tardiness is due to a medical appointment, a doctor’s note is required. Students who are absent from school for the entire day, tardy more than one period, or have chronic tardiness problems (10 or more) are NOT eligible to participate in any after-school activities scheduled for that day without approval from school administration. Extenuating circumstances may include family emergencies, funerals, religious obligations, driver’s test, etc. Students who do not attend practice sessions MAY NOT be eligible to participate in subsequent scheduled events or activities.
In addition, a student may be subject to school discipline and dismissed from a team/club for conduct that occurs outside of school and off school grounds when: (1) such conduct threatens the physical or emotional safety, security and well-being of the student, other students, staff or school grounds; and (2) the conduct materially and substantially interferes with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school or District.
Suspension for causes other than above, are at the discretion of the coach/advisor. Suspensions in excess of one week require consultation with the SECA. Parent notification is required in all cases of suspension. Discipline referrals and school suspensions are justification for suspension or removal from a team/club activity.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Student-athletes at FTHS are expected to treat other members of the school community, teammates, opponents and staff on X (Twitter), Facebook, the Internet, text messaging or any other common social media device with respect. Any racist, sexist, homophobic, discriminatory or other offensive language used by a team member on any social media device will be disciplined in the same manner as if it happened in school, in person. Misuse of social media can lead to suspension or removal from the track and field program.
Varsity Letter Criteria: A varsity award will be given to any athlete on the team that accomplishes one of the following
i. Competes in Varsity Championship Meets and/or achieves any of the following time standards:
Sub 18:15 at Holmdel Park
Sub 17:50 at Thompson Park
Sub 17:15 at Ocean County Park
ii. Follows all team rules
iii. Completes the entire season in a satisfactory manner, which includes ending the season when the coaching staff decides the season is over.
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Parent/Guardian Signature and Date
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Athlete Signature and Date
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Print Athlete’s Name
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