Parents
Getting started with the Flying Dragons
Getting your child ready to run
Here's a helpful guide.
Help your child understand the tryout process. Here's a document you will need to review and sign.
Please attend the annual Parent Meeting & trail walk on September 7. Here's the flyer.
Running is just the beginning of what we do. Here's an overview of the entire year.
Policies and Procedures
Fall 2024 Attendance Policy
The team expects athletes to attend every practice. We feel and notice every absence.
Emergencies happen. Athletes are allowed ten absences for any reason between the first day of school (September 5) and the City Championships on November 9.
No explanation is required. A missed competition counts as a double absence. Religious/cultural holidays accommodated by the DOE are not counted, nor are days absent from school. There are no other "excused" absences allowed for any reason.
Additional absences beyond ten for any reason will cause the athlete to be cut from the team.
This policy has worked well for many years and requires that students take personal responsibility for their committments. Cuts are rare.
Injuries during practice
Compared to other sports, injuries in cross country and track & field are uncommon since we don't collide with competitors. Soreness is common and muscle strains and joint sprains are possible. Coach Henning educates our athletes about the differences and how to treat them.
He has a Wilderness First Aid certification and an extensive first aid kit. You will always get a phone call if an acute injury occurs.
Injured athletes that can still attend school are asked to attend practices to assist. They will never be penalized for doing modified workouts or sitting out a practice, but they must attend.
Heat, cold, and rain
Cross country and outdoor track practices are held in all weather conditions. The only exceptions are brief holds due to lightning and situations deemed dangerous citywide by the PSAL.
Modifications are always made to keep everyone safe while still doing useful training. People respond differently to weather conditions and there's no penalty if your child needs to take a break or otherwise not participate, but they must attend.
Please assist your child in getting the most out every situation by seeing that they bring the proper attire. The team can assist if financial need requires it.
Spectator Guides
Here's what you need to watch cross country races in Van Cortlandt Park.
Here's a guide to watching Indoor Track meets at The Armory.
One regular meet, and the state Indoor Track meet, are held on Staten Island. Here's more info.
In the spring, our all-city meets are held at Icahn Stadium on Randalls Island. Here's info you'll want.