Team Rules & Expectations
Simley Cross Country Team Rules
These rules are intended to help our team have a successful and orderly season. Your presence on this team signifies your acceptance of these rules – your pledge to all the other team members to abide by these rules. We all must honor that pledge and take it seriously. Please take care of yourself and help us have a great season.
Enthusiasm – Every runner will come to practice in a positive frame of mind and will take satisfaction in the honest physical effort our running and the joy and camaraderie found in being a participating and contributing member of our team
Commitment – Every runner will work hard daily to fully develop their racing potential. This can only be accomplished through hard work on a daily basis over a period of months and years.
Chemical Use – No runner will use or possess any illegal substance during their high school career, including summers. If an athlete violates this rule MSHSL penalties will be enforced.
Attendance – Each runner is expected to attend all required in-season practices or to have received prior approval for their absence from Coach Gerber. Examples include are illness, injury, death in the family, etc. College visits and doctor appointments should be scheduled so as to avoid missing practices and competitions.
Students must attend school if they are to participate in practice and competitions. We are students first, athletes second.
Two unexcused absences between competitions will result in the athlete losing the right to compete in the next competition.
Three absences will result in the loss of Varsity letter eligibility.
Five absences may result in an athlete may be asked to leave the team.
CC Etiquette – Runners will always show respect for their teammates, opponents, managers, officials, fans, parents, coaches and themselves. This starts everyday in the locker before practices and competitions. ACT WITH PRIDE & CLASS.
If a coach, captain, or team member observes a rule violation, immediate action must be taken. It is the choice of the runner to break the rule.
Simley Cross Country Q & A’s
What do I need to do before the first day of practice?
Students must register for Cross Country BEFORE the 1st practice. If a student is not registered they cannot practice with us. All Activity Registration is now done through the parent or guardian's Infinite Campus Account. Log into Infinite Campus and go to the School Store and click on Cross Country. Students may also need a physical (You need one every three years to compete in High School athletics) Questions regarding registration can be directed to either Coach Gerber or Missy Berglund - berglundm@isd199.org
What do I need to bring to practice everyday?
Running shoes, shorts, t-shirt, watch, and some liquid to stay hydrated with. You must be registered in order to practice.
How long will practices last?
Usually we will be done with all meetings, stretching, strength work, and running within two hours of the start of practice.
Practice begins at 3:45 p.m. by the Simley H.S. Stadium Concession Stand during the school year. We will meet here for practice everyday while on campus. Certain Varsity practices will be at 8:00 a.m. during the first few weeks of the season before the start of the school year. In case of inclement weather we will most likely meet in Coach Gerber's classroom or in a different part of the school.
We do practice on Saturdays when we do not have meets, and most of those are at Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan, though some will be at Simley and other locations.
What if I am out of town when practice begins?
You should contact Coach Gerber at gerberd@isd199.org and discuss any conflicts that would result in your missing practice
How far will I be expected to run at the first practice?
If you are entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, there are no expectations. Whatever you can run will be fine. If you are a returning 10th, 11th, or 12th grader, you are expected to run at least three miles or more without stopping.
Will athletes be “cut” from the team?
We have no limits to participation due to squad size. If athletes attend practices and competitions regularly and abide by team policies, they “make” our team. If an athlete does not follow team policies and has more than 5 absences, they may be asked to leave the team.
How are Varsity, Junior Varsity, Middle School teams determined?
Our teams are determined by an athlete’s performance and fitness levels. Most Varsity races allow for a team to run their top seven fastest runners. For us our top seven may change as the season goes on so a runner may run Junior Varsity at the beginning of the season but as they become more fit and learn to race, they may move up to our Varsity. Most Junior Varsity and Middle School races have unlimited entries.
What should I do during the summer before the season begins?
Follow the training plan provided in this packet in order to get in shape for the beginning of the season.
What if I have other questions? Email Coach Gerber at gerberd@isd199.org with any questions you have.