Handbook

Rochester Area Christian Educators Track & Field Handbook

This handbook was compiled to help RACE Track & Field athletes and their parents fully understand our philosophies, rules, requirements, and policies. It is important that you know what is expected of each track and field athlete for the RACE Track and Field Team.

Our Expectations

• The priorities in order of importance are: God, family, academics and then Track & Field.

• Track and Field is a team sport. The team cannot perform its best unless everyone is present. You are expected to arrange your schedule so that you are able to attend all practices and meets unless excused by your coach. We are willing to work with you to accommodate other activities, but this must be arranged with the coaches in advance.

• Follow all training rules.

• Demonstrate loyalty to your teammates and coaches.

• Exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship and character at all times. Treat every teammate, opposing team member, official, coach, fan, parent, administrator, etc. with respect.

• Participate in all practices and meets as determined by the coaches.

• Represent your family and our community in a way that is honoring and appropriate at all times.

Our Philosophy of Coaching

We believe that:

• Success in track and field is a lot more than just winning events and meets – our goal is to help each one of you perform to the best of your ability and to improve your individual performances, both over the course of the season and throughout your academic career.

• Training is designed to enhance your long-term success in your events. Everything we do at practice is intentional & for a purpose.

• Track and field should be fun—we’ll have fun participating in area meets and we’ll make practices fun through a variety of challenging and competitive workouts and drills.

• Our intention is that you will know exactly what we expect of you in the way of rules, practice policies, meet behavior, etc. Just as importantly, we’ll listen to you—to your individual needs both on and off the track.

• Everyone will have the opportunity to compete. Events are chosen by the coaches for the best interests of the team and individual. No one will be cut from the team based upon performance.

• An athlete cannot be successful unless he sets goals for himself and makes a commitment to achieve them.

• Track and field is a team sport and we expect you to put the interests of the team before your own interests. This may mean competing in an event that isn't your preference, running an extra event, or helping out in certain situations; we expect you to encourage your teammates during practice and cheer them on during meets.

• Warming up as a team is an important part of practice. All practices will begin with a team warm-up in which all athletes are expected to participate every practice.

• Maintaining our facilities and equipment is important to the success of the team. As coaches, we will do our part in keeping up our facilities and equipment, we expect you to do the same.

• Regardless of your events, we want you to be in shape. Everyone will participate in basic conditioning and strength training.

• Being part of the RACE Track and Field team includes promoting and publicizing the program. We want you to be proud to be a part of this team.

When you become part of a team, you need to put team interest ahead of individual goals and desires. You must accept the leadership of your coaches in times of success and more importantly in times of difficulty. Complaining and criticism is unproductive and breaks down team morale. If problems or questions arise during the course of the season, you should feel free to talk with any of the coaches after practice or via phone or e-mail. We are interested in your thoughts and perceptions and will try to explain the reasons for our decisions.

Eligibility

In order for you to be able to participate on the first day of practice, complete all the required forms during the registration period. The activity fee will be collected as determined by the Athletic Director. All decisions regarding placement of athletes on varsity or junior high teams will be initiated by coaches/administration within the athletic program and determined as such. With years of experience, the coaches/administration are the best qualified to determine an athlete's physical, emotional and competitive abilities related to this athletic activity. The coaches/administration will consider these factors along with MSHSL policies/rules and ultimately make this decision.

Practice Policies

Practice affects team unity, morale and success. You are expected to be at all practices unless prior arrangements have been made with your area coach.

1. Practice will be held 3 or 4 days per week. Whenever possible, practice will be held outdoors. The locations and times of indoor practices will be at the discretion of the coaching staff. It is your responsibility to dress appropriately for the weather. Coming to practice not dressed appropriately for the weather may result in coaches asking you to forgo the practice and obtain an unexcused absence.

2. Be on time for practice! You must be at the designated field site ready for team warm-ups. Team Captains will conduct warm-ups regardless of who is in attendance at the prescribed time.

3. If you have to miss practice, you must let coaching staff know in advance either in person, by phone or e-mail. E-mail is preferred. Examples of acceptable reasons to miss a practice or meet (not limited to this list and subject to change at coach’s discretion): Family emergencies, death in the family, doctor appointments for injuries, illness, other educational activities pre-approved by your coach. Failure to notify your coach of your absence within 24 hours of the missed practice will result in an unexcused absence. If you miss or are late to a practice or meet due to an emergency, it must be excused by a parent’s note or some form of communication by the next practice.

4. If an athlete doesn't complete the warm-up, dynamic warm-up, or workout the practice immediately preceding a meet, they will not participate in the meet the next day. Exceptions to this may be made at coaches' discretion.

Individual Goals

Setting goals helps to enhance your focus and commitment. Athletes are encouraged to set goals for the upcoming season with input from a coach. Goals are meant to be achieved, so set goals that are realistic and obtainable. When you reach a goal, set a new one. Remember, you are training so that your top performances will occur near the end of the season. Do not get discouraged with minor setbacks or periods of staleness. These are expected and can be overcome with a positive attitude. Your individual goals may need to be altered due to injury, changes in relay line-ups, or weather conditions. Use personal records, season’s bests, and team records as benchmarks.

Personal Records

The letters P.R. to an athlete stand for PERSONAL RECORD. A personal record is your best individual performance ever during meet competition. PR's can serve as goals for an athlete. Another interesting thing about PR's is that they are everlasting. Former track athletes remember their very best performance. They could probably also tell you when they did it, where they did it, the weather conditions, and who they competed against. If you don't believe this, ask a former track athlete. By knowing your PR and comparing it to others in your event, you can better prepare for the competitions. When you set a new PR you are a winner no matter what place you finished because you've improved and you are ready to go back to work on another PR.

Equipment/Uniform Policy

Equipment for Track and Field is expensive and must last many years. This includes the track, pits, poles, bars, blocks, weights, hurdles, throwing implements, and uniforms. YOU WILL BE HELD FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL EQUIPMENT ISSUED TO YOU. A student will not be able to participate in team events without proper and specified team attire. All RACE purchased gear needs to be kept in good condition. Care for and wear your uniform with pride.

• Do not wear uniforms to practice unless otherwise advised.

• Always keep accountable of your own equipment and gear. There will not be any lockers to secure valuables.

• Do not leave your uniforms unattended on the field.

• You will be held responsible for cleaning your uniform prior to any meets.

Injury Procedure

There is a difference between being sore and being injured. It is important to know the difference. Due to the intense nature of training, most of you will experience general soreness at some time during the season. However, if pain is localized, gets worse with exercise, or lasts more than a couple of days you should:

1. Report the injury to a coach. This allows the coach to take the appropriate action to help minimize the impact of the injury.

2. It is the athlete’s responsibility to follow the recommended treatment (ice, Ibuprofen, etc.) before and/or after practice to prevent aggravating the injury.

3. If an injury requires a doctor’s attention, the athlete must provide a physician’s release before returning to practice.

In Addition

1. There are 3 No Do’s: No Disrespect. No Dishonor. No Disobedience. These are non-negotiable because they are meant to set a standard of Godly character. No matter where we go, we represent Him and that is the standard we will set.

2. Be physically and mentally prepared for each practice and meet. Pack your gear the night before so that you make sure you have everything you need. Check everything twice the night before a meet. (See Pre-meet Checklist )

3. Listen when the coaching staff is talking.

4. No foul language at any time.

5. No harassment or hazing of any sort.

6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet during the season including breakfast and lunch daily before practice or meets.

7. Avoid performance enhancing drugs or supplements.

8. Get enough sleep for proper recovery.

9. Always respect your teammates, coaches, officials and competitors.

Traveling

1. Athletes are expected to provide their own source of travel to all team meets. You should plan to arrive forty-five minutes to one hour prior to the start of the meet and remain until the end of the meet. Athletes competing at the end of meets deserve just as much support as those who compete at the beginning.

2. Track and Field is a team sport and athletes participating in the meet are expected to arrive on time and remain at the meet until its conclusion. If you need to arrive late or leave early, you must communicate this to your main coach(es).

3. Athletes that are age appropriate can drive themselves to a meet, but must adhere to the leave policy as stated in rule 2.

Pre-meet Checklist

Be prepared for all types of weather. Weather conditions can vary greatly from meet to meet and even within the meet itself. It's better to bring too many clothes than not enough. Some items to bring include:

• Running shoes

  • Spikes (optional but recommended)

  • Throwing or jumping shoes (optional)

• Meet uniform

• Meet sweats

• Extra pairs of socks

• Gloves

• Hat

• Extra shirt/sweat shirt

• White compression shirt to wear under your uniform (optional) Compression shirts that are worn under your uniform must be plain white with no more than one visible logo.

• Black compression shorts/leggings (optional). Compression shorts that are worn under your uniform must be plain black with no more than one visible logo.

• Water, food and/or money. Track meets are LONG! You may want to bring something to eat during the meet. Most schools have a concession stand open during the meets (non-pandemic seasons).

• Towel

• Blanket

At Meets

• Carry the tent and equipment and set up camp in the designated area.

• Remain in the camp area until dismissed by the coaches.

• Stay at the meet site at all times.

• We will have a med kit, equipment, and coaches/managers on sight during meets.

• Prepare to compete by being ALL business. No horseplay, footballs, baseballs, Frisbees, etc. will be allowed.

• Know what events you are in and what order they appear in the meet. Ask your coaches for times and locations for your events.

• Relax as much as possible and prepare mentally prior to your events.

• Consider how you are going to handle the weather, track conditions, competitors, etc.

• Individually warm up properly at least 30 minutes before each event. Know your event time, heat, lane, etc.

• Get dressed and cool down properly after each event.

• After you are done competing and cooled down, help out your teammates by cheering them on.

• Keep track of your sweats and all equipment. Put these items in your bag when not being used. If you use a baton, return it to the designated coach at the finish line. All equipment should be brought back to the camp when the meet is finished.

• Know the rules of the meet and your specific events.

• Know your PR, and what you have to do to break it.

• When not competing or warming up, stay off your feet; keep warm on cold days and cool on hot days.

• Discipline yourself so that others will not have to!

• There are different numbers of entrants allowed for each meet. We will try our best to let you know what you will be competing in for each meet. Performances in practice and at previous meets will determine entrants in events.

• Coaches will decide who competes in which events.

• All high school students will be assigned at least one event to compete in at a varsity meet. However, this is a competitive team and athletes with the best performances in particular events will be placed in those events. If applicable, junior high students may be asked to compete at the varsity level.

• You may participate in up to four events in any one meet (three running events maximum).

• Athletes may have assigned duties before, during and after meets. At the end of the meet, assemble with your teammates at the camp for announcements by the coaches.

• NEITHER THE COACHING STAFF, VOLUNTEERS nor HOST SCHOOL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY STOLEN PERSONAL BELONGINGS OR VALUABLES.

Order of Events

Field events will generally start at the same time as the running events or before and run continuously throughout the meet.

Although the order and events in some invitational meets will vary, in most meets the order of events will be:

• 4 X 800 METER RELAY

• 110 M HIGH HURDLES

• 100 METER DASH

• 4 X 200 METER RELAY

• 1600 METER RUN

• 4 X 100 METER RELAY

• 400 METER RUN

• 300 METER INTERMEDIATE HURDLES

• 800 METER RUN

• 200 METER DASH

• 3200 METER RUN

• 4 X 400 METER RELAY

Captains

If possible, captains will be selected in each of the three event areas: distance, sprints, and field events. Selection of captains is based upon the nominated individuals’ behavior, work ethic and leadership potential. Being a team captain is an honor and carries with it a special privilege to lead and represent RACE Track and Field. In order to be eligible to be a captain, the athlete must model appropriate student/athlete behavior and maintain a good academic standing. Responsibilities of the captains include:

1. Attend and be on time for all practices and meets and encourage team members to do the same.

2. Promote good sportsmanship.

3. Promote personal and team goals for the season.

4. Assist the coaching staff.

• start practice

• support and encourage ALL team members.

• demonstrate proper meet preparation before and after competition.

• help team members identify personal and team goals.

• communicate with all team members and be a role model for all to follow.

• be a liaison between the athletes and the coaches and inform coaches of possible team conflicts.

Awards

The very nature of track and field allows for awards for all athletes in the knowledge of the times or distances he has achieved. In addition, the following awards are offered to individuals as motivation for superior performance:

• Rookie of the Year is awarded to a first year athlete.

• Most Improved Athlete is awarded to the athlete in each area showing the most improvement from one season to the next.

• RACE Jaguar Award (Exemplary athlete) is given to the athlete who has contributed greatly to the Track & Field program, who embodies the characteristics of a positive attitude, dedication, enthusiasm, work ethic, sportsmanship and team spirit as exemplified in the person of Christ.

Athletes must be in good standing throughout the season in order to be eligible for awards or to be selected or remain as a captain.

Varsity Lettering Criteria

To be eligible to earn a Varsity Letter in Track and Field, you must participate in the Varsity team program for the entire season and:

• Be a good citizen and abide by the Minnesota State High School League, district and team rules.

• Complete the season with 2 or fewer unexcused absences (defined in Handbook).

• Participate in all scheduled meets and team events unless excused by the coaches.

• Participate in team service throughout the season (i.e., practice and meet preparation, storing/hauling equipment, clean up, tent set-up, fund raiser if offered, promotion of the sport).

• Have a recommendation from the coaching staff.

Once the above criteria have been met, you can qualify by earning 20 points in any of the following manner:

• Individual Event at a Varsity Meet: 1 point for every team point scored (Example: You finished 1st place in the Open 400 which earns 10 points for the team. You earned 10 points for yourself.)

• Relay Event at a Varsity Meet: 1 point for every team point scored (Example: Your relay team placed 2nd in the 4x200 which earns 8 points for the team. Each relay team member earns 8 points each.)

• Achieving your homeschool’s standards for academics: 5 points

• Miss a maximum of 5 practices but participate in every meet OR miss a maximum of 4 practices and not participate in 1 meet: 5 points

• Meeting or exceeding the current season's MSHSL State Track Meet Qualifying Standards for Division 1A: 20 points

Seniors who have been team members at least since their junior year, have met the eligibility criteria, and have 90% attendance in practices/meets for their senior year will earn a letter even if they have not earned the required 20 points with the qualifying criteria listed above.

Parents

As Coaches we invite all of the RACE Track and Field parents to be involved in the progression of their athletes. We believe that positive parental support is an important factor in the success of student-athletes. Some of the things you can do as a parent are:

• Support your son or daughter’s decision to participate in Track & Field.

• Encourage a healthy diet and sufficient sleep.

• Attend meets and cheer on the team.

• Refrain from criticizing your son’s/daughter’s performance or that of other members of the team.

• Provide treats for the team during or after meets.

• Volunteer to assist with camp set-up at meets, photography, end of season banquet, etc.

• Make sure your athlete arrives on time for practice/meets and is picked up promptly after the practice/meet.

Parents are welcome to ask questions or to express their concerns in person, via phone or e-mail. All we ask is that it is done in a respectful manner and at a time and place that will not be disruptive to the athletes or the team. If you anticipate the conversation lasting longer than a few minutes, it is best to schedule a time in advance.