Expectations

• Please be on time for practice and meets. The flow of practice needs to be punctual. Please be there a few minutes before the start of practice, dressed and ready to run.

• You will be released from class or arrive at school for a meet 15 minutes before bus departure. We need this time to prepare gear, get dressed, use the restroom, and fill our water bottles. The bus departure time isn't flexible. If an athlete is late, they must find an alternative ride to the meet. If an athlete misses the bus and finds an alternative ride, it will be up to the coaches to decide if that athlete can still run in the meet. 

• If an athlete misses more than three practices for unexcused reasons, they will potentially not be entered into the next meet. We will review everyone's situation individually. It is in the runner's best interest to come to practice as much as possible. Our team will build strong team bonds, condition our bodies, and build confidence for our next race. Examples of unexcused practice are as follows. 

-Not telling one of your coaches ahead of time about an appointment or family obligation.

-Choosing to miss practice to hang out with friends.

-You are injured and decide not to attend practice.  All athletes that have an injury should work with Lorryn during practice to rehabilitate.  The exception to this is if your Dr. doesn't want you to attend and you have separate rehab through your private doctor.

-If an athlete is sick please have the parent or athlete notify one of the coaches.  If you do not notify a coach and you do not attend practice it will be marked unexcused. If it was marked unexcused then a parent needs to notify a coach that you were sick. 

-Unexcused absence from school means you can't practice and that will be marked as unexcused. 

• Please be dressed in the appropriate running attire.  Athletes must keep their shirts on.  An athlete may not be able to practice or compete if they are not wearing the proper attire. 

Examples of appropriate running attire

-T-shirts

-Tank tops

-Crop tops so long as they are not really short

-Sweatshirts

-Shorts

-Leggings

-Spandex shorts 

-Running shoes (no flip flops, regular shoes, or crocs)

• Female runners need to have a pair of logo free black spandex shorts for races.  a logo less than two inches is allowed.  Logos across the top elastic band are allowed. 

Examples below -

• If grades become a problem, athletes must contact coaches to develop a plan to improve grades. We will give an athlete time during practice to work on school work if needed. Our goal is never to sit an athlete due to poor grades.  

-Please do not wait till grades are a problem. Tell coaches right away so we can help you connect with the appropriate people to work on that subject or issue. 

-Please do not fall behind with work due to meets.  The schedule is available in the beginning of the season.  Think ahead and get work ahead of time.  Prioritize homework on the weekends to stay ahead. 

• As a member of the XC team, you represent our team during and after practice. How you conduct yourself within the community directly reflects on our team. Athletes must follow the student code of conduct. Many practice locations are within our community. Our presence must be a positive one. 

You may be removed from the team if you participate in any of these activities. 

-No drinking, smoking, vaping, or drugs. 

-No vandalism, littering, or trespassing.  It's very important to ask permission to run in someone's yard or property. 

-Harassment, bullying, or constant negative talk about a person, team, or staff member.

• XC is a caring environment that is fun and fulfilling. We treat each other with respect.  Negativity towards XC teammates or other sports programs will not be allowed.  The XC team will be encouraged to attend other Cardinal sporting events to support their classmates. 

-As a team we will attend one football game and one volleyball game.  We dress in XC attire and sit as a team.  We do this to encourage a positive dynamic among all athletes in our school.

• Uniforms must be washed and returned at the end of the season.  It's preferred they are put in a bag and include a paper with the athletes name on it.  If uniforms are lost it's possible the athlete will have to pay to replace it. 

• Lettering will be decided based on attendance, meets, and behavior. 

-Athletes need to compete in three varsity meets to be eligible for a letter. 

- If an athlete has more than three unexcused practices you may not get a letter.

-If an athlete does not follow the student code of conduct they may not get a letter. 

-Be kind to your teammates! No swearing, hitting, or harassing their teammates or others. 

• Our most important goal is to make a positive impact as an athlete, and to HAVE FUN!