MATADOR CROSS COUNTRY TEAM RULES
- Runners are expected to be suited up and on the field by 3:15 p.m. Be prepared for practice every day. This includes proper shoes, shorts, watch, sweats and water bottle. If an athlete is unprepared twice, he/she will be dismissed from the team.
- Roll will be taken by me each day. You must check-in with me before practice and out with me before you leave.
- If you report late to practice, submit a note from the teacher who detained you with the time on it you were dismissed. Report suited up 20 minutes after the time indicated on the note. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. The second time you are late without a note, you will be dismissed from the squad.
- The only legitimate excuse from practice is absence from school. When you return bring your admit to prove your absence. AN UNSATISFACTORY RE-ADMIT WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE SQUAD. If you are in school and out of practice twice (2 unexcused absences) you will be dismissed from the squad. If you are detained for detention or a meeting you are NOT excused from practice. You are expected to bring a note from the detention supervisor or teacher and be suited up 20 minutes after the detention or meeting is completed.
- You must be academically eligible for any sport. Eligibility is checked every week, and is based on your record in class from the beginning of the semester. Anyone ineligible for more than one week will be dismissed from the squad. The reason for this is based on the fact that if you are ineligible you cannot compete and we cannot depend on you. If you can’t clear up your work with a teacher in a week you are indicating poor interest in the team and we can’t use you with that attitude. You are expected to work during your ineligible period.
- Anyone using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is not interested in athletics and will be dismissed from the squad.
- You are strongly encouraged to get at least eight hours of sleep a night. Getting to bed before 10 p.m. is ideal. Suggested hours are as follows: Sunday – Thursday, 10 p.m. Friday or Saturday, 12:30 a.m. If you take a 12:30 a.m. one night we expect you in early (10 p.m.) the other night. REST IS ESSENTIAL.
- If you play on an out-of-school athletic team, you must first train with our squad before attending another practice. COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION ARE NECESSARY STEPS TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL RUNNING PROGRAM.
- A positive team attitude and the showing of respect are expected. Athletes who are defiant, negative, and disrespectful will be dismissed from the squad.
- Athletes are expected to follow the training provided by the coach. Failure to follow the training can lead to injury and dismissal from the team.
- Runners are expected to participate in all cross country activities including; team building, team meals, fundraisers, and other team social events.
- Runners must maintain a daily training log. Mileage should be reported on Monday or the first school day of the week. Failure to report mileage will result in suspension from competition. A training log will be provided.
- It is important to demonstrate teamwork and sportsmanship daily. Encourage your teammates!
- Distance running is hard work. Hard work can be fun. Have fun.
