Our team is organized and operated in a way that will make it possible for every athlete to be successful. In order to achieve personal and team success, each student needs to buy into the philosophy of our team.
Personal Improvement and Goal Setting:
This is the cornerstone of our philosophy. Our team is not geared specifically for the best athletes in the school; our arm is to help any student who wants to compete in track and field to make improvements in their own performance and character. Each team member is asked to set specific goals of personal performance, disregarding their standing within the team or their finish at a meet event. The most important thing is not how you did compared to everyone else, but how you did today, compared to how you did yesterday.
Commitment and Dedication:
Commitment and dedication are character traits that are highly valued. They are necessary within our team. For an individual to be successful and for our team to have a positive atmosphere, all team members must be committed and dedicated to each other. Regular practice attendance is a must. Encouragement of teammates will be common. Personal sacrifices will need to be made.
The Team Concept:
Despite being considered an individualized sport, we view XC as a team sport. Some athletes earn a spot on a team because their athletic ability and commitment, while others earn a spot based more on their commitment and hard work. One of our goals is to �win� every meet we participate in; we can only do this if every team member contributes to the goal.
No-Cut for Ability, But� XC at Minisink Valley is a no-cut sport, which means that no one will be dropped from the roster due to ability level; however, Athletes who do not participate in workouts, or are disrespectful to the coaches/team will be dropped from the team. This is a competitive team, and athletes will be expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment. DO come out for XC if you want to increase your skills, extend your limits, and learn to compete in a sportsmanlike manner. This is not a jogging club or exercise group: DO NOT come out for XC solely to socialize with friends, to add a college application activity, or for general fitness.
Attendance
XC requires daily training to be undertaken safely and successfully. We will take roll every day. Please review the following attendance requirements carefully. If you do not feel you can fulfill them, do not sign up for XC. Making more commitments than you can fulfill is irresponsible.
3 Sick/Personal Day Allowance
You may miss a maximum of 3 required practices. (All weekly meets are mandatory, as well as invitationals. You may not use personal days to miss meets.)(Examples of sick/personal days: illness, doctor�s appointment, funeral, wedding, confirmation, no physical exam on record, make-up exam, SAT/ACT test, SAT/ACT review, counseling appointment, tutoring, driver�s test, family, vacation, college visit, student council, lack of transportation, car trouble, community service, study group, birthday party, too much homework, need to care of baby sitter, NASA space mission etc.)
Tardiness: Limit 3
XC practices begin with a team warm-up, stretch (led by Captains) & meeting (with Coaches). Being late wastes team training time and increases your risk of injury. Arrive on time. Warm-up starts @ 3:10 PM.
The Track and Field Athlete�s Creed
I. This is a team
A. I will only speak positively about a teammate or coach.
B. I will not question my coaches to anybody other than my coaches.
C. I will encourage all of my competitors, never trash talking them.
D. I will cheer on and support my teammates during the meets. I won�t leave the meets early even if I am done competing for the day.
II. I am participating in XC by choice
A. During the season, XC is my top time priority from 3:00-5:00 each day. I will not skip practices for any reasons not pre-approved by the coaches at least one day in advance.
B. If I must miss a practice, it is MY responsibility to let the coaches know no later than lunch that day. This is not the duty of a friend or teammate. I understand that this does not guarantee that the absence will be excused. There will be NO excused absences if it is not cleared with a coach first.
C. If I am absent from school, I understand that I cannot participate in practices or meets unless cleared through the school administration in advance.
D. If I miss more than one practice in a week, I understand that I will not participate in the next competition. More than 3 absences, or 1 missed mandatory meet, will forfeit my right to be part of the team.
E. If my grades or school work keeps me from a practice or meet, I will bring a signed note from my guardian or teacher explaining the situation. I am a student-athlete, with the student coming first.
III. My COACHES make the final decisions
A. I understand that while I may dislike a particular event, or I may want to specialize in an event, my Coaches make the decisions as to where I�ll compete. I will compete in all events for which I have been entered. My coaches will determine who runs the each event based on speed, work ethic, attitude, and reliability.
IV. I am representing Minisink HS, my coaches and my team
A. I will respect all members of my team, as well as the members and coaches of the competition.
B. I will be in uniform at every meet. Without the proper uniform and warm-ups, I will not compete and be considered absent from the meet.
C. I will travel to and from all practices and meets with the team. I understand that my ONLY 2 options are to return with the team or MY PARENTS (only in certain circumstances will this be allowed � must be Pre-Approved by Coach Blanarovich). If I return with my parents, they MUST sign me out, and I will only be allowed to leave AFTER the ENTIRE meet is over. I will make sure that the coaches know I am leaving. I CANNOT go home with anybody else�s parents, siblings, or friends, under any circumstance.
V. I understand that any violation of team rules, or any conduct that does not represent the ideals of my school and this team, will result in a suspension or dismissal from this team.
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