• Dear Athletes and Parents,

     

    Welcome to the Copley High School Cross Country Program!

     

    The coaching staff feels this may be one of the most influential and positive times in your life.  We are looking forward to an enjoyable, fun, and successful season. We have assembled an Athletes Manual with team rules so that you will have a clear understanding of the expectations the coaches have for you as an athlete and a parent.

     

    We have published this set of rules, expectations, and policies that will apply to ALL Copley Girls and Boys Cross Country team members.  It is the responsibility of the coaches to establish, enforce, and apply all team rules to all athletes.  If you have any questions about the team rules feel free to contact a coach to discuss your questions.  Disagreements over team rules and policies should be discussed with the coaches in a one on one discussion.

     

    Complaining about and showing disrespect for team rules and policies during practice, or in group situations will NOT be tolerated.

     

    The pages that follow in this packet contain the Athlete’s Manual and Team Rules.  We ask that both the athlete and his/her parent(s) read over the entire manual together.  It is the responsibility of the athlete and parent(s) to read the rules and guidelines set forth.  This Athletes Manual is a guideline to help achieve our goals for the season.  Remember that your attitude, desire, commitment, and teamwork are going to make a difference this year.  By following the rules and guidelines set forth in this manual and by working hard, this season can be enjoyable and successful for everyone!

     

    Sincerely,

     

    The Copley High School 2019 Girls and Boys Cross Country Coaching Staff

     

     

     

    Athlete's Manual and Team Rules

    GENERAL CONDUCT

     

    Student-athletes at Copley must keep in mind that they are always in the public’s eye.  Their personal conduct, on and off the field, is always subject to scrutiny of fellow teammates, fellow students, teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, fans, opponents, and the media.  Student-athletes have a responsibility to serve as positive role models and representatives of the Copley-Fairlawn School District.  In order to succeed in that role a student athlete should:

    1. Show respect for authority, property, and peers at all times
    2. Maintain academic eligibility throughout the season
    3. Follow ALL team rules
    4. Practice the ideals of sportsmanship, team loyalty, and fair play

    ***THE DISTRICT CODE OF CONDUCT IS ALWAYS IN EFFECT.

     

    While we appreciate and encourage parental help, we ask that parents do not interfere with the coaching and with their child while at practice or at meets.  Athletes are expected to be responsible for their actions.  Please trust the coaching staff with your child and know that we are only here to help.  Life lessons will be taught and learned.  We are here to help build strong athletes both physically and mentally.  As we expect the athletes to be positive and display good sportsmanship, we also expect the parents to act in the same manner.

     

    A WINNING ATTITUDE

    Striving to be your best is an important key to succeeding in all aspects of your life.  Winning is an admirable goal.  However, experience has shown that true victory rarely comes if the ideals mentioned above are not the top priority.  Winning without having the proper perspective is a hollow victory at best.  Strive to develop the winning mindset that will make you successful in ALL aspects in life.

     

    ATTENDANCE

    Attendance is mandatory at ALL practices and meets.  Attendance will be taken on a daily basis at ALL practices and meets.  Times listed for practices are the starting times.  Athletes are expected to be in proper apparel, and ready to go at the stated times.  If there are changes to the practice schedule, the coaching staff will inform all athletes in advance.  Arriving late without a legitimate excuse is NOT tolerated and consequences will be given.  You are responsible for you.

     

    BE ON TIME!

    Athletes must provide a written note from a parent, doctor, or other responsible adult in order to be excused from practices or meets.  Written excuses must include:

    1. The date of the practice or meet you will be missing
    2. Reason you will be absent
    3. Signature of a parent, doctor, or other responsible adult

     

    Athletes should try to notify the coaching staff in advance of any practices or meets they will be missing.  If it is not possible to contact the coaching staff before the absence, the athlete must provide a written excuse upon returning to practice.  If an athlete is absent from school on a day when there is a regularly scheduled practice or meet, that athlete is NOT eligible to practice or participate in a meet on that day (Saturday if they miss Friday practice). The coaching staff understands that situations may arise that prevent athletes from attending practices or meets.  In those events, the coaching staff appreciates as much advance notice as possible so that they make adjustments to team rosters, as needed.  Attendance will be kept for ALL practices and meets.  All absences and late arrivals will be kept on file. “Tardy” is not being dressed and ready to practice at the stated start time.  Unexcused absences and tardies will be dealt with by suspending runners for events and/or meet(s).  Three (3) unexcused absences will result in a suspension.  More than three unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the team, at the coach’s discretion.  Three tardies will count as one unexcused.  This does not mean the athlete is to use the three absences as a “day off”.  If this is found to be the case, the athlete can be dismissed from the team immediately.

     

    EXAMPLES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES ARE:

    1. Death of a family member or close friend
    2. Doctor appointments
    3. School related functions
    4. Religious holidays
    5. Illness

     

    EXAMPLES OF UNEXCUSED ABSENCES ARE:

    1. Work (you can have a job, but you cannot miss practice to go to work. Arrange your work schedule so that it does not interfere with practices and meets. Refer to the practice and meet schedule)
    2. Other school activities without prior consent from the coaching staff
    3. Concert and dinner excursions
    4. Being “tired’

     

    If you are unsure whether an absence will be considered as excused, please check with the coaching staff.  Remember, we as coaches put our time into the program and we expect the same from the athlete.  It is not the intent of the coaching staff to prevent athletes from attending necessary appointments.  However, the coaching staff is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of all the athletes at all times during practices and meets.  Communication is the key in making this possible.  Athletes coming late to or leaving practice early must have a written note from a parent.

     

    Practice is to be taken seriously at ALL times.  The way you practice reflects the way you perform!  The coaching staff will try to integrate fun and enthusiasm into practice.  Athletes must come prepared with appropriate gear and appropriate attitudes in order to get the most out of practice.  Failure to follow the instructions of the coaching staff may result in team suspension or dismissal.

     

    DRESS CODE

    Students are and will be representing the Copley High School Cross Country Team at ALL meets.  Athletes will be expected to maintain and exhibit a well-groomed appearance at all times.  Athletes are expected to show up on the team bus wearing their team issued uniforms and warmups (if applicable).

     

    Practice Apparel:

    Each athlete is required to wear RUNNING SHOES, SHORTS, OR SWEAT PANTS, AND TOPS.  All athletes must wear tops at ALL TIMES!  Athletes are encouraged to get or create shirts that permit air to flow through.  Sports bras must be covered by shirts. 

     

    Competition Apparel:

    Team uniforms (sweats, if applicable) are to be worn at all competitions.  Athletes are expected to wear Copley branded clothing, both in logo and color scheme. Under NO circumstances are team uniforms to be worn at any other time!  DO NOT WEAR UNIFORMS AT SCHOOL.  MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE WASHING INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH UNIFORM. Uniforms are to be washed after EACH MEET! Hang the jerseys to dry.  DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE DRYER.  ANY DAMAGED UNIFORM WILL BE CHARGED TO THE ATHLETE.

    Spikes should be worn during competition.  Longer spikes should be purchased for rough, muddy terrain.

     

    BEHAVIOR

    Disruptive and disrespectful behavior will NOT be tolerated at ANY time! Any athlete that becomes a negative influence/distraction on the team through their behavior, will be dealt with in the following manner:

    1. Verbal warnings will be given to athletes, asking for improvements in their behavior. No explanations necessary.  Discussions about the incident are most appropriately addressed one on one with coaching staff after practice or meet.
    2. Athletes will be given a separate activity until approval by coaching staff.
    3. Conferences will be held with the athlete, coaching staff, parents, and others, as needed, to evaluate the problem, as well as the athlete’s future role with the team. Other forms of communication can also be used to discuss athlete’s progress/behavior.
    4. Athletes can be suspended from the team for an indefinite period of time for inappropriate behavior, or dismissed from the team. Length of suspension will be the coach’s discretion.

    ***Each incident will be handled on an individual basis and will not be subject to discussion.

     

    SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION

    ALL grade levels (9-12) are eligible to compete for a varsity position.  To be eligible for Varsity status, female athletes must run a 23-minute or faster 5k. Male athletes must run a 19-minute or faster, 5k. VARSITY STATUS CAN VARY FROM WEEK TO WEEK.  Varsity status DOES NOT GUARANTEE POINTS/LETTER AWARD.  Verbal feedback will be given by the coaching staff during practice sessions regarding athlete’s performances.  These comments are designed to be constructive and challenging and are only offered as ways to help athletes improve their skills.  The coaching staff will be asking athletes to put forth their best effort.  If at any time you are confused or questioning why you were placed in a particular event, do not hesitate to talk with a member of the coaching staff privately before or after practice or meets.  Parents should NOT come to the coach to question event placement.

    ***IMPORTANT***

    The coaching staff has the final authority over the participation of each athlete.  Factors that coaching staff will consider when adjusting event placement are as follows:

    1. Meeting the time requirement (Varsity)
    2. Attendance and performance at practice and meets
    3. Attitude and sportsmanship at practice and meets
    4. Interaction with the team and coaching staff
    5. Time trials

     

     VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS

    Achievement of one of the following earns a Varsity Letter point:

    1. Top 7 time at the meet – 1 point
    2. Boys time faster than 19:00 – 1 point
    3. Girls time faster than 23:00 – 1 point
    4. 4-year team member that is in good standing and participates for the entire season and has never received a letter previously.

    ONLY 1 POINT PER MEET QUALIFIES TOWARDS THE VARSITY LETTER.

    First year letter award – athlete must earn 4 points

    Second-year letter award – athlete must earn 5 points

    Third and Fourth-year letter award – athlete must earn 6 points

     

    ATHLETES THAT QUIT THE TEAM FOR ANY REASON, OR ARE DISMISSED FROM THE TEAM AS DISCIPLINARY ACTION, OR FAIL TO ACHIEVE THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARD FOR PARTICIPATION, FORFEIT ALL AWARDS.  THE COACHING STAFF RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE THE FINAL DETERMINATION ON ATHLETE LETTERMAN STATUS IN THE INTEREST OF PRESERVING THE INTEGRITY OF THE LETTERMAN AWARD.

     

     

    We have read and agree to the Cross Country Athletic Manual.

     

    Parent’s Name (print):

    __________________________________________________________________

     

    Parent’s Signature: __________________________________________________

    Date: ______________

     

    Athlete’s Name (print):

    __________________________________________________________________

     

    Athletes Signature: __________________________________________________

    Date: ______________