How to Keep Your Coaches Happy...


Before Practice:
  • Check this site BEFORE emailing, calling, texting or asking the coach (use texts ONLY as last resorts- AKA never)
  • Be resourceful- use this site or ask fellow runners BEFORE asking the coach to repeat information such as practice times and locations more than once
  •  Eat well before practices- this includes eating something during the day, but not eating pizza right before a workout.
At Practice/Meets:
  • Always use the crosswalk.
  • Remain on solid ground (i.e. Go AROUND fences and avoid climbing trees)
  • Keep phones away.
  • Be on time to bus departures, meets and practices.
  • Always come to practices or meets in full running attire - including running shoes.
  • Bring water and watches.
  • Pay attention to trails and directions so you do not get lost .
  • Talk to your coach before or wait until after practice for personal stuff. Interruptions are a very BAD idea.
  • The coach is not your doctor- you decide if you are too injured to participate.
  • The coach is also not your personal time keeper- if you have to leave early- given that you have told the coach in advance- it is your job to know when to leave.
  • When you can, run with someone else. If someone is 5 feet in front of you, catch up and start a conversation. It makes the run so much easier.

Absences:
  • Attend all practices except for emergencies. Birthdays/procrastinated assignments are NOT considered excuses, so don't try to use it as one- it won't work.
  •  Allow 24 hours or more notice via email or in person for any and all absences from practices
  • Allow at least 72 hour notice via email or in person for absences from meets
  • If you have to miss a practice - run on your own. Get the day's workout from the coach and do it. Missing a day means catching up later.


Always:
  • Use language appropriate for children's ears (AKA: refrain from swearing)
  • Communicate with your coach for all injuries, absences or concerns
  • Be clean. We use the school, the track, parks and people let us into their homes and yards for pasta feeds- do not leave messes for others to clean up.
  • Do not get caught driving someone unless your year is up.
  • Carpool. Not only is it green, but it makes sense. Many of us live near fellow teammates. Create a carpool schedule - it's easier on the parents, too.
  • Be positive - negativity affects both how you perform and how those around ( AKA your team) perform around you
  • Try your best
  • Work hard in workouts just as you would in a race
  • Be supportive of the team. Cheer on fellow teammates and runners during practices and meets.
  • Be nice to fellow runners - it is always appreciated when you congratulate someone you battled all race.
  • Be kind - we are a team and are representing the school