2008 Canyon HS Cross Country Course Orientation

Philosophy: Cross Country & is one of the oldest competitive sports known to man.  Famed UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden  defines success as “peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Winning is fun, but training and racing hard and trying your best, and performing to your potential is what this program is all about. We believe the purpose of high-school sports is to develop discipline and courage—a reservoir of strength to draw on throughout life. Just as important, sports help kids build friendships that endure beyond a season.

Attendance & Grading System:  We feel every athlete on this team should get an “A.”  Athletics require much more time and work than a “PE” class.  Like any class, a student must clear his/her absence through the office, in addition to notifying his coach. If an athlete misses practices or meets without first calling or informing his/her coach, and having a legitimate excuse, the athlete is subject to suspension from the team and a lowered grade. We feel if an athlete misses a practice (this includes not dressing) , or a team meeting, he/she forfeits his “privilege” to compete. Athletes who do not dress, must have a doctor’s note.  If a student is healthy enough to come to school, he/she is healthy enough to dress for practice.  Family “vacations” are not valid “excused” absences.  Remember, students who receive 15 absences in one class receive an “F” for that class.  This includes excused absences.

Parent’s role:  Support your student athlete no matter what.  Don’t be critical.  Be positive and patient.  Listen to him/her.  Running Cross Country has to be their idea.  They have to want to do it.  Enjoy the meets.  Don’t embarrass your athlete with rude behavior towards officials, opponents or other fans.  Let’s show other teams that we have a “class” program as Athletes, Coaches, Parents, and Fans.

Boosters Club:  We have a “Booster Club” made up of and run by the parents.  If you have any questions or want more information, call Coach De Long or see a booster club officer.

Parent/Athlete Responsibilities

• Carefully look over the schedule you will receive, and be aware of forthcoming events, so your athlete can be involved with the team as much as possible.
• Get your athlete to practice and to the bus on time.  When they miss practice or a meet, it affects the whole team.  The bus will leave on time.  Usually practices last 2 to 3 hours.
• Cross Country is an extracurricular activity.  This means it requires time after school and some Saturdays.  Please try to make appointmentsso as not to interfere with scheduled practices or meets whenever possible. 
• We may need transportation to some events.  Usually we will have a bus.  The district allows only a parent to take their student  home from a meet when a bus is provided.  At no time will athletes be allowed to ride home with a friend or the parents of a friend.  Preferably, all athletes will always ride the bus.
• Parents: try to attend as many meets as possible.  We need as much noise and enthusiasm as we can get!
• Each athlete must have a physical (good for 12 months) signed by a licensed physician.
• Each athlete must have medical insurance.  If you don’t have your own coverage, a Myers-Stevens policy may be purchased through the school for a very reasonable price. See the Athletic Director, Marlene Holomon, if you have any questions.
• Each athlete must be a member of theASB at Canyon HS.
• Be aware that each athlete must be passing at least 4 classes and maintain a2.0 Grade Point Average to remain eligible.  CIF rule.
• Cross Country is a physically demanding sport.  Athletes need appropriate eating and sleeping habits.
• The most common Cross Country injuries are: shin splints, sore knees, muscle pulls and strains, skinned elbows and knees, blisters, ankle sprains, and bruises.   We will try to prevent as many injuries as possible.  Many of these injuries can be prevented by good conditioning and proper warm up and warm down.  Perhaps the best investment is a good pair of Cross Country shoes.    In the case of a sprain or muscle pull, the best first aid is ICE! for at least the first 48 hours.  Never put an injured joint in hot water, especially if swelling is present.
• Please don’t use Cross Country as a source of “punishment.”  Many parents use sports as a “privilege to be taken away” as a form of punishment.  Please use something else, such as TV, telephone, stereo, driving privileges etc.   Give them an early curfew.  Don’t punish the team.
• Meet Day attendance:  A doctor’s note is REQUIRED if there are any periods missed on a meet day. NO EXCEPTIONS.  A truancy in any class will result in team suspension.
• Any use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs by any team member will result in suspension from the team.  Parents, be aware that smoking is not permitted at any school athletic contest or activity.

Athlete and Parents, Please email Coach Broneer to indicate you have read and understand the Course Orientation at  paulbroneer@me.com.  This way, we will be able to put your email address in our address book and include you on weekly mailings.  If you have no email address please sign & return.