Athletes:
*For races, athletes will wear matching team jerseys, following all OHSAA team uniform guidelines. Watches are not to be worn during races for CGXC athletes! They may also wear spikes but must be aware of each race’s spike length specifications as they may differ from course to course (1/4 in for courses with a track portion, up to 1in for those w/o a track portion).
*Student athletes will go through a course walk-through, warm-up jog and stretches with the team prior to starting each race. At the start line, an official will check uniforms and discuss the starting commands, usually involving a few short whistles for “on your mark”, raising arms/flag or a long whistle for “get set” and a gunshot for “go”. After completing a race, athletes will go through a cool down jog and stretches with the team before tearing down camp and heading home. A timeline for all of the above will be posted at camp and athlete’s are responsible for being at camp and at the starting line at the specified times.
*Athletes will sign up for team camp set up and tear down slots for at least one race per season. The team will practice setting up and tearing down camp during summer practices to prepare for race day!
*It is expected that all athletes commit to running in scheduled meets. Especially for our JV runners, we have a limited number of opportunities to race so it becomes critical for runners to do whatever it takes to be there. If a runner is aware in advance that she will not be competing in a meet, coaches should be informed ASAP so she can be removed from that meet’s roster! Registration usually closes the Wednesday prior to a Saturday meet.
*Remember, athletes must attend 10 practices prior to competing in their first meet!
Spectators:
*We recommend all spectators to arrive at the race site about 45min prior to your athlete’s race start time to give you plenty of time to park, walk to the course, find team camp and make your way to the starting line.
*While it is not a rule at all meets, some will prohibit attendees from bringing pets. Please do not bring your dog(s) to XC meets even if they are leashed. A runner was bitten by a spectator’s pet dog at a race in the past and we want to avoid a similar event with our athletes.
Transportation:
*The school district is responsible for providing transportation to and from all away competitions. All busses will depart from and return to CHS. Athlete drop off times and approximate pick up times will be posted on the Meet Schedule and on our ParentSquare calendar. We will also send an updated pick up time once we reload the bus to travel back home. Please ensure your athlete arrives on time! We will try to arrive to the race site 1hr and 30min prior to our team’s first race. (EX: The first Girl’s HS race is at 9AM and is 30min away from CHS – the bus will leave at 7:00AM and arrive to race site at 7:30AM).
As noted above, transportation TO and FROM meets must be provided by school transportation. If you wish to transport your student-athlete, an Alternate Transportation Form can be filled out and signed by the following parties: 1. Parent, 2. Athlete, & 3. Athletic Director BEFORE it is turned in to the coaching staff. This form should be submitted to the Athletic Director a minimum of two days before the event. We know life is hectic at times and surprises can come up. If for some reason you need to transport your child and have not completed the above steps, PLEASE do not leave with your athlete without informing coaches that you must do so. It would be preferred in these situations if the parent/guardian could write and sign a note explaining the need to transport his/her child and give to coaching staff prior to leaving the race site.
General Race Day Layout
Bus Departure from CHS and arrival to race sight (1hr 30min prior to first race)
Make team camp and go to the bathroom!
Course Map handout and partial walk through (1hr 15min prior to first race)
Bib and/or chip handout
45 MIN PRIOR TO YOUR RACE TIME Team Warm Up – Mindfulness, 10min jog, Dynamics
Change into racing shoes & ensure uniform/chip/bib are appropriate
15min prior to race – Team reports to starting box
Team Check in w/ Officials & Receive Race Commands
Team run outs, huddle/cheer & optional team prayer
Report to starting line
RACE!
Report back to camp & turn in chip!
Get water/drink
Team Cool down – 10min jog & static stretches **The runners in the next race may need to start warming up during the CD for those that competed in the first race – follow the same schedule as above**
Post-race Snack
Report to camp no later than 15min prior to posted departure time
Clean/Pack up
Report to Awards as a team (if applicable)
Report to either your bus or your buses coach to report leaving with parent/guardian
Bus Departure from race sight and drop off at CHS
Race Day Packing:
1. What are some things you should be sure to pack in your race day bag??
Spikes/Racing Shoes (if you use a different pair than your practice shoes)
Spikes for your spikes (no longer than 1in for courses without a track portion, no longer than 1/4in for courses with a track portion)
Extra socks (you don’t want to stay in dirty wet socks)
Deodorant (those on the bus will thank you)
Extra shirt (to replace your sweaty uniform top)
Water Bottle/Sports drink
Pre-race and Post-race Snack
Headphones & music device/phone (it can be a long ride)
Homework (again… it can be a long ride)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Jacket/sweatpants (depending on the weather)
Ladies – Emergency bag
2. Things you should already have on:
Uniform minus spikes (top, bottoms, socks, running shoes)
Jacket/sweatpants (depending on the weather)
Watch (for warm up and cool down)