Lexington High School XC/Track & Field Guiding Principles
TEAM PRINCIPLES
INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE PRINCIPLES
STANDARDS
We have the same expectations for everyone on this team. It does not matter what event you do, or your talent level. We expect every student-athlete to give their best effort on a daily basis, and to commit to being a supportive teammate for the entire season. If you are not able to buy into these simple baseline standards, then this team is likely not for you. We as coaches put our hearts and souls into providing the highest level of training and preparation so that each student-athlete is mentally and physically cared for and ready to practice and compete. We will not tolerate student-athletes who are not willing to put forth their best effort to be a legitimate part of this team. We have always valued and committed to being a non-cut sport. However, we reserve the right to cut anyone who does not agree to follow the guidelines below:
EXPECTATIONS
Track & Field is a TEAM SPORT. Our team is guided by the principle of succeeding and failing together. We as coaches will look to put together the best lineups for every meet - particularly for our championship meets. Student-athletes are expected to make themselves available to compete at all meets. This is especially true for championship meets. We understand that family and academics come first, and we will work with student-athletes and parents whenever possible. However, it is essential that everyone is committed to competing throughout the dual meet and championship season. To put it into a different context: imagine being on a baseball team in the state tournament and the ace pitcher, or starting shortstop came up to the coaches the week before the finals and said, “If we make it to the championship game, I can’t play because I’ll be away.” It simply would not happen, without serious extenuating circumstances. With all of that in mind here are our baseline expectations:
- To place commitment, sportsmanship and respect as the cornerstones of our program.
- The team's main focus is to be ready to compete at the MIAA's highest team championship level. Our training will be based on that timing. Our goal will be to get our student-athletes in peak shape, and both mentally and physically ready for this meet.
- To beat as many teams as possible throughout the season while not sacrificing the above principle.
- To continue our winning tradition through accountability, communication, leadership, and to provide the best team atmosphere possible.
- To instill an understanding that by focusing on the team first approach, each individual will perform at a higher level in order to support the team.
- To raise our level of competition to that of team we do not match up with on paper.
INDIVIDUAL ATHLETE PRINCIPLES
- To maximize the student-athlete’s ability to race and compete to the best of their ability throughout the season.
- To ensure that every student-athlete channels nervous energy (if any) into excitement for competition rather than fear of failure.
- To put the overall mental and physical health of each student-athlete first.
- To focus on competition over personal bests.
- To focus on providing full support to all teammates throughout the entire season.
STANDARDS
We have the same expectations for everyone on this team. It does not matter what event you do, or your talent level. We expect every student-athlete to give their best effort on a daily basis, and to commit to being a supportive teammate for the entire season. If you are not able to buy into these simple baseline standards, then this team is likely not for you. We as coaches put our hearts and souls into providing the highest level of training and preparation so that each student-athlete is mentally and physically cared for and ready to practice and compete. We will not tolerate student-athletes who are not willing to put forth their best effort to be a legitimate part of this team. We have always valued and committed to being a non-cut sport. However, we reserve the right to cut anyone who does not agree to follow the guidelines below:
- Athletes must stay at meets for the duration of the meet, unless they have spoken with their event coach before the meet.
- Missing 3 practices with no excuse and without personally notifying your event coach ahead of time will result in you being asked to leave the team.
- Missing 2 meets in which you are entered with no excuse and without personally notifying your event coach ahead of time will result in you being asked to leave the team.
- Athletes who do not compete in an event in which they are scheduled without personally notifying a coach will be subject to suspension from the next meet.
- If an athlete misses one or more team-scored meets over school vacation, they are subject to being held out of competing in the same amount of team-scored meets they missed upon returning.
- Exceptions are made for any freshmen or first-time participants.
- Athletes who miss extended practice time for excused reasons need to speak directly with their event coach and come up with a plan for their time away.
- Athletes who are unable to practice for 3 or more days in the week leading up to a meet will not be eligible to compete in that meet.
- You are expected to have proper attire and shoes for practices and meets for your event(s). If you do not come to the track with these, we will send you home until you are able to get them.
- If anyone needs assistance with getting proper attire, shoes or gear of any kind, we are happy to provide it.
- With regards to injury, after one week with a trainer, if there is no progress, you will be required to see a doctor before practicing again.
EXPECTATIONS
Track & Field is a TEAM SPORT. Our team is guided by the principle of succeeding and failing together. We as coaches will look to put together the best lineups for every meet - particularly for our championship meets. Student-athletes are expected to make themselves available to compete at all meets. This is especially true for championship meets. We understand that family and academics come first, and we will work with student-athletes and parents whenever possible. However, it is essential that everyone is committed to competing throughout the dual meet and championship season. To put it into a different context: imagine being on a baseball team in the state tournament and the ace pitcher, or starting shortstop came up to the coaches the week before the finals and said, “If we make it to the championship game, I can’t play because I’ll be away.” It simply would not happen, without serious extenuating circumstances. With all of that in mind here are our baseline expectations:
- Student-athletes and parents should look at the schedule the first week of practice for the entire season, and plan accordingly so that they can attend all meets in which they will be entered.
- For all varsity, junior varsity, freshmen/sophomore, and rising star competitions the coaches will put together lineups made up of student-athletes who follow the team’s principles and will put the team in the best position to be competitive. This may mean a student-athlete will not compete at a meet for which they qualified.
- Only athletes who qualify for the MIAA Meet of Champions will be eligible to compete at Track & Field Nationals. Exceptions will be made for non-MIAA events, and freshmen divisions.
- When a relay team achieves a qualifying standard, Lexington has qualified, not the four individuals. This may mean a student-athlete who was on the team that qualified will not compete at the event for which Lexington has qualified.
- The team will only go to XC Regionals if we place top-three at All-States.
- Individuals will only go to XC Regionals if they place top-10 at All-States.
- Uniforms are a required part of being on this team. Each student-athlete must be wearing a team issued uniform (singlet AND shorts/spandex) for competition, or they will not be allowed to compete.
- Uniforms must be purchased at Marathon Sports in Lexington.
- If anyone needs financial assistance to purchase uniforms, please email the head coach directly.
- Coaches will make known to the team at what time buses are scheduled to leave for meets the week of the meet. Student-athletes who miss the bus will not be allowed to compete at that day's meet.
- Team Rooms in the boys and girls locker rooms are made available on an opt-in, first come first serve basis. Student-athletes who request a locker will be assigned a team issued padlock. See our Team Room Policies for more information.
- Any member of the team who is caught stealing from another member of the team will be subject to immediate dismissal from the team.