TULSA SPIKES

Guidelines for Distance Athletes

1. Evening practices begin at 6:00 PM. It is important to be at practice on time. The practices are designed to build from warm-up, through stretching to normal workout intensity. To decrease the probability of injury, it is important the athlete progress through the entire process.

2. Practice will not be held if it is lightening at practice time, or if the running surface is icy or slushy. We will practice in rain, or light snow. Dress your athlete appropriately for the weather. If storms are threatening, please stay close to the track to pick up your athlete if lightening strikes.

3. Practice will normally end within a few minutes of 7:30. It is important the athlete stay for the entire practice. The cool-down and stretching after the practice are at least as important as the warm-up and stretching before practice.

4. All distance athletes should wear heavier clothing during warm-ups while the weather is cool (below 65°). This may be as little as a long sleeved shirt (down to 45°) or may include pants and a sweatshirt. We run a warm-up to increase the temperature of the muscles, preparing them for the workout. Additional clothing is required when the weather is cool.

5. All athletes must bring water to practice every day. Use a plastic bottle. Glass containers present a safety hazard. All athletes need to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

6. The practices are designed to build upon each other, so athletes should attend as many practices as possible. Coaches will advise younger athletes when they should not be attending every practice.

7. Each athlete working out with the team should have a current United States Track and Field Association membership. No exceptions. This is a liability issue.

8. Athletes will exhibit good sportsmanship toward officials, athletes, coaches and parents from other teams at all times. This includes sportsmanlike behavior at practices and meets. “Trash talking,” derogatory or belittling remarks, or excessive victory celebrations are unsportsmanlike and will not be tolerated. All Spikes will congratulate good effort of other competitors and fellow Spikes.

9. Athletes will also encourage other Spikes athletes to exhibit good sportsmanship all times. This includes sportsmanlike behavior at practices and meets.

10. The Spikes organization uses a “Three Strikes” policy. Strikes are issued for inappropriate or unsportsmanlike behavior. Strikes are not negotiable. If an athlete accumulates three strikes, he/she will be suspended from participation in the Spikes program.

11. Athletes are discouraged from working out more than once a day. It is better to under work young athletes than to over work them. Overworking is the most common cause of injury. Injuries slow the athlete’s progress. The coaches will advise if your athlete can benefit from two-a-day practices.

12. Most track and field meets, with the exception of the National meets, will last too long and run very inefficiently and slow. Prepare accordingly. When you go to a meet, expect to spend the day.