TULSA SPIKES

Guidelines for Parents of Distance Athletes

1. Evening practices begin at 6:00 PM. It is important to have your athlete 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. Parents, please be on time to pick up your athlete after practice. It is unfair to make the coaches wait after practice with your kids. If you are running errands and may be late, please advise the coaches when you drop off your athlete. Coaches will never leave kids unattended.

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 the parents of 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. Parents will exhibit good sportsmanship toward officials, athletes, coaches and parents from other teams at all times. This includes sportsmanlike behavior at practices and meets. If you have a problem with parent, coach or official, go to an officer of the club or a coach in private. Do not make a display of the problem. There are appropriate channels through which such problems can be addressed.

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

10. Parents, remember that this is for the kids. Support them in a positive manner. Do not expect that your children will win or even come home with medals. Distance running is a progressive sport. The more time your athletes spend the better they will get. The coaching staff will measure success in personal improvement. You should too.

11. 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.

12. Parents do not leave your younger children at practice unattended. Also, if you have younger children at practice who are not members of the team, please do not allow them to run onto the field, track, course, bleachers or on/in the jumping pits during practice. This is a safety issue for all involved, your athlete, your younger children, the coaches and other runners.

13. Athletes should be 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.

14. Younger athletes are encouraged to continue to participate in other sports. It is ludicrous to think that anyone can tell what sport will be ideal for any 10-year-old. A wide variety of athletic involvement will develop a wide variety of strength, skill and agility. As the athlete matures, a more objective evaluation of his/her abilities is then possible.

15. Most track and field meets, with the exception of the National meets, will last too long and run very inefficiently and slowly. Prepare accordingly. When you go to a meet, expect to spend the day. Most of them are not completed until 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. Parents are expected to supervise their own children at the meets. Do not bring your child to a meet and leave them. At a bare minimum you will need the following:

a. Lawn chairs for all in your party.

b. Water-lots of it.

c. Sun block.

d. Hats.

e. Food and snacks for the day. Nothing spicy or greasy for athletes.

f. A sun shade or umbrellas.

16. Parents will not, as a rule, be allowed on the field during the competition. We will have a team tent and general area for the team. Keep the athletes off their feet, well hydrated and in the shade while they are not competing. If you are unsure which events to enter please consult with the coaches.

17. Parents are responsible for entering their athletes in the meets. The club will not take that responsibility.