The success of the team and individual athletes depends on consistent participation in the classroom, practices, meets, and team events. To ensure every athlete has the opportunity to reach their full potential, the following attendance policy applies:
SCHOOL AND PRACTICE ATTENDANCE
Mandatory Practices:
Excused Absences:
Valid reasons for missing class and/or practice include illness, injury, family emergencies, school-related obligations, or pre-approved personal commitments.
Athletes must notify a coach as soon as possible, before practice begins, to have an absence excused.
Unexcused Absences:
Missing class and/or practice without prior communication or a valid reason will be considered unexcused.
Consequences for unexcused absences may include reduced meet participation.
Tardiness:
Athletes are expected to arrive on time for class and/or practice. Repeated tardiness may include reduced meet participation.
Participation Requirement:
Attendance at all scheduled meets is required. Meets are where athletes showcase their hard work and contribute to the team's success.
Excused Meet Absences:
Exceptions may be granted for unavoidable conflicts, illness, or emergencies with prior notice to the coaching staff.
Athletes are expected to communicate conflicts at least one week in advance whenever possible.
Consequences for Missing Meets:
Missing a meet without an excused reason may result in reduced opportunities to compete in future meets or eligibility for varsity lettering.
Pattern of Absences:
Athletes with frequent absences, even if excused, may have limited participation in meets to ensure fairness and readiness.
Chronic absenteeism will be addressed by the coaching staff and may result in removal from the team.
Prioritization:
Athletes are expected to prioritize track and field during the season. Conflicts with other activities should be minimized, and open communication with the coaching staff is essential. Athletes involved in additional outside activities could see performance marks reduced due to over training and injury. These athletes must provide the coaching staff with their outside schedule to help reduce any over training and/or injury.
Communication:
Athletes are responsible for notifying the coaching staff of any absences or conflicts in a timely manner.
Parental Involvement:
Parents are encouraged to support their athlete’s commitment by ensuring they attend practices and meets consistently.
Consistent attendance is crucial for both individual improvement and team success. Athletes are expected to show dedication by attending all practices and meets, communicating effectively, and holding themselves accountable. This policy is designed to foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, and growth.
CONSEQUENCES FOR FAILING TO MEET ATTENDANCE STANDARDS
Verbal warning from the coaching staff.
Athlete may lose eligibility to compete in one event during the next scheduled meet.
Second Week of Attendance Issues:
Athlete will be removed from two events or the entire next meet.
Meeting with the athlete and the coaching staff to address attendance concerns and reinforce expectations.
Third Week of Attendance Issues:
Suspension from the next meet.
Parental notification and a formal meeting with the athlete, their parents/guardians, and the coaching staff to discuss ongoing attendance issues.
Repeated Attendance Issues (4+ weeks):
Athlete may be removed from the team for the remainder of the season.
Loss of eligibility for varsity lettering and end-of-season awards.
Frequent Tardiness:
Verbal warning for the first two instances.
After three instances, the athlete may lose eligibility to compete in one event at the next meet.
Excessive Excused Absences:
Athletes with frequent absences (even excused) may have limited participation in meets due to lack of preparation.
A meeting with the coaching staff will determine the athlete’s ability to compete in upcoming events or meets.
Athletes suspended or removed from meets due to attendance issues may request a meeting with the coaching staff to develop a plan for improvement. Reinstatement could involve demonstrating commitment through perfect attendance over a designated period or taking on leadership responsibilities within the team to rebuild trust and accountability.
This policy promotes accountability, discipline, and teamwork while offering opportunities for growth and improvement. Athletes are encouraged to prioritize Track and Field during the season to achieve their full potential and contribute to team success.
SPRING BREAK/GRADUATION
It is the expectation that all athletes attend all practices during the spring break period, especially those who consider themselves varsity team members. Failure to attend will make the athlete ineligible to compete in the subsequent invitational track meet. Please keep this in mind when planning family vacations during this time.
Communication and Planning
If you are planning on being out of town during spring break, please inform the head coaches in advance to allow for proper planning and coordination of alternative training.
Importance of Continuity in Training
It's crucial to recognize the significance of maintaining training momentum. Continuing our training during spring break will contribute to our overall performance and success.