Cross Country Practice Procedures
All practices begin at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Please plan on being 5 or 10 minutes early, especially when the practice is on the trails, as once the group leaves the road to go running in the hills, it is sometimes difficult to catch up with them.
Trail practice begins with a short run, followed by a 10 to 15 minute stretching period. At the conclusion, the coaches decide on the course to be run that evening, and possibly divide the runners by groups depending on age and/or ability. There are at least two adults with each group, one at the front, and one at the rear. The last person in each group is always a coach or parent. Coaches make the practice as fun and interesting as possible, but it is important that the athletes stay together as a group, and listen to their coach. The coaches respect each athletes individual ability, but must be responsible for the group as a whole. When running, have a good time, but be mindful of the others in the group and remember, safety comes first!
On many days, Gatorade parties are held for the group upon their return from the hills. If you are interested in providing a Gatorade party, sign up sheets are at practice! When practicing at CSUN, athletes should bring their own water, or whatever they wish to drink.
All parents are encouraged to join in and run with the team. We, like many youth athletic teams, are always in need of parents to help the coaches help your children. (Coaches are happy to show you how, if you are new to this sport.) It’s as good for you as it is for your children!
Questions regarding the program in general, or your athlete in particular are best handled before or after practice, or at a meet. It is necessary that the coaches spend their time at practice coaching!
If you drop your athlete off for practice, please be sure to return five or ten minutes before practice is over, or make arrangements to have someone else do so. Coaches are responsible for waiting with the athlete until the parent arrives, however, it is unfair to the athlete and the coach to keep both waiting.