1. New XC Parents

2. Agenda
Handbook
Race Basics
What do I do at a meet?
Runner support

3. Handbook Runners receive handbook Describes eligibility
Attendance requirements
Training advice

4. Race Basics Races are usually 5 kilometers long (3.1 miles)
Some courses are slower than others
Runners are given numbers
Teams wear uniforms
Hilly, grass covered courses, narrow trails, tight corners all contribute to a slow course

5. Time Trial 2 mile intra-squad race at Allatoona Creek Park
Will determine the Varsity team for the first meet.
Fastest runners at first meet will become varsity for second meet, and so on…
For all runners who have completed their running log

6. Race Basics The top seven runners are identified as the varsity team.
The first runner across the finish line receives one point, the second two points, the third three…
The points from the first five runners are summed to get a team total.
Like golf, the lowest score wins.
The sixth and seventh runners on a team do not score for the team but they can give points to the other teams.

7. Race Basics Team A Runner 1 place 1st Runner 2 place 3rd
Runner 3 place 5th
Runner 4 place 8th
Runner 5 place 12th
Runner 6 place 13th
Runner 7 place 14th
Team total 29
Team B
Runner 1 place 2nd
Runner 2 place 4th
Runner 3 place 6th
Runner 4 place 7th
Runner 5 place 9th
Runner 6 place 10th
Runner 7 place 11th
Team total 28
Important to pass other runners, especially at a region race where you may be competing for third place

8. Race Basics Best score is Σ (1..5) or 15
JV races may have 10 runners for the team and many runners who are not counting for the team.
Some meets have open races where runners are competing for individual times.
At some events, a dozen different races may take place.

9. What do I do at a meet?
Bring water, a stopwatch, a camera, comfortable shoes, sun block; maybe a chair.
Wish your runner good luck about 30 minutes before the race, then give them space
Do not go to the starting line
They need time after the race to warm down and meet with the team.

10. What do I do at a meet? Cheer for your kid
Running is the mental discipline to tell your body to continue going after your muscles say to stop.
Encouragement is key
If you don’t know the name, yell “Go Kennesaw!”
Find a location where you can see the runners multiple times
Give positive feedback

11. How does a student earn a letter?
Earning a varsity letter represents accomplishment in thesport. In order to receive a Varsity letter in cross-country, you must participate in at least five (5) competitions and meet one of the following requirements.
Any athlete who runs as a Varsity runner in either the region or state cross-country meet.
An athlete who meets a time standard in a cross-country meet (5K mile course) and also shows team spirit, a strong work ethic, proper behavior, and is a member in good standing. For boys, achieve a time of 18:30 on a 5K (3.1 mile) cross country course. For girls, achieve a time of 22:00 on a 5K (3.1 mile) cross country course.
A varsity letter can be earned by finishing in the top 10 overall finishers at the JV Region meet.
The coaches reserve the right to award a varsity letter to an athlete based on their contributions to the team.
All varsity lettering athletes must display a strong work ethic, proper behavior, and team spirit along with their participation and be in good standing in all practices and meets.

12. Other Incentives Minute clubs RAN MY PLAN Summer incentive
Athletes who Attend a minimum of 10 summer runs with the team and Successfully ran their plan (June-August) and Have documentation in the form of a running log (either paper or on-line) and Demonstrate fitness by successfully running the time-trial without walking will receive a special “Ran My Plan” summer T-shirt.

13. Runner Support
How can I ensure that my child is able to perform to their fullest potential and enjoy the cross country experience?
Food/Nutrition
Hydration
Sleep
Time Management
Injury Avoidance
Shoes
Watch with stopwatch
Other equipment

14. Enjoy Running
Focus on personal development and the PR or personal best time
The best sport for building a link between hard work and personal improvement that leads to a sense of accomplishment
Attend Banquet in Nov.
Open Races