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Track & Field / Cross Country Handbook
INTRODUCTION
We are happy to welcome all students and parents to this year's track & field season. We are hopeful that this will be the most exciting and rewarding track season you've ever experienced. Our goal is to develop well-rounded young men and women who learn not only the fundamentals of track & field, but also the importance of education, in an atmosphere conductive to developing sound mind, body and character and having a good time along the way. We practice the ideals of sportsmanship, scholarship and physical fitness. Our program stresses learning lessons of value far beyond the playing days, such as: self-discipline, teamwork, concentration, friendship, leadership, and, good sportsmanship.
We, as coaches, will do our very best to ensure that each player is utilized to his/her utmost potential and their talents are used for the team's best advantage. Track & field is unique in that success can be measured through both team and individual success. Safety is our top concern. Many of the exercises, drills, and team rules are there to ensure your child is physically and mentally fit for track & field. Each child is unique and develops at a different pace. We will exercise their bodies and minds in an effort to develop the skills needed to execute in their events.
Sincerely,
Coach Spadafino
TRAITS OF A GOOD ATHLETE
DESIRE: Desire is the determination to overcome an obstacle, mental or physical, in order to achieve success. Desire is a state of mind, an abandonment of self, a form of courage, the joy of competition. It is doing one's best, calling up whatever reserve power is available and never quitting. It is competing both for oneself and for the team's interest. Desire is available to all, not just to a gifted few.
CONFIDENCE: A belief in one's own abilities, and that one can do what he/she has set out to do. Track & field is a sport that builds it.
THE LOVE OF THE SPORT: Just happy to be part of the team. Enjoys the competition and wants to get the most out of the experience. The willingness to compete in any event.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Enrollment: The Fulton County High School Track & Field program is open to all students enrolled in Fulton County Schools, grades 7-12, for the current academic school year.
Age: Students must not be 19 years old before August 1st of the current school year in order to be eligible to play.
Physical & Parental Consent: All students must pass a physical examination conducted by a certified physician. All physicals must be turned in prior to participating in the first practice. All consent forms must be signed and in athletic directors office prior to first practice.
Academics: To be scholastically eligible, athletes are required to be passing 60% of classes currently taken. Fulton County High School adheres to and abides by rules of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association which governs high school athletics. Beginning with the 9th grade, a student must earn 5 full units of credit accepted toward graduation to be eligible during his/her second year (10th grade) in high school: twelve units at the end of his/her second year to be eligible during the third year (grade 11) in high school and eighteen units at the end of the third year to be eligible during his/her senior (grade 12) year. During the school year an athlete must be passing 60% of his or her calsses on a weekly basis.
A player cut from the squad is eligible for other sports immediately. A player who is suspended or quits one sport is ineligible to participate in other sports during that season (except by agreement of coaches involved, subject to administrative approval).
TRACK & FIELD EQUIPMENT
Each athlete is required to supply the following equipment in order to participate in Track & Field:
> Socks
> Running Shoes or Track Spikes
> Sports Bra (girls)
> Sweatshirt & Sweatpants (winter), T-shirt & Shorts (spring)
Track Team members will be issued the following equipment:
> Competition Track Uniform (Jersey, Shorts, & Warm-up)
> Specific Event Equipment (Shot Put, Discus, Relay Baton)
Competition uniforms, warm-ups, and equipment will be given out prior to the first official track meet. Athletes are responsible for keeping them clean and cared for. Anything worn under the track uniform must be solid white in color w/ no writing or designs. All equipment must be turned in to the coach within one week of the completion of the season. It is the athlete's responsibility to return equipment to the coach on the appointed days during this seven day period. Parents will be billed for any lost or damaged items in order to replace or repair them. An athlete is ineligible to participate in any interscholastic competition until the athlete has turned in all equipment and uniforms from any preceding sport.
CUT POLICY
During the first few weeks of practice the coaches will be evaluating the athleticism, coachability, and work ethic of each athlete. This will include drills conducted to test strength, conditioning, speed, agility, quickness, and the level of development of various track & field skills such as form running, throwing, and jumping techniques. Athletes will be ranked based on these assessments and placed in their respectful event areas at the High School and Middle School Levels. Up to 24 Boys and 24 Girls will be kept for the team. We will make every effort to meet with each player and identify what his/her role may or may not be in the program.
EVENT SELECTION
In general, the fastest kids are sprinters and long jumpers. Kids who combine speed, and agility can triple jump. Taller kids who have some quickness are hurdlers & high jumpers. The strongest most heavily built kids usually throw the shot put and the discus. While the dedicated kid with the most heart, both mental and physical stamina, and one who can push his/herself even when it feels like there is nothing left has the potential to be a distance runner.
A student's attitude plays a large role in the events they are entered. When selecting starting athletes, attitude and desire can sometimes win over ability. CAN'T has no place on this track team. The kid who has a bad attitude, who is oversensitive, or who demonstrates any sort of problem with an event will be passed over. A negative attitude is costly.
TEAM SELECTION
All athletes are eligible to make the High School Varsity Team. It will be a policy, 9th-12th Graders may participate in High School Track Meets only, and there may be high school students that will have a limited role on the team. 7th & 8th Graders may compete in both High School & Middle School Meets, but a position on either team must be earned.
All students will be placed in events at the level most appropriate for them, taking into account work ethic, maturity, and skill level. Within these guidelines, it is our policy to enter each athlete in the event & level of competition at which they will see success & get the most challenge while earning points for the TEAM. This is a competitive program. The athletes who the coaches believe can get the job done, and those who record the best times/distances, will earn starting positions on the varsity team. All students will get to compete, but not necessarily in every meet or in every event they wish to be in, coaches will make every effort to get every team member entered in an event.
Participation Limitations: At the start of the season (1) All athletes must compete in at least 2 events if possible, (2) No Athlete may compete in more than 4 events, (3) Ninth Grade students may compete in a maximum of 4 events, of which only 3 may be running events including relays, (4) Seventh & Eighth Grade students may compete in a maximum of 3 events, (5) An athlete must participate in 4 scheduled meets in order to qualify for the Class A Region 1 Championship Meet. At the conclusion of the season all athletes can be considered for any events up to 4 total to present our strongest team for Regional & State Competition.
WINNING
Nothing in life, including track & field, is worthwhile unless you enjoy it and gain something from the experience. Sure we're trying to win track meets and medals, we are going to set our goals high, but I don't want it to ruin our lives if we lose. I don't want our athletes to believe that a loss is a tragedy because it's not. All you can ask of our kids is to do their best. If we win, Great! If we lose, it's not the end of the world. There is another meet next week. I don't want my athletes crying. I want them to feel bad, but not ashamed. Try this: Ask your child if he or she improved and had a good time instead of whether he/she won or lost.
COACHES
If you know of any coaches in the area that are Olympic Track Coaches, we want their names! We can only do our best. We view coaching as an awesome responsibility.
Your coaches will:
> Get the athletes in shape
> Understand each athlete's potential
> Work on individual skills for each event
> Work on team strategy and goal setting
> Motivate, communicate, lead
Coaches must have the freedom to develop three things in their athletes: pride, poise, and self-confidence. We use the following steps to instruct the sport of Track & Field.
> Explain what is required
> Demonstrate the technique
> Have the player perform the technique
> Explain the consequences of not performing the technique properly
If you have any problems with the coaching staff please contact the head coach, the athletic director, or the school principal.
Your Head Coach: Steven "Vito" Spadafino
Your Athletic Director: Steven "Vito" Spadafino
Your School Principal: Wayne Benningfield
COACHING STAFF
The head coach is unable to manage the track team alone. With him there are a number of key people. Our coaching staff is made up of the following people:
> Throw Coach: James Bridges
> Jump Coach: Corey Smith
> Distance Coach:
> Sprint/Hurdle Coach: Corey Smith
> Statistician
> Team Mom or Pop
If you would like to volunteer to fill one or more of these positions please let us know. Even an hour a week can help make this a successful season.
PARENTS
Parents are as important to the success of the team as the students. Coaches and parents must work together. I am open to discuss any concerns you might have with your son or daughter regarding academics, health, or other concerns for his/her well being. If there is any matter that may be affecting his/her performance that we should know about please let us know. Ex. the child has been sick, taking medication, or going through some emotional trauma.
Please refrain from criticism of officials, athletes, or coaches while attending meets. Try to be positive and supportive of your team. I am not open to discussing who I enter in which events, or my choice of training techniques. Parents and coaches must communicate with mutual respect. Parents and coaches reserve the right to postpone conversations that are getting out of hand. Heated discussions have no place in front of the team.
Coaches put in on the average of 20 hours a week. Parents are asked to put in only a few hours per season helping to prepare food, driving to meets, helping videotape, & working concession stands. In order for our program to run smoothly parents are asked to volunteer a few hours of there time during the season. Anyone interested in helping to raise funds for the program should contact the Coach, Team Mom or Pop, Principal, or an Athletic Booster Club representative.
TEAM RULES
The student will abide by all rules and regulations of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Constitution and Rules Handbook. Copies of the handbook are available in the Principal, Athletic Director, and Coaches' office.
> Keep up with your schoolwork. Poor grades in school and not completing homework will result in disciplinary actions by the teachers, parents, & coaches.
> If you don't practice, you don't compete. All excused absences must be coordinated with the coaches. If you don't make an effort to attend practices, we as coaches are not required to enter you in a meet.
> What the coaches say goes. Back talking, profanity, or any form of disrespect will result in disciplinary actions.
> Respect other team members. Remember your teammates are working with you not against you. Any unnecessary aggression or violence towards another teammate will result in disciplinary actions.
> Take care of your equipment. Let the coaches know if your equipment needs repair. This is the key to safety. Keep track of your own equipment.
> Come to practice prepared to work and play.
> Learn the rules of the sport. Know the name of each event.
> Arrive on time for practices and meets.
REWARDS
Rewards can come in two forms verbal and material. Many of the rewards a player receives are from positive reinforcement from coaches and parents. Team Captains, Awards, and Media Recognition will be used to honor our hard workers. However, the best reward is always a smile and a pat on the back by a parent.
Varsity Awards:
1. Varsity letters go to a high school athlete that has participation in one half of the varsity meets.
2. Any senior that has participation in at least two preceding high school years in that sport.
3. Injured athletes that would have done No. 1 or No.2 and continued to be part of the program.
4. Coaches discretion; to an athlete that made a significant contribution to the varsity program but doesn't meet the requirements of 1, 2, or 3.
For instance: a) reserve athlete moved up. b) athlete that makes a big improvement over the season and plays a lot at the end. c) athlete that makes a significant contribution to the success of the team. d) joined the team late; transfer, illness, eligibility problems, etc.
Managers: A manager that regularly attends practices & contests will receive the athletic award that the members of the team he/she is serving as manager will receive.
Coaches will determine which trophies are awarded and methods whereby recipients are elected. Athletes must attend the awards program to be eligible to receive their athletic awards or the athletes must be excused by their coach or athletic director.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Be respectful of your teammates and coaches. No name calling, harsh criticism, foul language, or rude comments will be tolerated. If this rule is unclear to an athlete he/she should discuss the questions with a coach. Talking while the coach is instructing is disrespectful and will not be tolerated.
Normally running laps will not be used to punish a player. Running is an everyday part of practice. Doing step-ups or running stairs, will be used for minor incidents (i.e. Not paying attention, not following instructions). A player will be asked to leave practice early if there are continual violations of the rules or for involvement in more severe incidents (i.e. fighting or temper tantrums). If a parent is not present the player will be supervised until the child is picked up. The last resort is to use meet suspensions. Coaches will use each of these sparingly.
If a student receives A.E.P. as an in school disciplinary action it will be up to the Principal's and Coach's discretion as to whether he/she be allowed to practice or compete on the assigned days. A player suspended from school is ineligible to participate in any sport for the duration of the suspension, and it is suggested that the coach of the team be involved in the disciplining of the athlete.
PRACTICES
Attending practice is a crucial part of a team's success and development. Athletes and parents should be ready to make the four-month commitment before the competitive season begins.
All Athletes Must Attend 10 Practices Before They May Compete In A Meet.
These requirements are set by the KHSAA for the students' safety according to the amount of instruction & practice time it should take to adequately train the students in the rules, skills, and conditioning for their events. Once the practice requirements are met, the athlete is then eligible to challenge for a starting position in any given meet.
"doing the minimum allows you to compete, DOING THE MAXIMUM MAKES YOU COMPETITIVE!"
The track & field program at Fulton County is at a disadvantage. Because of the small size of our school, we have to share many of our athletes with the baseball, softball, football, and weight lifting programs also being held in the spring. Students are allowed to participate in more than one activity, but track members are expected to be at track practices & events when not with their other teams. If there is a conflict bring it to my attention and we, the coaches, can work it out. We want the students of Fulton County to have every opportunity to succeed.
If a player absolutely must miss a practice or meet he/she should discuss the matter with the coach ahead of time whenever possible. We will try to have practices scheduled before the start of the season to allow for adequate planning time for such things as doctor & dentist appointments.
Punctuality! Players should be dressed and ready to run at 3:15 pm on practice days. If you tell a coach that you will be at practice we expect you to be there. If no one shows up to practice by 3:30pm the coaches will leave. Practices will normally end by 4:30 or 5:00.
We will have practice regardless of weather conditions and we will adjust the intensity of our practices accordingly, make sure your child dresses appropriately for the weather. Rain or extreme weather conditions may cause us to practice in the gym or lift weights.
INJURY POLICY
If an athlete is seriously injured he/she must have a doctor's release before participating in an athletic contest. Participation in after school practice or athletic contests will not be permitted if the athlete is out of school the second half of the day for reasons of illness or injury. The only exception to this rule is a doctor's release, which must be presented to the coach prior to the practice or the contest.
If you have an injury, notify a coach immediately! If you get injured at home, try to reach a coach.
Coach Spadafino:
School (270) 236-2070 x3201
Home (270) 472-5643
Cell (270) 627-4668
Coach Smith:
Home (270) 472-0746
Cell (270) 627-3039
Coach Bridges:
Home (270) 236-8555
Cell (270) 627-0740
If you cannot reach a coach, try to contact our team doctor, who specializes in sports injuries. His name and number is Dr. Dale Yates: (731) 479-1301
This is very important! Even your family doctor may keep you out of action for a relatively minor injury because of standard operating procedure.
ATHLETIC TRAINING POLICY
No athlete shall remove athletic training supplies from the medical kit without a coach's permission. Violators will be disciplined. A coach must be present to be treated. No athlete will treat his/herself without permission!
TRAINING AT HOME
Nutrition and plenty of fluids are essential during the season. Maintain a healthy diet of three square meals a day, including fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, and dairy products. A little extra salt sprinkled on your vegetables helps. A meal high in complex carbohydrates (pasta, rice, breads, cereals) is recommended as a dinnertime meal the day before a meet. Athletes should eat a light well-balanced meal at least 3 hours before competition avoiding sugars, caffeine, & high fat foods. I strongly urge you to use some sort of vitamin supplements during the season to help in your nutrition.
Athletes must drink 6 glasses of water everyday: Two before school, two after school, and two after practice. Drinking adequate amounts of water will prevent dehydration and help in maintaining muscle tissue elasticity and flexibility that may be stressed or damaged during strenuous exercise. Refrain from drinking coffee, tea, sodas or eating junk foods.
Eight to ten hours of sleep are necessary. All team members should be in their homes by 11 pm regularly. The night before a meet a player should be in bed by 10 pm. Each athlete must complete 20 sit-ups and 20 pushups each morning and at bedtime.
ILLEGAL ACTIVITY & SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY
Any participation in illegal activity during the season will result in automatic dismissal from the track program. The Principal, Athletic Director, and the athlete's parents will be notified of the incident. A team member is not permitted to drink alcohol, use tobacco in any form, use illegal drugs or be in the presence of anyone using illegal substances during the season. You are expected to live and act as responsible role models for the students of Fulton County. If an athlete finds oneself in a situation where he/she is not sure of what actions to take, make the following considerations:
1. I will get caught. Trust me the coach always finds out.
2. Is it worth the trouble I will cause myself and my family?
3. Is it worth giving up track for?
4. Is it worth letting down my teammates for?
Any student not able to make this commitment for the duration of the season should pursue other interests.
TRAVEL POLICY
All of our meets are away and we may travel for a few practices. The following rules have been instated this year (in addition to the traveling guidelines set by the county) to ensure safety and team order.
1. Team travel is a privilege, not a right. Members must be academically and athletically eligible. Grades, behavior, and the coaching staff will determine whether a member travels with the team.
2. Attendance requirements for practice are mandatory. Un-excused absences will jeopardize travel privileges.
3. Attendance in school the day of travel, is mandatory.
4. Students must ride the bus or school provided transportation to and from the event of activity. The only exception would be if they are accompanied by their parents or guardians and have the approval of the building administrator, coach, or designated representative prior to departure from Hickman. Return travel with anyone other than the team requires a written note from the team member's parent requesting the coach's permission. The coach reserves the right to keep the team together for travel during the duration of a road trip. Failure to comply will result in the denial of participation in the next extra-curricular activity, and/or disciplinary action taken by the principal/coach.
5. Participation on an athletic team in Fulton County is a privilege and the participants must earn the right to represent Fulton County Schools by conducting themselves in such a way that the image of Fulton County High School would not be tarnished in any manner. Any participant whose conduct is judged to reflect a discredit upon himself/herself, the team, or Fulton County High School whether or not such activities take place during or outside school hours and sessions of sport season will be subject to the disciplinary actions determined by the coach and/or school principal.
6. The following actions, but not limited to only these actions, are examples of behavior by an athlete which could result in the athlete being denied the privilege of participation for a sport season.
a) insubordination and disrespectful conduct directed toward coaches, school staff, fans, and officials.
b) Leaving the contest area without either coach or administration's approval.
Please contact me if you have any questions:
Coach's Name: Steven "Vito" Spadafino
School Phone: (270) 236-2070 x3201
Home Phone: (270) 472-5643
Cell Phone: (270) 627-4668
Fax: (270) 236-9003
Email: steve.spadafino@fulton.kyschools.us
Fulton County Website: www.fulton.kyschools.us
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