Expectations

Avon Lake Shoremen

Track & Field

2022 Season

A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into an exhausting pace, and then, at the end, punish himself even more.

Steve Prefontaine

Expectations

All athletes are expected to display the following throughout the season:

• Success in the classroom
• Sportsmanship
• Respect towards oneself, teammates, competing teams, and coaching staff
• Commitment towards individual & team success

Requirements

• All athletes must have the following forms turned in before being permitted to participate in any capacity (practice or competition):  

                1. Emergency Medical Form

                2. Physical Exam

                3. Concussion Test

• All athletes must complete the Pay-to-Participate Form and turn it in to the Athletic Department

Discipline

The coaching staff believes that the athlete's conduct both on and off the track is a direct reflection on the coaching they receive and the school/community they represent. We expect our athletes to conduct themselves accordingly at all times. Failure to do so will result in suspension or dismissal from the team.

Swearing, throwing equipment, and/or taking one's uniform off at a meet is unacceptable and will be addressed. Athletes will be dealt with accordingly both in the Athletic Code of Conduct and the Academic Student Handbook. The coaching staff reserves the right to suspend/dismiss athletes from the team should any conduct not adequately represent Avon Lake's standard for athlete conduct.

Athletes caught using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs will be dealt with in accordance with both the Athletic Code of Conduct and Academic Student Handbook.

Transportation

Athletes must ride the bus to and from all meets. Deviation from this policy is discouraged. Exceptions must first be cleared through the coaching staff. Athletes are expected to stay at meets to support their teammates.

Uniforms & Equipment

Athletes will wear the school-issued uniform and sweats to all competitions. Additional clothing may be worn so long as it is plain in color.

• Athletes may wear a plain, single color t-shirt under the jersey, plain white socks and if desired, compression pants/shorts. Athletes on relay teams must dress alike (OHSAA rule)
• No headgear will be worn except ski caps (OHSAA rule)
• Cell phones and headphones are not permitted within the competition area (OHSAA rule)
• Athletes are expected to dress neatly at all times, having the jersey tucked in and the shorts worn at the waist (OHSAA rule)
• Failure to follow the uniform guidelines will result in a suspension from competition
• Athletes are responsible to insure that they have all the school-issued articles at every meet and for the care and upkeep of articles
• Failure to return the school-issued uniform at the conclusion of the season will result in your being assessed the current replacement value

Athlete Participation

Every athlete will have the opportunity to compete throughout the season in the weekly dual meets. Athletes chosen to compete in relay meets, invitationals, the SWC Championship, and OHSAA District Meet shall be selected based upon top times, heights, and distances, as well as their dedication, dependability, and willingness to be coached. The coaching staff will ultimately make the final decision regarding athlete participation in invitationals, relay meets, and SWCs.

Varsity Letter Requirements

Varsity letters will be earned based on athletes' reaching certain thresholds in their events. We will share threshold values with athletes and parents.

Any athlete who participates in the SWC Championship and/or the OHSAA District Meet will automatically earn a varsity letter.

Parent Communication

• Parent concerns must be expressed directly to the coach
• Specific concerns regarding scheduling, coach's expectations, or philosophy should be directed to the coach
• Contact me at any time regarding the behavior, performance, or specific concern regarding your child both academically and athletically
• Playing time, team strategy, and discussion of other student-athletes must not be discussed with the coach in public. Please contact me to discuss any concerns.
• Do not attempt to confront the coach before or after a contest/practice with a potentially volatile subject. Meetings of an emotional nature can be resolved at a later date.
• If you have a problem that has not been resolved by a meeting with the coach, please follow the proper lines of communication: Mr. Brent Schremp (Avon Lake City Schools Athletic Director) and Mr. Bob Scott (Avon Lake City Schools Superintendent)

Contact Information

We hope to make this a positive and enjoyable experience for all student-athletes. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me through the contact information below:

Rob Rocco
Avon Lake Boys' Track & Field
rob.rocco@avonlakecityschools.org
(440) 933 - 8142 ext. 2404