• POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT: We will be creating an environment that is welcoming and encouraging for all running levels and abilities.
  • We expect that each athlete also works to create this same welcoming and encouraging environment.
  • If a participant is seen behaving in a manner contrary to a positive one, that individual’s parents will be notified of the behavior.
  • If the behavior continues, that participant may be asked to not come back to practices and meets.
• SAFETY: We need to ensure the safety of all of the athletes.
  • At practices, coaches will be encouraging athletes to make their best effort to participate with the group practice.
  • A child with no desire to run, and chooses to walk for the entire running practice is deemed to not be full participating with the running team.
  • If a child consistently chooses not to participate in practices, that individual’s parents will be notified and a conversation will be had about the parent coming to practice and supervising their child.
• PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS: Coaches need to be able to manage the level of socializing during practices.
  • When coaches are making announcements to the group, we expect that athletes give the coaches their full attention.
  • Please leave cells phones in backpacks/bags during practice.
  • Please wear proper running shoes and weather appropriate running clothes.
  • Please bring a water bottle to each practice to stay hydrated.
• START TIMES: Coaches need to be able to appropriately manage the start times of practices and meets.
  • All YOUTH practices will begin promptly at 5:30pm and end at 7:00pm (this may be adjusted depending on the amount of daylight available).
  • All CLINIC practices will begin promptly at 6:00pm and end at 7:00pm.
  • On meet days, athletes are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their set start time to ensure appropriate warm up.
  • We will typically hold practice rain or shine. If the weather is severe, we will notify parents of any cancellation of practice ½ hour before practice begins.
• PARENT VOLUNTEERS: The MCRC is made entirely of volunteer coaches.  As such, we need help from parents.
  • We need parent volunteers at each of our home meets helping with timing and staging of athletes.
  • We also ask for parents to help by volunteering to bring snacks to 1 of the 8 meets.
  • We will be sending out a Sign-Up Genius each week for parent volunteers.
  • Parents are encouraged for all practices to come and run with us and help out with the athletes. 

Participants will also be expected to follow the Lakeland Code of Conduct 2026