coaches agree to :

athletes agree to:

make the development of a strong, inclusive team-- where individual athletes are given every tool to succeed-- the top priority provide a schedule in advance that is mindful of the athlete’s busy schedule (see reverse) conduct practices that make efficient use of limited time, starting and ending on time work to his/her best in honoring the athlete’s wishes for meet entries and meet hosting job assignments

consider academic school work a priority attend EVERY practice and meet, scheduling all other (non-academic) commitments outside of posted practice and meet time notify Dan in advance of any extremely rare, truly unavoidable absences ahead of time understand that per VPA rules, athletes are not eligible to compete until they have successfully completed 10 practices understand that event entries are based on athlete seed times/distances AND athlete standing (effort, attendance, etc.)

 *** There are no cuts on the BHS Track and Field team. Anyone who is able to commit to the full schedule, work hard to improve, and follow the team rules, is an important contributor to this team. ***

Quite humbly, we are the premier track and field institution in Vermont.  No other team is able to host statewide and regional competition as this team does.  The coaches and your teammates will offer you every type of support they can, but we need a commitment from you to help at the events we host.  As a condition of being on this team, you are required to contribute to that effort by working the entire day at the Burlington Invitational, at all home meets, the Middle School Invite and at the VT State Championship.  The only exception to part of this commitment is if you are on a YES, school sponsored trip during States. 

Practices and meets will be held in all weather, from snow to sun. All athletes are expected to bring proper attire to practice in order to participate.  Athletes must wear athletic running shoes (trainers) or track spikes.  Natural or “Five Finger” running shoes are not recommended and will not be permitted without a note from the athlete’s parents accepting the inherent risks.

It is the responsibility of the ATHLETE, not the PARENT, to first contact the respective coach in person, via e-mail, or via phone to discuss a scheduling conflict or other team issue. As we work to support you as mature high school athletes, team issues are treated as conversations between ATHLETES and COACHES, NOT parents and coaches.

Travel: Athletes will travel both to and from each away meet on the team bus when one is provided (buses provided for all except the optional SB twilight meet on 5/2 an SB Rebel Relays for girls on 5/17). The only exception to this school rule is if an athlete returns from a meet with his/her own parent or guardian, or if he/she has a note from his/her parent or guardian granting permission to ride with a specific person on that specific date.

Relays: Relay members are selected both on their athletic ability and their ability to make a commitment to that relay team.

Qualifiers: As a condition of being on this team, qualifiers are expected to compete in all meets for which they have qualified, so long as they are physically able to do so.  This includes the Burlington Invite, Essex Invite and State Championships.

Uniforms: All pieces of uniforms will be assigned to individual athletes and kept in good condition by those athletes. They will be washed, dried and returned BEFORE the team banquet or the athlete will be ineligible for end of season awards.  Athletes will strictly comply with all VPA rules regarding uniform in competition, as well as: competing always in school-issued singlet, school-issued shorts, optional black spandex with no logos of any kind or distinctive stitching. 

Injury: It is the responsibility of each athlete to communicate any injury or soreness to his or her primary coach immediately and accurately. Athletes unable to practice due to injury will still be expected to attend practice daily, visiting the trainer and completing any needed rehabilitation, but their rehab will be separate from the team.  Injured athletes will not travel with the team if it involves an early class dismissal. 

Eligibility: Athletes will be held to all Burlington High School requirements for athletic eligibility. Behavioral issues both in and outside of school, as well as the level of respect shown coaches and peers, directly affect eligibility.