LAS CRUCES YOUTH CROSS COUNTY LEAGUE

Presented by SunDragons ATC

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Created May 2022

The Las Cruces Youth Cross County League (L.C.Y.X.C.L.) is a for-profit youth sports program. The L.C.Y.X.C.L. is administered and managed by SunDragons ATC - a USATF certified Club. SunDragons ATC makes and administers all policies and procedures to be followed by:

· Coaches

· Parents

· Athletes

· Volunteers

*All coaches and volunteers must be safe sport certified, and background checked by USATF*

SECTION I

1.1 L.C.Y.X.C.L. PHILOSOPHY

The purpose of a sound sports program is to produce well-rounded citizens who are better

prepared to face the challenges of adult life as a result of the athletic experiences. Participation

in sports is a valuable educational experience in its own right, one that should be available to all

students. Involvement in sports supports the athletic objectives of success and high achievement of our participants.

The opportunity of participation in Cross County is a vital part of any child’s educational experience. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it, responsibilities to the school, the teams, the student body, the community, and the student-athlete. When emphasis is placed on developing character, achieving a spirit of cooperation, and striving for worthwhile goals, the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable out participants to maximize their educational experience is enhanced.

Athletic competition helps to develop basic values such as self-control, self-respect, and self-confidence: further, the child learns and is able to demonstrate teamwork, competition, high achievement, hard work, and an enthusiastic approach of life. These values are educational experiences learned in the classroom.

The value of participation for each child is the realization that LIFE is reflected in this endeavor.

Being well prepared; maintaining a positive attitude, and achievement of success.

1.2 COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Our Philosophy can be summed up in two phases: 1.) “Athlete first, winning second”, and 2.) “See one, do one, teach one”. In general coaches should strive to promote the good and welfare of the child. Provide a further means of education by helping our students experience participation, teamwork, loyalty, dedication, self- discipline, self-respect, respect and compassion for others, success, and failure.

This valuable educational concept is accomplished by involving as many participants as

possible in our program; understanding individual needs; having an open line of

communication: believing that the welfare of the child is first and foremost; respecting and

recognizing the different ideals, beliefs, and goals of each child; creating a positive atmosphere

among all individuals, motivating and inspiring each individual to perform at the best of his or

her ability; and making the program fun, worthwhile, and enjoyable for all players, coaches,

and parents

1.3 NON-DISCRIMINATION

It is the expressed policy and purpose of the Las Cruces Youth Cross County League to

provide:

Participation opportunities, without regard to race, color, creed, sex, ethnicity, national origin,

religion, age ancestry, disability, or any other prohibited basis, in conformity with laws of the

United States and the State of New Mexico, nor sexual orientation.

It is the policy of L.C.Y.X.C.L to provide equal opportunities for student participation and the

assignment of coaches.

The purpose of this policy is to:

    A. To provide all participants with the opportunity to interact, cooperate, and learn with members of various racial and ethnic backgrounds and to increase knowledge and enhance multi-cultural understandings.

    B. To provide equal opportunities to all students for participation on teams.

    C. To provide equal opportunities for interested persons

1.4 HARASSMENT

Harassment of any type (sexual, bullying, hazing, verbal, mental, etc.) will not be tolerated.

This is applicable to all participants, coaches, league-related personal, but not limited to

coaches, sponsors, chaperons, etc.

1.5 DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT

All activities, and events are designated as “drug-free.” Any violation of this designation by

participants, coaches, or league personnel will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

1.6 USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Use of tobacco products by participant, coaches, or league personnel in any school building or

on school property at any time is strictly forbidden. (School District Policy)

SECTION II

2.1 PLAYER PARTICIPATION

Participating in extracurricular activities builds teamwork, communication, relationships, wholesome attitudes, and a sense of belonging, as well as knowledge and skills all of which help students to develop socially and be successful in school. Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates the importance of community involvement. Accordingly, participants may be subject to higher standards of conduct both in and out of the school setting.

2.2 CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

    1) Prior to participating in any practice session or competitions, each participant must:

        a) Be officially enrolled in that middle school.

             i) Rosters will be submitted to each Middle school to verify attendance at that particular                         school

            ii) Exception: Home schooled, or Charter / Private school reside in his or her designated                        attendance area.

        b) Participant(s) and parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) must read and agree to                     the rules and regulation for participation.

             i) Pay participant Fee - $75

             ii) Pay refundable uniform rental of $40

             iii) Obtain a USATF youth membership - $25

                    (1) Use Sundragons ATC team code “42-0403”

              (2) Upload birth certificate

            iv) Sign and turn in

                   (1) Code of Conduct for both athlete and parent(s)

                  (2) SunDragons’ wavier

                  (3) Statement of Health and Physical Well Being

                        (a) Permission of participant

                        (b) Acknowledgement of Injury Risk

                        (c) Personal Medication Notification

NOTE: $15.00 fee for returned or NSF checks.

USATF membership fee includes limited secondary medical insurance for league sports injury (deductible applicable).

Players will be ineligible if delayed registration fee is not paid prior to first season meet.

At completion of league meets, school site athletes are encouraged to continue training and competing with SunDragons ATC at the regional and national level competitions.

THERE WILL BE NO TRANSFERS FROM ASSIGNED TEAMS, NO EXCEPTIONS!

LCYXCL reserves the right to combine teams if team participation is lower than 5

SECTION III

3.1 COACHES:

The head coach of team is responsible for his or her team. The head coach is directly

responsible to strictly enforce and follow the rules of the Las Cruces Youth XC League.

The head coach will be responsible for eligibility: equipment; rules and regulations; assistant

coaches; the overall supervision of that sport. The head coach shall have the right to assign

responsibilities and duties to assistant coaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Be familiar with and follow guidelines of L.C.Y.X.C.L set forth in this and any other                     publications

2) Teach sportsmanship and set an example for good moral and physical behavior.

3) Assume responsibility for the conduct and well-being of all players.

4) Ensure that all members of the coaching staff treat all players with a high standard of professionalism.

5) Ensure proper ethical behavior of self, coaching staff and team.

     a) Refrain from the use of foul language and do not allow the use of foul language by team members.

6) Immediately inform league officials if any serious problem exists.

7) Cooperate with and be responsive to the needs of other coaches.

8) Provide positive communication and exhibit positive public relations skills.

9) Ensure that illegal recruiting of athletes is not occurring within your team.

10) Participate in Safe Sport training provide by USATF

11) Provide a current coaching application (on file). And the signed coaching ethics agreement.             (to be renewed each season)

12) Head Coaches must attend a minimum of 80% of all practices and games.

COACHING ASSIGNMENT

1) L.C.Y.X.C.L. Board will make all coaching assignments.

2) All coaches will be assigned where needed

a) Per request, if position is available

3) Removal or expulsion of any coach is the sole responsibility of L.C.Y.X.C.L. Board.

4) A coach may be removed from his/her assignment for being deemed inappropriate and detrimental to the L.C.Y.X.C.L.’s philosophy.

5) A coach may be removed from his/her assignment for violating the policy and procedures set forth by the L.C.Y.X.C.L.

6) A coach may appeal his/her removal

7) L.C.Y.X.C.L. staff reserves the right to conduct a background check on any coaches participating in our league.

8) L.C.Y.X.C.L. reserves the option/right to refuse/deny any person from coaching in our league (head or assistant)

3.2 PROCESS OF ASSIGNING COACHES

In the event a head coach vacates his/her coaching position, the following process will be

followed:

1) Depending on the experience of that team’s assistant coach, he/she will be offered the position of head coach

2) In the event that the assistant coach does not want the position of head coach, the team will be offered to other coaches (head or assistant) with in the league.

3) If no other head or assistant coach within the league accepts the position, that position will be open and filled by the board of directors.

SECTION IV

4.1 APPEALS

1) All appeals must be made in writing to L.C.Y.X.C.L. Board

2) If deemed necessary, a meeting will be convened with all parties involved present

3) A discussion will be held by all parties involved

4) A decision will be rendered by the L.C.Y.X.C.L. Board-all parties will be notified of the decision in writing, in a timely manner.

5) A parent may file an appeal on behalf of their child, if the child is expelled from the program for violating league policy.

SECTION V

5.1 REFUNDS:

1.It is the policy of L.C.Y.X.C.L. that a refund can only be made if a participant has not practiced and only for participant fee and uniform deposit, L.C.Y.X.C.L. is unable to refund USATF membership.

2. No refunds will be made after the first day of practice, unless the player has not engaged in any practice session.

SECTION VI

6.1 RULES:

1. All USATF Rules will be in effect for all sports offered.