Lightning Youth Academy/Lightning Youth Running Club 

 Code of Conduct, Policies and Procedures 

Introduction

Lightning Youth Academy/Lighting Youth Running Club strives to create a positive environment that increases its members' athletic and life skills development. In order to do so, LYA/LYRC expects the actions of the team members and parents to follow the rules, guidelines, procedures and expectations below.  

Lightning Youth Running Club is a member of the AAU and USATF, and as a result, LYRC abides by their code of conduct and ethics:

-2022 Code Book: https://image.aausports.org/codebook/codebook.pdf

-USATF Code of Ethics: https://www.usatf.org/governance/policies/usatf-code-of-ethics

 

Lightning’s Code of Conduct  

Team Rules:

Sportsmanship:

All athletes and parents will act respectfully at any and all events while representing LYA/LYRC. Athletes and parents agree to encourage others, be polite and respectful and have respect for others and their property. In addition, athletes agree to put forward their best effort in all meets and practices based on the instruction given by the coaches.  

Behavior:

All athletes and parents will use appropriate language while at practices and meets while behavior in a manner representative of LYA/LYRC’s values. 

Communication:

Athletes and parents agree to notify the head coach if an athlete will miss practice, develop an injury, or participate in other sports activities. This should be done to ensure all athletes receive proper training. In addition, athletes and parents agreed to stay up to date on all communications and instructions given by the coaches and are encouraged to ask questions. 

Guidelines:

Practice Participation: 

It is expected that athletes arrive punctually at practice in proper running attire, with positive attitudes, and prepared for the workout.  

Attendance: 

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. The best way for young athletes to develop is to put in the work in a team environment. If your child cannot do a practice, please get in touch with the head coach. 

Multi-sport: 

We encourage athletes to do one sport at a time. It is essential for the head coach to what physical activities they are engaged in during non-practice and meet days. If athletes and parents decide to do other sports, please inform the head coach. In this way, proper training will be implemented.  

Injuries: 

Athletes should communicate any instances where they are experiencing prolonged pain to their coach.

Practice Expectations:  

1)   Respect everyone 

2)   Athletes are expected to come to practice on the days assigned to practice. 

3)   Athletes are expected to bring their supplies (clothes, shoes, water bottles, snacks) to practice. Athletes should also dress according to the weather and day’s workout. 

4)   Athletes are expected to complete the runs and workouts assigned. Skipping this will limit an athletes’ improvement in running. In addition, additional training done without the coaches’ knowledge can be counterproductive.   

5)   Parents are welcome to attend all team practices and engage with the coaches and athletes positively. Parents are asked to discuss concerns regarding training or policies privately with coaches respectfully. LYA/LYRC believes that positive reinforcement creates success.     

6)   Runners and parents, please do not leave any trash, bottles, or clothes at the practice location.

 

Meet Procedures and Expectations   

1) Meet participation is optional, not a requirement.

2) Runners interested in participating in the qualifying AAU and USATF meets, runners must have a membership.

3) All runners must wear the same uniform assigned by the team at a meet.

4) All athletes should try their best, keep positive attitudes and strive to create the best environment for themselves and their teammates. 

5) LYA/LYRC requests parents to defer all competition strategies to the coaches. Direct discussion between parents and athletes regarding competition strategies is discouraged. Athletes wishing to discuss strategy or experiencing pre-race anxieties should be directed to a coach. 

6) During meets, parents are expected to support all of our athletes and our competitors positively. Opportunities to assist with meet preparations and set up will be communicated as competition approaches. 

7) Parents will only register for meets that they are certain their child will be competing in. If your child cannot compete in a meet they are registered for, let your child’s coach know at least 24 hours before the meet. 

8) The Head Coach or the Coach for a particular division will determine what events the athlete will participate in.

9) There is no “I” in TEAM, Support until our last runner has crossed the finish line. 

10) Food, snacks and drinks are donations only, not required.

 

Club Policies – Fundraisers

  • Money raised for LYA/LYRC is donations. For each athlete, it is required to donate $150.00 to fund for the organization’s expenses.

  • Funds raised from fundraisers or donations shall be used for athletes to go to the AAU and/or USATF national meet and the banquets.

  • Only athletes whose parents or guardians work or participate in over 75% of all club fundraisers are entitled to benefit from any proceeds raised.

  • In the eventuality you do not participate in any of the club fundraisers, you must pay for event expenses.

  • Parents have the option to purchase a complete uniform (Shorts, shirt, jacket, & pants) or just the racing uniform (shorts & shirt) for races.

  • Parents have the option of purchasing AAU and USATF memberships.

Waiver and Release Liability Agreement

*As a parent or legal guardian, I understand that this event is not part of Any School District or any specific city. I also understand that LYA/LYRC is not responsible for any injuries when my child participates in practice. Therefore, I'm signing this waiver knowing that if my child suffers any injury, losses, or damages, the Lightning Youth Academy/Lightning Youth Running Club organizations and coaches are not liable in any case.

*Undersigned waives and releases any and all claims, rights, and or causes of action which undersigned now has or may have against any city or county, and Lightning Youth Academy/Lightning Youth Running Club, and coaches and its officers for any and all claims, suits, liability, injuries, including losses and damages, which may occur to or be inflicted upon undersigned or his/her property, including but not limited to those which relate to, or which may in any way be caused by the negligence of Lightning and its' respective officer, coaches, and members, while the undersigned is participating in and/or in route to any or from any Lightning event.  

*As a parent or legal guardian, I hereby acknowledge that I have read and reviewed the Lightning Youth Academy/Lighting Youth Running Club's Rules, Regulations, Code of Conduct Policies, and Procedures. Therefore, I voluntarily sign this liability agreement as a parent or caregiver and for my runner(s) and accept the penalties.