How to Greet Your First Meet
Pre-Race
Get acquainted with the race course and strategic spectator points; i.e., the start and finish lines. It is also helpful to identify your school's team uniforms.
Be aware that numerous races will be run during the course of the meet. A cross country meet may last anywhere from two hours to a full day. Races may be organized by the number of schools entered, the age of the runners, or divisions. Division I-II-III School classification. East Canton is a division III school.
DO NOT expect the attention of your child once they have joined their team at the race site. They need time to mentally and physically prepare for the race with the coach and rest of the team.
During the race
Cross country is not a sport observed from a stationary point (i.e. bleachers). There are many ways for the spectator to enjoy watching a race. One exciting aspect is to watch the start. After the start, you may wish to move to another point along the course to cheer on and watch runners as they passed by. As the race develops, you may want to move to the finish area as the runners complete the race.
Post-race
After a runner comes through the finish chute and receives a place card, it is his responsibility to report directly to the coach to turn in the place card and to be given comments.
Be aware that runners have certain responsibilities after they finish a race. Coaches require runners to warm down as a team after the race as well as actively support teammates who are still running or have yet to race.
It is important to note: after a race, a runner will possibly be more physically spent than you would anticipate. Symptoms may include rubbery knees, general weakness, the appearance of fainting, glassy eyes, nausea, and salivating. These symptoms usually pass quickly. Coaches, trained in first aid, are aware of these physical reactions and have the responsibility and ability to treat them.
Get acquainted with the race course and strategic spectator points; i.e., the start and finish lines. It is also helpful to identify your school's team uniforms.
Be aware that numerous races will be run during the course of the meet. A cross country meet may last anywhere from two hours to a full day. Races may be organized by the number of schools entered, the age of the runners, or divisions. Division I-II-III School classification. East Canton is a division III school.
DO NOT expect the attention of your child once they have joined their team at the race site. They need time to mentally and physically prepare for the race with the coach and rest of the team.
During the race
Cross country is not a sport observed from a stationary point (i.e. bleachers). There are many ways for the spectator to enjoy watching a race. One exciting aspect is to watch the start. After the start, you may wish to move to another point along the course to cheer on and watch runners as they passed by. As the race develops, you may want to move to the finish area as the runners complete the race.
Post-race
After a runner comes through the finish chute and receives a place card, it is his responsibility to report directly to the coach to turn in the place card and to be given comments.
Be aware that runners have certain responsibilities after they finish a race. Coaches require runners to warm down as a team after the race as well as actively support teammates who are still running or have yet to race.
It is important to note: after a race, a runner will possibly be more physically spent than you would anticipate. Symptoms may include rubbery knees, general weakness, the appearance of fainting, glassy eyes, nausea, and salivating. These symptoms usually pass quickly. Coaches, trained in first aid, are aware of these physical reactions and have the responsibility and ability to treat them.