In an effort to help conduct themselves in an admirable fashion and to meet or exceed community standards, many track teams will ask their athletes to sign and follow a code of conduct. That code of conduct addresses practice sessions, behavior at track and field meets and overall demeanor.
Practice Habits
Athletes on a track and field team might be required to sign a code of conduct pledging consistent attendance at practice as well as getting to practice on time and staying until its completion. Additionally, you must wear clean practice apparel throughout the practices. Players who do not attend practice might not be allowed to participate in official meets, at the coach's discretion.
Conduct
Track and field meets can be very lengthy, especially when they are county or sectional meets that include many schools and several heats in races. As a result, track and field athletes have to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible way during "down time," when they are waiting for their event or after they have completed their race. Track athletes are not allowed to argue or complain to officials. Athletes must tell their coach if they have a complaint or problem, and the coach can state their case to the officials.
Family Behavior
Family and friends of track athletes can attend meets with the sole intention of supporting their team and individual athletes. They may not register complaints or argue with meet officials, many of whom are volunteers. They may not argue with coaches or use abusive language. Questions may be asked of coaches, but must be in a respectful manner. Relatives and friends who violate code of conduct standards will be asked to stay away from track and field meets.
Travel
When participating in meets away from the home school, the track and field athlete must travel on the team bus to and from the meet. If exceptions are to be made, they must be arranged ahead of time with the approval of the head coach with a specific reason. Athletes who have an event early in a meet might want to leave early, which is understandable, but it does not foster a good team team attitude to leave the meet early. As a result, it's important to stay with the team.
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