Leadership Roles & Criteria
Interested in becoming a captain?
​The student-athlete leadership positions on our team are:​​​
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Captain ( 2 )
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Assistant Captain ( 2 )
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Race Prep Lead
( Qty = # of competing div. )
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The selection criteria used to nominate athletes:
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Captain
Selected for next season by the current season's XC coaches @ the end of the season.
Preference is given to athletes who have served as Assistant Captains.
- Must have been on the team for the past two consecutive seasons.
- Should have previously demonstrated exemplary behaviour and/or leadership/initiative.
- Must be a good role model for others on the team.
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Assistant Captain
Selected for next season by the current season's XC coaches @ the end of the season.
Preference is given to athletes who have served as Race Prep Leads.
- Must have been on the team for at least one season.
- Should have previously demonstrated exemplary behaviour and/or leadership/initiative.
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Race Prep Lead
Selected for each race by the head coach, based on entries and divisional placement.
Preference is given to athletes who have previously served as Race Prep Leads and done a good job.
- Can only be selected for this role for the division they are racing in.
- Should have previously demonstrated initiative and/or commitment to the sport.
- Should be seen as responsible when it comes to XC activities by the head coach.
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What the leadership roles entail:​​​​​
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Captain
- Leading the team and setting an example.
- Aiding and/or leading in the organization of events/tasks.
- Keeping in close communication with the head coach.
- Encouragement & support of fellow teammates.
- Supporting race prep leads.
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Assistant Captain
- Leading by example.
- Being in alignment with the team captains.
- Role is a captain in training. Support and help the captains.
- Help lead the organization of events/ or completion of tasks.
- Attending weekly check-in meetings with the head coach.
- Encouragement & support of fellow teammates.
- Supporting race prep leads.
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Race Prep Lead
- Help the captains/assistant captains and coaches at meets.
You should not create more work for the coaches.
- An opportunity to demonstrate and practice leadership on the team.
- Attending pre-meet meeting with the head coach.
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Race Prep Lead Duties/Responsibilities:​​​​​
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Know who is on your race team (refer to the divisions sheet)
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Know when your race starts and when you should warm up
(race start time on the divisions sheet) -
Lead your divisional race teams' warm-ups on time before your race.
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Make sure all of your race team is on the line with enough time before the race starts.
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Notify the captains/assistant captains and coaches if you can’t find someone in your race team. Please do this as early as possible.
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Make sure all timing chips for your race team are returned to the chip holder after the race.
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Lead a cool-down for your race team.
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Encouragement & support of fellow teammates.
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Race Day Routine (Reference for new Race Prep Leads)
Warm-up
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45 minutes before the race start time
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1 or 2-mile easy run (see workout schedule for indication on mileage by group)
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Warm-up route should be the one on Footpath if there is one
Dynamics
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High Knees (out)
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But kickers (back)
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A-skips (out)
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Carioca aka Grapevines (back & out)
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Light lunges (back)
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Duck walks toes out (out)
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Duck walk toes in (back)
Shoes, Chips, and Bibs
If you have different racing shoes, change into them at least 20 minutes before race time.
Make sure to put your timing chip on and your bib 20 minutes before the race time as well.
On the line
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Someone should go scout out a spot on the starting line ASAP.
One of the coaches can help save the spot, but we will not go and choose one for you. -
Once everyone is on the line, with some time before the race. Should not be getting on the line last minute. You can do the following:
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​Bounds/rocket jumps at the line (Optional)
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2-4 Strides at the line before the race starts
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