Assumption Cross Country Training Groups: Brief Summary

Prior to the start of school we encourage the girls to attend as often as possible (i.e. during the summer). Once school begins, the girls must join one of our three training groups (described below). Ability is one factor in this choice, but we ask each girl to first consider her ability to regularly attend practice once school begins (either 4 days a week or 6 days a week), and ask that she make a choice that’s consistent with her interest in the sport and motivation to train on a certain level. How hard a girl runs at practice is always determined by her ability, running experience, and age – and not on the basis of whether a girl is in Group A or Group B. Note that Seniors hoping to be considered for a Varsity letter or an invitation on an out-of-town trip must join Group A or the Elite A group, and that it’s possible to change groups at any point in time.

1. Elite Group A

This group is designed for girls interested in making a “national class commitment” to their running. Membership in this group has several specific requirements. Elite A group girls must perform on a high athletic level (or show the potential to do so) and maintain a spotless attendance record. The attendance standards of this group are very high. These girls cannot have any regular pattern of absences from practice or meets and should coordinate their schedule around Cross Country to the best of their ability. This includes summer training as well (with obvious exceptions made for academic activities like GSP and most family vacations).

Girls in Elite Group A are also expected to balance their commitment to running with an equally strong emphasis on academics, following school rules, team guidelines, etc. Elite A girls must maintain a cumulative (unweighted) GPA of 3.0, cannot fall into academic suspension at any point in the season, and cannot have any disciplinary issues. If issues outside of school arise with a girl in this group, she is expected to address those issues to the best of her ability.

Girls joining Elite Group A must meet specific performance guidelines or show the potential to achieve certain performance-related guidelines (e.g. running a 22:10 5k at Seneca Park, or 22:20 at E.P. Tom Sawyer or River Road, or 22:45 at the Horse Park). Elite A girls must either achieve these standards each season or show the potential for doing so.

2. Group A

Group A is for girls who seek to make a Varsity level commitment to Cross Country, but without having to adhere to the more strict criteria of the Elite A group. Joining Group A does not guarantee a Varsity letter, but does make a girl at least eligible to earn a Varsity letter – as well as be considered for inclusion on one of our out-of-town trips. Both Elite A group girls and Group A girls are expected to practice 6 days a week (Monday through Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), compete in a minimum of 4 meets (typically weekend meets) and maintain regular attendance – which begins during the summer.

3. Group B

Group B exists for Cross Country girls who prefer to make a commitment that’s more consistent with being a JV level girl. If they meet the requirements of this group, then all Group B girls, including seniors, will earn a JV certificate at the end of the season. Girls in Group B must regularly attend practice 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday) and compete in a minimum of 3 meets. Group B girls are always welcome to attend practice on days they might not normally attend (e.g. Sunday runs), but without fully committing to being in Group A.

Cross Country team – organizational summary

Group:	Requirements:	Benefits associated with this group:
Elite A Well-rounded Varsity girls who commit to training and competing on a National level	· 6 days of practice per week · commit to a national class training level (training levels are adapted to each girl) · coordinate all expected absences · no regular pattern of absence · no regular work-related absences · no regular work-related early departures · participate in team meetings · minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA · no instances of academic suspension · no school or team rule violations · 4 meet participation minimum (includes Academy Meet) · meet performance guidelines	· automatic Varsity letter · automatic attendance on all CC trips · special recognition & award at Banquet · eligible for team awards/senior recognition · compete (typically) in Invitational meets · race in blue uniform (first group to select uniforms)
Group A Girls willing to make a Varsity-like commitment in the hope of earning Varsity level benefits	· 6 days of practice per week · commit to a Varsity training level (training levels are adapted to each girl) · satisfy team guidelines on attendance · regular attendance · 4 meet participation minimum (includes Academy Meet) · participate in team meetings · meet Athletic Dept academic standards	· eligible for Varsity letter or JV certificate · eligible for invitation on out-of-town trips · compete in any meet on schedule · slightly more flexibility with attendance than with the elite group · eligible for team awards/senior recognition · race in blue uniform (second group to select uniforms)
Group B Girls willing to make a JV- like commitment to the team	· 4 days of practice per week · satisfy team guidelines on attendance · regular attendance · 3 meet participation minimum (includes Academy Meet) · participate in team meetings · meet Athletic Dept academic standards	· eligible for JV certificate (only) · compete (typically) in weekday meets (not eligible to attend out-of-town trips) · eligible for team awards/senior recognition · more flexibility w/ attendance than Grp A · race in white/maroon or blue uniform (third group to select uniforms)