SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO YOUTH CROSS COUNTRY CHALLENGE
Presented by SunDragons ATC
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, condensed and modified for this event only
Created August 2025
The SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO YOUTH CROSS COUNTRY CHALLENGE is a spring board event to launch the 2026 xc season for the Southern New Mexico Youth Cross Country League (S.N.M.Y.X.C.L.) SNMYXCL a is a for-profit youth sports program, administered and managed by SunDragons ATC - a USATF certified Club. SunDragons ATC makes and administers all policies and procedures to be followed by:
· Coaches
· Parents
· Athletes
· Volunteers
*We strongly All coaches and volunteers be safe sport certified, and background checked by USATF, though not required for this Inguinal event!
SECTION I
1.1 S.N.M.Y.X.C.L. PHILOSOPHY
The purpose of a sound sports program is to produce well-rounded citizens who are better
prepared to face the challenges of adult life as a result of the athletic experiences. Participation
in sports is a valuable educational experience in its own right, one that should be available to all
students. Involvement in sports supports the athletic objectives of success and high achievement of our participants.
The opportunity of participation in Cross County is a vital part of any child’s educational experience. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it, responsibilities to the school, the teams, the student body, the community, and the student-athlete. When emphasis is placed on developing character, achieving a spirit of cooperation, and striving for worthwhile goals, the development of learning skills and emotional patterns that enable out participants to maximize their educational experience is enhanced.
Athletic competition helps to develop basic values such as self-control, self-respect, and self-confidence: further, the child learns and is able to demonstrate teamwork, competition, high achievement, hard work, and an enthusiastic approach of life. These values are educational experiences learned in the classroom.
The value of participation for each child is the realization that LIFE is reflected in this endeavor.
Being well prepared; maintaining a positive attitude, and achievement of success.
1.2 COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Our Philosophy can be summed up in two phases: 1.) “Athlete first, winning second”, and 2.) “See one, do one, teach one”. In general coaches should strive to promote the good and welfare of the child. Provide a further means of education by helping our students experience participation, teamwork, loyalty, dedication, self- discipline, self-respect, respect and compassion for others, success, and failure.
This valuable educational concept is accomplished by involving as many participants as
possible in our program; understanding individual needs; having an open line of
communication: believing that the welfare of the child is first and foremost; respecting and
recognizing the different ideals, beliefs, and goals of each child; creating a positive atmosphere
among all individuals, motivating and inspiring each individual to perform at the best of his or
her ability; and making the program fun, worthwhile, and enjoyable for all players, coaches,
and parents
1.3 NON-DISCRIMINATION
It is the expressed policy and purpose of the Southern New Mexico Youth Cross Country League to provide:
Participation opportunities, without regard to race, color, creed, sex, ethnicity, national origin,
religion, age ancestry, disability, or any other prohibited basis, in conformity with laws of the
United States and the State of New Mexico, nor sexual orientation.
It is the policy of S.N.M.Y.X.C.L to provide equal opportunities for student participation and the
assignment of coaches.
The purpose of this policy is to:
A. To provide all participants with the opportunity to interact, cooperate, and learn with members of various racial and ethnic backgrounds and to increase knowledge and enhance multi-cultural understandings.
B. To provide equal opportunities to all students for participation on teams.
C. To provide equal opportunities for interested persons
1.4 HARASSMENT
Harassment of any type (sexual, bullying, hazing, verbal, mental, etc.) will not be tolerated.
This is applicable to all participants, coaches, league-related personal, but not limited to
coaches, sponsors, chaperons, etc.
1.5 DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT
All activities, and events are designated as “drug-free.” Any violation of this designation by participants, coaches, or league personnel will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
1.6 USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Use of tobacco products by participant, coaches, or league personnel in any school building or
on school property at any time is strictly forbidden. (School District Policy)
SECTION II
2.1 PLAYER /TEAM PARTICIPATION
Participating in extracurricular activities builds teamwork, communication, relationships, wholesome attitudes, and a sense of belonging, as well as knowledge and skills all of which help students to develop socially and be successful in school. Participation in extracurricular activities demonstrates the importance of community involvement. Accordingly, participants may be subject to higher standards of conduct both in and out of the school setting.
2.2 CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
1) Prior to participating in any practice session or competitions, each participant must:
a) Be officially enrolled in that middle, elementary whether school is public, charter, or private.
b) Participant(s) and parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) must read and agree and sign waiver during registration
SECTION III
3.1 COACHES:
The head coach of team is responsible for his or her team. The head coach is directly
responsible to strictly enforce and follow the rules of the Las Cruces Youth XC League.
The head coach will be responsible for eligibility: equipment; rules and regulations; assistant
coaches; the overall supervision of that sport. The head coach shall have the right to assign
responsibilities and duties to assistant coaches.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Be familiar with and follow guidelines of S.N.M.Y.X.C.L set forth in this and any other publications
2) Teach sportsmanship and set an example for good moral and physical behavior.
3) Assume responsibility for the conduct and well-being of all players.
4) Ensure that all members of the coaching staff treat all players with a high standard of professionalism.
5) Ensure proper ethical behavior of self, coaching staff and team.
a) Refrain from the use of foul language and do not allow the use of foul language by team members.
6) Immediately inform league officials if any serious problem exists.
7) Cooperate with and be responsive to the needs of other coaches.
8) Provide positive communication and exhibit positive public relations skills.
9) Ensure that illegal recruiting of athletes is not occurring within your team.
