Training
Of course, no high school sport would be complete without paperwork and signatures ensuring that what the paperwork states is understood. Hereafter are packets some of which require signatures.
Physical
Before the student-athlete is allowed to participate in monitored team training practices, he or she must have a current physical on record. MSHSAA has an updated Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation History Form available on their website. It cannot be saved before it is completed so it is best to be ready to fill it out completely and print it off afterwards. This form requires signatures from the student-athlete, a parent or guardian, and the physician performing the physical evaluation.
Handbook
The Student Activity Handbook should be read and understood, and then signed by the student-athlete and parents on the last page. Here's a tip - the coach will know if anyone read the handbook based on what is returned. If only the back sheet is returned with the required signatures, that's a good sign. If the entire handbook is returned, well.... The handbook can be accessed by clicking the link below.
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student_activity_handbook_2014-15.pdf | |
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Concussions
Although concussions are a rare occurrence in Cross Country, they can happen. For more information about concussions, read the Concussion Packet provided by Missouri State High School Athletics Association (MSHSAA) at http://www.mshsaa.org/resources/pdf/ConcussionPacketHB300_Final.pdf. Signatures are required with the physical to indicate this packet was read and understood.
Hydration
Most of a Cross Country athlete's training will take place after school during the heat of the day. Even as the days get shorter and cooler, the athletes will still need to prevent dehydration and heat illness. Recommendations for hydration for all athletes can be seen at http://www.mshsaa.org/resources/pdf/hydration1.pdf. No signatures are required with this packet.
Heat Acclimization
Exertional Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading cause of preventable death in high school athletics. Students participating in high-intensity, long-duration or repeated same-day sports practices and training activities during the summer months or other hot-weather days are at greatest risk. Cross Country is no exception. For more information about EHS read the packet found at http://www.mshsaa.org/resources/pdf/heatAccl0.pdf. No signatures are required for this packet.