The most important rule is rule #1.  We are not coaching a Division 1 program or professional athletes here.  Too often we see young athletes being pushed to be the best, or work the hardest, or make sacrifices for the sport.  In our belief, that isn't how you create a life long healthy habit of running. We want to create an environment where all abilities come and enjoy the sport we love. The only way that happens is if everyone is having fun.

This one seems obvious, but it carries more weight than you think.  Respect is a big part of what we coach. Respect for our teammates, ourselves, and lastly the sport. Learning to respect others starts with simple tasks. Like not talking when someone else is talking. We build on this rule throughout our season.  A coach is anyone that is holding the groups, attention. This includes our weekly team leaders, parent volunteers, and of course Tracy and me. 

I know, another obvious one. But obvious is also easy to remember.  Being a good teammate is more than just cheering someone on. We preach to be a teammate not just at practice or a meet, but in life.  A teammate can be someone on another team, or in another sport.  Learning to focus on others around us, does not only dramatically help the team, but it gives the runners the skills needed to look for help when they need it too. Coaching to be a good teammate allows us to move the team forward without ever leaving someone behind. 

I know, I know, this one might be a little contradictory to all the other rules.  On the surface you are correct.  Part of the origin of the rule comes from the fact that Coach Ryan is an alum of Carmel River, Carmel Middle and Carmel high school.  When the team found out about this, they thought it was funny to see me coach against my "old" team.  So it stuck. But really, there is some importance here. Learning how to have a healthy rivalry can add more flavor to the sport we love.  This team goal unifies our efforts toward a singular focus.  Sometimes we win, sometimes we don't, but we are always a great teammate to our rivals.