Athlete Expectations

VHS Track & Field/XC 2026

Team Philosophy and Athlete Expectations

Philosophy

Track & Field/XC are competitive athletic teams at Vacaville HS. By choosing to participate,

students are making a commitment of their time that requires discipline, motivation, teamwork,

and a strong work ethic. Students are acknowledging that they can manage their academic

responsibilities and other personal obligations while honoring the expectations and

requirements of being a member of the Track/XC team. By choosing to participate in Track/XC

an athlete may have to forego other activities that conflict with practice and competition. There

are no tryouts based on running or performance, however students will not be able to participate

if they cannot meet the expectations described on this document.

Conflicts with Practice Time

The coaches recognize that some athletes may be participating in other school sponsored

extracurricular activities during practice time. Under certain circumstances, with the coach’s

advance approval, athletes with scheduling conflicts may be accommodated. Early and

proactive communication is very important with regard to practice attendance. Study time needs

to be well managed. Too much homework is not an acceptable reason to miss practice. Contact

Coach Monk if you need to talk about conflicts with practice time.

Requests to Excuse Absence

It is the athlete’s responsibility to communicate about absences from practice due to illness or

extenuating circumstances. Communication should be at least 24 hours in advance, but no later

than the evening of a missed practice. DM Coach Monk requesting the absence be excused.

Verbal requests to be excused from practice will not be accepted. On days when absences are

excused by Coach Monk due to conflicts with scheduled practice times, evidence of workout

completion is expected to be designated as excused. Three unexcused absences will result

in dismissal from the team, as will excessive “excused” absences.

Communication

Please be sure to join the Team GroupMe as this is where updates, announcements, and

communication will occur. If an athlete needs to communicate with the coaching staff regarding

practice/meet attendance it should be done in advance and in writing from the ATHLETE (not

the parent). Please note: If you attend school, even if you are sick, you must check in with

your coach at practice and collectively come to an agreement on what’s best suited for your

health & training…this also applies to ALL that are managing pains/injuries!!!