In cross country, we race in parks and on trails. However, we train in city streets and spaces daily. Practicing safety is our priority as we share the sidewalks and roads. Severe injury and loss of life due to pedestrian vehicular collision is a real safety concern.
Additionally, all programs weathering the elements must pay attention to heat, air quality and lightning. Please see below for information on each.
ROAD RULES
—always run with a partner or a group
—let coaches know your planned route (if not assigned) and check in with a coach upon return
—run on sidewalks when available
—if running on roads is the only option, run facing traffic, single-file
—cross streets at crosswalks and intersections whenever available; if unavailable, cross in a visible, well-lit location
—running with headphones is unsafe and not allowed
—obey traffic lights and rules of the road
—be defensive—always assume moving traffic DOES NOT see you, especially when vehicles are making both right and left turns
—if running in low-light or dark conditions, wear bright, reflective materials and/or use a light
—avoid loitering in/along roads before/after runs
—YOU are the best person to keep yourself safe—PAY ATTENTION to YOURSELF, YOUR TEAMMATES and YOUR SURROUNDINGS!
HEAT INDEX
We follow WIAA and SPS protocols for modifying or canceling practices based on the heat index, with guidance from our Seattle Children’s Hospital Head Athletic Trainer.
We follow Metro League and SPS guidance for when and how to modify or cancel practices and outdoor activities due to poor air quality. These protocols use Outside Air Quality Index (AQI), determined by AirNow.gov. All outdoor activities will be canceled if the AQI reaches 150.
