I am looking for a short video I could show the parents of my junior high runners to introduce them to the sport of Cross Country.
Most of these parents have no idea what Cross Country is.
Any ideas?
I am looking for a short video I could show the parents of my junior high runners to introduce them to the sport of Cross Country.
Most of these parents have no idea what Cross Country is.
Any ideas?
Chariots of fire clips? The one on the beach? Stick that in with the music and then segue into a powerpoint.
How about a clip from Deliverance?
look for a youtube clip of long green line
Just be happy if anyone shows up....don't force them to watch a video. Cross country is not hard to understand at all....running across the countryside...instead of round and round a track. Pretty simple.
You ought to just take them for a walk on the course and explain the scoring. It might make them more interested in coming out to watch the meets.
The beginning of Running Brave has some cross country sequences.
Tool
Get a hold of as many pictures as you can from prior cross country seasons. Use them to accent a powerpoint presentation on the key components of your program and the sport. Lots of pictures with kids running, getting muddy, smiling, being with friends, having fun, etc. should help communicate many of the important parts of a middle school program.
If you can communicate that their kids will be safe and will have a good time, you will have most of the parents on board with your program. Use on-going communications throughout the season to communicate more technical concepts related to training and racing. Until they experience meets and racing, most of this information isn't going to make sense to them unless they are already familiar with the sport.
Well before the first meet, make sure you communicate nutritional information, especially how to eat on race day. Eating habits are definitely one area that parents can get involved and help with.
In your parents meeting, make sure you clearly communicate what kind of interaction you expect between them and thier child on race day. Otherwise you are likely to have parents in the midst of the team camp before the race, making pre-race communications difficult. Help them with ideas on how to support their kids without acting like a coach the kids have to live with - unconditional support is key. Home should be a safe haven from criticism of athletic efforts. Offer parents several ways of communicating with you throughout the season. Let them know you are willing to listen to their concerns but that all decisions related to the team rest entirely with you.
Don't waste a lot of time showing footage of adults running.
Thank you to all that responded!
Not sure how playing a Tool video would help though.
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