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Team Policies

 

Attendance Policy -

MN Cycling Association wants to build strong bodies, minds and character in it's athletes.  It's impossible for Hutch Tigers Cycling to achieve those goals if athletes don't commit to attending team events.  Attendance is also key in forming team camaraderie, which is a major goal of the organization.  We could all just practice on our own, show up to the events and go our merry way but there’s no memories being formed there!  Half the fun is lining the race courses in sleeping bags with your teammates cheering the competitors on, relay races against the 'oh so old' coaches at practice or listening to goofy music in the wee-early hours en route to a race venue.  To encourage team camaraderie and memories, Hutch Tigers Cycling does have an attendance policy. 

   

We ask athletes to commit to attending ½ of all required events as this ensures that the riders will adequately progress in safe bike handling and establish adequate levels of fitness to finish races.  We only have 2 practices per week so if there are schedule conflicts with one of those days our policy accommodates such conflicts.  We ask that all individuals communicate required event absences PRIOR to the event as we plan events for full attendance.  In the case of a lack of communication of an absence we will record that as an unexcused absence.  3 unexcused absences and we will ask the athlete to leave the team. 

 

The aforementioned policy is a balance between ensuring a TEAM of competent riders and flexibility for the individual as we ride throughout the busy summer season.  Over the years we have seen the correlation between high attendance and high performance.  This high performance always correlates to high fun.  It is not fun to be out of shape, lack skills and then try to race.  So the coaching staff of Hutch Tigers Cycling STRONGLY SUGGESTS ATTENDANCE AT ALL REQUIRED EVENTS in order to maximize the individuals mountain biking experience.

 

Concussion Policy - 

The recognition and treatment of athletes who have suffered a concussion has become a national priority. To better manage instances of concussion in our sports program, MN Cycling Association requires... 

  • All coaches must complete annual training in the area of current concussion management practices and provide proof of that training to MN Cycling Association. This training includes up-to-date information on the identification of concussion, the signs and symptoms associated with the injury, the risks involved with allowing athletes to continue to play while symptomatic, methods of concussion assessment, and the importance of gradual return to play practices. 

  • If, during a practice or race, an athlete sustains a concussion or exhibits the signs, symptoms or behaviors of a concussion, that athlete must be removed from all activity. That athlete may not return to any practice or race until he/she is evaluated by a licensed health care professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussion (i.e.,physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or athletic trainer). The athlete and his/her parent/guardian must provide written clearance from that provider prior to the athlete being allowed to resume physical activity. 

  • To assist in the above health care professional evaluations Hutch Tigers Cycling has adopted a MANDATORY CONCUSSION PRE-SCREENING policy.  

  • Once the athlete receives written medical clearance to return to physical activity, coaches will allow a the athlete to gradually return to cycling.

 

Lettering Policy -

Minimum Requirements:

  • Start 2 races

  • 60 hours of training (40 with the team)

  • Only excused absences

 

Points by 3 categories, matching the core values of the MN NICA League:

  • 100 points needed to Letter

 

1. Strong Body (placement in their top 2 races, 50 points max)

    Min        Max 

     25          50    Varsity Race Placement

     20          40    JV3 Race Placement

     10          30    JV2 Race Placement

                  20     Improvement bonus (point per percentile increase, 20 points for category increase)

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2. Strong Character (40 point max)

    Min        Max 

                  10    Perfect attendance (approved make-up training allowed)

   Up to       10    Advanced training (pre-season, MN series races, extra practices/week) 30 additional hours

   Up to       10    Trail maintenance & fundraising

   Up to       10    5 points per additional finished races (or finish all races in season)

 

3. Strong Mind (40 points max)    

    Min        Max 

                  10    Points per prior year on HS biking team

   Up to       20    Skills & knowledge test

 

Disciplinary points are removed for...

• -25 points for unexcused absence from required event.

• -10 to -50 points for unsportsmanlike conduct.

 

Points can be awarded on coaches discretion for special circumstances.

 

Pass-It-On Events Policy -

The Hutch Tigers Cycling exists because there were others that preceded us and passed it on.  We pass it on as well so that future Hutch Tiger Cycling teams can say that they exist because of the work that we are doing today.  Therefore there are required team events in which the goal is to build the team.  Events range from Take A Kid Mountain Biking in the fall to fundraising to performing trail work.  Please see the calendar for Pass-It-On events.

 

 

Trail Code of Conduct Policy -

1. Ride Predictability: 
When riding with others always ride in a straight, steady, and predictable manner. Swerving onto sidewalks, berms or jumps is unacceptable and will result in strict discipline from a coach or League Director. There is no jumping on team rides; keep both tires on the ground. 

2. Wear a helmet at all times.  
Under no circumstances should a student be on their bike with out a helmet fastened to their head.  While other athletes may be seen cruising around before and after practice or races with out a helmet, Hutch Tigers Cycling members can be suspended from practicing or racing for violating this rule. If you are on a bike, make sure there is a helmet properly fastened to your head. 

3. Obey Traffic Laws:
Student Athletes are required by law to obey all traffic laws. 

4. Music Players/ Headphones:
Student/athletes are not allowed to race or ride with headphones or other portable musical devices. Headphones are permitted while using a stationary trainer.

5. Cell Phones.
While having a cell phone during practices is a smart thing to do, it is not acceptable to make or answer calls while riding. Students must safely come to a complete stop and place both feet on the ground before using a cell phone. 

5. Always Yield.  
Even if at times it seems inconvenient.  Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters. Remember that bicycles in the backcountry can be an unwelcome experience for horses and hikers.

6. Pass with Care.  
Let others know of your presence well in advance.  Use a chime or audible greeting to avoid startling others.  Be especially careful when passing a horse, as each will react differently; stop and ask the rider for instructions.  By asking if the horse is easily spooked, you show an awareness of the rider’s needs.  Sometimes it may be necessary to dismount and remove your bike from the trail to allow others to pass.

7. Positive Sporting Attitude.
Student-athletes are expected to display an excellent sporting attitude during all events and should treat all other student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and officials with respect. Fair play and respectful, kind, supportive behavior is expected of all student-athletes. Profanity in any situation is not acceptable. 

8. Stay on Legal Trails Only. 
Riding off-trail damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems.  Only ride on approved trails, and only when they are marked as being open. Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Beware of the types of soil you are riding on.  Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots. 

9. Control your speed. 
Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your experience as a rider. Be able to stop safely without skidding in the distance that you can see ahead. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend. 

10. Do Not Litter.  
Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, carry out more than you share.

11. Ride Only on Authorized Trails.  
Check with local authorities regarding open trails and conditions, and with landowners regarding private land access.  Stay off trails that are closed to bicycles.

12. Avoid riding alone:
If possible practice riding with at least one other person. If you plan to ride alone, alert someone to your general location, the route you plan to take, and your approximate time of return.

13. Plan Ahead.  
The off-road bicycle will open new horizons to you.  Some of these should be approached with respect. If distances are involved, do not travel solo. Expect weather changes. Leave word where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

14. Minimize Impacts.  

The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of responsible off-road cyclists. Take only pictures.

 

For a complete list of rules and regulations an updated book is available for download.  The effective date for the Sporting Regulations is March 1, 2022. Prior versions of the rule book are replaced by this version. 

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