2014

Information Handbook

Valley Vipers Track and Field Club

Valley Vipers Track and Field Club On Facebook

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WELCOME

Dear Valley Vipers Parents, The Valley Vipers Track and Field Club is honored that you have chosen to look over the athletic program for the 2014 track & field season. This booklet is designed to provide a basic knowledge of the program and our expectations of parents and athletes. We look forward to working with you and your children this season. Please take the time to review this information, sign and return the waiver form and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Sincerely, Coaching Staff

Dear Valley Viper Parents, The Valley Viper Track and Field Booster Club is a support group, designed to provide on-going financial infrastructure that will enable the track & field to exist and function at full capacity with the required equipment, staff, and travel amenities that will maintain our exceptional athletic status. This is accomplished through individual sponsorship, fundraisers, and monthly dues. I expect the 2014 season to be most successful. The talented athletes who represent Valley Vipers Track and Field Club work very hard to reach their goals and success. They depend on the booster club for financial support and emotional stability as they work toward achieving their goals. The Booster Club assists with special costs throughout the year, which include postage, office supplies, family potluck dinner supplies, and the ultimate goal of rewarding qualified athletes assistance in airfare towards nationals, etc... The membership fee is $75 per month per family as soon as training starts. Please make your checks payable to Valley Vipers I am proud of the past success of our Valley Vipers. I am excited about what the future holds for our present and future athletes. Regards, Dana Davis Manager/Booster Club/Board Member

INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS

Team training will be held at the following places: Preseason Century Park Indoor Track Season: VVTF facility, Fresno State track Outdoor Track Season: Clovis West High School, Century Park, Blossom Trail, Fresno State Fees: January-July $75/month due at first training of each month. Track & Field-All entry fees/travel fees AAU and USATF membership fees (see below)
AAU (club code XTF339) $14-$16 http://centralcalaau.com/ USATF (our club number for this is 816) $20 http://www.usatf.org/Home.aspx

Birth Certificates: Copies of birth certificates are mandatory for your children to participate as a member of VVTF. All parents are required to provide a copy of their childs birth certificate prior to your childs participation with VVTF. Medical Waivers: All team parents must complete and sign all of the required sections of the medical waiver. The completion of this document is mandatory for all athletes. It must be completed prior to your childs participation with VVTF. This document is located on the last page of the booklet. Team colors: Red and Black.

Uniforms: Consist of official training t-shirt, official red tank, official black tank, black spandex shorts (both boys and girls), sweats and travel bag. Cost for all is approximately $250. Shoes: The appropriate foot attire must be worn for track. A running flat must be worn for both sports during training. Spikes for competition on the track and field (specialty shoes for shot put, discus, and javelin throw). Transportation: Transportation to and from training is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Please be sure to have your child arrive to training and competition on time. Behavior Guidelines: Behavior guidelines for Valley Vipers are attached. Please review! All rules will be strictly enforced. Academic Requirements: We require each athlete to maintain a 3.0 or higher to practice. Periodic progress reports will be requested. If a 3.0 is not achieved, the athlete will be put on academic probation for 30 days and not be allowed to train with team. Travel Team Each athlete has the opportunity to be invited to travel to away meets and compete by coaches. Coaches have certain times, heights, and distances the athlete must meet to be invited to travel (please see handout for travel team baseline requirements). Absences from training Once the athlete has qualified to be a part of the travel team for upcoming meet, it is imperative that they participate in training. Two unexcused are permitted, however, the third unexcused absence denies he/she the opportunity to participate in the next upcoming meet. An excused absence is considered the following: schedule conflict with school track team (when in season) or another sport, doctors, injury etc..

Team Coaches: Coach Peter Lopes (Sprints Coach) Coach Valerie Lopes (Head Track Coach/Fitness, Agility, Speed Training/ Middle and Long, High Jump/Multi-events Coach)

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ THE VALLEY VIPERS ABOVE INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS IT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS CODE MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION FROM THE TEAM.

Signed, sealed and delivered this ________ day of ________________, 2014.

CAUTION: READ BEFORE SIGNING BELOW

X ______________________________

Athletes Name

______________

Please sign and return

MYTHS AND TRUTHS

Valley Vipers Track and Field Club is an ELITE organization that promotes the highest level of competition in the sport. We compete in both USATF and AAU events. Our team has received many national and regional awards. Many of our athletes are being considered to compete at the collegiate level. We would like to provide you with clear information in regards to how the club operates. We named this Myths and Truths because with great success, comes expectations and sometimes rumors. We want to be open about our intentions as a club. So here we go!. MYTH- We are against school coaches and teams. TRUTH- No. We have athletes from all schools. We love track and field period. Athletes join our team on the last day of competition at their school. MYTH- We recruit for specific schools. TRUTH- No. Our athletes come from all over the valley. Valley Vipers, get it? We dont have a preference where you come from, however, we do advise parents that if you have a collegiate prospect YOU must hold your school staff accountable along with school counselors to make sure your child will be fully prepared for the next level. Politely request a meeting with counselors to make sure all academic requirements are being met (see NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE REGULATIONS) Make sure your coaching staff has a clear plan for your child. They should. MYTH- All you have to do is show up and youre a Viper. TRUTH- No. There will be three mandatory tryouts. Exact dates will be announced via Facebook page. Grades 9-12 must hit standard to make the team. MYTH- If I dont make Valley Vipers, I cant do track and field TRUTH- No, No, No. There are many good clubs in the area. We have relationships with all of them. We would love to coach every kid. We cannot give quality coaching if our numbers are too high. Unlike some other sports this is not a money grab. We want to develop the best student athlete possible and contribute to the growth of track and field. We have and will continue to assist individuals start competitive clubs. Competition with the clubs helps all of us get better. Thank you, Coach Pete

Program Policy
The following policies were adopted and implemented in 2008: 1. All revenue collected under the clubs name and federal identification number, will go directly to the team account and used solely for the good of the entire program. 2. Parents will reimburse the program when their athlete misses a competition they have been registered and paid in advance for if coming out of the Valley Vipers Track and Field Club fund. To avoid this matter, notifications to coaches must be made three (3) weeks prior to the missed event date 3. There will be no refunds of fees. This includes self-removal or management dismissal. 4. All athletes returning to the Valley Viper program that refuse to train exclusively with Valley Vipers coaching staff will not be allowed to compete as a Valley Viper athlete. It is unethical and unproductive to club hop during an athletes season. Training becomes inconsistent and the athletes performance will suffer. If in doubt, find another team.

VALLEY VIPERS PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS

The purpose of the Parent Code is to develop parental support and positive role models in all co-curricular activities. In the tradition of excellence, The Valley Vipers strives to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well being of all players. Parents/guardians are an integral part of this process. EXPECTATIONS: As a Valley Vipers parent/guardian, I agree to: be a positive role model for my child, the track club, and community display a positive attitude and behavior show respect for all participants, officials/judges and advisors/coaches assist in providing athlete safety and welfare at all times encourage my child to attend practice/training regularly and refrain from negative behaviors at practices and meets refrain from using profane language or signals refrain from using non-verbal, verbal, or physical threats against other participants, officials/judges, coaches, or parents Due to this club including both genders AND range in ages from 6-17 the following rules will apply There will be absolutely no flirtatious actions tolerated by any athlete (touch, feel, etc.) Boy/Girl athletes are not to room together or have adjoining rooms in hotel on overnight meets

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
It is The Valley Vipers policy that grievances should not be addressed during or immediately following any practice or activity. If a situation arises where a parent/guardian wishes to meet with a coach, or address a specific issue or complaint, the following steps should be followed: Request a meeting with the coach.

Please read, sign the acknowledgement sheet and keep this sheet for your reference.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ THE VALLEY VIPERS PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS IT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS CODE MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION FROM THE TEAM.

Signed, sealed and delivered this ________ day of ________________, 2014.

CAUTION: READ BEFORE SIGNING BELOW

X ______________________________ Parent/Guardian

Athletes Name

______________

Please sign and return

VALLEY VIPER ATHLETE CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS

The purpose of the Player Code is to encourage athletes to act in a manner, which reflects positively on The Valley Vipers and Community. In the tradition of excellence, The Valley Vipers strives to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well being of all players. EXPECTATIONS: As a Valley Viper Member, I agree to: be a positive role model for The Valley Vipers and community display a positive attitude and behavior show respect for all participants, officials/judges and advisors/coaches attend practice regularly and refrain from negative behaviors at practices and games refrain from using profane language or signals refrain from using non-verbal, verbal, or physical threats against other participants or teammates Due to this club including both genders AND range in ages from 6-17 the following rules will apply There will be absolutely no flirtatious actions tolerated by any athlete (touch, feel, etc.) Boy/Girl athletes are not to room together or have adjoining rooms in hotel on overnight meets Any boyfriend/girlfriend relationships within club is prohibited We are brothers and sisters on and off the track

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
It is Valley Vipers policy that grievances should not be addressed during or immediately following any practice or activity. If a situation arises where an athlete wishes to meet with a coach, or address a specific issue or complaint, the following steps should be followed: Request a meeting with the coach.

Please read, sign the acknowledgement sheet and keep this sheet for your reference.

THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ THE VALLEY VIPERS ATHLETE CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS AND FULLY UNDERSTANDS IT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS CODE MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION FROM THE TEAM.

Signed, sealed and delivered this ________ day of ________________, 2014.

CAUTION: READ BEFORE SIGNING BELOW

X ______________________________ Parent/Guardian

Athletes Name

______________

Please sign and return

VVAC Insurance Waiver/Athlete Sports Waiver Athletes name: __________________________ Date of Birth: _________________________ Mothers name__________________________ Fathers name__________________________

Home address: __________________________________________________ Zip: __________ Home phone: _______________ Mothers cell: ______________Fathers cell______________ Email address__________________________________________________________________ Emergency contact name: _____________________________ Phone number: _______________ Insurance Policy Holder: ______________________________ Insurance Company: __________________________________ Policy Number: ________________________ Secondary Policy Holder: ______________________________ Insurance Company: ___________________________________ Policy Number: ________________________ Name of Practitioner: __________________________________ Phone number: _______________ Allergies: _______________________________________________________________________ Is your child taking a prescription drug (please list): ______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ I understand that Valley Vipers Track and Field Club does not assume responsibility for payment of a physician in any case. However, in an emergency the Valley Vipers may choose a physician. Parent Signature: ________________________________________________ I understand that Valley Vipers does not assume responsibility of all and any injury the athlete may endure during training and competition. Parent Signature: ________________________________________________ CONSENT FOR TREATMENT (I), (We), the undersigned parent(s) or legal guardian of _________________________________ a minor, do hereby authorize a representative of the VVTF as agent(s) for the undersigned do consent to any x-ray exam, anesthetic, medial or surgical diagnosis or treatment and hospital care that is deemed advisable by, and is to be rendered under the general or special supervision of any physician and surgeon licensed under the provisions of the California Medicine Practice Act on the medical staff of an accredited hospital, whether such diagnosis or treatment is rendered at the office of said physician or at said hospital. It is understood that this authorization is given in advance of any specific diagnosis, treatment or hospital care being required but is given to provide authority and power on the part of the abovementioned agent(s) t give specific consent to any and all such diagnosis, treatment or hospital care that the above-mentioned physician in the exercise of his or her best judgment may deem advisable.

Hello Valley Vipers Family, We would like to get your permission to include and post pictures of your kids on our Facebook page. Its important to know that only pictures of Valley Vipers events will be posted. The pictures are only to promote our club. Please sign and date this form and return as soon as possible. I appreciate you taking the time to do this. Parent signature: Athlete: Date:

Please sign and return

Valley Vipers Uniform Order Sheet

Girls
Black racer back tank YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__ Red racer back tank YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__ 4 inseam black booty shorts YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__ Sweat Jacket AXS__AS__AM__AL__AXL__ Sweat Pants AXS__AS__AM__AL__AXL__ Travel bag ___ Practice t-shirt YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__AXL__

Boys
Black tank YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__ Red tank YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__ 8 inseam black spandex shorts YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__ Sweat jacket AXS__AS__AM__AL__AXL__ Sweat pants AXS__AS__AM__AL__AXL__ Travel bag ___ Practice t-shirt YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__AXL__

Additional t-shirts for family members (to be worn at meets to show unity and pride) YS__YM__YL__ AS__AM__ AL__AXL__

As prices may vary depending on order size, we will provide you with a quote before ordering. You will need to write a check for package before order is placed.

Please fill out and return

Things to be completed: AAU memberships USATF memberships Information and Expectations Parent Code of Conduct Athlete Code of Conduct Insurance Waiver Facebook approval Order form Copy of birth certificate Please keep all other parts of handbook for reference Monthly Dues (to be paid at first of each month) when athlete starts training with us Jan Feb March April May June July

Tentative Competition Schedule TO BE ANNOUNCED