Developmental Cross Country Series Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
The DXCS is open to all students in grades 3 through 8. Coaches may bring any number of children, within reason, based on facility capacity.
What should participants wear?
Student participants must wear clothing that is comfortable and safe to run in, such as shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts, and sneakers. Children may not run in bare feet, sandals, or boots. Restrictive clothing, such as jeans, is not allowed. Children not in appropriate athletic attire will not be allowed to participate. Although uniforms are not required, matching shirts worn by teams help coaches and officials manage the event and encourage children to support their teammates.
Who supervises students?
Each school is responsible for the behavior of its student athletes. Students must be supervised at all times. The officials and Series personnel will supervise on the race course. Each school is responsible for cleaning up its own area before leaving the event. Food and drink are allowed only in designated areas. Each school must have bathroom chaperones for students (one for girls and one for boys). Teasing, taunting, and any other unsportsmanlike behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Who can attend meets as a spectator?
Students may not attend as spectators. Only participating students can attend meets. Parents, teachers, and other school personnel may attend the meets as chaperones to support and help manage students. All adults are accountable to their school’s administration and must adhere to NYRR policies and standards of good sportsmanship.
Can anyone volunteer at meets?
Parents and other adults who wish to help officiate at meets must submit a volunteer application available on the New York Road Runners website. A background check will be conducted to ensure the safety of participating children. Please allow two weeks for background checks to be processed.
Can Adaptive Physical Education (APE) students participate?
The Development Cross Country Series is open to all students. APE students that need special accommodations are encouraged to participate in the APE Track and Field Series. For more information about the NYC DOE APE Series, please contact Tong Ngo via e-mail at tngo@schools.nyc.gov or by phone at 212.374.2313.
Who provides transportation to events?
Schools are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the four developmental meets. The Youth Cross Country Invitational has a limited number of buses available, so please fill out the race registration form (that is the bus request form also) by the appropriate deadline and send it to Brian Hsia at bhsia@nyrr.org.
What if it rains on the day of a meet?
In the case of inclement weather, call 646.758.9672 as early as 8:00 a.m. on the meet day. A recorded message will confirm the event status. Cancelled events will not be rescheduled.
