2025 Blue Lightning Track Club & Pay-As-You-Go Handbook

CODE OF CONDUCT

At Blue Lightning Track Club, we believe in the importance of building strong positive relationships, not only with athletes but the parents or guardians as well. Our top priority is the well-being of our athletes and the integrity of our team. That's why we uphold a strict Code of Conduct. We want every athlete to thrive in a positive environment. Any behavior that goes against this Code or negatively impacts the team may result in the athlete being dismissed from practice, without any refund of fees. We appreciate your commitment and dedication to creating a healthy and supportive community at Blue Lightning Track Club.

Parent Guidelines

• Encourage good sportsmanship, demonstrate good sportsmanship toward all athletes, coaches, and officials at practice.
• If you encounter any concerns with a coach or team assistant, kindly refrain from directly or publicly addressing the issue. Instead, reach out to the head coach or team coordinator who can assist you in resolving the matter through the appropriate channels. At Blue Lightning Track Club, we value open communication and collaboration to ensure a positive and nurturing environment for our athletes.

• At Blue Lightning Track Club, we value and welcome parent involvement, and we encourage open communication. Our coaches are always available to discuss the training and coaching program with parents after practice, whenever possible. Understand that constant parental interference with coaching at practice or attempting to coach the coach will not be tolerated. The best approach is to schedule an appointment with the head coach to address any concerns or issues you may have, outside of practice. Your voice is important to us, and by expressing your concerns, we can effectively resolve any problems that may arise. Remember, staying silent only makes it harder for us to understand your perspective, which ultimately affects the entire team's performance.

• Arrive at all practices on time to ensure a proper warmup with the team.
• We encourage you to prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of your athlete above any personal desire to win at all costs, even at practice. We understand that track and field can be highly competitive, and it's important to recognize that athletic performance may vary across different competitions. Our focus is on fostering a supportive and friendly environment for all athletes, where they can develop their skills and enjoy the sport.
• Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. 
• Remember that children need role models and not criticism. They thrive on inspiration to perform and not pressure. Ultimatums kill the spirit of a young Champion. At Blue Lightning Track Club, we understand the significance of providing positive guidance and support to young athletes. We aim to be the role models they need, fueling their passion for performance and fostering an environment free from unnecessary pressure. Our goal is to inspire, not critique, empowering each young Champion to reach their full potential.
• Promote harmony among team members, officials, and other parents by conducting themselves in a respectful and supportive manner.

Athlete Guidelines

• Do your best to be at every scheduled practice on time and prepared. No athlete will be allowed to participate in training activities without completing the team warm-up routines. Coaches will not delay planned activities or extend the practice to accommodate late arrivals. 
• All athletes are required to do the practice workouts unless there is a medical reason that excuses them. 
• The practice requirement and commitment level is the same for all athletes. 
• Each team member and Pay-As-You-Go Practice athlete has a direct impact on the performance of the entire team. The Lowering the bar and expectations for one athlete ultimately lowers the bar for the team as a whole and hurts performance.

• Arrive at practice ready to listen, work hard, and learn.
• Be respectful to coaches, Blue Lightning Track Club teammates, and Pay-As-You-Go Practice athletes.
• Use only appropriate language. Use of profanity will not be tolerated.
• Older athletes should be mindful and strive to set a positive example for their younger teammates.
• NO ONE person is more significant than the team.

Grounds For Suspension/Dismissal From Team

• Disrespecting coaches, teammates, Pay-As-You-Go Practice athletes, and competitors.
• Talking back to coaches and staff.
• Fighting
• Bullying and threatening teammates, coaches, and Pay-As-You-Go Practice athletes.
• Ridiculing teammates and competitors.
• Causing dissension among team members.
• Discriminating against team members, competitors, and team parents.
• Continuous use of profanity or inappropriate signs and symbols.
• Posting negativity and hateful messages on social media about the team.
• Harassing/bullying people on social media, school, and community.
• Posting explicit content on the social media.
• Exhibiting explicit behavior on social media, school, and community.
• Sending/requesting explicit content to team members, coaches, parents, and athletes.

Disagreements

If you have any complaints or disagreements with Blue Lightning Track Club's coaches or staff, we kindly request that you address them with a designated club officer. We strive to maintain a positive atmosphere among our club members and therefore discourage negative remarks about the Club or any actions that may cause disharmony. Please note that violation of this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the Club.

COVID-19 (Important)

I acknowledge that these guidelines are compliant with CDC recommendations and designed to keep team members, competitors and  their families safe. Failure to comply with them can result in a suspension or removal from the team.

All Champions, coaches, parents, and spectators:

1. Should immediately notify the head coach upon learning that your Champion (athlete/child) has COVID-19, or recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19. 
2. If you have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 you should stay away from the team and cannot practice or compete in track meets for 14-days, unless you have produced a negative COVID-19 test result to return before the 14-day period has ended.
3. You should not come to a Blue Lighting Track Club event (practice, track meet, or any activity)  if you are exhibiting any signs of illness such as sneezing, coughing, sniffles, have a fever, or don't feel well.
4. If you are repeatedly sneezing or coughing, you may be asked to immediately leave the premises.
5. You should practice responsible social distancing by remaining at least 6 ft apart whenever possible.
6. You should wear cloth face coverings (a mask) whenever applicable.
7. You should wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer upon entrance to a team event, during the event, before and after you eat, and as you leave. 
8. You should avoid touching your face including your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Team Communications (Pay-As-You-Go participants have a separate designated BAND) 

The club’s primary mode of team communications through the BAND.com app system (text), email, and www.bluelightningtrack.com. Please make sure that the coach has your current mobile phone, email, and contact information. If you do not have web, text, or email access, please make that known as soon as possible.

Our team protocol for using BAND and ZOOM

There are more than 80 recipients on the team distribution list at any given time, and any text from any member will reach everyone. To avoid recipients on the team communication list from being overwhelmed with texts, please follow the protocol below.

1. Please do not use BAND to send messages to the whole group. If you want to get a message to the entire team, send it to Coach Steve and he will review it for distribution to the team.  His mobile for direct text is 678-614-1258.  Repeated blatant violations or a blatant violation of sending messages to the team, that cause a significant team disruption, can lead to the offender being removed from BAND.

2. Responding to texts with likes and comments for congratulations, condolences, and well wishes are acceptable.

3. You can control when you receive a text or email by using the BAND notifications feature in your BAND account, as well as set the best times you prefer to receive texts from the team. If you turn-off your BAND remember that your notifications have been turned off and you will have to check your BAND for team messages.

Team Meetings, Zoom, Teleconferences

Club Meetings. Regular club meetings will be called as needed.

Fundraisers.  Due to COVID 19, the Club will have virtual fundraising events when possible, and via tools like GoFundMe. All families are highly encouraged to participate in funding efforts.

Blue Lightning Track Club Web Site. Keep up to date with the latest club information our BAND team communication system and at http://www.bluelightningtrack.com 

Volunteer Commitment. At least one adult representative for each athlete/family are encouraged to volunteer at track meets for a few hours throughout the Spring and summer track seasons.  In-person volunteerism is limited due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

The Blue Lightning Track Club Logo, mark, and design are the exclusive property of the Blue Lightning Track Club Athletic Club. Usage of the name, logo, marks, or designs is prohibited in any form without the expressed written consent of the board of Directors. Violation of this rule will result in immediate dismissal from the club.

Practice Guidelines

At Blue Lightning Track Club, our Head Coach organizes regular practice sessions for our team members and Pay-As-You-Go Practice athletes, which are required to attend pre-paid practices, unless the coach has made prior changes or special arrangements with you regarding your athlete. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can come up, making it impossible for your Champion to attend a practice. In such cases, it's important to communicate with the Head Coach. Rest assured, our coach will keep you updated on the practice schedule and any changes through our team communication system on Pay-As-You-Go Practice BAND.

• Athletes should be at all Pay-As-You-Go Practices.
• Athletes should arrive on time and be ready to workout.

• Athletes should have the following for each practice:
  • A full water bottle
  • Shorts and shirt top (this requirement varies during cold weather)
  • Sweats pants and top (this varies during warm weather months)
  • A good pair of training shoes with running support
  • Running tights, hat, gloves, and hoodie are recommended in cold weather
  • Athletes must follow the direction of the coaching staff during practices by listening, doing the warm-up exercises, participating in all drills, and completing the workout.
  • The following is not allowed: profanity, horseplay, abusive language, ridiculing, teasing, berating other athletes. Bullying and fighting are cause for immediate dismissal from the team.

• Excessive talking and playing by athletes during practice when the coaches are providing instruction can be disruptive to the entire team, impede focus and progress, and lengthen practice time. If such interruptions persist, a conversation with the parent will be held to address and rectify this disruption. In cases where these interruptions persist, temporary suspension from the team may be necessary for the athlete to regain their focus. At Blue Lightning Track Club, we understand that kids will be kids and we want them to have fun. Therefore, our coaching staff will exercise as much leniency as possible in these situations until the disruptions begin to negatively impact the individual athlete and the progress of the team.

• Members of the Blue Lightning Track Club and Pay-As-You-Go Practice athletes who are unwilling to participate in workouts or who give a lackluster effort may be dismissed from the track or practice area. These members will not be allowed to return until coaches have had a conversation with their parent(s). It is important to note that the actions of each team member and Pay-As-You-Go Practice athlete directly impact the performance of the team as a whole, whether positively or negatively.
• Repeated misconduct, distractions, and refusals to do workouts will be grounds for termination from the program. No membership fees will be refunded if membership is terminated.

Practice Regulations for Parents

• Per AAU and USATF safety and background screening rules, parents are not permitted on the track or in practice areas during practices unless they are escorted by the head coach or have completed the required current year USATF Safe Sports Training and background check.

• Unless requested by the coach of your Champion’s training group, parents should refrain from coaching or instructing athletes, or coaching the coach, during practice sessions. Here at Blue Lightning Track Club, coaching is proudly handled solely by our dedicated coaching staff. We understand that you may have valuable insights, but sustained coaching interruptions from parents in an attempt to coach your child disrupts and extends practice times and can result in dismissal from the team. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we strive to nurture and develop our athletes' skills and potential. If you feel that you have valuable input to improve the team, please schedule an appointment time outside of practice to discuss them with the head coach.

• A workout regimen for each athlete in a training group has been planned to reach specific development goals for the season for their event(s). Parents who come in with their program and attempt to coach the coach create a time burden and distraction on the coach, which ultimately undermines the coach and the entire team. If their parent has the experience, ideas, and suggestions on training and workouts, they should schedule an appointment to explore their value and potential adaptation.

• Please notify the coach if your child will not be able to participate in a scheduled practice. This notification should be given as early as possible, and preferably before the scheduled practice.

• Important–Team members depend on each other to push and challenge them in their workouts. Each team member’s attendance and effort at practice has a direct impact on the effort and performance of the team as a whole. 

Practice Locations

Indoor/Spring/Summer Seasons

McDonough High School 155 Post Master Dr, McDonough

Hills Practices - Spring/Summer Seasons

Honey Creek Elementary 700 Honey Creek Rd SE, Conyers

Off-Season Conditioning/Indoor Season

Johnson’s Park 1781 Ebenezer Rd SE Conyers 

Off-Season Conditioning/Indoor Season

Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain

Core Work-Strength Practices - Spring/Summer Seasons

Steve Strother, Head Coach's home - hill and core work -  2280 Wren Rd. SE. Conyers

Grass Practices - Indoor/Spring/Seasons Honey Creek Elementary 700 Honey Creek Rd SE Conyers

Practice and Bad Weather

The coaches at Blue Lightning Track Club are committed to ensuring that practice sessions are held as scheduled, barring any dangerous weather conditions. Extreme cold, heavy rain, or lightning are some examples of weather conditions that may prompt the cancellation of practice. In such cases, the coach may opt to conduct the practice on Zoom, provided it is feasible and conducive to an effective session. The club prioritizes the safety and well-being of its members, and in the event that a practice needs to be canceled due to weather conditions, timely communication will be provided through the team’s communication system on BAND.

Managing Public Persona of The Blue Lightning Track Club Family

As a member of the Blue Lightning Track Club, or Pay-As-You-Go Practice athlete, or as a guardian of a team member, you have a unique opportunity to represent our team, sponsors, parents, supporters, and everyone associated with our family. Your interactions with spectators, officials, other athletes, and fans hold great significance in shaping the public image of the Blue Lightning Track Club. Your friendly demeanor and positive attitude contribute to creating a welcoming environment for all. Together, let's make our club a place where everyone feels valued and supported.

As a Member or Pay-As-You-Go Practice Athlete of the Blue Lightning Track Club Family, You Represent the Entire Team

The Blue Lighting Track Club has a positive reputation and strives to guide and develop youth athletes into Champions on the track, school, and community. As a member of the Blue Lightning Track Club Family, what you say and do at practices, track competitions, and in public under the name of the Blue Lightning Track Club represents every athlete, parent, coach, staff, sponsor, fan, and alumni of the team, positively or negatively depending on the action.

Keeping Your Cool At All Times

To maintain a positive environment and reputation as members of the Blue Lightning Track Club, we kindly ask for your support in projecting a positive and encouraging atmosphere. We appreciate your composure and request that your comments consistently uplift and inspire others. Please refrain from reacting negatively to any unfavorable calls by officials, athletes' behavior, or expressing frustration or disappointment when an athlete falls short of their potential. Your cooperation in upholding a positive team atmosphere our collective image is sincerely valued.

Responding to an Athlete’s Performance or Behavior

Correcting an athlete's behavior in the context of the team are "teachable moments" and opportunities for growth, and should be addressed privately, with the involvement of the head coach. It is important to maintain open lines of communication with the coach while navigating these normal competition dynamics. As representatives of the Blue Lightning Track Club, we collectively shape the growth of our Champions, public persona, and the entire Track Club Family.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

Non-Solicitation Policy

The focus of the Blue Lightning Track Club coaching philosophy and program is to expose youth to the exciting world of track and field and develop a positive dynamic team environment to produce Champions on the track, in the classroom, and community (“the Champion Team Dynamic”). To facilitate these endeavors requires high expectations, trust, shared vision, focus, rewards, and the respecting of boundaries.

Parents make huge sacrifices to support their children and their children need this essential support to be successful. Un-welcomed solicitation can be intrusive to the coaching staff and team, and parent and child experience. To avoid disruptions to team dynamics the Blue Lightning Track Club has a Non-solicitation policy at official Blue Lightning events, this includes inside the “Team Tent” at track meets.

Although the non-solicitation policy has no jurisdiction outside of the Champions’ Time, it is important that we consider the impact of a solicited business deal gone bad and how it can sour parent relationships and negatively impact the team as a whole.

For purposes of the Non-solicitation Policy, “Solicitation” (or “Soliciting”) shall include, canvassing, recruiting, soliciting or seeking to obtain membership in or support for any organization, requesting contributions, and distributing promotional materials during the Champions’ Time. This includes replies to team email and text blasts as well.

“Commercial Solicitation” means peddling or otherwise selling, purchasing or offering goods and services for sale or purchase, distributing advertising materials, circulars or product samples, or engaging in any other conduct relating to any outside team interests or for profit or personal economic benefit during the Champions’ Team Time.

Solicitation protocol for an opportunity that could benefit the team as a whole and contribute positively to the Champions’ Team Dynamic, begins with presenting the opportunity to the head coach for approval for a wider team presentation.

Items to be distributed or offered for sale, which contains Blue Lightning Track Club logo or name must be approved by the head coach.

BLUE LIGHTNING TRACK CLUB

LIABILITY WAIVER & MEDIA RELEASE

This Liability Waiver and Photo Release Form must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian for each athlete before participation in any Blue Lightning Track Club athletic practice, activity, event, or meet.

 FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the mutual promises, covenants, conditions, representations, and warranties contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, it is agreed as follows:

 The undersigned hereby releases and forever discharges the Blue Lightning Track Club (BLTC) and all of its Board Members, officers, coaches, and attorneys, from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action or suits arising out of any injuries, known or unknown, which have resulted or may in the future result from any BLTC sponsored athletic practice, activity, event or meet.

 The undersigned hereby assumes all risk of injury associated with any and holds harmless the BLTC along with its Board Members, officers, coaches, and attorneys from and against each and every liability, loss, cost, damage, and expense, including attorney’s fees, which the BLTC along with its Board Members, officers, coaches, and attorneys may incur as a result of any BLTC sponsored athletic practice, activity, event or meet.

COVID-19 (Important)

All athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators:

1. should immediately notify the Head Coach upon learning that your Champion (athlete/child) has COVID-19, or recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19. 
2. if you have recently had close contact with a person with COVID-19 you should stay away from the team and cannot practice or compete in track meets for 14-days, unless you have produced a negative COVID-19 test result to return before the 14-day period has ended.
3. you should not come to a Blue Lighting Track Club event (practice, track meet, or any activity)  if you are exhibiting any signs of illness such as sneezing, coughing, sniffles, have a fever, or don't feel well.
4. if you are repeatedly sneezing or coughing, you may be asked to immediately leave the premises.
5. you should wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer upon entrance to a team event, during the event, before and after you eat, and as you leave. 

Note: I acknowledge that these guidelines are compliant with CDC recommendations and designed to keep team members and competitors their families safe and failure to comply with them can result in a suspension or removal from the team.

Test-Drive Introductory Video

I agree to a 10 to 15-second introductory video of my athlete during their Test-Drive Tryout at Blue Lightning Track Club. The video will capture them saying their name, age, and school. I understand that no preparation is necessary as the Test-Drive Coach will guide my athlete the process. I understand that the video will only be used for identification of my athlete for the Test-Drive follow-up and feedback call with the parent or guardian, and not shared or used for any other purposes.

Media / Photo Release

This liability waiver/release applies to the following athlete, and parent/guardian:

BLUE LIGHTNING TRACK CLUB HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Force Majeure

Refund Policy

Acknowledgment

I have received and read the Blue Lightning Track Club Member Handbook and understand the rules and regulations contained therein and will comply with them. Non-compliance may subject my athlete to dismissal from the Club and without a refund.

I am also acknowledging the following:

• If my child qualifies for a meet I am obligated to ensure my child’s participation unless it is discussed and agreed upon beforehand with the head coach. 
• Out-of-town travel will entail additional costs not covered by my child’s Blue Lightning Track Club membership.
• That my child has a Blue Lightning Track Club authorized sweatsuit that is in good condition; otherwise, I will have to purchase one at an additional cost.
• That my child has sufficient medical insurance coverage, which I have provided below.
• That I have read and will follow the club COVID-19 guidelines and failure to comply can result in a suspension or dismissal from the team, without a refund (see refund policy above). 

_____________________________________

Club Contact

Steve Strother

Founder & Head Coach

steve.bltrackclub@gmail.com

678-964-7006

2280 Wren Rd. SE., Conyers 30094 678-614-1258 

Official website: www.bluelightningtrack.com

Athlete Info

Parent / Guardian Info

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