Girls on the Run
Coaches Corner
There may be a lot of uncertainty with schedules and programming right but what we do know is that inspiring our youth to be the best versions of themselves is NOT cancelled this Spring but we need your help! We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated and positive volunteers who are committed to empowering girls and boys with valuable life lessons. With simple online training you will gain the confidence to lead a group of boys or girls through a structured curriculum and help them navigate this world with confidence, strength and resilience.
New Coaches
Coaches need to be able to commit to attend practice 2x a week for the 8 to 10-week season and end of season celebration. Most sites begin practice between 2:30 and 4:30 PM but we can absolutely be flexible!
- Complete Coach Registration (link below for each program)
- Complete background check
- Complete virtual coach training
- At least one coach per team needs to be CPR/First Aid certified
Returning Coaches
We'd love to have you back! It's important that your information is updated each season. Each season coaches need to complete the coach application in order to link you to your site correctly in our system. This will also assign you your virtual online returning coach training.
Bring Girls on the run and/or STRIDE to your site
Despite uncertain school and after school activity schedules, we are prepared to adjust to meet the needs of our community and families. With alternate and flexible programming available, we are committed to fulfilling our mission of empowering and inspiring the youth of our community. If you have any further questions about how to bring one of these programs to a site of your choice, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]
Once we've received your site application, we will review it and be sure to reach out to you! Site application linked below for each program.
DOWNLOADABLE FILES
Paper Registration Teams:
Registration Form for Girls on the Run/Heart & Sole
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DURING THE SEASON
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is available to all students who meet the state's qualification for free/reduced lunch. Participants receiving financial assistance are asked to submit supporting documentation such as the free/reduced lunch letter from the county, a copy of the tax return 1040, or two consecutive paycheck stubs.
We never want money to be a reason why a child cannot participate in the program, so in the situation where a family does not meet the state financial assistance standards, we are happy to work with people on a case by case basis. And, if $30 is just too out of reach, we have limited additional grant funding available to assist with additional scholarships.
New Balance Shoes Program
Girls on the Run and STRIDE of Coastal Carolina has shoe program. We purchase new shoes for children who are in desperate need of a new pair of running shoes. Availability of shoes is not guaranteed, but we make ever effort to purchase shoes for every child that needs a pair.
How it works: The first week of the season coaches are sent New Balance Shoe Certificate forms. We ask coaches to fill them out on a child's behalf. Please do not submit one form for an entire team as we do not have the resources to provide that many shoes. Shoe Certificates are due the second week of the program and shoes are mailed directly to the program site. Many coaches will hang onto the shoes throughout the season (letting the child wear them during practice) as a way to ensure the shoes don't get misplaced along the way.
Program Policies
The coach manual provides an overview of all policies and procedures. These are in place to help protect our participants, protect our coaches, and maintain the quality of the program and improve the consistency of program delivery.
Some highlights of these policies include:
- Non-compete agreement, signed by every new coach
- Late pick up policy
- Absentee policy
- Behavior policy
Coaches are encouraged to use the Incident Report Form to help communicate with parents and the Council Director any issues that arise pertaining to the late pick up, absences and behavior issues. Before a participant is dismissed from the program the Council Director must have written documentation of the issue and must have spoken with the parent/guardian to address the issue.
Coaches must use the Accident Report Form to record any injuries, illnesses, or major incidents that occur during practice.
Race Day
On Race Day Coaches Should –
- Bring their supply box/bag to the GOTR/STRIDE table
- Pick Up their Team’s Bibs at the GOTR/STRIDE table
- Help organize and pump up their boys and girls!
All GOTR/STRIDE Participants and Coaches arrive ONE HOUR prior to the start of the race.
8am race start – 7am arrival
9am race start – 8am arrival
All sites have signs which are placed alphabetically in the race area. Tell your participants to find you at your sign.
EARLY arrival is important so that participants have enough time to –
1. Find their team
2. Get their bib from their coach
3. Work out any last minute issues (s/a they do not have a bib)
4. Warm Up, Stretch, Get PUMPED
Running Buddies
Every participant needs to have a running buddy with them on race day.
Why?
- For the safety of each participant.
- To encourage each participant to do their individual best.
Running Buddy Policies:
- Running buddies must be 16 years of age or older, if assigned by a parent
- If assigned by a coach, running buddies must be 18 of age or older. Coach-assigned running buddies must have a background check. Please send any coach-assigned running buddies to GOTR staff no later than 2 weeks prior to the race
- ALL Running Buddies MUST register online
- Coaches may serve as running buddies, but are discouraged from trying to run with more than one child.
Running buddies receive a race tshirt, chip timing, and are eligible for age group awards including the YCC Run Series
Only $20 the first month of the program – encourage parents to get those running buddies registered ASAP to take advantage of the low price.
