North Devon AC Welfare Policy Documents
Welfare Officers: Female: Kate Moore Male: Chris Norman North Devon A.C. is a competitive athletic club and implicit in this is regular training in preparation for individual and team competitions. There is an expectation of all our club members to play a full part in the competitions we offer throughout the year. However, our approach to training is inclusive and caters for athletes of both genders, all ages from 8 years and all abilities. Enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard and listen carefully is our main requirement. |
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Advice for Parents and Young Athletes:
Do I have to have all the right kit? We are happy to see you in any kit that makes sense for athletic activities. The important thing to start with is decent, supportive training shoes (trainers). Don't splash out on expensive kit before you’ve come to a few sessions to be sure you enjoy it and want to continue. Then, ask a training coach at the track for their advice.
Having a loose top layer (top and trousers) that can be easily taken of and put on to keep muscles warm is sensible.
Bring a bottle of water...and drink it.
When I bring my children do I have to stay around? Provided you come up to the club house at the start just to be certain that your child’s group coach has arrived and the group will be running (unlikely, but there can be unforeseen circumstances) — then you don’t need to stay for the whole session. Please make sure, however, that you turn up in good time for the end. PLEASE NOTE THAT IT IS CLUB POLICY NOT TO PERMIT MINORS TO RETURN HOME UNACCOMPANIED - PARENTS ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
In the darker evenings we recommend all youngsters are accompanied from the car park to the clubhouse and back.
Is there anything special I should do for winter training? It is important to make sure you are maxed out on your Vitamin C and vitamins and minerals in general through winter.
Several researchers have reported a diminished neutrophil function in athletes during periods of intense and heavy training. Following each bout of prolonged heavy endurance exercise, several components of the immune system appear to demonstrate suppressed function for several hours. This has led to the concept of the ‘open window’, described as the 3 to 12-hour time period after prolonged endurance exercise when host defence is decreased and the risk of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) is elevated. There is sufficient evidence from sports medicine professionals to encourage athletes to practice various hygienic measures to lower their risk of URTI and to avoid heavy exertion during systemic illness.
- Wash your hands and avoid sick people after training
- Keep up your vitamins and minerals - especially directly after training
- Don’t train heavily if you have a cold or chest infection
