General Conduct
Everyone’s Welcome, No Exceptions!
No matter who you are or where you come from, you belong here! Discrimination—whether based
on ability, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or anything else—is a no-go. We're all about inclusion and making this space welcome for everyone.
Respectful Behavior Is Expected:
Keep it friendly and respectful—no aggressive behavior, whether verbal or physical. Harassment of
any kind won’t be tolerated.
Language and Behavior:
Refrain from using abusive or vulgar language, or making racial, ethnic, or gender-related slurs or
derogatory comments. Never yell, taunt, or threaten physical violence upon club members,
sponsors, athletes, officials, spectators, families, the media, the general public, volunteers, and other
organizations.
Avoid Unwanted Physical Contact:
Never make unwanted verbal, sexual or physical contact with others.
Safety:
Behave in a manner that is safe, and that does not put ourselves or others at risk of physical harm or
legal liability.
Follow the Rules:
Observe and obey all rules and regulations governing races, training programs, and competitions;
comply with all local and federal laws.
Commitment to Clean Sport:
Be committed to the sport of running free of any prohibited drugs or related contraband.
Social Media:
When authoring and/or posting content onto the club’s web page, Facebook pages (public and
private), Twitter page, Athlinks page, and any other past, present or future social media account,
ensure that the content of the post is in good taste as well as in the best interests of the club, its
sponsors, and all club members. Facebook and Instagram are for sharing upcoming events, running
tips, celebrating achievements, and maybe posting the occasional picture of our post-run snacks.
Keep comments respectful. Offending posts will be deleted and authors may be removed.
Apparel and Gear:
We encourage members to show their team spirit by wearing apparel featuring our logo. We also
understand that purchasing team gear can be a financial commitment, so it's entirely optional. To
ensure affordability, team apparel is always offered at cost.
Whether at team events or elsewhere, members wearing team gear are ambassadors for the
organization and should conduct themselves accordingly, upholding the code of conduct.
Participation in Other Organizations:
We share a passion for running and believe in supporting the wider running community. Members
are welcome, and even encouraged, to participate in other running organizations and events. We do
not require exclusivity.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Respect the confidentiality of all information shared within the organization. Do not disclose any
confidential information to unauthorized persons or entities. Ensure that all personal data is handled
in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations. Take appropriate measures to
protect the privacy and security of personal data.
Financial Integrity
Proper Use of Funds: Ensure that all funds and resources are used appropriately and for their
intended purposes. Misuse or misappropriation of organizational funds will not be tolerated.
Transparency: Maintain transparency in all financial dealings and report any financial irregularities to
FTRT leadership.
Intellectual Property
Respect the intellectual property rights of FTRT and others. Do not use logos, copyrighted materials,
trademarks, or other intellectual property without proper authorization from FTRT leadership. Ensure
that any content created for FTRT, including logos, promotional materials, and social media posts,
complies with intellectual property laws.
The Kindness Clause:
Be supportive of all club members, sponsors, athletes, officials, spectators, families, the media, the
general public, volunteers, and even other organizations. Keep energy high by uplifting everyone. A
little kindness goes a long way. We want to be known as the team that makes everyone feel like a
champion.
When the Code of Conduct Applies:
This Code of Conduct governs the behavior of all team members in the following situations:
- All team events and social gatherings, official or unofficial.
- All events and gatherings related to our sponsor.
- Whenever wearing team apparel or displaying the team logo.
- Whenever gathered with other team members, regardless of location or purpose.
- Whenever handling organization or team member information
Reporting Violations:
Report violations of the Member Code of Conduct policy to FTRT leadership or any member who
maintains a leadership position with the organization.
If found to be in violation with any of the above, a potential consequence may be the permanent
revocation of membership and/or affiliation with FTRT.
Group Running Safety & Etiquette
Runners are responsible for their own safety at all times.
Use Safety Gear: Wear appropriate safety gear, such as reflective clothing and “blinky” lights,
especially during low-light conditions.
Follow Traffic Laws: Adhere to all traffic laws, including using crosswalks, obeying traffic signals.
Run against traffic: Run on the left side of the street facing traffic if it is safe to do so.
Plan and Run Safe Routes: Choose running routes that are safe and well-lit. Avoid areas with heavy
traffic or known safety hazards.
Run with a Buddy: Use the buddy system or run in groups to enhance safety. If running alone, inform
someone of your route and expected return time.
Running with a pace group: do not run ahead of the group unless you let the group lead know. If you
are a group lead, make sure everyone is accounted for and wait for others to catch up when needed.
Carry Identification: Have identification and emergency contact information with you during runs.
Other best practices:
Avoid Headphones in Busy Areas: Avoid using headphones to maintain awareness of your
surroundings.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Ensure proper hydration and nutrition before, during, and after runs to
maintain health and performance.
Know Your Limits: Stay within your own physical limits and avoid pushing yourself beyond your
capabilities. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed to prevent injury.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Check weather conditions and adjust running plans accordingly. Avoid
running in extreme weather conditions that could pose a risk to health and safety.
Use Safety Apps: Consider using safety apps that track your location and allow you to send
emergency alerts.
Track Etiquette
Parking is available at the following places only:
- East lot off of Algonquin Rd near the baseball field.
- North lot off of Roselle Rd near the tennis courts.
It is a quick walk to the track from either lot. Parking is NOT allowed on the track or along the road
next to the track. You will be ticketed!
We start with group announcements at 6:15pm. Information on pace groups, pace leaders, & the
workout will be given. After announcements, we do strides together & then break into the pace
groups.
Pace group leaders are there to guide you with the workout. Remember to do what is best for your
ability! Feel free to switch groups if you need to at any point. Keep in mind, every pace group does
the same workout; however, if you feel you cannot complete the workout or need skip an interval or
two that is perfectly okay! Listen to your body!
On the track:
- Run in lanes 1 & 2
- Use lane 3+ for passing only.
- Exit safely on the inside of the track (grass side) when finishing your interval. Others may be
running close behind you, so please be cautious, alert, & courteous.
If walking, modifying a workout, or cooling down, please use the outside lanes and go in the opposite direction of runners. If you choose to cool down around Harper's campus, please be safe & alert of your surroundings.
Remember to keep hydrated. You can leave your water on or near the benches.
Friends are always welcomed at the track. If you know someone (non-member) that would like to
join us, we would like to meet them! We ask that they donate $1 and sign our waiver. Please find one of the group leaders before announcements.
Babysitting is available! Please visit our website to indicate if you are bringing kids so that we can
arrange for babysitters. The cost is $5.00 per child.
