Armstrong Cycle Club operates under the governing body of the Minnesota Cycling Association who provide guidance on most policies and procedures for the club and insures safe and fair race events. For additional guidance, Armstrong Cycle Club will refer to the Minnesota State High School League's 2023-2024 Athletic Eligibility Brochure.
Armstrong Cycle Club Rules
We want to have fun this year but also need to have some ground rules.
- Respect coaches and other students on the team.
- No complaining or negative attitude!
- Be a team player (help out others who are learning the sport at practice sessions). Biking is an individual sport but we get better by pushing each other and encouraging each other at practice.
- Give 100 percent effort at practice/races. You will only get out of the practices what you put into them.
- Most important - Have fun, make new friends and gain a passion for biking as a life time sport!
Academic Policy
Academic Policy: To be eligible, a student must be making satisfactory progress toward the school's requirement for graduation. It is the Club's stance that the sport of cycling is a wonderful way to live a healthier and happier life, but it is extremely important to achieve good grades in school. If a student is unable to maintain passing grades, they will be asked to reduce or eliminate the amount of time they participate in club activities so that they can get those grades back to an acceptable level.
Attendance Policy
Armstrong Cycle Club recognizes that families are busy. Unlike many sports, we offer practices only 3 times per week. This schedule is convenient for many families. Athletes are not required to attend a minimum number of practices; however, coaches strongly encourage athletes to attend all practices in order to make the most progress throughout the season. Athletes are similarly not required to attend all races, though coaches will strongly encourage them to participate because athletes score points for the team, and the more athletes we have, the more points we score.
Beyond race points, student-athletes come to depend on each other throughout the season. Attendance is a very important part of building a strong and successful community.
Beyond race points, student-athletes come to depend on each other throughout the season. Attendance is a very important part of building a strong and successful community.
Trail Etiquette & Code of Conduct
1. Ride Predictably:
When riding with others always ride in a straight, steady, and predictable manner. Swerving onto sidewalks, berms or jumps is unacceptable and will result in strict discipline from a coach or League Director. There is no jumping on team rides; keep both tires on the ground.
Armstrong Cycle Club coaches and student-athletes will never forcefully encourage any rider to attempt a bike maneuver that is beyond one's ability to safely complete. As coaches we will strive to teach new and sometimes challenging bike handling skills that, once mastered, will make athletes faster, safer, and more confident. However, it is ultimately the athlete who must individually deem these maneuvers to be overly risky for their personal abilities. Coaches, parents, and athletes, will respect the intuition of others by not asking someone to ride beyond their ability.
2. Wear a helmet at all times.
Under no circumstances should a student be on their bike with out a helmet fastened to their head. While other athletes may be seen cruising around before and after practice or races with out a helmet, Armstrong Cycle Club members will be suspended from practicing or racing for violating this rule. If you are on a bike, there is a helmet properly fastened to your head. It is acceptable to ride a stationary trainer without the use of a helmet.
3. Obey Traffic Laws:
Student Athletes are required by law to obey all traffic laws. Athletes are required to be aware of specific laws that pertain to bicyclists which can be found here.
4. Music Players/ Headphones:
Student/athletes are not allowed to race or ride with headphones or other portable musical devices. Headphones are permitted while using a stationary trainer.
5. Cell Phones.
While having a cell phone during practices is a smart thing to do, it is not acceptable to make or answer calls while riding. Students must safely come to a complete stop and place both feet on the ground before using a cell phone.
5. Always Yield.
Even if at times it seems inconvenient. Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters. Remember that bicycles in the backcountry can be an unwelcome experience for horses and hikers.
6. Pass with Care.
Let others know of your presence well in advance. Use a chime or audible greeting to avoid startling others. Be especially careful when passing a horse, as each will react differently; stop and ask the rider for instructions. By asking if the horse is easily spooked, you show an awareness of the rider’s needs. Sometimes it may
necessary to dismount and remove your bike from the trail to allow others to pass.
7. Positive Sporting Attitude.
Student-athletes are expected to display an excellent sporting attitude during all events and should treat all other student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and officials with respect. Fair play and respectful, kind, supportive behavior is expected of all student-athletes. Profanity in any situation is not acceptable.
8. Stay on Legal Trails Only.
Riding off-trail damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems. Only ride on approved trails, and only when they are marked as being open. Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Beware the types of soil you are riding on. Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots.
9. Control your speed.
Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your experience as a rider. Be able to stop safely without skidding in the distance that you can see ahead. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend.
10. Do Not Litter.
Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, carry out more than you share.
11. Ride Only on Authorized Trails.
Check with local authorities regarding open trails and conditions, and with landowners regarding private land access. Stay off trails that are closed to bicycles.
12. Avoid riding alone:
If possible practice riding with at least one other person. If you plan to ride alone, alert someone to your general location, the route you plan to take, and your approximate time of return.
13. Plan Ahead.
The off-road bicycle will open new horizons to you. Some of these should be approached with respect. If distances are involved, do not travel solo. Expect weather changes. Leave word where you plan to go and when you plan to return.
14. Minimize Impacts.
The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of responsible off-road cyclists. Take only pictures.
When riding with others always ride in a straight, steady, and predictable manner. Swerving onto sidewalks, berms or jumps is unacceptable and will result in strict discipline from a coach or League Director. There is no jumping on team rides; keep both tires on the ground.
Armstrong Cycle Club coaches and student-athletes will never forcefully encourage any rider to attempt a bike maneuver that is beyond one's ability to safely complete. As coaches we will strive to teach new and sometimes challenging bike handling skills that, once mastered, will make athletes faster, safer, and more confident. However, it is ultimately the athlete who must individually deem these maneuvers to be overly risky for their personal abilities. Coaches, parents, and athletes, will respect the intuition of others by not asking someone to ride beyond their ability.
2. Wear a helmet at all times.
Under no circumstances should a student be on their bike with out a helmet fastened to their head. While other athletes may be seen cruising around before and after practice or races with out a helmet, Armstrong Cycle Club members will be suspended from practicing or racing for violating this rule. If you are on a bike, there is a helmet properly fastened to your head. It is acceptable to ride a stationary trainer without the use of a helmet.
3. Obey Traffic Laws:
Student Athletes are required by law to obey all traffic laws. Athletes are required to be aware of specific laws that pertain to bicyclists which can be found here.
4. Music Players/ Headphones:
Student/athletes are not allowed to race or ride with headphones or other portable musical devices. Headphones are permitted while using a stationary trainer.
5. Cell Phones.
While having a cell phone during practices is a smart thing to do, it is not acceptable to make or answer calls while riding. Students must safely come to a complete stop and place both feet on the ground before using a cell phone.
5. Always Yield.
Even if at times it seems inconvenient. Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters. Remember that bicycles in the backcountry can be an unwelcome experience for horses and hikers.
6. Pass with Care.
Let others know of your presence well in advance. Use a chime or audible greeting to avoid startling others. Be especially careful when passing a horse, as each will react differently; stop and ask the rider for instructions. By asking if the horse is easily spooked, you show an awareness of the rider’s needs. Sometimes it may
necessary to dismount and remove your bike from the trail to allow others to pass.
7. Positive Sporting Attitude.
Student-athletes are expected to display an excellent sporting attitude during all events and should treat all other student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and officials with respect. Fair play and respectful, kind, supportive behavior is expected of all student-athletes. Profanity in any situation is not acceptable.
8. Stay on Legal Trails Only.
Riding off-trail damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems. Only ride on approved trails, and only when they are marked as being open. Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Beware the types of soil you are riding on. Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots.
9. Control your speed.
Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your experience as a rider. Be able to stop safely without skidding in the distance that you can see ahead. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend.
10. Do Not Litter.
Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, carry out more than you share.
11. Ride Only on Authorized Trails.
Check with local authorities regarding open trails and conditions, and with landowners regarding private land access. Stay off trails that are closed to bicycles.
12. Avoid riding alone:
If possible practice riding with at least one other person. If you plan to ride alone, alert someone to your general location, the route you plan to take, and your approximate time of return.
13. Plan Ahead.
The off-road bicycle will open new horizons to you. Some of these should be approached with respect. If distances are involved, do not travel solo. Expect weather changes. Leave word where you plan to go and when you plan to return.
14. Minimize Impacts.
The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of responsible off-road cyclists. Take only pictures.
Substance Use Policy
Student-athletes are subject to all U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) rules pertaining to anti-doping (a list of banned substances is available here)
Lettering Policy
In order to receive a letter, a student must meet the following criteria, along with those required by the coach:
All criteria from Category 1
One criteria from Category 2
CATEGORY1 – DEDICATION (must meet all criteria)
Please talk with a head coach for additional information about lettering.
All criteria from Category 1
One criteria from Category 2
CATEGORY1 – DEDICATION (must meet all criteria)
- Must be a member/participant for two consecutive years (season). Seniors can letter after one year.
- Must have regular attendance to meetings/practices/evens, unless excused by the coach
- Must participate in competitive and/or sanctioned events, project and/or other activities depending on the purpose of the club. Participation is to be defined by the coach
- Must meet other requirements set by the coach
- Must follow the MSHSL and district disciplinary and academic guidelines for participation
- Must work a minimum of 20 hours of community service per year (examples could be local food shelf, homeless shelter, etc)
- Perform duties of the Officer/Leader of the club
- Assist with the setup-up and clean-up of club activities/events/competitions
- Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and enthusiasm for his or her respective high school
Please talk with a head coach for additional information about lettering.
Volunteer Policy
Parent volunteers are a key part of any youth club because it is the most effective way to keep dues manageable for families. Armstrong Cycle Club does not require parents to volunteer, but it is highly encouraged. There is much to do, and having plenty of volunteers divides the workload substantially. If you are interested in volunteering with the team please contact us.