Team Policies
Background
In March of 1987, the Board of Directors of the Syracuse Chargers Track Club, Inc. (hereafter referred to as the “Chargers”) approved a set of principles and policies pertaining to the Club’s competitive teams. These policies support the Charger’s mission which, as stated in the Certificate of Incorporation, includes support for competitive participation in track and field, cross country and road running. The charter further states that the Chargers shall support meets with similarly constituted organizations and shall encourage competition by Charger members in age group competition in both national and international events.
The new regulations from 2/2026 pertain to specially funded open athletes
SCTC Guidelines Regarding Specially Funded Open Athletes
• A “specially funded” athlete is defined as “any athlete who receives material support in addition to the standard published Syracuse Chargers Track Club competitive team policy.” That support can include, but is not limited to, travel and lodging expense reimbursement.
• A specially funded athlete should understand that the Syracuse Chargers Track Club (SCTC) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.
• A specially funded athlete should understand that the SCTC funds individual athletes and teams in part because of the benefits an athlete or group of athletes can bring to the club.
• A specially funded athlete should understand that the SCTC provides administrative, coaching/consulting services for and enjoys a unique relationship with funded athletes.
• A specially funded athlete should understand that some athletes may receive greater benefits than others in the competitive team and that expectations may be higher for those athletes.
With the above understood, the specially funded athlete is expected to:
• Represent the SCTC by purchasing and wearing at all their competitions the SCTC competition uniform (shorts and singlet). In addition, specially funded athletes are expected to purchase within a reasonable amount of time additional Chargers apparel (team jacket/sweat top and T-shirt) to help them to more visibly represent the SCTC. This expectation must not cause economic hardship to any athlete.
• Abide by USATF competition and USADA anti-doping rules and regulations.
• Act in a sportsmanlike manner towards competitors, teammates and club members.
• Understand that although athletes are encouraged to provide input, the team coordinator ultimately decides which competitions are to be funded by the SCTC competitive team’s budget.
• Understand that, although not expressly required for funding, the coordinator and the SCTC Board of Directors encourage specially funded athletes to attend and/or participate in club functions to the extent their personal schedules allow. They should understand that their presence, either at a highly visible and revenue-generating event, or at a smaller gathering (e.g. a Chargers All-Comers Meet), can be a source of inspiration.
• Understand that there is no contractual agreement between specially funded athletes and the SCTC. An athlete may decide to no longer compete as a member of the SCTC at his or her discretion.
• Understand that the coordinator, in accordance with the SCTC BOD Guidelines Regarding Team Coordinators, may discontinue funding of a team event or specially funded athlete. In certain cases, the coordinator is encouraged to inform the BOD of an impending decision, and to seek BOD input. However, the coordinator ultimately makes the decision.
SCTC BOD Guidelines Regarding Team Coordinators
• The Syracuse Chargers Track Club Board of Directors (BOD) acknowledges that the team coordinator enjoys a unique relationship with the athletes. The BOD expects the coordinator to treat all funded athletes fairly and conduct himself or herself in a sportsmanlike manner while representing the Syracuse Chargers Track Club (SCTC) at all club functions and competitions.
• The team coordinator acknowledges he or she serves at the pleasure of the BOD and can be removed for just cause.
• It is expected that the coordinator will communicate to the athletes and Board members how athletes are selected to compete in particular events.
• It is expected that the coordinator will write and regularly submit for publication in the SCTC Newsletter and Web site articles regarding the performances of the team and individual athletes whose competitive activities he or she is coordinating.
• It is expected the coordinator understands the open competitive teams budget is to be used for
- providing the SCTCs most talented athletes with access to competitive opportunities that are both important for the athletes’ development and superior to competitive opportunities available in the same time frame in the Syracuse area, and
- providing the SCTC, its teams, and, its athletes the benefits of visibility at prestigious and high-caliber competitions.
Revised 2/2026 JWM