Group Guidelines

Macclesfield Harriers Group Guidelines

The following guidelines are adopted by the group to ensure safety, enjoyment, inclusion, personal development & competition.

• The nominated Group Leader is responsible for the safe operation of the group
• Group runners are responsible for their own safety and also for the safety of fellow runners
•  If the group leader is not present or unable to continue then the group must select a new leader within the ‘senior’ members present and continue to follow the group guidelines
• The leader must ensure before the start of the run that each member is fit to take part (it is the responsibility of each member to declare illness or injury)
• The group will carry out a ‘dynamic warm-up’ prior to starting to run
• The leader will note the number of runners at the start and finish of the run
• The leader will agree a route for the run with the members
• The leader will carry a means of communication (normally a mobile phone) for emergencies
• The pace of the group will be dictated by the needs of the slowest runner
• The group must stay within contact of all members with no more than 100 metres separating the front and rear runners unless a ‘split’ has been agreed with the leader. Faster runners should ‘loop back’ or wait when they are 100 metres ahead
• The group must approach all roads and road junctions with caution and only cross when safe to do so
• Group members will wear reflective clothing when running in the dark and protective clothing in cold/wet weather
• Group members will not wear earphones (for iPod/MP3 players)
• For safety reasons (tripping etc) dogs are not allowed on Run England group runs
• On ‘cross-country’ routes the group will follow the country code using permitted footpaths and rights of way ensuring all gates are closed and livestock is not compromised
•  Country roads with no footpaths will only be used in daylight hours and runners must be in single file facing oncoming traffic
• Runners unable to continue due to injury or illness will be escorted back to the starting point by another group member or wait for a member of the group to return with transport
• Minor injuries or accidents arising during the run must be reported to the group leader
• The group leader will seek medical assistance in the event of a serious injury or accident by calling 999
• The group leader will encourage group members to move up a group when appropriate
• The group leader will encourage participation in events