Hello Again Carol,

Thank you so much for your help in the past with my questions. I have another dilemma I hope you can help me with. My school running program consists of about 40-50 kids grades 2-5. We will be entering a 5k race as a group in about 4 weeks.

I sent a letter home to parents to get an idea of how many kids would be interested in entering and we have 32 kids that have replied 'yes'. I really want this to be a positive experience for the kids. Unfortunately, some of the kids that have signed up to run have not been showing up to practice. I have not seen some since before Christmas.

Now, how do I gently and tactfully let the kids know that they can't just show up on race day? I have been trying to come up with a fair way to draw the line, such as they must show up for 'x' number of practices, or they must be able to run a certain distance without stopping. I really don't want to be a bad guy, but I don't think some understand what will be required.

Our school Booster Club has agreed to pay the entry fee for each child, and possibly supply us with matching school t-shirts at no charge. I had hoped that each child would have 'earned' these. I have about 10-15 kids who have been faithful even throughout the inclement weather (we do all of our running outside). I'm trying to be fair to them too. Help! What would you do?

Dear Patti,

If you, as the leader of the club, feel that attendance is an important critieria for attending this event with your group, then it is your call.

You have time. Send a notice home with a fair number of practices they must attend to be part of your group; perhaps 3 or 4. Let them know that your group entry for this event is for kids who have attended practice consistently through out the season. Explain that they must refresh their training, practice pacing, and go over race etiquette before attending the event with your club.

Now you probably have learned that setting the criteria for your rewards should be built into your program from day one next year. Let them know that the 'event' is an incentive for kids who will attend 'x' number of practices. You may which to keep a chart or hand out 'tickets' when kids have earned the event. This is your program and you can set the ground rules. Remember you are the person who will take the flack if their experience isn't rewarding. Offer them the opportunity. Make it fair and let them know right now the exact no. of practices you expect them to attend.

Best of luck. Please let us know all about your club's experience at this 5k.

Note from the kid's editor:

Standards and criteria for earning incentives should be clear and consistent. Sometimes the first year is tough to be able to know exactly what you will be expecting from your kids. It gets easier the second time around.

Do you have any questions about a child's running program? Feel free to email the kid's editor at carol.kids@rodale.com.