GOATz Code of Conduct

We believe that all who participate in Greater Omaha Area Trail Runners (“GOATz”) events are GOATz. There is no membership fee, no time trial, no distance requirement. If you want to be a GOAT, you ARE a GOAT. GOATz are some of the kindest, most understanding, helpful people around. We expect all GOATz to conduct themselves in a courteous manner, respect all fellow participants, volunteers, event staff, spectators, and members of the community. Respect, integrity, transparency and honesty are at the heart of who we are as GOATz. Failure to follow the code of conduct may lead to your removal from social media forums, a GOATz event, and potentially all future GOATz events.

Respecting Volunteers and Race Officials

Be nice, say thank you. Volunteers are giving their time to help you. Please respect their direction and instruction. If you are told you cannot continue due to time constraints or your physical condition, you are expected to be respectful and understanding. Behavior otherwise will lead to removal from the event and potentially all future GOATz events. 

Respecting the Course and Environment

Please carry trash with you and dispose of it properly. Be a Good Neighbor: Be aware of resident and business property that is not a part of the event. Don’t cut corners if you will be trespassing. Choose your parking spot so that you don’t block resident or business driveways.

Use Designated Restrooms. Urinating or defecating anywhere that is not the portable toilet is not only discourteous, but you risk disqualification in the event and all GOATz events by engaging in such conduct.

Respecting other Runners

Do not engage in any verbal or actual misconduct that is abusive, harassing, insulting, or offensive. Take care when you spit and blow your nose to avoid hitting other participants.

Runners should be respectfully quiet during the pre-race announcements and during the playing of the national anthem. If you choose to wear headphones, please ensure that you can hear others and remain aware of your surroundings, including other participants. Communicate when passing a runner, and allow others to pass. If someone running behind you says, “On your left,” move to your right to let the runner pass. If someone says, “On your right,” move to your left. If you encounter a runner in distress, offer assistance and/or report the situation to the nearest aid station, event official, or contact 911. Please be considerate in portable toilet lines. Do not cut in line or into another line.  Respect that others will use the toilet after you.

Use of Internet Forums and Social Media Platforms

GOATz internet forums and social media platforms serve as a place to continue our connection to each other and the community. Our forums and social media platforms are a place to discuss topics related to running, Omaha, running gear, nutrition, questions, recommendations, etc. It is not appropriate to utilize GOATz internet forums and social media platforms to solicit for one’s personal business or service. Open solicitations are not appropriate. Solicitors will be warned and inappropriate posts removed. Failure to heed warning will result in a complete ban from the forum. Users may provide recommendations for services/businesses on open requests for recommendations and may recommend their own services/businesses. Abusive, antagonistic, trolling behavior will not be tolerated in any forum and will result in loss of access from the platform without warning

Lost and Found Items

If you find an item during or after the event, please turn it into the GOATz race officials or to an aid station. GOATz will make best efforts to make these items available for pick up – please contact each individual race director to coordinate pick up of items.