Course
Before the race, members of each team can walk the course. This is so they have an idea of where they will be running. All courses are different. A golf cart leads the runners, and one is used to bring up the end. There are also usually cones, pylons, or people standing along the course to help direct runners.
The starting line in cross country is made up of different team boxes. Each box holds one team, but not everyone can be in the front. Usually just a couple of people can stand at the front, typically the fastest runners, then the rest of the team members line up behind them. An official then shoots the starting gun, and it is a mad dash to start the race.
At the end, there is a chute which the runners go through. It narrows, and at the end is the finish line. They are then handed a card which lists the place they got. Each team records their own times and places. (see scoring for cc)
Girls
A girls course is usually close to four kilometers (about 2.5 miles). There is a varsity and junior varsity team in most schools. Usually seven girls run on varsity. A team can have an unlimited amount of junior varsity runners.
Boys
A boys course is usually close to three kilometers (about 3.1 miles). There is a varsity and junior varsity team in most schools. Usually seven boys run on varsity. A team can have an unlimited amount of junior varsity runners.
Junior High
Junior High girls and boys both run together, but are scored separately. Their course can be anywhere from one mile to two miles. There can be an unlimited amount of junior high runners on a team. This way every has a chance to participate.