HALTOM VOLLEYBALL PLAYER HANDBOOK 2014
LADY BUFF VOLLEYBALL - TEAM PHILOSOPHY Volleyball played well is a thing of beauty. Few athletic endeavors require as much teamwork; rarely does a sport reward hard work so completely. Athletes who study the game and apply the lessons learned relish every opportunity to practice and play. Spectators who watch competitive volleyball for the first time are easily hooked. Your Haltom coaches love volleyball. They are committed to you as students, as athletes and as young women. It is their goal to provide every opportunity for you to become as good as you want to be. More important, they strive to help you and your teammates become the best team you can be. The team comes first As a Haltom volleyball player, you agree that the team is paramount. Your individual goals and your team s goals do not necessarily conflict, but when they do, you accept that decisions are made for the good of the team. Successes are sweeter setbacks sting less when they are shared. Rules help our team run smoothly Each player must decide if she buys into our system and is willing to commit to this team. Every rule is for the benefit of the team, and you have to decide, in advance, whether you want to follow them. If not, you should not be part of the team. Our team thrives on trust and respect Trust between your coaches and your teammates are important. You must behave in a way that earns their respect. You must do everything reasonably necessary to make yourself and your team better. Our athletes learn to be coachable There is often more than one way to do things correctly. In some cases, however, your coaches will select a specific strategy for the benefit of the entire team, even if it may not seem to benefit a particular individual. You must be willing to make changes according to your coaches suggestions. If coaches seem to be riding you, it is usually because they think you are capable of a higher level of performance. Our team works hard Everyone wants to win, but few make the sacrifices to do it. No one will give you anything in life, you must earn it. You cannot cut corners. If, for example, you don t have a consistent, killer serve, you should work long and hard to get one.
Our team has balance To balance academics, athletics, work and family, you must plan ahead and make difficult choices. The choices you make will affect your future opportunities. Choose wisely. On our team, bench time is playing time As a Lady Buff volleyball player, you maintain the same focus and enthusiasm whether you are between the lines or on the bench. You accept that playing time is decided by the coach for the good of the team in the circumstances of the moment. You know that Lady Buffs bench is its secret weapon: every player has her head in the game at every moment, and is ready to come in at any opportunity. Our team can be successful Your coaches want you to know that almost any obstacle can be overcome with hard work. Commitment, perseverance and responsibility will be rewarded. Our team has fun!!!! Volleyball is one of the most fun sports in the world. You know you ve chosen the right sport if you simply can t wait to get back in the gym, and absolutely love stepping on the court with your friends and teammates every chance you get. It s a great feeling and one we are glad to have the opportunity to share with you Our team passes it on As you move through high school, share your new skills and insights with new or younger players. Be generous with your time. Consider helping at the elementary school, instructional, or club level as an assistant coach or referee. Be an active and involved Lady Buff alumnus. LADY BUFF VOLLEYBALL - PARENT EXPECTATIONS The Haltom Volleyball program welcomes and appreciates the support and encouragement from members of their extended family, including parents, teachers, school administrators, and fans. Communicating with coaches Lady Buff coaches understand the parenting joys and frustrations that can accompany high school athletics. We are glad to speak with you about your daughter, but ask that you:
Insist that your daughter try to work out volleyball-related issues directly with her coach before enlisting your assistance. Learning to deal with authority figures is one of the supreme benefits of participation in organized sports. Avoid jumping to conclusions. Remember that some teenagers tend to exaggerate both when praised and criticized, and that decisions about complicated issues like playing time are usually the product of many factors. 24 Hour rule If you are concerned about a volleyball-related issue that requires you to speak directly with a coach, we ask that you wait at least 24 hours after the triggering event. Cooler heads are inevitably more productive. We always enjoy chatting with parents at the conclusion of matches, but cannot address non-emergency issues at that time. We also cannot interrupt practice sessions. As a staff we are more than happy to discuss your daughter with you. We will make ourselves available to meet with you. We will not however have a conference or conversation about another player for any reason. Sportsmanship Good sportsmanship is required from all of our players at all times. Please remember that extra-curricular activities are voluntary and should be considered a privilege, not a right. Because those participating represent their school in a public way, we expect their behavior to be exemplary. This is particularly true of academic requirements, honesty, school citizenship, sportsmanship, and good conduct. Those participating in our volleyball program reflect the dignity of our school, their parents, their coaches and most of all, themselves. This is something that is not negotiable to us as coaches. Anyone displaying negative attitude and/or any conduct detrimental to the team will be subjected to disciplinary action or immediate dismissal from the team. All parents (and players) are expected to demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship while representing Haltom Volleyball. Please cheer for our team s efforts and successes. Parents and other fans should never celebrate our opponents mistakes. While in the gymnasium, keep all comments positive remember, you are sitting among parents from the other school. Please do not compare the skill or attitude of your daughter out loud with other members of the team. Volleyball officials are off-limits for parents. Refrain from yelling at the referees before, during and after the match no matter what the perceived error or injustice. Haltom coaches believe players must learn to perform under adversity, and to not waste emotion or effort on things not within their control.
The team captain(s) will be the only player who will talk to officials and only at such times and in such a manner as directed by the coach. Respect the officials and their decisions at all times. Take the time to learn more about volleyball rules and strategy. What sometimes seems like a blown call or a poor coaching decision often looks much different if you have a more detailed appreciation for the nuances of this sometimes complicated sport. Playing time For coaches, delegating playing time is a zero-sum exercise; the decision to give one player more time on the court means another player will get less. As such, all good coaches know that with each decision, however well-considered, comes the likelihood that someone will be disappointed. This is competitive volleyball, and we are in a competitive league. Players are NOT guaranteed playing time. Lineup decisions are primarily the result of careful consideration about our own team s chemistry, and our opponent s strengths and weaknesses. Players will have to work for their playing time and work hard to keep it. Strong teams have strong benches. Players who keep focused on the match while not on the court greatly increase their chances of success once they enter the game. Spirited bench players almost always infect their teammates with optimism and extra energy. The Lady Buff Volleyball Coaches make the final decision on all playing time. Be aware that the quantity of players on the team, the player positions on a team, the type of offense and defense the Coaches run, team chemistry, as well as other factors, will dramatically effect playing time for all players. With this in mind, playing is very important to us. It is important to apply the fundamentals and newly learned skills in a match situation. This is where coach and player realize which skills the player is proficient at and which skills need some more work. Players will receive a fair amount of playing time, but we cannot guarantee an equal amount of playing time. The higher level of the team, the more competitive the playing time becomes. This is a fact when participating in sports. More playing time is earned be being at practice and working hard to improve, as well as executing the sills given when given the opportunity to play. Parents should resist measuring their daughter s volleyball experience solely by the amount of her playing time. We strive to inject each player with a love for the sport, teaching her to value the opportunity to be part of a team, and to be strong and confident, whether in practice or a game. The best way to get more playing time is to work harder.
HALTOM VOLLEYBALL - TIME COMMITMENT Like all worthwhile extra-curricular activities, high school sports require a substantial commitment. Volleyball an ultimate TEAM sport demands that diverse individuals work as one, in a fast-paced test of coordination, concentration and above all cooperation. Building a team requires a commitment of everyone s TIME. Our season is short tryouts began in early August, and our last league match is in early November. Focus during this brief period is incredibly important. Attendance to Haltom team volleyball practices, matches, and other Haltom volleyball events is MANDATORY. Attendance Skills training, lesson plans, and match preparations are all built one step on top of another. Coaches will not have the opportunity to help players catch up. Avoid scheduling other appointments during volleyball practice time, match time, or other Haltom volleyball activities. If you know you must miss a practice, you must notify your coach in advance. Contact information will be given out during the first team practice. Home Matches Freshman and JV Lady Buff Volleyball athletes must stay for (to learn from and support) for all of the teams remaining matches. No one may leave a match early unless she receives permission from her coach before the match begins; that permission is rarely given. Varsity Lady Volleyball athletes must arrive before the JV and Freshmen match is scheduled to begin, to assist with warm ups and check in with the coach. All athletes will also be asked to sign-up to assist during all tournaments hosted by Haltom. This may include helping officiate, keeping score, libero tracking, recording statistics, and helping during warm-ups and cleanup. Away Matches Arrive at the designated location in time to check in and board the bus at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time with all of your equipment ready to go. (Freshman athletes must be dressed in their uniform before boarding the bus, as they play as soon as we arrive at the opponent s gym.) All players must ride the team bus to and from away matches. Friday night rules: (when football is playing at the same sight) a player may go home with her parent/guardian as long as the TRAVEL RELEASE FORM has been signed by a parent/guardian, and the athlete has notified the coach. Players will not be allowed to leave until ALL Lady Buff volleyball matches are over. *The only exception to this rule is if an athlete has a sibling participating in a school event at
the same time. All other players must return to Haltom High School on the team bus. A player may not drive her own car to or from road matches. Athletes will sit together as a team between games and matches. Teams will support all levels. We ask our parents to please be prompt picking your daughter up after home and away matches. Please remember A member of our coaching staff must remain at the school until all the girls are picked up. Even if the player has a cell phone, to ensure their safety we will refuse to leave until someone has arrived to pick them up. Players repeatedly picked up late from away or home matches without prior notification may not be allowed to travel. Away matches make for a long evening. Athletes should be prepared to do homework during the bus rides, and during one of the other teams' matches. Be sure to bring a water/sports drink and food/snacks. HALTOM VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS First and foremost, I am proud of the academic tradition that past Athletes in this program have established. The bottom line is: No Pass, No Play, No Questions. We will have grade checks weekly. I will expect that if anyone is slipping even slightly in any class that she will set up and attend tutorials. Tutorials, along with any re-tests will need to be scheduled for a time outside of practice. If the teacher will not allow this, the athlete will need to inform her team coach or me of the situation. The athletes will always need to bring a signed slip by the teacher of the tutorial/re-test. Mandatory tutorials will be assigned weekly for any athlete that scores a 72 or below for a class at the 3 week progress and/or end of 6 weeks. All athletes are required to follow all rules and guidelines set forth in this document as well as any rules specifically laid out for each campus. If discipline or attitude problems occur in the gym, classroom or in the school, the following actions will be taken: 1. An O.T.I (opportunity to improve) will be issued. 2. A verbal or written apology will be given to the coach / teacher/ admin. 3. Parent/Guardian will be contacted If issues persist, an additional form of commitment will be instilled. Removal from team is an option. School policy states that suspension or truancy results in no participation in the ensuing game(s). As a member of this program, each athlete will also be expected to adhere to these following guidelines:
1. Absence from practice: Athlete must call-in prior to the absence. Please call the team coach to make them aware of the absence as soon as possible. 2. Injury - Doctor or Trainer note required indicating injury and anticipated recovery time. (Not a note from parent.) 3. Illness If you re well enough to come to school, you re well enough to come to practice. 4. Missed practices must be made up before the next match. 5. Late to school, practice and/or game: 1 sprint per minute 6. Athletes must check out with their designated Coach as well as appropriate office when leaving campus for any reason. 7. All jewelry will be removed for practices and games. This includes but not limited to tongue and belly button piercings. 8. Proper nutrition is encouraged and carbonated beverages highly frowned upon. 9. In the event of an injury: A. Players will report the injury to their coach and see the athletic trainers as soon as possible. B. Player will undergo necessary treatment. C. Player will still attend practice / game and be dressed like their team. D. Doctor s or Trainer s clearance needed before returning. 10. Damage to issued equipment: appropriate fine assessed. 11. All athletes will be instructed where to sit while the other teams are playing. They are expected to sit as a team and help cheer for the other players. 12. All athletes interested in trying out for volleyball the following season must stay enrolled in athletics for the entire year. Concerns or problems will be addressed in this order: A. Athlete / Team Coach B. Athlete / Parent or Guardian / Team Coach / Coach Finnell C. Athlete / Parent or Guardian / Team Coach / Coach Finnell / Coach Tucker **All meetings with the coaches will be done on an appointment basis. Do not expect to be able to speak with them on issues during games or between games. Work Hard Play Hard GO BUFFS!
I am committed to the Haltom Volleyball Program and my teammates. As an athlete I am committed to following all school policies and rules. I am committed to staying drug and alcohol free. I promise to myself, my teammates, and my coach that I will not use any tobacco products or consume any alcohol. I am committed to helping my teammates be the best volleyball players and best people they can be. I am committed to always displaying good sportsmanship (win or lose). I accept any and all consequences, should I violate any commitments or guidelines set forth in this contract. Coach Signature Date Athletes Signature Date Parental Agreement: We, the parents or guardians of, have read the Haltom Volleyball Coach s Expectations and agree to help our daughter abide by the rules and regulations as stated. Signed: Date Parental signature (guardian)
Practice Rules 1. All practices are mandatory. You must notify your coach prior to practice if you cannot attend. Excused absences include illness and family emergencies. All other missed practices are considered unexcused and will effect playing time. Homework is not an excused absence. Some family activities may be excused, but must be cleared in advance by your coach in order to be treated as an "excused absence". Failure to make practices or team activities will effect your potential playing time at the next match or tournament. Remember that we must all have the same commitment to the team. 2. Practices will start on time, so be early. All players should arrive at least ten to fifteen minutes early to help put up equipment. A player being late to practice will be penalized according to the Team policy. 3. Since our gym time is valuable, all players will come ready to practice. Remember that intensity never fails. You will give 100% at all times during practice or you may be asked to leave. When we are in the gym you must have a single focus - volleyball. 4. Since our gym time is valuable, there will be no sitting during a practice unless instructed to do so by a coach. Therefore players will run at all times during practice with the exception of water breaks. Remember, champions hustle. 5. To form good habits for competition, players will hustle after every ball, call every ball, and never let the ball hit the ground without a player on the ground as well. 6. No players will wear jewelry during practice. NO EXCEPTIONS - this includes any type of body piercing. 7. Players will wear practice T-shirts to practice without exception. Players will dress neatly with the appropriate team shirt on. All players will wear kneepads to practice. Hair will be properly managed so that it is off of your face at all times. 8. No one will leave the gym at anytime during or after practice without your coach's approval. Coaches must know where players are at all times. 9. All bags and personal belongings will be neatly placed at one end of the gym or in a spot designated by your coach. 10. We will always leave the gym in the same condition we found it. At no time will a player leave anything at a gym, including trash and athletic tape. 11. Everyone will always be active in practice. If you are not directly in a drill then you will concentrate on shagging balls or following the instructions of your coach. Never let a coach run out of balls. Practice will break down when we do not all do our part to keep things moving. 12. All players will continually encourage each other throughout practice by encouraging one another. The beginning of the end on a volleyball court always starts with a lack of communication. 13. Finally, always be thinking about volleyball at practice. Do not allow your thoughts, actions, or conversations to stray. There is always something for you to be thinking about or learning in a practice situation.