WATERTOWN ARROW VOLLEYBALL HANDBOOK WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL 2017 Watertown High School 200 9th St. NE Watertown SD, 57201 Phone: 605-882-6316 revised: 07/2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS STAFF page 3 PROGRAM INFORMATION page 4 TEAM POLICIES page 4-10 PARENT & PLAYER SIGNATURE page 10 SCHEDULE FOR 2017 page 11
STAFF and ASSIGNMENTS Rosemary Hirtz - Varsity Rosemary.Hirtz@k12.sd.us Kelly Kettwig - Junior Varsity Kelly.Kettwig@k12.sd.us Ashley Wiekamp - Sophomore Ashley.Wiekamp@k12.sd.us Chelsea Murphy - Freshman Head Chelsea.Murphy@k12.sd.us Garrett Priest - Freshman Assistant Garrett.Priest@k12.sd.us Erin Tammi - 8th Grade Erin.Tammi@k12.sd.us Carly Peterson - 8th Grade Assistant Carly.Peterson@k12.sd.us Katie Kruse - 7th Grade Head Katie.Kruse@k12.sd.us Cote Witt - 7th Grade Assistant Cote.Witt@k12.sd.us 6th Grade Coaches Erica Paulson Erica.Paulson@k12.sd.us Teresa Remmers Teresa.Remmers@k12.sd.us Bobbi Jo Soupir Bobbjijo.Soupir@k12.sd.us Abby Turbak Abby.Turbak@k12.sd.us REMIND 101 text #81010 and in the message box type: High School Players - @vbarrows High School Parents - @avbparents
PROGRAM INFORMATION: PICTURES The official photographer for Watertown High School athletics is Stacy May. All high school teams will take their pictures Friday, August 18th at 4 pm. Pictures are not rescheduled if players are not there. Each player will receive an order envelope for pictures at practice, if not ask one of the coaches for an order envelope. This will take place before Meet the Arrows. AWARDS NIGHT The awards night is scheduled for Monday, November 20th. All Varsity players that have lettered or a special award will be recognized that night. This night will last about 90 minutes. TEAM MANAGERS We are always looking for good, reliable team managers. Whatever the circumstance, we would like team managers to have an opportunity to earn a letter. If you know of anybody who loves the game of volleyball, and might be interested, please let any of the coaches know! TEAM POLICIES: LINE OF COMMUNICATION This is one of the most important areas to emphasize. This line of communication will be strictly followed within our program, as well as by the athletic department. The staff truly believes that if all of us are conscientious in following this, we should not run into any problem that can not be resolved in a smooth and comfortable way. If you or your daughter are having frustrations or problems of any kind it is very important that your daughter speak to her coach as soon as possible within our guidelines. If after speaking to the coach, your daughter does not feel like the problem has been resolved, then you as parents may contact your daughter s coach. You may contact us either by email or by phone. It will be determined at that time if a meeting to discuss the matter or if it can be discussed by email or over the phone. If after discussing matters with your daughter s coach, you do not think things are better, then you should contact the head coach. As a final note, parents may not approach the coaches before or after practices or matches about an issue unless a meeting has been scheduled. If the matter is related to a specific incident, match, or event, then the parents and athletes must wait until 24 hours after the specific incident, match, or event before contacting the coach to schedule a meeting.
TEAM SELECTION/SCHEDULE/ROSTERS/PLAYING TIME The team-selection process begins on the first day the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) allows us to begin. This year we will begin on August 10th. Because the volleyball season is so pressed for time, our team-selection schedule and practice times are set ahead of time, and are demanding. We ask that families respect the schedule, and arrange as many appointments, trips, etc. around the volleyball schedule. In addition to being pressed for time, we are also confined by number of players on teams. We have typically placed about 16 players on our Varsity/JV team, 10 players on our Sophomore team, and typically the Freshman teams can carry around 8-10 players on each of the two teams. Any player interested in playing high school volleyball must complete the entire try-out week requirements in order to participate on a high school team. Players must attend 10 practices before they can participate in a high school match. So if a practice is missed, it must be made up before playing time can be earned. To be honest, this is not enough time to fully evaluate the talents of individual players, and to assess potential playing positions. Sometimes, there are changes that need to be made after team-selections are made. Players will be selected for high school teams according to volleyball skill levels and tested for speed, agility, strength, and endurance during team-selection. Coaches will also be looking for attitude and coachability. Players trying out for teams will be asked to: -run a mile and perform a variety of timed agility and strength exercises -test on passing, serving, hitting, and setting It is highly recommended that players wishing to play high school volleyball complete the summer strength and conditioning program, as well as play and practice their skills as much as possible over the summer. There are many summer camps in the vicinity that will allow players to do this. Players having versatility and athleticism are very valuable, so continuing to improve your skills whenever the opportunity arises is beneficial! Players will never be cut after the initial team-selection, but there may be movement between teams. Arrow volleyball philosophy is that players should be on a team in which they will have an opportunity to participate fully. Because of this, the coaching staff will move players from team to team so that they have match experience during the season. Their opportunity to participate is determined through evaluation of attitude and performances during practices, scrimmages, and matches.
Playing time at the 9th grade level will be as equal as possible, but may be dependent upon position. Playing time at the sophomore and JV level may not be equal, but instead is determined more on performance and how one contributes on the court. At the varsity level, the level of competition, each player s individual skills, and their ability to consistently contribute to the team s success will determine playing time. Generally speaking, the higher the level of the team the more competitive it will be to have playing time. PRACTICE Practice is the time and opportunity for the athletes to work on their skills without worrying about outside influences. Because of this, practices are closed (i.e. no parents in stands). Please understand that we are not trying to hide anything, just trying to limit distractions for everyone. All high school teams have the same practice start times. Athletes are expected to be dressed (t-shirts, shorts, socks, and appropriate shoes), have training needs addressed, and have the nets set up. We want practice conditions to mimic game conditions. Coaches work for the school district. From time to time, their duties may cause them to be late for practice. If this should occur, athletes are expected to warm up and stretch on their own. PRACTICE PROTOCOL Be on time! on time means 15 minutes early so that you are ready for the start of practice. Court is ready to go (½ of the team puts up the net) Volleyballs can be taken out once net is set up No Jewelry. Appropriate practice attire no butts, no guts, no coconuts. Clothing changes must be done in the locker room Hair out of face and not swinging. Personal Stuff clothing, shoes, bags etc. in athletic locker, not on gym floor Water bottles filled and training room needs are performed before the start of practice. Each day every player will warm up with, and will practice with a different player in practice drills. Water Breaks will be taken as a team. They are not a social time. When you have quenched your thirst, return to the court. All practice gear is is taken down and put into the cage ½ of the team puts equipment away No player leaves until all equipment is put away
ABSENCES FROM TEAM PRACTICES & ACTIVITIES Excused Absences An absence is excused if the player notifies the head coach in advance and the head coach approves the absence. Absences are strongly discouraged as it disrupts the team, team chemistry, and drills. Excused absences might include but are not limited to: family emergencies medical emergencies special academic opportunities Illness or injury is not an excused absence unless the coach is notified ahead of time by the player or parent. Injured players are expected to attend practice. Work or eye doctor, dentist, orthodontist, and other doctor appointments are not excused absences. Athletes who miss the practice prior to a match with an excused absence must sit out at least one set of that match. Athletes cannot be absent from school and then attend that day s practice Athletes must attend ½ a day of school in order to participate in practice that day Making up missed school work after school is not an excused absence make up work must be completed before school players are expected to talk with their teachers a day in advance of away games homework is highly encouraged on the bus Unexcused Absences An absence is unexcused if the player does not notify the head coach before the absence occurs, or does not provide the proper written documentation indicating the reason for absence signed by the parent/guardian of the player. If an unexcused absence occurs for a practice prior to a match, the player will not be allowed to play in that match. If missing practices become habitual, then the coach and athlete will meet to evaluate the player s commitment to the program. During this meeting, they will discuss possible solutions, including dismissal from the team.
HOME MATCH DAY Players will not be dismissed early from class on home match days. Varsity, JV and Freshman A teams are expected to be in the gym by 3:45 to set up their court: standards, net, pads, official s stand, and antennae. JV and Freshman A teams are expected to be dressed and warming-up by 4:05 in the arena. During the JV and Freshman A games, Varsity players will be expected to help with line judging, score keeping, or libero tracking and support their teammates. Varsity and Freshman B teams will be helping with stats on the bench during the JV and Freshman A games. Sophomores are expected to be at the Freshmen A or JV match in order to support their teammates. Phones are not allowed at the table or on the bench during game play. During the Sophomore and Freshman B games, JV and Freshman A players will be expected to help with line judging, score keeping, or libero tracking and support their teammates. And also will help with stats on the bench. Phones and food are not allowed at the table or on the bench during game play. After the game, the Sophomore and Freshman B teams will take down their courts and put all equipment away. During the Varsity game, Freshmen will help with videotaping and ball shagging. There will be sign-up sheets to organize helpers No switching events unless approved by the Freshman Coach The bench will take Varsity stats. After the Varsity match is complete, the Varsity players will take down their court and put all equipment away. The JV team will be responsible for bringing out uniforms for dry-cleaning. AWAY MATCHES/TRAVEL INFORMATION Players will be dismissed 30 minutes prior to the bus leaving. This gives players ample time to collect their belonging and get onto the bus. The bus will arrive approximately one hour prior to the first match. Almost all matches are played at the same venue. Varsity team will decide what teams will wear to school prior to a match. Out of town days, the teams will wear their travel gear provided. Clothing that is ripped, full of holes, or deemed immodest or inappropriate may not be worn. Players will be required to ride the team bus to and from away matches and tournaments. (A bus schedule may be found at the end of this handbook.) Riding the bus together is an important team building experience. If we have won or lost, we are together to support, celebrate, and learn together. Players may be exempt with the following conditions:
A note is signed by their own parent stating that their child will be riding with them to another location or for a special circumstance. If a player will be riding with a parent of a second player or an extended family member, then a note must be received from the first player s parent 24 hours prior to the Athletic Director. The note must acknowledge that they know their daughter will be riding home with a specific parent of the second player. If a player is participating in another school-sponsored event the same day, then a signed note from their parent must be presented to leave for the school event. Under no circumstances will players be allowed to ride with friends or boyfriends, or without a note delivered to a coach. Parents picking up players should be waiting for the bus when we arrive back at school the night of a match. This is just a way of showing consideration for the coach s time and duties. Every player should be in school on time at the beginning of the day after a late night match. After away matches, the team will stop for a predetermined meal. Each player will choose from a menu and orders will be placed by the coaches. At the end of the night, the bus will stop to pick up food and then proceed to drive home. Each family will be asked to pay $60 to cover the cost of their daughter s meals for the ten out-of-town matches. Players may bring other food on the ride. Players that require rides home after away matches need to call about 15 miles out from Watertown to ensure that there will be somebody at school when we arrive to pickup your daughter. The coaching staff will never leave a player alone at school, we will wait until somebody picks them up. Because of this, we appreciate in advance your consideration for being prompt in picking up your daughter. NUTRITION/HEALTH Avoid pop on game days. Instead consume an adequate amounts of water necessary for hydration throughout the day. Avoid junk food on game days. Instead pack a healthy lunch or snack to eat (2 hrs) before or after your game. Do not drink out of another person s water bottle or container. This is an easy way to spread bacteria and viruses. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night! While the team does not have mandated curfews, parents should monitor their daughter s night activities to ensure regular sleeping patterns.
LETTERING CRITERIA Lettering will be determined by making the varsity roster during the volleyball season as well as playing time the following criteria will be used: Participation in a minimum of ½ of the Varsity games/sets Member of the Varsity team participating in state competition Managers must attend over half of the practices and all varsity matches Coaches discretion TEAM AWARDS At the end of the season, the Varsity team will vote for team awards. The awards are: Team Captain, MVP Offensive Player, MVP Defensive Player, Most Improved, and Arrow Award CHEMICAL/SUBSTANCE USE Illegal chemical or substance use undermines the cohesion of a team, and indicated that a player may be putting themselves before the team. Each player is expected to put the team first when confronted with situations that may have illegal chemicals or substances involved. The consequences for use of illegal chemicals or substances are clearly drawn out for you in the materials you received when registering for fall sports. Watertown school policies will be followed. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY Players are student -athletes, and academics are most important. Grades will be regularly checked. Players must be passing all courses that they are enrolled in for the quarter/semester in order to participate in home matches and practices. Players must have a C in all courses in order to participate in away matches.
VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE 2017 Date Day Opponent Dismissal Depart Game Time (JV) 8/22 Tuesday Huron (H) 4:30 pm 8/24 Thursday Brookings (H) 4:30 pm 9/2 Saturday Brandon Valley (H) 4:30 pm 9/5 Tuesday Mitchell (H) 4:30 pm 9/7 Thursday SF Washington (A) 1:15 pm 1:45 pm 4:30 pm @ WHS 9/12 Tuesday Aberdeen Central (H) 4:30 pm 9/16 Saturday Harrisburg (A) 9:00 am 12:00 pm @HHS 9/19 Tuesday SF Lincoln (A) 1:15 pm 1:45 pm 4:30 pm @ LHS 9/26 Tuesday Pierre (H) 4:30 pm 9/28 Thursday Brookings (A) 2:00 pm 2:30 pm 4:30 pm @ BHS 9/30 Saturday Brandon Valley (A) 9:15 am 12:00 pm @ BVHS 10/3 Tuesday SF Roosevelt (H) 4:30 pm 10/5 Thursday Mitchell (A) 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 4:30 pm @ MHS 10/10 Tuesday Harrisburg (H) 4:30 pm 10/12 Thursday Aberdeen Central (A) 1:15 pm 1:45 pm 4:30 pm @ACHS 10/20 Friday Yankton (H) 4:30 pm 10/21 Saturday Pierre (A) 12:00 pm 4:30 pm @ TF Riggs 10/24 Tuesday Huron (A) 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 4:30 pm @ H. Arena 10/31 Tuesday SF O Gorman (H) 4:30 pm 11/2 Thursday Yankton (A) 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 4:30 pm @ YHS 11/9 Thursday Playoff Game 11/15-18 Wed.-Sat. State @ Rapid City *Sign, detach, and return to your coach. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GUARDIAN & PLAYER SIGNATURE 2017 By signing, I indicate that I have read, understand, and accept the policies and conditions and agree to abide by all expectations and regulations outlined in the Arrow Volleyball Handbook. Guardian Signature: Player Signature: Date: Date: