PLAYER/PARENT HANDBOOK Club Address: Capital Volleyball Club C/O Mike Henry, Club Director 7141 Cavalier Loop SW Olympia, WA 98512 Website: www.capitalvolleyball.com Updated: 2014 1 P age
TABLE OF CONTENTS Club Leadership and Contact Information: 3 Mission Statement: 3 General Information: 3 Player Selection: 4 Tournament Play: 4-5 Playing Time: 6 Practices: 6 Parent/Coach/Player Relationship: 7 Conflict Resolution: 7 Sexual Harassment Policy: 8 Standards of Conduct: 9 2 P age
CLUB LEADERSHIP AND CONTACT INFORMATION The Capital Volleyball Club is led by a 7-person board, which includes Mike Henry, Club Director. Current Board members and contact information are listed on the club website. MISSION STATEMENT Capital Volleyball Club is a non-profit youth sports organization committed to providing quality physical and personal development through practice and competition at the local, regional and national levels. GENERAL INFORMATION The USA-Volleyball Season: The official USA-Volleyball competition season begins on January 1st and concludes with the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships or Volleyball Festival both in the end of June/early July. All teams in the club will practice and compete from December through late May (whenever their last tournament is scheduled). Teams that qualify for USA Volleyball Junior National Championships or elect to participate in June or July tournaments will have additional practice schedules. Registration: Players and Parents must have completed the following before being allowed to participate in any Capital Volleyball Club event: USA Volleyball Puget Sound USAV Registration Form USA Volleyball Medical History and Release Form Puget Sound Region Concussion Awareness and Waiver form Signed Capital Volleyball Club/USAV Puget Sound Region Player Contract Fees: In order for the Club to execute their annual plan, we must adhere to our budget. If a family decides to voluntarily withdrawal from the club for personal reasons or is removed for violation of USAV or Capital Volleyball Club rules they will be responsible for the balance of their dues. Fees go towards paying USAV Club registration and insurance, gym and facility rental fees, uniforms, coaching stipends, equipment replacement costs, tournament registration fees, and coaches' tournament travel costs. Please note, there will be additional fees for tournaments outside of the regular season (December-May). Officiating: All players and coaches must complete the required officiating course to learn the rules of volleyball and how to officiate/score-keep. 3 P age
PLAYER SELECTION The total number of teams within the Club is based on the number of athletes who try out, the number of available coaches, and the availability of facilities in the area for practices. Our goal is to have teams formed in the following age groups: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. If there are not enough athletes, coaches or facilities to form one team with a particular age group, then: a Team will not be formed. Each Year Open Tryouts will be held to establish teams. After the teams are formed, they will discuss goals for nationals. Teams will consist of a minimum of 9 and no more than 12 athletes, with a general goal of 10 player per team. Athletes will be evaluated on general athletic ability, existing and potential skill level, knowledge, effort, competitiveness, attitude, sportsmanship and interaction with coaches and other athletes. The club will also take into consideration prior comportment to the policies of the Capital Volleyball Club (i.e. payment of fees, disruptive behavior, parental involvement etc.). At the end of the tryout periods, each athlete will be notified whether or not she was selected for a team or as an alternate. Capital Volleyball Club discourages the moving of athletes to an older age group unless: An athlete shows superior skills, and playing within the age group will hamper the athlete's development. In that case, she may benefit from playing with an older age group. TOURNAMENT PLAY Many of the tournaments Capital Volleyball Club enters take one day, either a Saturday or a Sunday. The Puget Sound Region sets which day tournaments are hosted, what age group, and who hosts them. The typical one-day tournament schedule starts at 8:00 AM with "pool play" consisting of two or three "round robin" matches. Some tournaments follow "pool" play with single elimination "bracket" play for all. Bracket play for one-day tournament starts sometime in the afternoon, ending with tournament finals sometime that evening. Teams making it to the finals will add another two or three matches to their day. A few tournaments (Qualifiers and special events) involve two or three days of pool play, as described (three or four matches per day), followed by single elimination bracket play. In a twoday tournament, bracket play sometimes starts immediately after the second day's pool play, and wraps up that evening. In the longer tournaments, bracket play (usually multiple brackets with team position within the brackets dependent upon performance in pool play) starts early the day after completion of all pool play. Teams making it to bracket finals in these larger competitions add another three to four matches to their tournament total. Because the length of volleyball matches can be unpredictable and tournament formats and management varies, as discussed above, it is difficult to pinpoint the time a tournament may 4 P age
end. Also, exact tournament schedules or final confirmations are often not available until just before the tournaments begin (often the night before play starts). This is partly due to late entries, withdrawals or team changes, all of which impact the actual tournament playing schedule and match-ups. Capital Volleyball Club has no control over the administration of these tournaments, but we do make suggestions, as do other clubs, to those who run the tournament for incorporation in their next one. Team Area: Upon arrival, the team will identify a team area where the girls can leave their bags and hang out between playing and officiating. The area may be a room or simply a spot in a hallway. Either way, the team area represents our club and should be kept neat and organized at all times. Most girls will bring some type of blanket and/or pillow, homework, a book, an electronic device or other items to help pass the time between events. Remember, the team area is not secure and valuables will be left at your own risk. Also, be sure to properly dispose of any trash and leave the area as we found it when the tournament is over. Tournament Food: Most tournaments do not offer concessions; as noted earlier tournaments last most of the day. Therefore it is necessary for players to bring healthy foods for meals and snacks that can be consume during breaks. Some teams will organize a tournament food list with items for each player to bring to that tournament. The food will be kept in our team area and everyone associated with our team will be welcome to have their share. We do ask that you let the players have first access to the items since they must coordinate meals and snacks with their playing and officiating schedule. All venues have specific rules related to food which the team will need to review ahead of time. All USAV tournaments are at least partially self-officiated. Officiating at tournaments is the shared responsibility of the entire team, including coaches. All players are required to help with the line judging, scorekeeping, score flipping, and down officiating. Teams assigned to the officiating and scorekeeping must fulfill this responsibility. Players may not leave the tournament site unless excused by the coach and parents should not ask the coach to make an exception. Except for a true emergency, all players must remain at the tournament with the team until the completion of the team s officiating and scorekeeping duties. This is nonnegotiable. The following Team Player" concept should be understood, Win as a team, lose as a team, officiate and score-keep as a team. An exception is that a coach may excuse a player early due to injury, or other significant emergency. Since team entry fees must be paid weeks in advance, and the large amount of planning required for travel and lodging, it is extremely important that team coaches are notified, as far in advance as possible of any tournament a player cannot attend. Parents and players should closely review the tournament schedule provided and notify the coach of any conflicts. We understand that situations such as illness do cause short notice conflicts; it is the ones known in advance of which we must be informed as soon they are identified in order to best adjust to the situation. Transportation: It is the clubs preference that players be driven to tournaments, even if they are old enough to drive. 5 P age
PLAYING TIME Playing time will vary according to team, position, and attitude. Playing time is earned through practice and past game performance. If you are negatively affecting the team s morale or group attitude on the court, the coach will make decisions to substitute you for a player who contribute positively to an aggressive team vibe. All playing time is decided by the coaches and is not negotiable. It is also not to be discussed with the coach by players or parents during or after a game. Coaches have the right to play whomever they think is best suited for a position and helps positively contribute to the team development and chemistry. You may ask the coach about playing time after or before practice. An appropriate question would be, What can I do to play more or be a starter? The coach will be as honest as possible to let you know where you stand with playing time at all times. Remember, assertive language is much more well-received than accusatory. Your club membership fees go toward practice time and instruction by our coaches not by playing time in tournaments. Coaches will try to give everyone opportunities to contribute their individual skills and abilities to the team during pool play matches. PRACTICES Practices will be held in the Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey area. Teams will generally have practice two nights a week for two hours. Teams may have additional practices and longer duration. The team coach will communicate the practice schedule. The practice schedules will also be listed on the club website. Players are required to be ready to begin practice at the designated start time. Please allow yourselves enough time to put on kneepads, change shoes, be taped if needed, and do routines. Players are expected to assist in practice set up such as setting up and taking down nets and standards, and putting away volleyballs and other equipment that may be used that day. Begin practice mentally prepared. Have personal goals for all practices. A good time to think about goals is during warm-up. If a player must miss a practice, a telephone call or text to their respective coach is mandatory. Only after attempting and failing to reach the coach, can a player contact a teammate to pass the word along to the coach. Advance notice is mandatory if a player cannot make a practice or tournament due to vacation, family commitment, etc. Part of being a student athlete is planning. Players need to schedule their time so they can complete homework and participate in practices. Each practice session is very important to the development of our athletes. Players need to make every effort to be at every practice so they don't miss instruction that could affect their performance at tournaments. Also, coaches prepare practice plans according to who and how many are attending. They need to know in advance if someone will have to miss a practice. It is important to note, if players do not attend practices on a regular basis, playing time could be impacted. Please bring your own water bottle to practice and tournaments There will be no jewelry allowed at practice. Please leave your jewelry at home. 6 P age
7 P age PARENT/COACH/PLAYER RELATIONSHIP Volleyball can teach many good traits, such as the spirit of cooperation, and the regard for physical fitness; but it is difficult for these and other desirable traits to take root in young players when the adults around them fail to set a proper example. We ask that parents refrain from criticizing opposing players, other parents, coaches, officials, or teammates. In spectator enthusiasm we are often prone to issue instructions to the players that may be contrary to those of the coach, leaving the players confused and upset. Please let the athletes follow their coach's instruction and leave the coaching to the coach! The coaches are giving their time, energy, and best efforts to teach your child the sport of volleyball and we will not tolerate condemnation of the coaches. Understand that you will not agree or like every coaching tactic, comment, or suggestion that is made by the coaches, but this does not warrant criticism or rudeness. This is certainly not intended to reduce spectator enthusiasm. Please continue to cheer and encourage the actions you like and ignore those you don't. Please do not interfere with your child's coach, especially during play, or do anything else that will detract from the enjoyment your child and her teammates deserve to get from volleyball. Sports provide an excellent opportunity to teach young women about the realities of highly competitive situations. They must be taught how to be a cooperative team member, how to make use of both positive feedback and constructive criticism, how to cope with adversity, how to achieve 'mental toughness', and how to be a gracious and respectful in both defeat and victory. The most effective way to establish a rapport with a coach is to display a high level of commitment to the activity. Players need to learn to display their commitment by coming early and staying late, doing extra preparation, being enthusiastic about the activity, and actively and publicly supporting their teammates. A parent who is successful in teaching these skills will never have to worry whether the coach is giving their child a fair break. CONFLICT RESOLUTION Parents are not permitted to confront coaches on tournament days to discuss playing time, or to complain about tactics, strategy, individual, or team performance. Parents are encouraged to take notes about their concerns, and follow our conflict resolution procedures as outlined within this below. The recommended time for a parent and/or player to talk to a coach about a problem is at a previously arranged meeting either before or immediately after a scheduled practice. If a player has a concern with a coach, parents have the responsibility for teaching their child steps to remedy the concern. The recommends the following steps if any player has a concern with a coach. Player should discuss the concern with their respective coach and try to arrive at a solution. None of the coaches should be considered unapproachable. They are all very willing to listen to a player's concern and
try to arrive at a mutual solution. Until the coach is made aware of the concern nothing at all can be done to alleviate it. It is understood at the younger ages sometimes the parent will be the first contact with the coach. If, after time, the concern is not resolved the player and parents may make an appointment to speak with the coach. Please do not approach a coach to discuss a concern at practice or a tournament. If, after time, a solution is still not reached contact the club office to set up a meeting with the player, parents, coach, and Club Director*. *In the event the coach and the Club Director are the same person, a Board member will participate in this meeting. If a parent/player wish to appeal a decision made by the club director/board Member an appeals committee of three neutral board members will the final step in the conflict resolution process. SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY Both federal law and Washington law prohibit sexual harassment in the workplace. Capital Volleyball Club is fully committed to preventing sexual harassment in its program. Capital Volleyball Club regards the safety of the young athletes entrusted to our care and instruction as our highest priority. We do not tolerate verbal or physical behavior that compromises that priority. We watch team activities and interactions closely to try to prevent miscommunications that cause discomfort for any of the athletes or parents. REPORTING COMPLAINTS: if you see behavior from a coach or administrator that you believe to be inappropriate, report it immediately to the Club Director. All complaints will be investigated. Any Staff member found to be in violation of the sexual discrimination policy would be subject to discipline, which may include dismissal. There will be no retaliation against any complainant and/ or witness who participate in investigation of a sexual harassment charge. CAPITAL VOLLEYBALL CLUB IS COMMITTED TO: Responding to all questions or concerns related to any part of the club operations. We will do our very best to respond in a timely fashion. You will be respectfully heard. We will work diligently to afford every athlete in our program the opportunity to develop her athletic and personal potential to the fullest. We will be as open and forthright as possible in all our dealings with members. 8 P age
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT There is a lot more expected of our players other than their volleyball skills. Players are expected to participate in all scrimmages/practices as scheduled. Failure to do so may result in less playing time in the next tournament. It is the player's responsibility to notify the coach of their team if they cannot attend. If a player needs to miss several practices because of extracurricular commitments, they are required to provide their coach with a schedule to allow for proper practice planning. Players are expected to sign up for the full season and to make all tournaments. Playing time will be played at the discretion of the coach based on skill level and team needs. Players are expected to consistently work on their own to raise the levels of their physical condition and skill. All players will sign a code of conduct form as part of their membership with USA Volleyball. The following standards must be observed for one to continue as an active member of Capital Volleyball Club; violation of standards marked with (*) mean suspension or dismissal from Capital VBC: *Alcohol and drugs including marijuana are prohibited at all times. *Smoking is prohibited. Capital Volleyball Club is committed to excellence in academic performance, and will support family decisions regarding requirements. *As a representative of Capital Volleyball Club, no actions that will hinder the player's performance, game, or scholastics will be tolerated. The player s actions and behavior should always be such as to reflect positively on the player, their team, and Capital VBC. Players must be on time for all team commitments. Early is best Players must call their team coach when they are going to be late or absent from a practice or tournament. All players are required to participate in all physical conditioning activities and drills unless excused by a doctor or the coach. Players must report all physical injuries or illness to their head coach immediately. Equipment and uniforms issued to each player must be cared for properly. All other equipment must be properly cared for. Players are expected to help set up and take down equipment at each practice. Players are to also assist in accounting for volleyballs. Players are required to take proper care of practice equipment, keeping in mind that the equipment is the property of Capital Volleyball Club or the host school. All player must abide by the rules established for scrimmage and tournament facilities, both locally and in other cities. Each player will keep their coach informed of their presence at tournaments. Each player is expected to treat all other players, teammates, coaches, referees, and fans with courtesy and respect. If players are involved in a dispute, they must immediately work out problems between them. If they are unable to resolve their problem immediately, they must meet with the coaches until their problems are resolved. Problems between players must never be left unresolved. During any overnight travel, curfew will be 10 PM on all nights prior to a match unless amended by your coach (for example, Far Western Qualifier, afternoon pool). 9 P age
Please Sign and return this portion to the Capital Volleyball Club Participant Agreement & Consent: I, have read, understand, and agree to the policies, procedures and obligations set forth in the Capital Volleyball Club Players/Parents Handbook. As evidence by my signature, I certify that I have read and understand all of the foregoing and consent to abide by the rules as set forth herein. Participant Signature Date Parents Agreement & Consent: I, have read, understand, and agree to the policies, procedures and obligations set forth in the Capital Volleyball Club Players/Parents Handbook. As evidence by my signature, I certify that I have read and understand all of the foregoing and consent to abide by the rules as set forth herein. In addition, I certify that as Parent or/guardian of this participant, have explained to my son/daughter the aforementioned stipulated conditions and their ramifications, and I consent to his/her participation in the programs conducted under USAV, Regional Volleyball Association and Capital Volleyball Club in which he/she is a member. I agree to pay the fees set forth by the Capital volleyball club, allowing my child to participate in the program. Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Relationship Parent/Guardian Signature Date 10 P age