Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club Handbook and Policy Manual Keystone Juniors Volleyball, LLC Bill & Brenda Collins 66 Woodlawn Avenue Broomall, PA 19008 610.353-6324 keystonejuniors@verizon.net www.keystonejuniors.com
This handbook contains club policies for Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC. The directors reserve the right to modify policies without notice and reserve the right to apply policies as circumstances see fit. All questions regarding the club policies should be directed to club directors, Bill and Brenda Collins. The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize both players and parents with Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC. and to provide a better understanding of what club volleyball is all about. By agreeing to play under Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC, athletes and parents/guardians must accept all policies and abide by club policies in order to continue to participate with Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC.
Table of Contents Page(s) Overview 2-3 Goals 2 About Us 2-3 Commitment Level 3 Club Tryouts 3 Club Fees, Payment Information, Financial Policies 4-5 Parents & Players Meeting 5-6 Club Policies 6-8 Training 6 Attendance 6 Practice 6-7 Tournaments 7 Playing Time 7-8 Responsibilities 8-10 Club Directors 8 Club Coaches 8-9 Coaches Training 9 Athletes 10 Parent, Player, Coach Relationship Guidelines 10-12 Fundraisers 12 Keystone Juniors On the Web 12-13 Insurance & Liability 13 Sponsorships 13 Contact Information 13 - - 1 - -
Overview of Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC. Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC is a registered junior program affiliate of the Keystone Region Volleyball Association (KRVA) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC main purpose is to provide quality training and competitive opportunities for young athletes at all levels of development. This competitive athletic experience will enhance social development, contribute to mental and physical health, and teach the values of teamwork, responsibility, self-discipline, and selfmotivation. As we seek to promote and develop youth volleyball in the suburban Philadelphia area, we focus on our players' interests and enthusiasm, as well as their volleyball skills and athletic abilities. Our mission is to promote youth volleyball at all ages and skill levels. Our goal is simple: to take each player to a higher level of competitiveness while maintaining her love for the game. Goals of Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC. 1. The athlete will develop a positive attitude toward the club, teammates, and authorities, winning and losing. 2. To teach the athlete that winning is learning how to set realistic goals and to strive to achieve these goals both in practice and in competition. 3. To teach the athlete respect for themselves and teammates in regard to their potential ability as well as achieved abilities. 4. To teach the athlete that great teams must overcome adversity and that where there is adversity, there is opportunity. About Us Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC was established by Bill & Brenda Collins in 2004. The purpose of Keystone Juniors program is to provide a positive volleyball experience. The program started with 4 teams based in Delaware County and 1 team based in West Norriton. In 2009, our club grew to 14-16 teams based out of Delaware and Montgomery Counties, over 135 kids in our Junior Developmental Program, 200 kids in our summer camps and our summer league with 30-35 teams. In 2009, Keystone Juniors decided to go into a different direction with our club. We have become a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and therefore decided to downsize our club teams to those based out of Delaware County. As of 2016, we are still based out of Delaware County. We would like to have at least one team at each age level (12s thru 17s) with the intent to increase regional teams if gym time allows. Our goal for Keystone Juniors has never been the quantity of teams. It will always be the quality of the teams and that begins with our coaches and gym locations. - - 2 - -
The format for our club program is simple: to provide two to four hours (depending on age level) of skills work per week as well as tournaments on various weekends throughout the winter and spring. Keystone Juniors, LLC club program is designed to provide athletes with a uniquely challenging and competitive experience. The teams are selected via conventional tryout methods and are designed to facilitate select teams. These teams are comprised of highly motivated players who undergo a successful training program, and are scheduled to partake in a variety of tournaments that bring similarly select teams into a competitive arena. Many of these tournaments are away tournaments. However, tournament schedules are divided into age groups, and specific tournament events are selected based on the team s unique skill level. Highly qualified coaches, all of whom have played or coached at the high school or collegiate level themselves conduct the training and lead them to these tournament events. The training is intense and is designed to bring out the most from the athlete. The program begins with the 12 s age group and ends with the 17 s group. Throughout the various age groups, the training progressively shifts the emphasis from pure skills development toward the incorporation of the winning spirit. These latter stages are designed to instill the necessary mental and physical attributes to successfully compete at the collegiate level. Commitment Level Playing club volleyball for Keystone Juniors, LLC requires a strong commitment to the game, coaches and teammates. Participation in Keystone Juniors, LLC requires much time and effort. We are committed to the work ethic and the rewards it can reap, not just in volleyball but in life as well. Tryouts for Club Season Open tryouts will be held in November. If you accept with a team, you are expected to commit to that team. The tryout DOES NOT assure every athlete a position on a team. We will begin to enroll players into the program at the parents meeting towards the end of November. The season will begin the first week in December and conclude in May/June/July (depending on if your team qualifies for Nationals). For up to date information on tryouts, visit http://www.keystonejuniors.com. - - 3 - -
Club Fees, Payment Information and Financial Policies Our Club fees change from year to year. The change in fees depends on the increase of the expenses with gym time and tournaments. Club fees are posted online at http://www.keystonejuniors.com/tryouts. The club fees include the following: KRVA and AUU Registration for Club & Team (Players enroll in KRVA as individuals prior to tryouts). Coaches Registration & Background screening Coaches Salary, travel expenses and apparel Equipment Entry fee for tournaments (including Nationals for certain age levels) Gym rental for practices (not including practice time if needed for Nationals) Website Maintenance and mailings Directors Fee (at certain levels) The club fee does not include the following: Lodging at overnight tournaments for players and/or parents Uniforms Transportation/Meals for Players and Coaches o If a team is traveling out of town for a tournament, the team is responsible for their own hotel expense and booking, meals, and arrangements. The directors will reserve hotel blocks with the assistance of the head coach. Payment Schedule Payment Schedule Percentage Due Parent / Player Meeting 50% January 11 th 50% lease make payment to: Keystone Juniors Please mail to: Keystone Juniors VBC c/o Bill or Brenda Collins 66 Woodlawn Avenue Broomall, PA 19008 All questions regarding financial matter are to be addressed to Bill and Brenda Collins. Coaches are not and will not be involved in any financial matter. If a payment schedule is required, please contact Bill and Brenda Collins PRIOR to Parents Meeting. - - 4 - -
Financial Policies All fees are non-refundable regardless of reason. Once a player and parent commits to Keystone Juniors, LLC, they are obligated to pay the full fee required. This includes if a player is injured during the club season. All costs include year-end coach s stipend & apparel, tournament entry fees, KRVA and AAU team registration, insurance, equipment, practice facilities and Parisi Speed and Strength Training. First payment: 50% of team fee is due at the Parents / Player Meeting (end of November). Second payment: Balance of team fee is due by January 11 th. Fees MUST be mailed to Bill & Brenda Collins. Coaches WILL NOT accept payments at any time. Failure to comply will be handled on a case-by-case basis, possibly resulting in suspension until financial obligations are met. Your child may NOT play for a reduced fee (in comparison to other players on the team) without jeopardizing their NCAA eligibility. Accepting clothing, travel allowances, equipment or anything that every other player does not also receive (under the same conditions your child receives it) also jeopardizes their NCAA eligibility. You can find the free parent and student NCAA handbook at http://www.ncaa.org. Parents & Players Meeting There will be a Parents & Players meeting held for the entire club at the end of November. Parent Meetings will be held at St. Kevin s (Springfield, PA 19064). The Parents & Players meeting will be held to review club policies, meet with coaches, size for uniforms and to submit forms. This is a mandatory meeting. - - 5 - -
The following items are due at the parents meeting: 3 Xerox copies of Daughters Birth Certificate 3 Xerox copies of Player Medical History and Release Form Uniforms will be at the meeting for proper fitting. Blackout dates (submitted to head coach) The following items will be available to purchase (not mandatory): Beach Towels Various Apparel Items NOTE: Players not having completed ALL forms by December 1 st will be considered ineligible for play or practice until all forms are complete and turned in. Club Policies The following information is to enhance communications between coaches, athletes, and parents. Included are brief explanations of training policies, attendance policies, practice policies, and game policies. Training Policies The athlete must adhere to the KRVA and AAU policies regarding drug and alcohol abuse. The athlete must try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Eat balanced meals and drink lots of water, milk and juices. Reduce snacking between meals and carbonated beverages as much as possible. Team members MUST report any and all injuries to the coach immediately. Attendance Policies Since all team practices are mandatory, any absence from practice or events warrants a call from the player (NOT A PARENT) to the coach as soon as possible. You must commit financially, as well as physically to the playing schedule. If you are involved in school sports, the Head Coach must have a copy of the game and practice schedule well in advanced. The coaching staff will do their best to work around school activities and school sports. This does not include other travel sports. Practice Policies The athlete is expected to work her hardest in every task. We ask that athletes give us their very best effort. The athlete must be coachable, and willing to change technical skills and to display a positive attitude toward practice, teammates, and coaches. No jewelry (including earrings) in practice. You must have clean, court shoes. - - 6 - -
Hair must be pulled back out of face. The athlete must be at practice on time. Practices will be finished no later than 10:00pm. Keystone Juniors, LLC recognizes the value of middle and high school athletics. Players should consult with their coach to determine what is considered an excused absence from practice. Player s delinquent in payment of dues will not be allowed to practice or compete. They will, however be required to attend scheduled team practices to observe. Player s will refer to practice schedules for dates and times and the calendar on the website for directions to practice sites. Players must arrive for practice early enough to put on their gear and perform any other pre-practice duties before scheduled practice time. Players must help to maintain the facility they are using. We expect each player to pick up any trash, clean area, and not to abuse the facility. Remember, Keystone Juniors, LLC practice facilities use is a privilege. If they are misused in anyway, then we are at risk losing the court time / facility. Players will not leave practice until all duties have been performed and their coach has released them. You MUST wear Keystone Juniors issued apparel when representing Keystone Juniors, LLC. CONSEQUENCES: Any negative attitude or behavior by players or parents will warrant immediate removal from the gym, and could result in reduced playing time for players. Tournament Policies Display Keystone Juniors Apparel and portray PRIDE at all times. Be courteous to officials, opponents and coaches. No jewelry! A short team meeting will be held after each match and tournament or next practice following tournament. Wear uniforms to all matches/games of a tournament. Do not expect to change there. Must be on time to tournament. It is recommended that players stay and support other Keystone Juniors teams whenever possible. The ENTIRE TEAM is required to stay at a tournament until ALL WORK ASSIGNMENTS ARE COMPLETED. Playing Time Policy Playing Time is left up to the discretion of the coach as to when to play players. Coaches will attempt to give AMPLE playing time throughout the course of a tournament. There is no guaranteed playing time during any match. Coaches are free to play whomever they choose in whatever capacity during these times. - - 7 - -
Conduct of players MUST be positive towards teammates and coaches at all time or playing time may be reduced. If the negative behavior continues, players may be dismissed from Keystone Juniors, LLC with NO REFUND. If there is an issue regarding playing time, please review the Parent / Coach / Player Relationship Section. UNDER NO CONDITIONS WILL A COACH AND/OR DIRECTOR BE CONTACTED ABOUT A GRIEVANCE AT AN EVENT OR DURING PRACTICE. Responsibilities Club Directors Responsibilities Bill & Brenda Collins will each be responsible for all operations of the Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC. They include but are not limited to: All financial responsibilities Secure / coordinate / sanction / schedule facilities Gym rental Equipment Insure that tournament entries are paid by deadlines Direct contact with coaches for communication of club business Communication from coaches to Directors Coaching development Tournament entries Organize and supervise tournaments Communicate o To coaches o To parents Player development Communication / coordination for all age divisions Relay pertinent information to various sources: o Website o Newspapers Coaches Responsibilities Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club, LLC coaches will comply with club guidelines regarding the treatment of their players and parents. They are responsible for coordinating ALL aspects of their team including, but not limited to: Communicate with the team (where applicable) and Directors Report any changes regarding personnel on the team. Take Attendance. Plan and organize practices - - 8 - -
Staying on schedule - beginning and ending practices. Arrive on time and attend all scheduled practices and events, unless arrangements have been made with the Directors as far in advance as possible. Understand and Communicate playing schedule at tournaments and communicate information to the players for timely arrival to competition. Establish team and individual goals for the team. Conduct written progress reports to the players and directors. Help players for recruitment (where applicable). Assist with Recruiting Video if requested. Establish contacts with college coaches. Keystone Juniors VBC, LLC coaches are obligated to be honest with college recruiters. Report pertinent information to Directors for inclusion in newspapers and website. Communicate player guidelines to all players. Coaches must inform directors immediately when disciplinary action occurs. Coaches will act in an appropriate manner with regards to officials, other coaches and players. Coaches will not overly dispute judgment calls from officials. Coaches are responsible for the team while they are competing on the court (parents are responsible for players off the court not coaches). Coaches are NOT responsible for transportation of players (other than family) to and/or from tournaments or practice. This is strictly prohibited. Coaches are NOT responsible for lodging of players at overnight tournaments. Coaches are prohibited from having players (except family members) stay in their rooms. Coaches will comply with KRVA and all appropriate guidelines regarding recruiting of players. Coaches are responsible for all Keystone Juniors VBC, LLC equipment and must replace damaged or lost equipment from their pay. Coaches Training All basic volleyball fundamentals will be taught uniformly throughout all age divisions. Each coaching staff will establish basic guidelines for achievement of performance goals. All coaches will attempt to communicate to players and parents in a constructive, positive, professional manner. They will be required to arrive at practice/competition prepared and timely. They will strive to be firm, fair, consistent, encouraging mentors who will use the defined disciplinary measures whenever necessary. The coaches will supervise the team while in the gym, while parents (with direction from the coach) will be responsible for any and all activities outside of the gym. Keystone Juniors, LLC coaches will train EACH athlete in fundamental volleyball skills, tactics, as well as mental skills training and athletic training. Keystone Juniors, LLC coaches are responsible for communicating each player's role on the team. - - 9 - -
Responsibilities of Athletes Players MUST attend practices to attend tournaments (unless special arrangements have been made ahead of time and cleared with the coaches). Must be on time to practices and tournaments unless approved by coaches in advance. Must notify the coach, reasonably ahead of time, if they cannot attend either a practice or a tournament. Must bring all shirts and all necessary equipment to play to all games. Players are responsible for their own equipment and uniform to play. If anything is loss or stolen, it is the responsibility of player to replace. Arrive to Practices and Tournament, physically and mentally ready to play. That includes: NO CELL PHONES ARE PERMITTED to be on or in use during all practices and tournaments. All Coaches have cell phones. If there is an emergency, parents will need to contact the directors. Must submit blackout dates to the coach when committing to the club. Blackout dates are due to the coach at the Parent s Meeting. Failure to do this within this time frame will result in the player having an unexcused absence with disciplinary action being left up to the coach (to be handled on a case-by-case basis). If a player does notify coaches that they cannot attend certain tournament(s) within the allotted time, they are NOT open to any disciplinary actions. Players MUST commit to the schedule both financially and physically. Players are responsible for their own transportation to and/or from tournaments and practice. Coaches are prohibited from transporting players (except family members) to events. Players are responsible for their own lodging at overnight tournaments. Coaches are prohibited from having players (except family members) stay in their rooms. Parent Player Coach Relationship Guidelines Keystone Juniors, LLC volleyball can teach many positive traits, such as spirit of cooperation, self-discipline, and respect for commitment to excellence. But it is difficult for these positive traits to take hold in young athletes if the adults around them fail to set the proper example. We ask that parents refrain from criticizing a teammate of their child, other parents, or opposing players. Please remain respectful at all contests. 1. KNOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF VOLLEYBALL REGARDING OFFICIATING: The rule of thumb is that the officials must be consistent in their judgment calls, and they must know the rules. Breakdown in basic rule knowledge will not be tolerated and will be handled by the coach. You should become familiar with our volleyball fundamentals here at Keystone Juniors, LLC. In order to help with this you are encouraged to come to the open team workouts any time. - - 10 - -
2. KNOW THE COMMITMENT OF YOUR DIRECTORS: As founders and directors of Keystone Juniors, LLC, Bill and Brenda Collins have made volleyball coaching a year round endeavor. They have attended clinics and have coached athletes at EVERY level from 3rd grade to college. 3. KNOW HOW TO HELP YOUR DAUGHTER WITH THE NATURAL FRUSTRATIONS OF TEAM MEMBERSHIP: PARTICIPATING IN ORGANIZED SPORTS PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING: How to deal with demanding superiors How to be a cooperative team member How to make use of both positive and negative feedback How to cope with adversity How to achieve mental toughness How to be a gracious winner How to live with the eccentricities of coaches, teammates, and opponents Clearly, the coach cannot adequately address these basics of "life in the fast lane" to every athlete. If our athletes are to become winners in the activities in which they invest, they must have effective mentors throughout their development. Their primary mentors should be their parents. Parents should help teach their daughter how to open up channels of communication with their coach and their teammates. They should instruct their daughter in behaviors that communicate a high level of commitment to Keystone Juniors volleyball. Some ways for a player to do this: Come early and stay late. Do extra preparation. Have a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Actively and publicly support their teammates. Display respect and courtesy for the coaching staff. Speaking from experience, players who have successfully been taught these skills will never have to worry about whether the coach will give her a fair break. 4. HAVE A POSITIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROGRAM: In games, certain positive involvement is a must. There is no substitute for enthusiasm. Our parents are the best at generating it. At no point however, should technical instruction be shouted out to players. ANY negative comments made to players or other parents inject doubt and lack of confidence into the interpersonal system. Not what we want; certainly not what we need. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A COACH OR DIRECTOR BE APPROACHED AT AN EVENT OR PRACTICE ABOUT A GRIEVANCE (Please make an appointment). Players whose parents approach a coach or director at an event or practice WILL have their playing time jeopardized at the discretion of the coaches and directors. - - 11 - -
5. COACHES WILL USE THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY STEPS WHEN RULES ARE BROKEN: STEP ONE: VERBAL WARNING - Given by coach to player. STEP TWO: 2 nd VERBAL WARNING - Given by coach to player with notification sent to the directors. STEP THREE: SUSPENSION - for a single practice, tournament, or set period of time as determined by the coach and directors. STEP FOUR: EXPULSION with no refund! 1. KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEVANCES: When a player has a grievance with a coach, parents need to take steps to remedy the situation positively: STEP ONE: Express understanding about your daughter's feelings and criticisms without putting down the coach (this can only lead to doubts and lack of confidence). STEP TWO: Help your daughter develop a clear understanding of the circumstances that gave rise to the grievance by having her set up a conference with the coach. Help prepare her for the meeting so that she might obtain optimum results. STEP THREE: If the player's initiative with the coach results in an unsatisfactory answer, set up a meeting with your daughter, yourself and the coach to get clarification of the problem. LAST RESORT: Parents should meet with the coach in a setting where there are no distractions (and in a timely manner). Parents need to seek the coach's advice as to how they can support the coach's effort to train their daughter. If, and only if after these steps have been exhausted and you are still not satisfied with all the answers, you may wish to contact one of the Keystone Juniors directors. We do not include this in the steps for dealing with the grievance because though it clears up the symptom, the real problem still remains. Remember; view the situation as mentors attempting to arrive at a strategy for working with the player. Know that the coach's primary responsibility is to the TEAM and what is best for the TEAM. We sincerely wish that every girl in the program could play every minute of every game. We all know this is not possible, especially if you trust our decisions and the TEAM is to succeed!!!! Fundraisers Keystone Juniors, LLC may participate in fundraisers for the club season. This will depend on the number of people who are interested in fundraisers. We will hold a benefit for any team(s) that qualifies for Nationals. Keystone Juniors, ON THE WEB The Keystone Juniors, LLC web site can be found at www.keystonejuniors.com. Included will be player and team rosters with team pictures, tournament information - such as location of tournaments, results, Policy Manual and Handbook, Keystone Juniors info, Keystone Juniors tournament information, etc. Please send any you may have to Brenda Collins at keystonejuniors@verizon.net. - - 12 - -
Keystone Juniors can also be found on Facebook (Keystone Juniors Volleyball Club) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/keystonejuniors). Changes will occur during the season, whether it is regarding weather or tournament related items. Please make sure you check the website for continued updates! Insurance & Liability Keystone Juniors, LLC pays for KRVA and AAU Volleyball membership for all of coaches and directors. Any player wishing to participate with Keystone Juniors must complete and pay for their own USA Membership (see Tryout Section for details). No Parent or sibling may sit on the bench during a tournament if they are not Registered and Affiliated with Keystone Juniors, LLC. All Keystone Juniors, LLC Club Coaches and Directors must complete a background screening form annually according to USA Volleyball. All Keystone Juniors, LLC members are covered under the KRVA liability and accident insurance policies. Members are covered while playing and practicing, as well as during other volleyball related activities. Keystone Juniors, LLC members are also covered while traveling to and from sanctioned volleyball activities. The accident coverage is secondary to other insurance for all members and does NOT become primary in the absence of other coverage. During the course of the season there may be other forms that must be filled out prior to participation in certain tournaments. Please be prepared to return the forms promptly. Sponsorships Teams may solicit sponsorships for their team. If interested, contact Bill and Brenda for details. No one individual may be sponsored per NCAA rules. Visit http://www.ncaa.org for additional information Contact Information Bill & Brenda Collins Directors 66 Woodlawn Avenue Broomall, PA 19008 H: 610.353.6324 Fax: 610.353.6324 keystonejuniors@verizon.net. www.keystonejuniors.com - - 13 - -