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INTRODUCTION
Welcome
to Club Gold Volleyball! Over the past years we have enjoyed many experiences. We've put this handbook
together to tell you about Juniors Volleyball, about our club, our philosophies,
and what it takes to become successful in our program. We are certainly
glad you joined us.
Juniors
Volleyball programs have exploded all across the country. Only 20 years
ago, the first AAU National tournament was held and only 20 teams made the trip.
Today, in contrast, the California Volleyball Festival has become the world's
largest sporting event, with over 500 teams and more than 5000 participants.
Last season there were more than 40,000 registered junior players in the United
States.
Why
this incredible growth? There are many factors, but the overall growth of
women's sports programs is important. Other important factors are the
success of our national teams and the increase in money available for college
women's programs. As women's collegiate programs have prospered, the level
of play has increased greatly. The average level of ability of junior players
has increased as well. So successful are junior program athletes that most
NCAA Division I coaches recruit exclusively from the junior program ranks.
The reason for this is simple: coaches can see many solid prospects in a single
day at a junior tournament, while it is difficult to see more than one prospect
a day during the high school season. This becomes even more true
with the new NCAA rules governing the number of times a collegiate coach can
contact or observe in person a given player. Efficiency in recruiting is
now an action word with NCAA college coaches.
Is
Juniors Volleyball only for the college-bound athlete? Certainly not!
Our program begins with elementary age children. Who can say whether these kids
are even headed for college at all, let alone to play volleyball? For most
of our members, Juniors Volleyball is simply another challenging experience that
should lead to a lot more fun on the court as playing skills increase.
Playing for college teams is far from the minds of most of our players.
Traditionally, over half of our programs have been comprised of players in the
16 & Under age division (Freshmen and Sophomores). In most cases,
these players have recently been exposed to high school programs, and a higher
level of competition. Many new players are freshmen or reserve players who
are trying to move up a level for the next season. Our program is designed
to help them. We can help, but much of an individual's advancement and
improvement is still up to that person. Athletic talent, size, speed and
good work habits are all necessary for top success as an elite player.
Players who lack in any of those qualities have to make up for the deficiency in
one area by working harder to improve another. If you've go a sincere
desire to improve, then you will probably do well in the Juniors Volleyball
program.
So
what about scholarships? Well, they do exist, and some of our players go
on to play in college. Most of these receive partial or full scholarships.
Let's put that in true perspective though. Many more players are involved
in Club Gold as an underclassman than as seniors.
By the time the senior season is reached, players usually know whether they have
the ability and the desire to compete at the college level. If you think
that's what you want, you will have lots of company in our program.
In
conclusion, Juniors Volleyball is a great place to meet new friends, sweat a
lot, get lost trying to find gyms, and feel good about yourself. It looks
to be a fun-filled season.
Instruction:
Our staff has many experienced coaches. Most coaches have club-coaching
experience, while others have played in college and/or coached at the state
tournament level. Coaches speak regularly to try to keep everyone
synchronized with the goals and common techniques of the club.
Some coaches may be new to club volleyball but are committed to Club Gold
and
the game itself.
Training
Schedule:
Top collegiate programs work nearly year-round because the game of volleyball
takes a long time to master. Since high school programs are restricted to
a few weeks of practice followed by an intensive match schedule, good technical
instruction is hard to obtain during school. Our training allows ample time for work on techniques so that players may improve their skill
levels.
Friendships:
Since Club Gold players are committed to becoming excellent players, many new
friendships are formed with players from different schools. These
friendships often cause the battles between schools to become even more intense
during the next school season and the relationships between players and parents
to grow even stronger.
Discipline:
The time commitment required to be in a Junior Program demands that study habits
improve and players budget their time better. It's no secret that many
players get better grades during the club season.
College Recruiters: As a member of most high school programs, it is likely that the only way a college coach will see you is if you or your opponent has an outstanding player. College coaches regularly attend junior competitions since their season is usually completed by spring.
Fitness:
Conditioning does not play a large part in our plans because it takes vital time
away from practices; however, it is necessary for players to be fit in order to
succeed. Therefore, conditioning outside of the practice sessions is
strongly encouraged.
Leadership
Skills:
The age-group system requires that younger players become leaders. The
oldest players in the 16 & Under, for example, are sophomores.
Players returning to high school as juniors are often leaders ahead of their
time due to their junior volleyball experience.
Education:
We are trying to create smarter players, not just better players.
Volleyball is a sport in which new situations happen frequently and outstanding
players learn to deal effectively with new situations.
Just
showing up for practices isn't enough. We need players who are punctual,
who are in the proper frame of mind to work hard, and who pay attention to
coaches and cooperate with teammates and coaches.
Commitment:
It is vital to be committed to the program. If you really don't want to
participate, don't. If you work hard in practices, matches and scrimmages,
you are likely to have a successful season. Players who are not committed
to improving will find coaches and teammates have little time for you if you
simply wish to turn practices into social events.
Practice
Attendance:
We understand that there may be illness, emergencies, or even school or
family-related activities that might conflict with the practice schedule.
Players are asked to provide their coach with as much advance notice as
possible of their upcoming school or personal schedule. Club Gold realizes
that student/athletes may be involved in
Tournaments: You need to arrive at the tournament site no later than 30
minutes prior to the start of your first match or officiating responsibility.
Players are asked NOT to drive to tournaments.
One of the worst situations imaginable is driving home several hours
after playing all day and being involved in an accident
Players are responsible for replacing any lost/damaged club equipment
(i.e. med kits, volleyballs). Players
may not leave a tournament site without the coach’s permission.
Lastly all team members are required to stay at the tournament site until
all officiating duties have been completed, unless the coach excuses them.
Respect
for the Rules:
This includes the club's rules and the USAV's Players' Code of Conduct.
Rules will be clearly stated, and will be enforced. Players ejected from tournaments may be suspended from
participation in the next tournament.
Cooperation:
You may, for example, take an overnight trip with the club. These trips
require that you will have some rules that you'll have to live by. We
expect you to respect the rules we make.
Image Presentation: Most of the time players are not aware when college coaches are present. You can make or break your recruiting chances or even the chance of a teammate by the way you act as a member of Club Gold.
Maintain
Good Grades:
Even though not all players are trying to earn scholarships, we still consider
ourselves a college prep program. We think that you should consider
yourselves scholar-athletes and strive for the best possible performance in
school.
Substance Abuse: The use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products is forbidden. Failure to do so will result in immediate removal from the club.
Yes,
parents, we do expect some things from you. We're a club, and sometimes
parents forget that just writing out a check does not keep the club operating
smoothly. Please remember that there are several areas in which you
can help us:
Facilities
Acquisition:
Parents, not coaches, have the best chances to obtain new practice facilities
for us. We can always use more gyms.
For a suitable gym, we need the following: a floor with a volleyball
court (wood flooring is preferable but synthetic surfaces are OK - carpet or
tile is not recommended), a net, bathroom, and a telephone in case of an
emergency. If you think you know of a possible additional facility, please
contact the club director ASAP.
Delivery
& Pick Up:
Parents need to drop off and pick up their players on time: Please
remember that coaches may have families or other commitments after practices.
Please have your players at practice at least 15 minutes early if at all
possible. Practices will start on
time and end on time.
Transportation:
Please assist with transportation of players to out-of-town events. Please
DO NOT let your child drive to events. Please work together to form car pools to
transport players.
Disagreements: You are not allowed to complain about any
coaching decisions to the coach. You must do your complaining to
the club director. The director will try to solve any problem that may arise.
If the parent does not follow this rule, their child will be removed from the
club immediately with no refund. Also
keep in mind that verbal and/or physical disagreements with officials and
tournament coordinators serve only to scar the integrity of our club and
distract players from doing their job – playing and enjoying the game of
volleyball.
Competition
Day:
Please watch your daughter when they compete.
Even though they may not let you know, they appreciate you being there to
support and encourage them. Your
job is to watch, cheer and encourage - not coach.
One of the most difficult things for a player to do is simultaneously
listen to the people they have been taught to listen to (their parents) and
listen to the people they need to during the course of the game (their coach and
teammates). Volleyball IS NOT life
– it is a game to be enjoyed. Keep
in mind good sportsmanship throughout the club season. Everything you and your child do at a practice or tournament
is a reflection of the character of Club Gold. Dishonor
and disrespect towards the volunteer officials and tournament coordinators
serves to create animosity between them and our teams and may result in your
daughter being suspended from tournament play or even expulsion from the club.
Remember – players see you as role models, so be a positive one!
Fees:
Please pay fees on time. If fees
are not paid, coaches and bills cannot be paid.
Failure to do so will result in non-participation of the player at
practices and tournaments until fees are paid.
Payments must be given/mailed to the club director.
Sponsorships:
If a parent has contacts that could obtain a grant of sponsorship for the club
it would be greatly appreciated. Contact the club director for details.
Volunteer: If you wish to become involved in the operations of Club Gold
such
as helping at practices, becoming an assistant director, or even becoming a
coach, please let the club director know so that you can be registered with the
club.
Substance Abuse: What you do on your time is your business. However, what you do as a representative of Club Gold, whether it is as a fan in the stands or chaperone at a hotel, becomes our business. Any actions that lead to the violation of any rules by any players directly or indirectly harms or injures any other representatives or players associated with Club Gold will not be tolerated, and will result in your daughter’s expulsion from Club Gold.
When
Club Gold plays in a tournament that requires an overnight stay, it will be
necessary to have parents assist the coaches as chaperones. Two parents
will be assigned to chaperone a tournament that requires an overnight stay in
the event that a players parents are not in attendance.
The
Club Gold director, team coach or a team parent will reserve rooms for chaperones in the same motel as the team.
The chaperone is responsible for the cost of the room.
The
chaperone is responsible for getting team players back and forth from the motel
to the tournament site. We need you
to stay around the motel to assist with any unforeseen situations.
Chaperones
will need to patrol the hallways until 11:30pm or for 30 minutes after the last
team arrives at the hotel, whichever is later. Teams that arrive late must
quietly go to their rooms as quickly as possible as we are usually on the same
floor with other hotel guests.
There
are some basic rules for the players that chaperones need to enforce. First,
help keep the motel looking good by having players clean up after “hallway
pizza parties”. Next, persons not
associated with Club Gold (boyfriends or school friends) are NOT allowed to stay or
visit in the players' hotel rooms - no exceptions! Violators of this rule will
be sent home at the parent’s expense. Lastly,
the use of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco will not be tolerated. Violators
will be removed from the tournament and the club without refunds.
The
USAV and OVR
provide liability insurance coverage for members participating in scheduled,
supervised, an approved practices, meetings and tournaments.
Persons who are not registered members (i.e. parents, siblings relatives,
friends) are NOT covered. Traveling
to and from tournaments is not covered as well as going from tournament site to
site or to a hotel or restaurant. Incidents
resulting in medical claims must be directed to the attention of the club
director immediately.
The rules and regulations of Club Gold are not in place to prohibit the enjoyment of the USAV Juniors Volleyball program experience. Rather, these guidelines serve to ensure the safety of all participants and protect the integrity of one of the oldest volleyball clubs in the nation. The success of this club is directly related to the positive involvement of its members, so do everything you can to make this the best season ever!
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