Handbook

Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club’s policies are outlined in its club handbook.  These include general club information, as well as the club’s expectations for parents and athletes.  The 2009-2010 NFVB Club Handbook is now available online.

• Click here for the Microsoft Word version
• Click here for the pdf version

All players and parents should read the handbook.  It outlines the expectations of the club for itself, its athletes, and its parents, including sections on Player Code of Conduct and Parent Code of Conduct.  The final sheet of the handbook is a signature page required of the athlete and her parent(s).

Please take some time to review the handbook, and complete the required signature page. The signature page is to be returned to Gail Tylec prior to the athlete’s first official practice. (Gail has a mailbox at the BNCC in the NFVB room). Athletes without a completed form will not be allowed to practice.

Niagara Frontier Junior Olympic Volleyball Club

2009 – 2010 Club Handbook

Introduction:

For more than 20 years, junior club teams in the Western New York area have given thousands of girls the opportunity to compete, mature and succeed through participation in organized volleyball. The Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club (NFVB) was formed after years of communication between local clubs stimulated by the success of teams at the local, regional and national level. The largest clubs in the Buffalo area decided to work together to create greater opportunities for the players in those respective clubs to compete together at various levels of competition. The club is part of USA Volleyball and the Western Empire Volleyball Association (WEVA).

The goals of our Travel Teams are 1) to be one of the most competitive club teams in the area and 2) to develop a reputation in the region and on the east coast that will allow players to compete at the national level and to continue successful academic and playing careers at colleges or universities.  Goals of the local teams are to develop a solid foundation of fundamental and technical skills to help participants develop, not only as athletes, but also as individuals and to increase the skill level of the players in WNY in hopes of increasing High School competition in girls volleyball.  The goal of our House League is to provide fundamental skill training followed by in house competition to build a solid foundation in technical skill development.

NFVB is governed by a board of directors. Input is welcome from players, parents and area coaches in order to identify the best formulas for continued success. We operate as a non-profit organization. We have put this handbook together to provide you with an overview of the club, its philosophies, and what it takes to become successful in our program. Welcome to the Niagara Frontier Volleyball club.

NFVB Club Mission Statement:

The Niagara Frontier Volleyball club was established to expand Junior Olympic volleyball in the WNY region by offering a greater opportunity for competitive play and an enhanced volleyball training experience. Niagara Frontier Volleyball believes that every child should be offered the opportunity to develop skills that will enable them to excel and compete successfully at the interscholastic, regional and/or national level of youth volleyball.

We are a community-based non-profit organization committed to training and developing student athletes through competitive participation in the sport of volleyball.

We strive to provide a solid foundation of fundamental and technical skills to help participants develop, not only as athletes, but also as individuals. Teaching positive lifelong character traits including sportsmanship, leadership, and cooperation are important to the success of our teams.

We are committed to providing the best possible environment for our volleyball players to reach their maximum playing potential through excellence in coaching and community support. Our players will be challenged to excel not only for their own personal growth but also for the betterment of their team, the organization, the development of area club coaches and the communities in which they live.

Team Selection:

Teams will be comprised of selected players from the WEVA region who are willing and able to contribute and subscribe to the rules, philosophies and goals of each team. At least ten players will be chosen based on skill level, attitude and ability to understand roles as well as the concept of being a team player.

Coaching Staff:

Teams will be staffed with coaches who promote fairness, integrity and good sportsmanship. Coaches are responsible for establishing this environment and supporting the enhancement of players’ volleyball skills, leadership abilities, teamwork and individual development on and off the court. Coaches will travel and practice with the team regularly. Each coach involved in the development of the team should be treated with the utmost respect. Any abuse of our coaches by a player or a parent may be dealt with swiftly and fittingly. It is the intent of the NFVB club to provide an on-going learning environment for its coaches. The club provides educational opportunities for all coaches including coaching clinics, one-on-one development with the “master” coaching staff, a library of books, CD’s and DVD’s as well as the opportunity to attend USA Volleyball and WEVA sponsored tournaments. We consider the interaction between our coaching staff members to be unique to any club in the area because young coaches get the opportunity to work with those having more experience on a regular basis.

Coaching and Playing Philosophy:

It is our philosophy that practices are the time to improve skills and work on new concepts. The fundamentals, which are emphasized initially, are used to develop proficient offensive and defensive tactics.

It is important that players and parents accept the club mantra: “Players pay to train, not to play. Playing time is not a given; it is earned first by hard work, positive attitude, and display of skills on the practice court.”

A continual source of frustration for players and parents alike is the issue of playing time. The reality is that equal playing time is not a guarantee. Our philosophy on playing time is stated below:

During tournament play, the coach has the right to determine the line-up that he or she determines best suited to meet the goal of the particular level of participation. An “equal play philosophy” does not apply in many situations. It is each player’s responsibility to perform at a level that is consistent in keeping with the goals of the team. If the player does not, for whatever reason, fulfill their obligations on the court, it is the coaches right to substitute them out so that the team may achieve its goals. Players are expected to perform certain roles on the bench as well, which greatly contribute to the success of the team.

TRAVEL players must understand that playing time among team members WILL NOT BE EQUAL, especially in playoff situations. It is possible that a player may not see the court on the last day of a three day tournament or in the finals of a two day tournament. However, coaches of the travel 2 and 3 teams will do his/her best to give each player playing time in 50% of the games in pool play. THIS DOES NOT ALWAYS TRANSLATE TO PLAYING 50% OF THE TIME.  The coach hopes to clearly define each player’s role (and offer the player the opportunity to expand that role), but the coach will base playing time on what the line-up/substitution scenario best offers the team a chance to be successful. Rarely will the coach sacrifice an opportunity to win in order to “give someone playing time.”

LOCAL players must understand that playing time among team members MAY NOT BE EQUAL, especially in playoff situations. However, each coach will do his/her best to give each player at least 50% play time in pool play and as much play time in the playoffs as possible.  However, if a local team is in the GOLD playoff bracket and has a shot at winning the tournament, court time MAY NOT ALWAYS TRANSLATE TO PLAYING 50% OF THE TIME. The coach hopes to clearly define each player’s role (and offer the player the opportunity to expand that role), but the coach will base playing time on what the line-up/substitution scenario best offers the team a chance to be successful. When the situation warrants it, the coach may allow inexperienced or less-skilled players to receive extended court time.

HOUSE players must understand that equal time will be given to the development of player technical skills.  Players will be given equal playing time in scrimmage situations.

For ALL players: All players earn their playing time in practice. It is the player’s task to work hard enough and learn enough to get on the court during tournament games. Some players will get specialized assignments while others must work to be the best alternate starter that she can be. Regardless of the role that evolves over the season, all players and parents are expected to remain positive and committed to the goal of having the TEAM do as well as possible by the end of the season.

Based on position, a player may play back row and rotate out or play front row and rotate out when reaching the back. It is important for players and parents to understand that the goal of the team is to compete successfully at tournaments and go to the highest level possible. If it is the player’s belief that she is not being treated fairly and playing an appropriate amount, she should discuss it with the coaching staff first and foremost. The coaching staff sees your daughter at each practice and may see something that parents do not. Parents and players should remember that playing time is earned. The players, by working hard in practice to improve skills and consistency, will determine how much playing time they will get.

In the clubs goal to educate players in life skills outside of volleyball we feel it is important for players to create and maintain a good dialogue with their coaches regardless of age. Players should communicate with coaches on any issues that affect them as soon as they become a concern.

The parent’s role is one of support to the players, coaches and club.  Parents should not engage in “coaching” from the sidelines, criticize players, coaches or game officials or try to influence the makeup or operation of the team at any time.

• Parents are not to approach coaches regarding team issues.  We encourage player communication with their coaches.
• If a parent feels that he or she must address a team situation, they are permitted to contact the Club President 24 hours after the last game of a tournament to discuss their concerns.  The Club President will only address concerns regarding your child.

• At no time should a parent approach the coach during a game.  No parent should come onto the court for any reason during competition.

Tournament Information:

The location and number of tournaments is set every year by the club director and coaching staff. The NFVB club will guarantee each of its teams a full season, which includes a minimum number of regular season tournaments and a regional championship tournament.

Policy Regarding USAV JNC and AAU NC Attendance

Travel Teams: If any travel team qualifies for USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships (JNC), they are required to attend.  If they do not make JNC, the Travel 1 Team will attend the Junior Volleyball Association/ AAU National Championships (AAUNC) if the tournament is held at a time that will not conflict with academic programming.  If Travel 2 and 3 teams are interested in applying for the AAUNC, the coach will make such request to the board of directors for consideration.

Local Teams: 13’s-18’s Local Teams are not required to compete for qualification to the JNC Tournament. However, if a local team qualifies for the JNC, they are required to attend

12U Teams: Our 12U teams subscribe to the same principles noted above, depending on whether those teams are travel or local.  For the 2009-2010 season, NFVB is not fielding any local teams at the 12s level, but only travel teams, with the intent of allowing our younger athletes greater practice opportunities.  The one exception is that our 12-1 team may attend another season-ending tournament in place of the JNC or AAUNC at the discretion of the board of directors.

Individual tournament information will be made available as soon as it’s received but often times the play schedule is only available the week or days prior to the tournament. The NFVB club will utilize a Parent Rep for the team and one of the responsibilities of the Parent Rep will be to organize hotel reservations for the teams traveling to out of town tournaments.

Fee Structure:

The cost for membership on a team varies depending on the level and age of the team.. The fee covers almost everything related to the operation of the team and entry into tournaments. When your child is selected to represent a team, the parents are required to submit payments to the club to cover this fee. The fees and payment schedule can be found on the NFVB web site under the information field.

As mentioned previously, the club is a non-profit organization and bases its fee on the expected cost of running a successful club volleyball program in a given year.   The fee that is paid goes toward covering the following:

• WEVA club registration fees
• WEVA team registration fees
• WEVA individual registration fees
• WEVA tournament entry fees
• Out of town tournament entry fees
• Uniform package
• Facility rental costs
• Training equipment
• Travel, rooming and food expenses for coaches
• Administrative costs and supplies
• Web site maintenance fees
• Miscellaneous expenses

Fees will not be refunded for players who choose to leave before the end of the season. Fees do not cover the travel, hotel accommodations or food a player may need during a tournament. Players and parents often work out carpools to tournaments to reduce costs. Only in the most extreme situations should the club have to rent a vehicle(s) to transport players to a tournament.

Injury Policy

Any player that suffers an injury that is medically proven to prohibit them from participating in practice and competition with their NFVB team for the duration of the current season, may be eligible for the following refund:

Notification to the NFVB Board of Directors prior to January 1st –          75% refund
Notification to the NFVB Board of Directors prior to February 1st -        50% refund
Notification to the NFVB Board of Directors prior to March 1st -             25% refund
Notification to the NFVB Board of Directors after March 1st -                 No refund

Expectations of Players:

Just showing up for practice is not enough. The NFVB club needs players who are punctual, who are in the proper frame of mind to work hard, and who pay attention to instruction and cooperate with teammates and coaches.

Commitment:

It is vital to be committed to the NFVB club program. If you don’t really 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 committed to improving have little time for players who simply wish to turn practices into social events.

Attendance:

We know that not all players can show up to every practice. However, it is important to player and team development to attend every possible practice. 24-hour notice to your coach is expected when you know you will miss practice. Missing practice will be considered for required High School or religious events which are beyond the direct control of the player’s family. Players are allowed to play other sports for their high schools but must communicate tournament dates to their school coaches. Players attending school sporting events on club tournament dates may hinder participation at future volleyball events. It must be understood that missing practices and/or tournaments does not signify full commitment to the team and its goals.

Respect for the Rules of the Club:

This includes the club’s rules as well as any rules of WEVA and USA Volleyball. Rules will be clearly stated, and will be enforced. The team may have its own rules established by the coach and approved by the club directors.

GENERAL FACILITY RULES

• Only authorized personnel may open and close the BNCC.
• Athletes will have use of the observation deck, no athletes should be in the NFVB offices unless supervised by a coach
• Water and sports drinks only on courts, no food is allowed in the court area.
• No gum is allowed on the courts.
• No coolers or outside food allowed in the facility.  No coolers will be allowed during tournaments at the BNCC.
• Volleyballs are to be used in court area only.
• NO street shoes allowed on the sport court.
• Do NOT bring valuables to the BNCC.  We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Demonstrate respect for yourself, other patrons, staff, and property while enjoying the facility.

RULES SPECIFIC TO THE NFVB

• The NFVB will enforce all BNCC rules
• NFVB is responsible to maintain the coach’s offices/rooms.
• Each team/coach is responsible for returning 20 volleyballs to the cart at the end of practice.  “Count in – count out”.
• Teams are responsible for set-up, tear down, cleaning ALL debris and sweeping of their court before and after each practice.  Players must check the “board” and tear down as designated.  Equipment room must remain organized.
• Team should practice on court assigned to them.
• The NFVB will supply first aid kits as necessary during practices and contests.  The BNCC will not supply first aid equipment.
• Players are not allowed in the NFVB offices unless accompanied by a coach.
• No player or coach should enter the snack bar area or the BNCC Facility Director’s office.  The snack bar and its operation are coordinated by the BNCC.
• Parents should not be on the courts during practice.  They must remain in the balcony or lobby.
• Additional rules may be added during the course of the season.

Cooperation:

You may take overnight trips with your team. These trips require that you will have some rules to live by including curfews. It is expected that you will respect all of the rules that are made as well as the coaches and parents who enforce them.

Image Presentation:

You are representing yourself, your family, and the NFVB club at every tournament. We are a club that will be known for good sportsmanship and integrity by our players, coaches, and parents. Arguing with officials is never appropriate and not tolerated. For the older girls, you will not always know when a college recruiter is in the gym and therefore it is important to display proper behavior at all times.

Maintaining Good Grades:

We consider the NFVB club to be a club of scholar athletes. It is important to maintain good grades. If we are to guide you through the process of getting recruited by colleges and universities you must do your part in the classroom. Time management is a critical skill that successful student athletes need. Players are expected to plan ahead and make sure that preparation for school work is completed well in advance of the assignment due date. No consideration will be given for failure to plan ahead resulting in missing practice to complete assignments or study for tests. Getting home late the night of a tournament does not allow you to miss school the following day.

Expectation of Parents:

Yes, we do expect something from our parents. Because we operate on a very strict budget and volunteers perform much work, there are many ways, parents can be part of the team and contribute to the team’s success.

1. Drop off and pick your child up on time from practices and tournaments.  Allow your daughter ample time to change into their court shoes/volleyball garb before practice begins.  Make every attempt to have your daughter at the practice site AT LEAST 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE START OF PRACTICE TIME.
2. Help with the transportation of players to out of town tournaments.
3. Supervise your child after the coaching staff has released them from tournament play.
4. Be positive and encourage your daughter.
5. Refrain from yelling at the team, coaches, referees, and line judges, the other team’s players and coaches and abide by the 24 Hour Rule. Above all, encourage your daughter and her teammates.
6. Attend team organizational meetings. Most teams will get together before the season to get acquainted. Each team and coach has slightly different philosophies. Get to know your daughter’s coach.
7. Pay your dues on time. Budgets are designed to meet expenses and if dues are not paid, we will not be able to meet those expenses in a timely fashion. If dues are not paid, your daughter will not be permitted to participate in practices and tournaments.
8. Help organize, set up / take down and direct any tournament/s hosted by the club.
9. Take and submit photos of the team to the board of directors via e-mail for the web site
10. Help plan fundraisers and special events.
11. Solicit corporate financial sponsorships – many parents have contacts that may be able to assist in sponsoring your team.
12. Communicate to the Directors of Coaches any concerns regarding coaches during the season.

Parent Rep Responsibilities:

One of the important ingredients to a successful NFVB club season is the parent rep. Each team will have a representative who serves as the liaison between the coaching staff and the parents. Listed below are some of the responsibilities for the Parent Rep. If you are interested in serving as the parent rep for the team or wish to help in some other organizational capacity, please contact the coordinator of parent representatives.

Responsibilities:

1. Acts as a liaison between the coach and the player’s parents. Communicates regularly with the coach and informs the team of changes in practice times, tournament schedule changes and any other information that needs to be distributed to the team.
2. Serves as the team representative to the NFVB club administration. Attends meetings at which a parent rep is required. Any information presented at the meetings is then communicated back to the team parents by the parent rep.
3. Assists in the ordering and distribution of team uniforms and apparel.
4. Assists coach with completion and submission of tournament results
5. Acts as the point person for any concerns relative to the team. Refers concerns to the coach and/or the club director.
6. Prepares a team directory for all parents with names of players and parents, addresses, phone numbers, and any other pertinent information. When travel begins, cell phone numbers are great to have.
7. Assists in making travel arrangements for overnight tournaments. Assists coach in distributing tournament information to team. Coordinates hotel accommodations with other family members traveling to support the team. Often times a parent rep will ask another parent to assist with making hotel arrangements.
8. All additional responsibilities as designated at the parent rep meetings.
9. THE PARENT REP IS NOT AN ASSISTANT COACH AND IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANYCOACHING DECISIONS REGARDING LINE-UPS, PLAYING TIME, ETC.

NFVB staff:

The club’s coaching staff and administration boasts a wealth of talent and years of experience at both the college and club level. Many of our coaches have had great careers as players and have now transferred their talent to coaching. Contact info for administration and coaches can be found on the NFVB web site.

Thank you for your support of our club’s endeavors.

NFVB Club Board of Director’s

www.nfvbjuniors.com

Parent Code of Conduct

As Parents of a member of the Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club, we will conduct ourselves in a manner as outlined by the following CODE:

1. In addition to the club expenses as outlined in the “fee structure” on the NFVB web site, we understand that our daughter has paid to LEARN skills and concepts of volleyball; she has not paid to play equal time in the tournaments.  The NFVB coaching staff is committed to developing ALL players’ skills and when a player earns the right to play in a certain situation, she will see playing time.  That decision is purely a coaching one.  However, NFVB will not keep players whom we do not believe have the potential to contribute during tournaments.
2. NFVB welcomes and encourages support of all teams during competition.  We believe that our parents are part of the NFVB organization and are seen as such by other organizations and officials.  Therefore, we will conduct ourselves accordingly by:
   1. Cheering NFVB teams for their play and NOT jeering or harassing the opponent’s team, officials, or work teams for their performances;
   2. Realizing that the officials and their work teams are attempting to do the best job they can to referee the game fairly, but it is up to the NFVB teams to win or lose the game.  Therefore, we will conduct ourselves with appropriate sportsmanship;
   3. Acknowledging that some NFVB players are relative beginners in the sport of volleyball and will make mistakes—probably at critical times in a match.  We will be patient and supportive through these times for all players we are around;
   4. Realizing that coaching is NOT a science and that all coaches will make decisions that are popular and unpopular.  However, we believe that every member of the NFVB coaching staff acts in the best intentions of the team, and the best intentions of each and every player.  We may not agree with every decision they make, but we will respect that decision.
   5. Refraining from talking to the players during practice or games.  The players need to be concentrating on the game and listening to their coach.
3. We will see that our daughter is at practices and team functions on time.
4. We will assist in car-pooling whenever possible.
5. We will be responsible for monies due on the specified dates.
6. We are responsible for our daughter’s conduct.  If a problem arises at any time we will be contacted by the coaching staff or team parent representative.
7. We recognize that we must participate in fundraising for the overall club expenses.  Fundraising may include participating in specific events or soliciting contributions.
8. We are aware that the decisions rendered by the directors are done so with concern for the overall betterment and reputation of NFVB and will abide by these decisions.
9. If we have concerns or questions about our daughter’s status with regard to her team, we will follow the process of discussion described below in order to understand the situation:
   1. Our daughter will request a meeting with the head coach before or after a practice.  No discussion will take place during practice times or on days of competition.  Although this might require patience, we realize that the coach is responsible for the entire team and should not be forced to focus on one individual at these critical times.
   2. If concerns still exist on behalf of either party, we may request a meeting with the Club President.  After this meeting, the matter will be resolved and considered closed.
10. If we remove our daughter from a competition without previous permission from the head coach, NFVB will consider her to have resigned from the club and all remaining monies will become due and payable.
11. We realize that the use of tobacco products and alcohol is legal for adults over the age of 21.  However, intoxication will not be tolerated, nor will we offer any of the above-mentioned products to any junior volleyball player.  Any player using tobacco or alcohol will be immediately expulsed from the club and all remaining monies will become due and payable.
12. We fully recognize that we are role models to all players in the NFVB and we will conduct ourselves accordingly at all times.
13. If we do not behave in a manner consistent with the sportsmanship and professionalism NFVB demands from its athletes and coaches, we may be asked to refrain from attending practices and tournaments.

Player Code of Conduct

We understand and will abide by the NFVB Player Code of Conduct, and if it is not followed at any time we will lose all privileges granted by the club.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED:

1. Violation of any anti-doping policies, protocols or procedures as defined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) or the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). Violations of this provision will be adjudicated only by USADA or the proper anti-doping authority, not USA Volleyball (USAV).

2. Possession, consumption or distribution of alcohol and/or tobacco if illegal or in violation of RVA or USAV policy. USAV policy prohibits the possession, consumption or distribution of alcohol and/or tobacco by anyone registered as a Junior Olympic Volleyball Player at the event venue of any USAV sanctioned junior event.

3. Use of a recognized identification card by anyone other than the individual described on the card.

4. Physical damage to a facility or theft of items from a room, dormitory, residence or other person. (Restitution will be part of any penalty imposed.)

5. Possession of fireworks, ammunition, firearms, or other weapons or any item or material which by commonly accepted practices and principles would be a hazard or harmful to other persons.

6. Any action considered to be an offense under Federal, State or local law ordinances.

7. Violation of the specific policies, regulations, and/or procedures of the RVA, USAV or the facility used in conjunction with a sanctioned event. (It is the responsibility of the individual to be familiar with applicable specific policies, regulations and procedures.)

8. Conduct which is inappropriate as determined by comparison to normally accepted behavior.

9. Physical or verbal intimidation of any individual.

10. Actions that will be detrimental to USAV or the RVA.

Parent/Player Signature Page

Handbook Consent form:

*note: use the Microsoft Word version or the pdf version for printing and completing the signature pages; these are presented here for viewing only and will not print properly directly from this page.

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understand and will abide by the rules, guidelines and policies of the

Niagara Frontier Volleyball Club Handbook. I understand that my signature is required by the NFVB coaching staff for my child’s participation and to ensure an enjoyable and successful USA Volleyball season.

I also am aware of the NFVB payment schedule and will ensure payments as follows (Participant costs, by age, can be found at www.nfvbjuniors.com/fees):

• Travel Teams: Initial deposit by November 15^th,  remaining balance by January 15. (see website for specific amounts)
• Local Teams: $100 by December 16, remaining balance by January 8th
• House Teams: $50 by December 24, remaining balance by January 15th

Parent or Guardian’s Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Parent’s Name (PLEASE PRINT): ____________________________________________________________

Date signed: _________________________________

Player’s Signature: ________________________________________________________________________

Player’s Name (PLEASE PRINT): ____________________________________________________________

Date signed: ________________________________

Player Age:  ________________________

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Photograph consent form

I irrevocably consent to and authorize use of my comments and/or photograph or likeness, thereof, for advertisement, public relation, promotion or any other non-profit purpose(s) by Niagara Frontier Junior Olympic Volleyball Club.  I agree to waive any present or future claim for compensation or consideration. I also waive my right to inspect or approve the finished product, including written copy that may be created.

___________________________________________________    ____________________________________

Player Signature                                                                                                   Date

___________________________________________________    ____________________________________

Parent or Guardian Signature                                                                            Date

Please return completed signature form only to Gail Tylec prior to first team practice.  Players will not be allowed to participate in team practices until this form has been completed.