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Player Handbook

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Player Handbook

Player 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 to be one of the most competitive club teams in the Nation and 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 that will increase the ability of the players in WNY High Schools.  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.

Tryouts:

All tryout information, including registration deadlines, registration process, time/dates of tryouts, and fees can be found at www.nfvbjuniors.com.  Parents are not allowed to remain in spectator seating during tryouts.

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 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 (may include training)

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.

Team Selection:

Teams will be comprised of 10 -12 players selected from the WEVA region who are willing and able to contribute and subscribe to the rules, philosophies and goals of NFVB. At least ten players will be chosen based on skill level, attitude and ability.  Players may attend tryouts for the three levels of participation, Travel, Local and House, under one single fee and registration, but must be sure to accept the position offered for the tryout that they are attending.  Any player that tries out for a travel team, but declines the offer to be place on a travel team will not be considered for a local team.  Team selection will be based on the following:

  1. Previous years participation with the club and previous coaches (and master coach, if applicable) evaluation. (Particularly from ages 15 – 18)
  2. Previous years attendance at practice and tournaments
  3. Performance during tryouts.  The tryout process rating system has been established to eliminate bias in selection.  A team of evaluators is assigned to independently score each athlete on a rubric scale for the particular skill being performed.  The independent evaluations are tallied and players ranked for selection.
  4. New for 2010-2011 – Players pre-season testing (Travel and Local only) may also be considered in selection.  Testing dates are listed on the NFVB web site.

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.  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 all in-house game 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 director 24 hours after the last game of a tournament to discuss their concerns.  The director 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.  Parents must not contact any coach for 24 hours after a match to discuss a player situation unless the athletes safety in jeopardy.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:

Competitive athletics by its very nature will not allow all people involved to be pleased at all times. Should there be a need to address a grievance the following procedures have been established and are required to be followed to ensure the best possible resolution for all concerned:

  1. The first step is to have the player speak to their coach about the problem. Parents/Guardians are not to approach coaches regarding team or player issues until their daughter has had time to communicate with their coach first.
  1. If there continues to be a concern following your daughter’s attempt to work things out with the coach on her own, have her meet with the master coach (or coordinator for house).  To facilitate communication and resolution, parents/guardians and players are asked to e-mail a summary of their concern(s) to the master coach prior to any scheduled meeting.  If you are trying to resolve a problem, help your child by being a role model in the problem-solving process. Meetings will be conducted before or after practice times or as mutually agreed to by the participants.
  1. If there continues to be a concern after the first two steps above have been followed, then a meeting can be scheduled for the coach, player, parent/guardian and Coordinator.

Parents/Guardians are asked to refrain from negative comments around your daughter and other players. Young players are vulnerable and if they hear complaints about the coach, the coach’s style, or Club policies this can have an adverse affect on their performance and/or attitude. If you, as a parent/guardian have a legitimate concern, you should follow the grievance procedures above to resolve the matter. Repetitive complaining to the player(s) or third parties (other parents/supporters) interferes with the Club’s efforts to pursue its purpose of providing a positive and healthy competitive environment for the players and may jeopardize Club participation.

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 teams are interested in applying for the AAUNC, the coach will make such request to the board of directors for consideration.

Local Teams: Local Teams are not required to compete for qualification to the JNC Tournament. However, if a local team qualifies for the JNC by winning the WEVA bid tournament, 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.  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.

All tournaments occur on weekends, including holiday weekends. Tournaments range in length from one to three days and are located within our region, NYS and nearby states.  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 help organize hotel reservations for the teams traveling to out of town tournaments.
NFVB will have a tentative travel tournament schedule for each team by approximately December 15th and local teams approximately by January 5th.  This is due to the fact that many clubs (particularly local level) do not post their tournaments until after January 1st.

ALL TRAVEL TEAMS:  PLAYERS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL NATIONAL QUALIFIERS AND FINAL NATIONAL TOURNAMENT.

Travel teams can anticipate most of their tournaments requiring overnight stay.  In addition to the code of conduct, the following guideline should be maintained for all players:

*NOTE: NO player is to check-in to or stay in overnight accommodations without adult supervision.  Except in those instances when a tournament requires assigned chaperones for players, NFVB does not provide chaperones for overnight tournaments; this is the parents’ responsibility. Parent/Guardians are expected to attend overnight tournaments with their players.  If a parent cannot attend an overnight tournament with their player, they must make arrangements with another player’s parent, and MUST inform the coach, as well as provide written authorization to the designated chaperoning parent. Club fees do not cover food, lodging, and travel costs for overnight tournaments.  Lodging options will be coordinated by the team parent reps and the travel coordinators for families to reserve on their own.

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:

Travel Players
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

Local and House Players
Notification to the NFVB Board of Directors prior to January 15th –       75% refund
Notification to the NFVB Board of Directors prior to February 15th -     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

Refund Policy

There are NO refunds to players that decide to “quit” after accepting a position on a team.  Please be sure that the players intend to accept a position on a team that they are trying out for.

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

  • Players must wear the practice jersey assigned to them for the season.  If a player does not have on their jersey, they must purchase a new jersey from the NFVB equipment director for the base cost ($5 – $10) in order to participate in practice.
  • The NFVB will enforce all BNCC rules
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

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.
  3. Refraining from talking to the players during practice or games.  The players need to be concentrating on the game and listening to their coach.
  4. We will see that our daughter is at practices and team functions on time.
  5. We will assist in car-pooling whenever possible.
  6. We will be responsible for monies due on the specified dates.
  7. 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.
  8. We recognize that we must participate in fundraising for the overall club expenses.  Fundraising may include participating in specific events or soliciting contributions.
  9. 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.
  10. If we have concerns or questions about our daughter’s status with regard to her team, we will follow the process of discussion described in the handbook
  11. 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.
  12. 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 while traveling in a NFVB event or practice will be immediately expulsed from the club and all remaining monies will become due and payable.
  13. We fully recognize that we are role models to all players in the NFVB and we will conduct ourselves accordingly at all times.
  14. 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.

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. Acts as the point person for any concerns relative to the team. Refers concerns to the coach and/or the club director.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. All additional responsibilities as designated at the parent rep meetings.
  8. THE PARENT REP IS NOT AN ASSISTANT COACH AND IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANYCOACHING DECISIONS REGARDING LINE-UPS, PLAYING TIME, ETC.

Expectation of Players:

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

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.
  11. The team practice uniform shall be worn by all team members at each practice. This consists of either the supplied t-shirt (players are NOT to tear the sleeves off or any other alteration) and blue spandex. Do not wear your uniform jerseys to practice as we want to keep them looking new as long as possible.

12.  Earrings and body-piercings are not allowed in a player’s ear or body in practice or at tournaments. This is for the player’s safety. Do not have any new piercings done during the season. They will to be removed if the player plans to participate in practices or tournaments.

  1. All players should be certified to score and/or down ref USA Volleyball events. School Functions.

PLAYER ABSENCES:

Commitment to full attendance at practices and tournaments is critical to the team’s success.  READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY AND BE SURE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE COMMITMENT THAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU:

Acceptable absences:

  1. Absences for academic, school athletic or religious functions within reason.
    1. We require that a coach be notified via phone call or e-mail one week prior to the absence.
    2. Illness – Any illness that would keep you from going to school is certainly accepted as an excused absence.
    3. Weather warnings in your area.

Unacceptable absences:

  1. Participation on another outside team or activity (AAU sports, outside recreational events, etc.)
  2. Homework is NOT an excuse for missing practices. A major part of being a student-athlete is organizing your time to accommodate your studies and practice commitments.