The task of running a Junior club program is demanding, but very rewarding. To help ensure success, this section will assist in ensuring everything has been considered from a practice facility to finding athletes and coaches to participate. The following procedures and recommendations will aid in operating the club. The continued growth in both boys’ and girls’ Junior programs is an asset to the Old Dominion Region. Being involved with young athletes, helping them develop their skills, and enjoying healthy competition is truly a privilege. This handbook outlines tools and suggestions to help make this a rewarding experience.
a. Establish a formal business name.
b. Establish a business bank account.
c. Determine the type of business to establish (i.e., for profit or not for profit corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.).
d. Develop a board of directors or board of advisors.
e. Contact the region to notify them of the club (ODregion@comcast.net).
Developing a club philosophy and mission statement will help answer the question “Why start a club program?”. These statements are the framework of the program and will provide guidance in every aspect from choosing coaches to deciding travel plans. Before turning the goals and objectives into a philosophy, it will be helpful to set a “structure” for the club. In doing so, consider the following:
- What services will the club offer?
- What type of training will the club provide: elite programs; competitive programs; developmental programs; or a combination of these?
- What type of athletes/teams will the club target?
- Will the club start with a small program and allow for smooth, constant growth, or does the area need to have an immediate impact with a large club?
- Will the club encompass all age groups or limited age groups?
- Are there desires for local, state, or national travel for competition?
There may be small snags along the way, such as high school coaches attempting to prevent their athletes from participating in the club. The Virginia General Assembly passed a law a number of years ago (the Independent Team Rule [28-11-1]) which allows athletes to play the same sport in the same season. It can be found on the Virginia High School League’s (VHSL) Web Site (www.vhsl.org) and states in part,
“During the sport’s season for the relevant sport, a student may, while a member of a school squad or team engaged in interscholastic sports, become a member of or participate with an organized team in the same sport which is independent of the school’s control so long as such participation does not conflict with the scheduled activities of the school squad or team. No school or student shall be declared ineligible for participation in interscholastic sports because participation by a student as a member of an organized team in the same sport which is independent of the school’s control during the sport’s season for the relevant sport.”
Make sure that each coach can commit to the level of involvement required. They need to understand that accepting this responsibility goes beyond showing up on the court for practices and competitions. Preparation time for practices and competitions, travel time, player or parent conferences, supervision, and staff meetings are a few things for which they need to prepare. They will also be required to meet certain coaches’ training requirements which may mean they will have to attend a few clinics throughout the year. When expansion in club membership becomes a reality, ensure the club can maintain quality coaching to match the growth.
All coaches must be certified (minimum IMPACT) by USA Volleyball to coach in any National Tournament, National Qualifier, Bid Tournament, or Old Dominion Region event.
All coaches must inform both their players and their players’ parents or guardians that they must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability Form before they can become USA Volleyball members.
All coaches must inform both their players and their players’ parents or guardians of the Old Dominion Region Transfer Policy. This policy prohibits a player from transferring clubs during the season once that player has represented a club in a USA Volleyball or Old Dominion Region sanctioned tournament.
Coaches will serve as a positive role model and provide a positive atmosphere in practices and matches. Coaches will be courteous, respectful, and polite to all players, parents, other coaches, and officials.
Coaches will work with and develop every member of their team, not just the starters.
No coach will participate in, require, or condone any action by their players which is illegal under either the civil or criminal code.
A rostered chaperone or coach must be present at all times during team supervised travel and competition.
No coach shall allow, encourage, condone, or require any behavior that threatens any player’s high school, USA Volleyball, or NCAA eligibility.
Once a player has committed either verbally or in writing to a team or club for the season by attending a team meeting or practice, no coach from another team or club, nor players under the direction of another team or club coach, nor parents under the direction of another coach may contact that player for the purpose of persuading them to leave the club to which they have committed. This does not prohibit anyone from talking to another player or giving the player or her/his parents or guardians information about their club tryouts, practices, organization, etc., if it is requested by the player or her/his parent(s) or guardian(s). Such information must not relate to any promises, future considerations, or inducements to leave their present club or team.
All Old Dominion Region (ODR) Junior coaches must register in the Old Dominion Region, submit to a background screening check, and electronically sign the Coaches’ Code of Ethics before their registration is accepted or they will not be eligible to coach in any USA Volleyball Junior program. Any violation of the code of ethics may result in sanctions being taken against the coach or club or both. These sanctions may extend to the loss of eligibility of the coach, player, team or club.
Basic Expenses
a. Registration (USA Volleyball, region, and local club)
b. Coaches’ fees and expenses
c. Uniforms
d. Travel
e. Gym rental
f. Equipment (balls, nets, carts, bags, first-aid kit, etc.)
Other Possible Expenses
a. Additional liability insurance
b. General overhead and administrative expenses
c. Labor expenses
Many times, new programs scale down their cost to attract a larger number of players. The club must bear in mind that it needs to provide a safe, organized program which definitely means there are expenses that need to be met. A club should not reduce its fees to a point where it is not able to operate on a professional basis and provide proper services. Some of the coaching staff may volunteer. However, quality coaches deserve to be paid just as any other professional is paid for their services.
Programs can be developed within the club to help athletes find a way to help reduce tuition fees. Players and parents can trade work for dues and fees or the director or a parents’ group can initiate fundraising activities. However, safeguards must be in place to ensure the club does not do anything to jeopardize an athlete’s college eligibility. The club must focus on the value of the program rather than its low cost.
The club should produce a club handbook that can be handed out to every participant which completely outlines the club’s program to include philosophy, objectives and goals, financial expectations, practice and competition plans, conduct policy, coaches’ responsibilities and biographies, parent expectations, uniform requirements, etc. The club will also need the appropriate registration forms. As many coaches as possible should attend and be introduced at the informational meeting. The club should discuss the tryout sessions and the selection process. If the club arranges a demonstration of drills, the athletes who participate in the demonstration must have filled out the necessary paperwork to be covered by USA Volleyball insurance before they step on the court.
To be covered by the USA Volleyball insurance policy, tryouts must be sanctioned. If the club holds a tryout, planning should include a system for recording statistical data that is needed to properly select the teams. Plan the drills and testing stations well in advance and ensure they are sufficiently supervised. Have all of the necessary paperwork prepared so that each athlete is covered by USA Volleyball insurance. Be careful not to overextend the amount of time scheduled for tryouts since exhaustion can lead to athlete injury.
- volleyballs
- ball carts
- nets
- antennas
- net standards
- ball bags
- medical kit
- floor tape
There are many brands and sources for the above items. Check with established clubs and facilities to survey what they use. Check also for vendors on the Internet.
Items often forgotten are coaches’ shirts and shorts. Providing coaches with a “uniform” accomplishes a few things. It supports the tremendous value of the coach to the program and it readily identifies who is in charge at a glance. It also projects an air of professionalism that enhances the club image.
Players are required to dress uniformly during competitions (refer to the USA Volleyball Domestic Competition Regulations). It is required that a player retain the same number on each of their jerseys. The jersey must have a number no less than 6” on the front and 8” on the back. The number must be centered on the front and back. Numbers may range from 1 to 99, must be clearly visible, and must be permanently attached (no tape). The type of uniform selected will vary depending on the type of program, the amount of competition, and the financial arrangements to purchase the uniforms. Items to consider as uniform pieces or equipment include the following: jerseys; shorts or compression shorts (tights); knee pads; socks; shoes; warm-up jacket; warm-up pants; cover shorts; sweatshirt; sweatpants; and team shirts to wear between matches. The Internet is an excellent resource for finding the clothing equipment listed here. Other sources for jerseys include any local screen-printing company or sporting goods store.
Another form that can be used is a player/parent contract. This includes all of the information that a coaches’ contract includes specific to the athlete and parent. Additional useful information can be gathered through a club registration form. Parents’ occupations, the past experience of the athlete and family in fundraising, and how long an athlete has been involved in sports are all valuable pieces of information that the club can use. There are many other questions that can be brainstormed with the coaches and club staff to develop a beneficial form.
Any forms developed must be reviewed by legal counsel, should accomplish a specific objective, and should provide the club the information they are looking for without encroaching on an individual’s basic rights.
Athletes shall:
- Be alcohol-free and drug-free.
- Play by the rules of volleyball.
- Use positive verbal and physical behavior, controlling temper and aggression (intent to do harm).
- Tell the truth about another person’s involvement in or knowledge of something that violates the rules.
- Show fair play by treating all those involved in the match with dignity and respect.
- Treat others as they would like to be treated.
- Work hard and honestly to improve performance and participation.
- Maintain a positive self-image by playing volleyball for enjoyment.
- Refrain from any antagonistic behavior.
Spectators shall:
- Respect the rights of others and treat the visiting teams and their spectators courteously.
- Attend Junior volleyball events alcohol-free and drug-free.
- Abide by federal, state, and local laws while attending any match.
- Cheer positively for their team rather than against them or their opponents, using socially acceptable language.
- Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials, to include youth work teams, without taunting or approaching them during the match, between sets, or at the end of a match.
- Applaud good performances by all teams.
- Use items to cheer with that are of a non-violent nature.
- Discourage all forms of violent behavior.
- Use only designated smoking areas that are clearly posted.
- Use litter receptacles to properly dispose of trash.
- Abide by all event facility rules.
Parents shall:
- Promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire to win.
- Remember that their children play volleyball for the child’s enjoyment, not the parents’.
- Encourage good sportsmanship through their actions by demonstrating positive support for all players.
- Provide support for coaches and officials working with the athletes to provide a positive experience for all.
- Demand their athlete treat all players, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
- Be a positive role model for their athlete by treating all players, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators with dignity and respect in language, attitude, behavior, and mannerisms.
- Not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
- Inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their athlete or the safety of others.
- Respect and demand their athlete respects the property and equipment used at any sports facility, both home and away
Click here to download the legally binding Old Dominion Region of USA Volleyball Spectator/Parent Code of Conduct.
- Competitions held in the Old Dominion Region.
- Competitions held outside of the Old Dominion Region. These tournaments are open or invitational events that allow participants from any region to enter.
- Nationally sanctioned qualifier or bid tournaments. These tournaments are part of the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship structure through which teams vie for bids to the Open Division or Club Division of the US Junior National Championships.
United States Junior National Championships. These events are the year-end goal for many club programs. They are the most competitive tournaments in the United States and determine our national age group champions.