Philosophy:
It is the philosophy of this coaching staff that all players receive the best possible coaching available. Coaches will strive to train and teach the players volleyball skills, teamwork, and life lessons. We are committed to building a strong, positive, team oriented gym culture that results in hard working players that support and push each other daily.
Team Membership:
Cuts will be made if players are not at the skill level needed for the team they are eligible to play.
Varsity/JV/B-squad: The goal is to have 10-12 players on each team; Varsity may have up to 18. We want as many athletes involved with the team as possible and have a meaningful experience. Roles will be determined by the coach, and it will be the responsibility of the player to inform their parent/guardian of their role on the team. Playing time can never be fully equal but each player will have a meaningful role.
9A/9B: The goal is to have 10-12 players on each team. Players must consistently meet basic skill requirements to make 9A or 9B:
- Serving – overhand from the endline
- Passing – passing a freeball and serve to the target area
- Hitting – hitting a downball over the net
7th/8th graders: May tryout for the high school teams. A player of this age will only make a team if they are advanced in their volleyball skills or play a specialty position, must be able to make 9A or higher.
The tryout process will last two days and players must be at both days of tryouts. Players will be evaluated in physical tests, volleyball skills, playing ability and behavior on and off the court around their teammates. After that time, all teams will be set. Letters will be given to each participant explaining if they made a team. Coaches will be available to have conversations as needed with players after tryouts.
A position is never guaranteed. A position must be earned each day and is always subject to change. It is important to have competition in practice to force the players to work hard and become stronger on the court. Those who work hard in practice will be rewarded with playing time during games.
Code of Conduct:
All MSHSL rules apply. Any abusive language, or other forms of misconduct, may result in suspension of an event. Coaches will be left the final decision. If problems persist, the player may be asked to leave the team.
Traveling:
If there is a bus for an event, all players will ride the bus to the event. Players may ride home with their own parent after the parent signs them out with their coach. Players may not leave any event with anyone other than their own parent. 9A and 9B may leave after their games, JV/B will stay for the Varsity game.
Players are representatives of the school and should dress accordingly. This includes practices, game days and before/after games. The entire team is “uniformed”, meaning each player is dressed the same. This will be decided by the coaches and the varsity captains for the entire program.
Attendance:
Players are expected to be at all practices and events. To practice, the player must be in school all day unless it is an excused absence. Coaches need to know ahead of time if a player will be out of school or will be missing practice and the reasoning behind it. If a player misses practice the day before a game, they will not play in the game or games if there are back-to-back games. If they miss practice and there is no game the next day, they will not start in the next game but will be allowed to play. Being late to practice and leaving early will be handled case by case by their coach, and the head coach if needed.
Coaches Availability:
Any coach can be contacted by email or phone. If an appointment needs to be set up, please do so. The coaching staff are not available to meet or talk before or after an event. Please wait 24 hours before requesting a meeting.
Process for Player Issues:
If a player has an issue, this is the process to deal with it:
Player and Coach will meet to discuss issue. Player needs to communicate what coach said to parents. Head Coach or Varsity Assistant are also available to be part of the meeting if needed.
If not resolved: Player, Coach, Assistant Varsity Coach, Head Coach and Parents will meet to discuss issue.
If not resolved: Player, Coach, Assistant Varsity Coach, Head Coach, Parents and AD will meet to discuss issue.
