Introduction
Welcome to Western Ohio Volleyball Club. We’ve put this handbook together to try to tell you a bit about junior volleyball in general, about our club, its philosophies, and what it takes to become successful in our program. We hope this booklet will assist you in making an informed decision about whether Western Ohio is right for you and your daughter.
Why Play Junior Volleyball?
Junior volleyball programs have exploded in Ohio as well as in the rest of the country. There are many factors that have influenced this growth. The most important factor is the overall growth of women’s sports programs. The success of our national teams and the increase in money available for college women’s programs are also factors. 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 college 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 truer 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 college coaches.
Is junior volleyball only for the college bound athlete? Certainly not! For most of our players, junior volleyball is simply another challenging experience, which should lead to a lot more success 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 program has been comprised of players in the 14 and under and 16 and under divisions (7-10th grades.) In most cases, these players have recently been exposed to junior high or high school programs, and a higher level of competition than they have been previously experienced. Most players in our program fall into one of two categories: those who are trying to move up a level for the next season or those who are playing to maintain skill levels while participating in other school activities. We have a training program designed to help them do just that. We can help, but much of an individual’s advancement and improvement is still up to that individual. Athletic talent, size, quickness, 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 have a sincere desire to improve, then you can do well in a junior volleyball program.
So what about scholarships? Well, they do exist. However, lets keep it in perspective. Most of our players are involved in Western Ohio as underclassmen 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.
Inm IMclusion, junior volleyball is a great place to meet new friends, sweat a lot, get lost trying to find gyms, and feel good about yourself. If you want to experience that, then join us.
Western Ohio Volleyball Club
Training Program
Practices are held weekly, usually Sunday afternoon. As soon as gyms become available after basketball season, a practice on a weeknight will be scheduled. Weeknight practices will rarely begin earlier than 6:00 P.M. and will not run later than 10:00 PM. Sunday practices do not start before 1:00 PM. to allow for family or church commitments. The early part of the season emphasizes individual and team fundamentals. The later part of the season the emphasis changes to the proficient use of defensive and offensive tactics.
Throughout the year, the composition of teams may change for each tournament date. Unlike a high school team, which has one week to determine teams and another week to prepare for its first varsity match, we can allow players to advance at their own pace.
What can you expect from playing Western Ohio Volleyball?
Each player has a different experience as a club member. Naturally, some players are more successful than others. Players who put more effort into the program usually get more out of it than those who do not attend practices. These are what we feel are the major benefits of the program.
Quality instruction: The majority of our staff is made up of local junior high school and high school coaches. Occasionally, we have inexperienced coaches who want to learn more about the game. These coaches are usually paired with an experienced coach for practice and tournaments. We make use of these coaches to provide additional teams for players that normally would not qualify for our program.
Extended training schedule: 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 January to April training and competition phase allows ample time to work on techniques so players may improve their skill levels.
New friendships: Since Western Ohio 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 competitive during the next school season.
Increased discipline: The time commitment required to be in a junior program requires that study habits improve and players budget their time better. It is also vital that players have disciplined work habits on the court.
Exposure to 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. Due to NCAA regulations, budgetary and time constraints, collegiate coaches regularly attend junior competition in order to view more players in one sitting.
Top level competition: Through practices, scrimmages and competitions, participants compete with and against some of the top players in their age group not only in Southwest Ohio but the state of Ohio.
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. Conditioning for volleyball will take place during practice drills. Conditioning outside of Western Ohio Volleyball practice sessions is encouraged.
Leadership skills: The age-group system requires that younger players become leaders. The oldest players in the 16-unders, 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 players must learn to deal effectively with each new situation.
Fun: We think it is a lot more fun to play volleyball at a higher level. As players progress, and the speed of the game increases, it becomes more fun all the time.
Our Expectations for Western Ohio Players
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 practice, matches and scrimmages, you are likely to have a successful season. Players who are committed to improving will have little time for you if you simply wish to turn practices into social events.
Regular Attendance: We know that not all players can show up to every practice. School commitments and other activities sometimes must take priority. It is important that you attend every possible practice, though, and notify coaches when you can not attend.
Respect for the rules of the club: This includes the club's and USA Volleyball’s Player’s Code of Conduct. Rules will be clearly stated and will be enforced. Each team will also have its own rules established by its coach.
Cooperation: You may, for example, take an overnight trip with us. These trips require that you will have some rules you will have to live by. We expect you to respect the rules we make.
Image Presentations: Most of the time, players are not aware when college coaches are present. You can make or break your recruiting chances by the way you act.
Maintaining good grades: Even though not all players are trying to earn scholarships, we still consider our players to be student-athletes. We think that you should consider yourselves scholar-athletes and strive for the best possible performance in school.
Western Ohio Volleyball Club, Code of Conduct
1. SUBSTANCE POLICY
Use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco products is prohibited. Alcohol consumption by minors (under age 21) is prohibited by law in Ohio. Possession or use of drugs is illegal. If a player uses any of these substances while competing as a member of a junior team, the team may be declared ineligible for further competition. Therefore, any use of illegal drugs or alcohol by Western Ohio athletes will result in immediate suspension from the club.
The sale of tobacco products is illegal to persons under 18 years old. Additionally, there is overwhelming evidence that tobacco degrades health and athletic performance. Therefore, the use of tobacco products is subject to the same penalties as alcohol and drug use.
2. CONDUCT DURING COMPETITION
This section pertains to any competitive event, whether a sanctioned tournament or not. Athletes are subject to these rules from the time of their departure from home for an event until they return home. All athletes are subject to the rules of competition and conduct specified by USA Volleyball. These rules require that athletes treat coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials with courtesy and respect. These rules require the team to officiate. Each player is expected to contribute to the team’s responsibilities.
Coaches will announce the expected arrival time for an event to their teams prior to the event. All athletes are expected to arrive on time. If this is not possible, coaches should be notified in advance.
Players are not excused to leave following competition until released by their coaches. Players and parents should not expect special treatment, such as permission to leave earlier than teammates if the athlete’s team must officiate following its final match. Athletes who must leave early due to other commitments should clear this in advance. Players should not leave a playing site between matches without permission. Teams may have meetings, officiating duties, or may need to stay to support other Western Ohio teams.
All players will compete in proper club uniforms.
All players are expected to share team duties of line judging, score keeping and second referee responsibilities with teammates. Players are expected to behave in a professional manner while officiating.
Individual team coaches will establish other rules.
Competitive events requiring overnight stays will require parental supervision for each team. Athletes must understand that parents will have the same authority as the team coach, and are to be treated with the same respect and courtesy.
What we expect from Parents
Yes, Parents, we do expect some things from you. We are a club dedicated to improving volleyball in our surrounding area schools. We are a not for profit organization. Just writing out a check does not necessarily keep the club operating smoothly. Please remember that there are several areas in which you can help us:
1. Deliver and pick up players on time. Please remember that coaches have families or other commitments after practice.
2. Please assist with transportation of players to out-of-town events.
3. Please watch your daughter when they compete. Even though they may not let you know, they will appreciate it if you are there to offer encouragement. Please do not coach your daughter or any other player during a practice or tournament.
4.
5. Pay fees on time. If fees are not paid, bills can not be paid and players may not be permitted to practice and/or compete.
6. Please assist us in planning and administering any tournaments we have. We need volunteers to setup and take down courts and cleanup each tournament site.
With good cooperation from parents and players, we feel that the club will continue to enjoy a satisfying season.
7. Western Ohio Volleyball Club will not tolerate hostile, aggressive confrontations between a parent and any official, or a parent and any coach, or a parent and any athlete, or a parent and any other parent, whether the coach, athlete or other parent is a member of WOVC or not. Violation of this policy may result in the athlete being dismissed from WOVC without refund.
Grievance
Procedure
Competitive team athletics, by its very nature, creates situations where everyone may not be happy all the time. Knowing when to communicate and how to communicate with your athlete's coach is a concern for almost every parent at some time during the season. Most often the concern is how to inquire about issues surrounding playing time.
At Western Ohio Volleyball Club, we encourage the athlete to take responsibility for their participation. For this reason we expect the athlete to talk to the coach first when they have a problem concerning their playing time, or if they are unclear about what the coach expects from them either in practice or in a competition. The appropriate way to do this is for the athlete to ask the coach what they need to do to get more opportunities to play in matches. Most of the time, the athlete knows why they may not be playing as much as a teammate when the parent may not.
Parents can best help their athlete by helping them set some goals to achieve more opportunities.
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When a parent has a problem that is specific to their own athlete, we also expect them to first talk to their athlete's coach. Coaches have been instructed not to discuss "coaching decisions" with a parent. These "coaching decisions" include, but are not limited to specific match decisions, substitution patterns, etc.
The coach will not be required to defend his/her thought process or conclusions in the determination of playing time, and it is improper for a parent to make that request.
Specifically, the procedures to follow if you as a parent, or your athlete as a member of a Western Ohio Volleyball Club team, have concerns about Western Ohio Volleyball Club policies or a coach's actions are, in this order:
1. The athlete will speak or meet with the coach to discuss the matter. If the matter remains unresolved, or if the athlete has reasonable concern that speaking to the coach will not resolve the matter,
2. The parent should speak to or meet with the head coach. Parents should call the head coach on the phone to set a meeting. Meetings are to be at times and locations other than tournaments. If a coach is approached by a parent during a tournament, we have instructed the coach to refuse to discuss any controversial matter, to refer the parent to the Club Director and to walk away from the situation. The recommended time for a parent and/or athlete to talk to a coach about a problem is a previously arranged meeting time either before or immediately after a scheduled practice.
3. If the matter
remains unresolved, or if the parent has reasonable concern that speaking to
the coach will not resolve the matter, the parent may speak to the age group
director and the Club Director. In certain situations, Western Ohio Volleyball
Club may ask the athlete to attend the meeting also. Meetings should be
previously arranged. Meetings will not be scheduled during a tournament. The
team Coach or the Club Director will not engage in discussions about
"coaching decisions."
OHSAA Rules Affecting Participation
1. No coach from a specific school may, at any time, coach roster players from that same school. High school coaches may coach junior high players and junior high coaches may coach high school players. Coaches may coach players from other schools.
2. Not more than 3 roster players from 1 school may play for a single team. This rule also applies to junior high or middle school players. This rule does not apply to graduating high school seniors.
3. The above two rules do not apply to grade school students or to students who are not on the school’s team.
4. Athletes may play for an outside sport at the same time as they play another sport for their high school.
5. You may not participate in Western Ohio volleyball and a high school volleyball team at the same time. This is why Western Ohio’s season does not begin until after the State Volleyball Tournament is over.
Please note that other states have differing rules. When we play teams from other states, they play under their own state’s rules even while in Ohio. We play under OHSAA rules wherever we play.
Western Ohio Volleyball Club Fees
Western Ohio Volleyball Club is not operated to generate a profit for any specific individual or organization. For the 2007-2008 season, base fees for the 14s, 16s and 17s will be $450. $50 is due within the first two weeks after tryouts so that we can register players prior to the first practice. The remaining $400 is due January 6, 2008 to pay rental fees, order uniforms, equipment and register for volleyball tournaments. If you will be paying in installments, please remember to bring your second and third payments of $205.00 January 6 and February 3. Make all checks payable to Western Ohio Volleyball Club.
Items included in fee costs:
The following items are included in the fees charged:
Clothes: Match and practice uniforms
Registration: USA Volleyball registration is required for every player and coach before a player participates. This is a requirement for all competitions and for our insurance.
Insurance: Supplemental medical insurance (excess coverage only) is provided by USA Volleyball. We advise that no player participate unless she is covered by her family’s health insurance.
Coaches: Our coaches are paid their expenses. Reality is that we must compete with programs that pay their coaches up to $2000 or more for coaching. We do not come anywhere close to this amount. We have been fortunate to have coaches who coach to help the overall area programs in return for having some of their players assured positions on our teams.
Club operating expenses: Volleyball equipment, postage, telephone, paper, copies, and other general office expenses are paid through player fees.
Practice facilities: WOVC pays for the use of practice facilities.
Tournament entry fees: Generally tournament entry fees can be between $135-$170 per team. Tournament entry fees must be paid well in advance of the tournament to ensure participation. If a team cancels their participation in a tournament, that entry fee is not returned.
What is NOT covered by the fees:
Transportation: Travel to tournaments is not covered. We encourage ride sharing for practices and tournaments.
Tournament expenses: Food, overnight lodgings, additional practice and tournaments, etc. are not covered unless stated otherwise by the Club.
Western Ohio Volleyball Club Director
Tom
Kohl Phone:
937-773-7273 Email: tkohl@woh.rr.com
Coaching
Experience: Junior High through
college.
USAV
IMPACT, USAV CAP Level II, USAV ASEP, USAV VCAP
Internet Web Site: