Playing Time

Playing time must be earned. Equal playing time is never guaranteed on any team or at any event. The following factors influence playing time, in no particular order of importance:

  1. Volleyball skill and ability as evaluated by the coach
  2. Level of effort and individual participation displayed at practices and tournaments, and attitude in practice and game situations
  3. Individual position and role on the team
  4. Adherence to the coach's rules
  5. Adherence to the club's rules

Playing time is NOT an issue to be brought to the coach's attention by the parent. If a player has questions about her playing time, the player may address these with the coach at an agreed-upon time apart from practices or tournaments. Players are not guaranteed to play the same position that they do during their middle or high school volleyball season. Coaches take into consideration many factors in selecting players to fill out their rosters and may feel that the player and team would benefit by developing a player to play a different role than he or she has previously performed. Playing time concerns are not subject to the grievance process – any concerns should be discussed with the player (players will know where they stand at all times and players can discuss this directly with their coaches).

 

Grievances

Knowing when and how to communicate with your player'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 (see playing time above). RVA will not tolerate a hostile or aggressive confrontation between a parent, player, official, coach or any other member of RVA. Violation of this policy may result in the dismissal of the player from RVA.

It is inappropriate for any player or parent to approach other RVA members or their parents about a problem the player or parents have with an RVA coach, objections to coaching decisions, or a disagreement with an administrative decision. Asking uninvolved persons to take sides in an issue is unfair to the third party and to the Club. Competitive team athletics, by its very nature, creates situations where not everyone may be happy all the time. For the psychological health of the team and the Club as a whole, grievances need to be handled by only the parties involved and the decision-makers in the situation.

RVA encourages any player to talk to the coach when she/he has questions about her/his playing time or if she is unclear about what the coach's expectations are either in practice or in competition. An appropriate attitude may be for the player to ask the coach what she needs to do in order to get more opportunities to play in matches. This discussion should take place away from tournament play or practices (after practice is an acceptable time with an email sent beforehand to give the coach adequate time to prepare.)

The coaches and/or Club Director will not discuss "coaching decisions." "Coaching decisions" include, among other things, specific match decisions such as who played when, who was subbed out and when, or in what position a player was played. The amount of time any player is given on the court is a result of a complex determination, in that coach's opinion, of the player's ability, the player's potential, the player's position, the team's needs at the moment, and the team's needs in the future. The coach will NOT be required to defend his/her thought processes, strategy, or conclusions in these determinations, and it is improper for a parent to make that request. Coaches will not discuss any player other than the parent's own or the actions of any other RVA coach. If you, as a parent, have legitimate concerns about your player's coach, a coach other than your player's coach, or with a player other than your own, you need to address this with the Club Director. Please remember that "coaching decisions” and playing time are NOT legitimate concerns.

 

When a coach is experiencing issues with a player, the coach will take the following steps of communication:

  1. The coach will speak to the player.
  2. If the issue is not resolved, the coach will then speak with the player's parents.
  3. If the issue is still not resolved, the coach will then speak with the Club Director.
  4. The coach, Club Director, parent, and the player with have a meeting to discuss the issue and action required.

 

When a parent or player has a legitimate concern, the following steps of communication should be followed:

  1. The player should speak with the coach about the matter.
  2. If the issue is not resolved; the parent should then speak with the coach along with their player.
  3. If the issue is still not resolved; the parent may then speak with the Club Director and request a meeting with the coach and Director.


Meetings of this nature are to be at times and locations other than tournaments. Never approach a coach before or after a tournament or practice. These times can have heightened emotions resulting in an unproductive meeting.  Please wait for 24 hours before contacting the coach for a meeting. If a parent approaches a coach during a tournament, we have instructed the coach to refuse to discuss any controversial matter and to walk away.  The coach has been instructed to say “Please check your parent handbook in this scenario.” The recommended time for a parent and/or player to talk to a coach about a problem is at a previously arranged meeting either before or immediately after a scheduled practice. Repetitive complaining by a parent or player to third parties may be cause, in the sole determination of the Club, to terminate club membership. As necessary, Club Leadership will be involved in helping to make appropriate decisions about any issues or incidents that arise during the club season.

Responsibilities, Ethics, and Conduct

Player Responsibilities:

  • Players are held to high standards by the coaching and administrative staff of the RVA. They should remember that they represent their parents, coaches, and Club to the larger community every time they participate in any Club-related activity. No player is allowed to use alcohol or other controlled substances, including tobacco products, at any Club-related practice or event. Any player involved in any of these activities (and any other activities deemed inappropriate by Club leadership) will be dismissed from the club immediately with no refund of Club Fees.  See the second page of the handbook for player expectations. 

 

Parent Responsibilities:

  • The RVA philosophy is to ensure that every player has the opportunity to learn and grow. As we respect you as parents, we ask for the same respect in return as coaches.  Appropriate parental support and involvement is vital to the success of a team. Players are expected to fully participate in practice and tournaments, we expect parents to not interfere or distract their players during these times.

 

The RVA parents are expected to:

  • Release their child to the experience of playing volleyball on their club team. 

  • Display sportsmanship and respect towards teammates, competitors, parents, coaches, and officials at all times. Do not speak negatively about any player, or any club. 

  • Allow the coaching staff to handle any concerns over an official's ruling.

  • Understand and respect the differences between parental roles and coaching roles (i.e. please don’t approach coaches with your philosophy of volleyball, or tell the coaches what position your daughter should play, or discuss playing time). 

  • Focus on their child's development of skills and strategies rather than competitive success. The nature of sports competition creates its own pressure to succeed.

  • Communicate their true concerns with the coach. A positive working relationship is based upon clearly communicated mutual goals among parents, coaches, and players.

  • Control negative emotions and think positively.

  • Stay away from team huddles where the coach is trying to speak about team strategy and getting ready/ending the play day

  • Players have open relationships with their coaches; please ask your player questions as they will more likely know the answer.

  • Abide by the clubs grievance procedures as outlined in this document.

  • Allow the directors and administration team to set prices, budgets and procedures of post-season tournaments such as The Girls’ National Junior Championships without second-guessing, questioning, and complaining to other parents about expenses that could incur with extra travel.

  • Refrain from a “Reply All” to emails from the club or coaches.  If you have concerns you can reply directly to the club or coach.

  • Discuss with Directors (not other parents) any issues or concerns you might have during the season. (Please see grievance procedures below). 

 

Coaches' Responsibilities:

Coaches will plan and lead all practices and game activities with a sense of purpose, working towards clearly established goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Tangible (SMART) goals. The emphasis in practice and competition will be placed on skill development and overall team improvement.

 

The RVA coaches are expected to:

  • Display sportsmanship and respect towards teammates, competitors, parents, coaches, and officials at all times.

  • Always put the welfare of the players ahead of any personal gain.

  • Be punctual for all scheduled events.

  • Learn about the players and their individual needs.

  • Know the rules of the game.

  • Make informed playtime and strategy decisions.

  • Prepare informative and challenging practices, so that maximum court time is devoted to learning, and cover relevant volleyball skills and concepts.

  • Provide instruction on how to continually elevate the skills and game of volleyball using realistic and practical goals.

  • Emphasize performance and process over outcome.

  • Be positive and consistent with feedback.

  • Communicate with players and parents by making sure they are familiar with expectations, procedures, and team rules. Be open to talking with players and parents. Be fair, impartial, and ready to listen and respond. Ability to motivate the players to ensure success from a variety of players and personalities, while demonstrating patience.

  • Protect the safety of players. Direct any injury or illness to the appropriate person.

  • Provide a role for each player selected for a team.

  • Be respectful of the facilities used by the Club and maintain Club property responsibly.

  • Contribute to and support the decisions of policy, actions, and rules of JVA Volleyball and RVA.

  • Be a good role model on and off the court.

  • Per the parent expectations as outlined above, coaches will not discuss playing time. Please speak directly with your player.

  • Coaches do not accept payment of club fees.

Club Dues & Expenses

In order for the Club to execute their annual plan, we must adhere to our budget.

  • Fees go towards paying Club registration and insurance, gym and facility rental fees, coaching and administrative honorariums, equipment replacement costs, tournament registration fees, coaches’ gear and equipment, coaching certifications and education and travel. 
  • Transportation & Lodging for players and coaches for out of area tournaments (i.e. National Qualifiers, National Tournaments, and Recruit Me.) will be coordinated by the team parent for each team as soon as possible. The teams can travel and stay together. Additional travel costs incurred by player’s families for their personal transportation and lodging are the responsibility of that player’s family. 
  • When traveling and competing in out of area tournaments: The team absorbs the cost of coaches’ expenses such as hotel, airfare, per diem for mileage. It is common practice for Club Directors to be present at travel tournaments and cost for their hotel and airfare is included in dues.  All of the above items have been included in your dues or extra tournament cost.
  • All Post Season Expenses are not included in the club dues:  Teams that earn bids to the GNJC (Girls National Junior Championships) choose to participate in Volleyball Festival, or other postseason events will need to pay for all extra expenses.  Extra expenses include: Tournament fee, gym rental for practices, coaches’ stipends, and all travel expenses for players, coaches, and directors.  

 

Estimated season Dues per team are as follows-subject to change depending on final team rosters):

  • Please see dues worksheet

Holding Deposit

  • The initial $350.00 holding deposit payment at the time of signing is required to ensure the club has the capital to register teams for the tournaments for the year and pay associated regional fees. If a player is accepted and a family agrees to be part of the team as evidenced by their signatures/payment acceptance on the Rockford Volleyball Player Contract, that family is committed to the entire year’s fees (dues) in order for that team to meet its financial commitment. Failure to pay fees in full will result in a bad standing with the RVA, and until paid in full to RVA, the player will not be able to participate in any associated JVA events or other clubs, including participating in future years with JVA.

Monthly Payments

  • Monthly payment plans are available and will be discussed at the annual parent meeting in November. More information on how to pay dues will be provided at that meeting.  All dues can be paid with the online system.
  • Monthly payments are due by the 1st of each month and will be processed through the online payment system on our website.   Any payment not received by the 15th of the month will be considered “Delinquent”, and a late fee charge of $25.00 may be applied to the balance. Information on payments must include the player name and team identifier. Collection dates are as follows: Upon signing,  a $350 holding deposit is due. The remaining balance of dues will be equally spread from Nov 1; Dec 1; Feb 1; Mar 1, for Regional Team. Select Teams will be  equally spread from Nov 1; Dec 1; Feb 1; Mar 1; Apr 1.

Early Withdrawl

  • If a family decides to voluntarily withdraw from the club for personal reasons, injury or is removed for violation of JVA or RVA rules of the current season, they will be responsible for the balance of their dues.

Delinquent accounts:

  • Any player with a delinquent account during the current season will not be allowed to participate in practices and/or tournaments until the account is made current. In addition, accounts must be paid in full each season. Failure to do so will result in that player being barred from participating in any activities past that date.
  • A player with a delinquent account during the current season will not be allowed to participate in practices and/or tournaments until the account is made current or individual arrangements are made with the Club Director and Treasurer. No player will be allowed to participate during the current season if fees from the previous season are unpaid. If an account remains delinquent for 30 days, the player is subject to immediate dismissal from the Club.

Insurance Coverage

The JVA provides team liability protection on an excess coverage basis for members participating in scheduled, supervised, and approved activities. If a player sustains an injury in a practice or a tournament, any medical treatment that is needed must be covered by individual medical insurance.

Injuries/Illness

If a player sustains an injury or becomes ill during a practice or game, she must tell her coach immediately. A coach will not allow a player to practice or compete if there is:

  • a verbal statement from a player expressing an injury
  • a physical action shows that they are unable to play
  • a signed note from a parent or doctor


Parents will be notified immediately upon any emergency. If a player sustains an injury or illness that is so severe that she is unable to participate in practices or tournaments for a period of time, written notification of recovery from a parent or qualified healthcare provider is required before that player may resume participation. Players that are unable to compete for more than 3 months time based on a severe injury may be eligible to have the balance of their dues waived by the Club. Such players must submit medical documentation from a qualified and treating health care provider. No refunds will be granted for pre-paid tournament fees. The decision to waive the remaining fees is the sole discretion of the Club Director and Treasurer.