Copperfield Juniors Volleyball

The purpose of this digital handbook is to familiarize players and parents with CJVC's approach to USAV Club volleyball.

BACKGROUND

CJVC, started in 1997, is a non-profit organization benefiting the girls in the Cy-Fair I.S.D.

CLUB MISSION Provide an affordable volleyball club for students in the Cy-Fair I.S.D., with limited practice and travel. Provide a positive volleyball environment in which players receive opportunities to experience repetitions in game-like situations through tournaments and/or practice.

COMMITMENT Playing volleyball for CJVC requires a commitment to the game, self-development, teamwork, and respect for others. Participation on a CJVC team requires time and effort. CJVC is committed to a strong ãwork ethicä and the rewards it can reap. Other teams may öat times- have more raw talent, but none will work harder than a CJVC team to achieve their goals.

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM To develop in the athlete a positive attitude toward the club, teammates, coaches, opponents, referees and parents; win or lose. To teach the athlete that winning is learning how to set realistic goals and striving to achieve these goals, both in practice and in competition. To teach the athlete respect for themselves and teammates in regards to their potential ability as well as achieved abilities. To teach the athlete that great teams must overcome adversity and that where there is adversity, there is opportunity.

VOLLEYBALL TRAINING The purpose of the CJVC training program is to provide quality training in all aspects of the game. Among other things, the training program includes jump training, quickness and agility training, volleyball fundamentals, and team tactics, accomplished through drills, scrimmages, and competitions. The program is committed to treating all athletes fairly, and giving each individual an opportunity to improve the many skills associated with this exciting, demanding, and rapidly changing sport. For a program of this stature to be successful, the team rules as well as policies discussed in this handbook must be followed and enforced.

COPPERFIELD JUNIORS VOLLEYBALL POLICIES The following information is to enhance communications between coaches, athletes, and parents. Included are brief explanations of key club policies:

FINANCIAL

1. All payments are due on or before scheduled dates. A complete list of estimated player financial requirements is provided separately.

2. Untimely payment/returned checks may unfavorably affect a playerâs practice/playing privileges.

3. Please note that in addition to set tryout, uniform and program fees, there are unbudgeted extra costs associated with participating on a club volleyball team including, travel, room and boardä associated with tournaments, additional fees if teams qualify for post season play, and additional fees if teams elect to participate in additional tournaments during the season

4. CJVC is a 501 C 3, not for profit organization, and is eligible for commercial and individual tax-deductible contributions.

TRAINING

The athlete must:

1. Adhere to the USAV policies, particularly those relating to drugs and alcohol,

2. Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night and MUST be in bed in time for 8 hours of sleep prior to a match,

3. Eat balanced meals, drink lots of water, and cut out between high fat snacks and carbonated beverages as much as possible, and

4. Report any and all injuries to the coach.

ATTENDANCE

Since all team practices are mandatory, any absence from practice or events warrants a call from the parent/player to the coach as well as the parent rep of that team.

PRACTICE

The athlete must:

1. Work their hardest in every task and give their very best effort,

2. Be coachable, and willing to change technical skills and to display a positive attitude toward practice, teammates, and coaches (*CONSEQUENCES** Any negative attitude or behavior by players or parents will warrant immediate removal from the gym, and could result in reduced playing time for players),

3. Not have jewelry (including earrings) in practice,

4. Have clean, court shoes, 5. Have hair pulled back out of face, and 6. Be at practice on time or earlier.

7. Practices will be finished no later than 10:00pm.

8. CJVC recognizes the value of middle and high school academics and athletics. The athlete should consult with their coach to determine what is considered an excused absence from practice.

9. Athletes delinquent in payment of dues will not be allowed to practice or compete.

10. The athlete will refer to monthly practice calendars for practice sites, dates, and times.

11. Athletes should arrive for practice early enough to put on their gear, and perform any other pre-practice duties before scheduled practice time.

12. Athletes must help to maintain the facility they are using. It is expected that each athlete will pick up any trash, clean area, and not to abuse the facility. Note: CJVC practice facility use is a privilege and at risk if misused.

13. The athlete will not leave practice until all duties have been performed and their coach has released them.

GAME

1. FOLLOW COACH INSTRUCTIONS! Pressure and anxiety may be intense at tournaments. Athlete issues will not be tolerated during tournaments öit is an unnecessary distraction (issues may be discussed at post-tournament meetings)

2. Display CJVC and personal PRIDE at all times. Be courteous to officials, opponents, and coaches. Perform with real effort, winning or losing. Actively, assist with non-game assignments, including up/down officiating and scoring 2. NO jewelry, nail polish or glitter

3. A short team meeting will be held after each match.

4. Wear game uniforms to all matches of a tournament.

5. BE ON TIME OR EARLY to games.

6. Stay and support other CJVC teams whenever possible.

7. All CJVC players and coaches will shag for the each other during hitting warm up whenever possible ökeep track of the clubâs practice volleyballs!

8. Wear CJVC issued apparel when representing CJVC (be are proud of our Athletes and the program they represent).

PLAYING SCHEDULES

To be distributed separately

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

CJVC will arrange (but not fund) all travel for all travel teams. This will be for players, coaches, and parent representative only. Questions regarding hotel accommodations, vans, airfare, etc. should be directed to the web site (www.copperfieldjrs.com) or parent representative.

CJVC does not provide van rental for out of town events. It is the playerâs guardian that is responsible for travel to and from all venues. Any time a team is flying to an event, players MUST:

1. Have a picture ID,

2. Carry on all necessary playing equipment.

PARENT REPRESENTATIVE

All teams spending a night away from home MUST have a Parent Representative. Parent representatives will be assigned at the beginning of the season and last through the last tournament. Parent Representatives MUST be registered with the USAV and be 21 years of age or older. Parent representatives should be willing to put in some extra volunteer hours to help out the coach and team. Positive volunteer parental support is integral to the success of the CJVC program. Thanks in advance!!

SCOREKEEPER'S CLINIC FOR PLAYERS

Athletes will attend scheduled score keeper and referee clinics. Each team will be required to have two certified scorers. Clinics dates: TBA

COACHES TRAINING

All coaches will be required to be either IMPACT or CAP certified, and will be required to complete two, three hour training sessions conducted by or thru CJVC. The first training session is to establish a healthy coaching philosophy and to make certain that the coaching staff is in line with CJVC views on the proper treatment of youth athletes. The second training session is a skills/coaching technique session. In that session certain fundamentals based on the age of the athlete are emphasized. Basic guidelines for achievement of performance goals will be established.

All coaches will attempt to communicate to players and parents in a constructive, positive, professional manner. They will be required to arrive at practice/competition prepared and timely. They will strive to be firm, fair, consistent, encouraging mentors who will use the defined disciplinary measures whenever necessary. The coaches will supervise the team while in the gym, while parent representatives (with direction from the coach) will be responsible for any activities outside of the gym. CJVC coaches will train EACH athlete in fundamental volleyball skills, tactics, as well as mental skills training and athletic training. CJVC coaches are responsible for communicating each player's role on the team. PARENTS: KEY TO SUCCESS AT CJVC PARENT / COACH / PLAYER RELATIONSHIP

CJVC has a mission to provide a positive volleyball environment. But it is difficult for this to take hold in young athletes if the adults around them fail to set the proper example. We demand that parents refrain from criticizing a teammate of their child, other parents, or opposing players. Please remain seated and respectful at all contests. Other key parent guidelines:

1. KNOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF VOLLEYBALL: FIRST, Let's address officiating. The rule of thumb is that the officials must be consistent in their judgment calls, and they must know the rules. Breakdown in basic rule knowledge will not be tolerated and will be handled by the coach.

2. KNOW THE COMMITMENT OF YOUR DIRECTORS: As founders and directors of the CJVC, they have made volleyball coaching a year round endeavor. They attend virtually every clinic, practice and tournament. They perform extensive behind the scene activities to ensure the success and quality of the program.

3. KNOW HOW TO HELP YOUR ATHLETE DEAL WITH FRUSTRATIONS OF TEAM SPORT - CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

1. How to deal with demanding superiors

2. How to be a cooperative team member

3. How to make use of both positive and negative feedback

4. How to cope with adversity

5. How to achieve mental toughness

6. How to be a gracious winner

7. How to live with the eccentricities of coaches, teammates, and opponents.

Clearly, the coach cannot adequately address these basics of "life in the fast lane" to every athlete. If our athletes are to become winners in the activities in which they invest, they must have effective mentors throughout their development. Their primary mentors should be their parents. Parents should help teach their athlete how to open up channels of communication with their coach and their teammates. Parents should encourage behaviors that communicate a high level of commitment to CJVC volleyball. Some ways for a player to do this: come early and stay late. Do extra preparation. Be joyful and enthusiastic. Actively and publicly support their teammates: display respect and courtesy for the coaching staff. Experience shows that athletes who have successfully been taught these skills will never have to worry about whether the coach will them a fair break.

4. HAVE A POSITIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROGRAM: In games, certain positive involvement is a must. There is no substitute for enthusiasm. Our parents are the best at generating it. At no point however, should technical instruction be shouted out to players. ANY negative comments made to players or other parents inject doubt and lack of confidence into the interpersonal system. Not what we want; Certainly not what we need. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD A COACH OR DIRECTOR BE APPROACHED AT AN EVENT OR PRACTICE ABOUT A GRIEVANCE. (Please make an appointment) Players whose parents approach a coach or director at an event or practice may be expelled from the program at the discretion of the directors.

5. COACHES WILL USE THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY STEPS WHEN RULES ARE BROKEN: STEP ONE: VERBAL WARNING - Given by coach to player. STEP TWO: WRITTEN WARNING - Written by the coach with a copy sent to the director. STEP THREE SUSPENSIONS - for a single practice, tournament, or set period of time as determined by the coach and directors. STEP FOUR: EXPULSION

6. KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEVANCES: When a player has a grievance with a coach, parents need to take steps to remedy the situation positively:

STEP ONE: Express understanding about the athleteâs feelings and criticisms without putting down the coach. (This can only lead to doubts and lack of confidence)

STEP TWO: Help the athlete develop a clear understanding of the circumstances that gave rise to the grievance by having them set up a conference with the coach. Help prepare them for the meeting so that they might obtain optimum results.

STEP THREE: If the athleteâs initiative with the coach results in an unsatisfactory answer, use a parent representative to get clarification of the problem.

LAST RESORT: Parents should meet with the coach in a setting where there are no distractions. Parents need to seek the coach's advise as to how they can support the coach's effort to train their athlete. If, and only if after these steps have been exhausted and the parent is still not satisfied with all the answers, contact one of the CJVC technical directors.

REMEMBER; view the situation as mentors attempting to arrive at a strategy for working with the athlete. Know that the coach is balancing individual athlete development and team results ö a very delicate endeavor.

COPPERFIELD ON THE INTERNET

The CJVC web site can be found at http://www.copperfieldjrs.com