PARENT INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Parent Information

Parental dedication and support is every bit as important to the success of each player as the dedication expected of her as an athlete. The Junior Volleyball experience is just like anything else in life; you get out of it only in proportion to how much you put into it. "In proportion" applies because in a team sport, the performance of the team is dependent upon every team member's contribution, and if the whole team is dedicated, hard-working and striving for the same goal of excellence, then the result is far greater than the results achievable by any one individual. Support critical to players' success includes being on time to practice, with all necessary uniforms, kneepads, shoes and socks. Parents can also help with car pooling to tournaments, and making sure that your daughter carries proper snacks and provisions for meals to each tournament.

Proper nutrition is essential for any athlete who seeks to attain enduring success and health. Your daughter will need to eat properly in order to maintain her endurance for a weekend of volleyball play. We encourage PVCA athletes to carry healthful, nutritious foods and beverages with them to tournaments, not junk food. Additionally, please do not assume that someone else will feed your child should she fail to arrange for herself. However, we are a compassionate group and we would never let a child go hungry.

*** Please do not take advantage of our generosity. ***

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PVCA Sportsmanship

Everyone, including our PVCA coaches, wants to win, and we want our players to end up becoming the best players possible. However, these are not our sole objectives. An equally important objective is to teach good sportsmanship by developing the qualities of teamwork, self-control, personal effort, respect for others, and to have fun doing it. We also strive for each player to improve their individual skills throughout the club volleyball season.

Volleyball is a team sport. Each player is a unique part of a team sport where each team is limited to only three momentary "rebounding" contacts at a time. At all levels of volleyball, virtually every play ends with an error, even though no one is trying to make a mistake (in fact they are trying to NOT make mistakes). Team and individual performances will improve if you realize that volleyball is a game of errors; to win, either your team must force the other team to make more, or your team has to make less.

Errors should be approached with the attitude that they happened, the game goes on, with each new play, it is time to forget the errors, and look ahead to how the next ball can be better played. Our goal is simply to have everyone playing her individual best in every rally no matter what the outcome.

Volleyball can teach many good traits, like self-discipline, the ability to cooperate, regard for physical fitness, respect for authority, and tolerance of others. However, it is difficult for these and other desirable traits to take root if the adults around these young players fail to set the right examples. Please let the players play the ball to the best of their ability and leave the coaching to the coach. The referees are also human. Every contact by each team must be judged. While an official's decision may not be agreeable to all involved, his/her decision is final. No useful purpose is served by shouting at the referee. Teams can receive warnings, even penalties for such actions. Above all, we want our players to learn that their individual performance is their own responsibility, not that of the referees or other players.

While players and coaches need positive attitudes and behavior from parents, this certainly is not meant to lessen spectator enthusiasm. We want our parents to come and watch and to be involved. Please cheer, jump up and down, and encourage the good plays and other things you like. Also, please try to ignore the mistakes you will (by definitions and rules of the game) surely see.

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PVCA Code of Conduct

There is a lot more expected of our players other than their volleyball skills. Players are expected to participate in all practices as scheduled. Failure to do so may result in less playing time in the next tournament. It is the player's responsibility to notify the coach of their team if they cannot attend. Players are expected to sign up for the full season and to make all tournaments. All players will be given maximum playing time in tournaments when their attitude, effort, and commitment is noted in practice.

Players are expected to consistently work on their own to raise the levels of their physical condition and skill. Participating in travel provides special opportunities as well as special demands. The following standards must be observed for one to continue as an active member of PVCA Program; violation of standards marked with (*) mean suspension or dismissal from PVCA Program:

1. *Alcohol and drugs including marijuana are prohibited at all times.
2. *Smoking is prohibited.
3. Excellence in academic performance is required.
4. As a representative of PVCA Juniors program, no actions that will hinder the player's performance, game, or scholastics will be tolerated. The player's actions and behavior should always be such as to reflect positively on both the player and the PVCA Juniors program.
5. Players must be on time for all team commitments.
6. Players must call their team coach when they are going to be late or absent from a practice.
7. All players are required to pursue all physical conditioning activities and drills unless excused by a doctor or the coach.
8. Players must report all physical injuries or illness to their PVCA Juniors head coach immediately.
9. Equipment and uniforms issued to each player must be cared for properly. Players must see that this property is available when needed.
10. All other equipment must be properly cared for. Players are expected to help set up and take down equipment at each practice. Players are to also assist in accounting for volleyballs.
11. All players must abide by the rules established for scrimmage and tournament facilities, both locally and in other cities.
12. Players are expected to attend every tournament. If your team schedule allows for the time, you are expected to watch and actively support the other PVCA teams during their matches. The PVCA is considered to be one team even though age and ability divide it.
13. Each player will keep their coach informed of their presence at tournaments. It is desired that the players stay with the team between matches, instead of sitting with their parents.
14. Each player is expected to treat all other players, teammates, coaches, referees, and fans with courtesy and respect.
15. The players involved must immediately work out problems between players. If they are unable to resolve their problem immediately, they must meet with the coaches until their problems are resolved. Problems between players must never be left unresolved.

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PVCA Insurance Coverage

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their Pflugerville Volleyball Club Association athlete is covered by medical insurance. Volleyball is like any other sport - the risk of accidental injuries is inherent in the nature of these activities. These risks include, but are not limited to, the potential for injury, accidents or illness while traveling to and from competition sites, while participating in the various program activities, and while playing volleyball. We attempt to minimize the existing risks through use of proper sports equipment, proper facilities, and sound safety practices. Participants should realize that these risks couldn't be eliminated. We encourage players to obtain a complete medical examination before participation in the PVCA program.

PLEASE NOTE: Your registration includes USVA supplemental insurance coverage.

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PVCA Uniforms

Each player will be issued uniforms at the beginning of each season; the cost is included in the membership fee. The uniform must be worn whenever representing PVCA Program at a sanctioned tournament.

Proper care of the uniforms is each player's responsibility. Parents are asked to review and follow the care instructions on the labels for the jerseys, spandex, tshirts, and hoodies.

PLEASE NOTE: Street shoes are prohibited on court floors.

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PVCA Parent Responsibilities

1. Questions or concerns should be discussed privately with the appropriate person at the appropriate time. Parents must contact the coach to set up an appointment to discuss any concerns ONLY after the player has approached the coach with the issue in question.
2. Each coach has his or her individual style of coaching; thus, each player and parent should follow that coach's instructions. We ask the parents to refrain from criticizing opposing players and coaches, or a teammate of your child.
3. Players will be played at the discretion of the coach based on skill level and team needs. Do not ever approach a coach at a tournament to discuss playing time. This is not the place. Make arrangements to talk to the coach after practice.
4. Once you get your daughter to the tournament location and with the placement of the coach, please do not interfere for the rest of the day. All players will be expected to stay with the coach and/or team throughout the entire tournament time.
5. It will be the players responsibility, not parents, to talk with the coach concerning any problems. If the issue is not resolved, then the parent, player, and coach will discuss the matter as a group. The last step will be to involve the director.