Expectations

This expectations page is specifically for the high school volleyball teams, but except for the policies of "attendance" and "game day requirements," it also applies to the Jr. High team.

Parents and athletes,

 I want to emphasize our commitment to transparent, open communication. We have a specific process to ensure that any concerns are heard and fairly addressed. Our policy states that the first step of communication is for the student-athlete to speak directly with their coach. If an issue is not resolved, then a parent may schedule a meeting with the coach at a mutually convenient time. Only after these steps have been taken should you contact the AD. I cannot stress enough: concerns must be communicated through the proper channels and in a timely manner throughout the year. It is difficult, and often impossible, for the administration to effectively review and address a list of concerns presented only at the end of the season. Please help us maintain a productive and positive environment by following these guidelines. Please refer to the "Flow of Contact" details at the end of this page.

In competitive sports, a crucial lesson for any athlete is to distinguish between "fair" and "equal." While every player deserves to be treated fairly, this doesn't guarantee identical treatment in practice, in a match, or off the court. A coach's fundamental goal is team success, which requires making strategic decisions based on individual skill sets, practice performance, game situations, body language, and specific roles. One player might receive significantly more playing time in a close game than another because the decision serves the team's best interest and goal of winning. True fairness lies in the consistency of standards and the opportunity to improve, not in a mathematically equal distribution of minutes or in an exactly the same communication style for every personality. Understanding that differential treatment is often necessary to achieve team objectives helps players manage expectations, build resilience, and focus on their specific contributions to the team's overall success.

"Let Coaches Coach, Parents Parent, and Players Play" ~ Dan Evans (Former Dodgers GM)

At Trinity, our expectations for our volleyball team are higher than at other schools...  "Ad Summum Bonum." 

We view volleyball as a vehicle for delivering lifelong lessons to our players. We believe in teaching our student-athletes personal accountability and problem-solving skills, starting with how they communicate with their coach.  We teach players to encourage others to work toward success, be honest with themselves about their roles and abilities, manage their time effectively, develop character, and recognize that "how" they play is essential. We also emphasize the importance of bouncing back from mistakes and integrating spiritual life into the sport. 

Because of the high expectations of our coaching staff and how Trinity players rise to the occasion, simply walking into a gym with the word "Trinity" on our backs is worth a point or two every match. Below is an outline of expectations for myself, all other coaches and volunteers, players, and parents. Thank you in advance for your time, effort, and mutual respect.          ~ Coach JB

Players Play

Attitude: A positive and team-centered attitude is expected at all times.

• Sacrifice "me" for "we."

• Maintain a positive attitude, especially regarding Trinity volleyball, both in and out of the gym.

• Support all your teammates, managers, and coaches, regardless of age, skill level, or experience.

• Treat every teammate, coach, referee, parent, and yourself with respect at all times.

• Maintain good body language at all times, including facial expressions and word choice.

Communication:  do not make the coaches guess... communicate!  "I am an open book."

• Become familiar with the team website, its uses, and resources.

• Communicate with the coaches directly (not through messages from other players). 

• Players may only discuss their own playing time or position with coaches; they may not discuss another player's playing time or position.

• Assume responsibility for communicating with the coaches as needed.

Health: As athletes, players need to work harder than other students to maintain optimal health.         The team relies on you to do so.

• Get enough sleep.

• Eat healthily and regularly... do not miss meals.  Pack extra snacks, just in case you need more calories.

• Stay hydrated... pre-hydrate, always bring a water bottle, and drink water BEFORE you are thirsty.

• Let a coach know immediately about any health issue, big or small.  This includes injuries, any illnesses, or concerns.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• If you are not early, then you are late.  Do not be late.

• Arrive early enough before practice (about 15 minutes ahead) to change shoes, put up nets, and ready equipment, warm up, and be prepared to start playing on time.  

• Be prepared... double check that you have everything you need.

• Learn every job required to set up and clean up for practice and matches.

• Everyone must do their part to set up and clean up for every practice. 

• Know your role on the team and fulfill it as effectively as possible.

• Learn how to be a reliable keeper of the book and libero tracking sheets, line judge, and scoreboard/clock operator.

• Ask questions when you have them; make sure you understand.

• Communicate with the coaches about all injuries and illnesses.

• Participate in fundraising whenever possible (note: purchasing spirit wear is never mandatory).  

• Be where you are expected to be before, during, and after all volleyball events.

• Keep your parents informed about our team's events.

• Maintain good grades in every class and seek tutoring or other help when needed.

• Be prepared to lead a spontaneous prayer before practices and matches.

Athletic Training Room:

The training room is a medical facility, not a lounge.   If YOU do NOT need help from the trainer or equipment from the training room, then YOU are NOT permitted to be there.  Players must receive permission from a coach PRIOR to going to the training room, EVERY TIME they go, even if it is just for ice or a bandage.  

 Game Day Requirements:  

• Home Games:  ALL players must... 

  • report to the cafeteria to eat by 3:15 sharp,

  • arrive IN the GYM, dressed & ready to set-up/play, no matter which team they are on by 4:00, 

  • STAY IN THE GYM until the last game is finished, and everything is cleaned up.

• Away Games:   ALL players must... 

  • change into their full uniforms at Trinity prior to getting on the bus (w/ the exception of  knee pads and shoes),

  • wear shorts or sweatpants (over spandex for girls) until they get into the away gym,

  • report to the bus port lobby to arrive at least :05 prior to the time the bus will depart,

  • put on shoes after arriving at the away gym,

  • remain in the gym until the last varsity game is finished (JV players too),

  • give the designated coach a written notification from a parent if they are not riding the bus back to Trinity.

• Equipment and Working:  ALL players...

  • who are not playing JV will start setting up nets/equipment no later than 5:00.

  • who are not playing JV will work the JV matches,

  • who are not playing varsity will work varsity matches, and

  • who play on JV will stay to clean up until all work is complete (even if they played varsity too).

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Trinity High School Volleyball takes first priority over all other activities, in and out of school, while in season. Players are allowed to have TWO EXCUSED absences during the season, as long as communication and an explanation are provided.  Examples of "excused absences" are a family emergency, a player's sickness, or an injury that keeps them home from school. Such an absence will be excused only if the player contacts the coaches directly before the date to notify them and provide a reason.  A message sent through another player or family is insufficient.  A third and fourth absence may result in loss of playing time, and a fifth in a coach/player/parent meeting on the topic of... "Why are we keeping you on the team?"  

Our players are student-athletes, and academics take priority over sports.   It is expected that our players plan ahead, organize their time, use tutoring, and reach out to coaches for help to maintain their grades and avoid missing practices/events.  

In addition, school attendance is mandatory for a player to be allowed to attend matches AND practices. They must arrive before 9AM.  A student who arrives at school AFTER 8:59 AM for reasons other than medical appointments (a note must be provided to the school office), or other excused events, will not be allowed to play or practice that day, even in the postseason.  For weekend events, players must have attended school on Friday in order to participate.  This is school policy. The coaching staff checks the attendance report daily.  The attendance and athletic departments monitor this as well and notify the coaches.

A player who missed practice the day before a match may not be the best choice to start or even play.  The coaches must make this decision based on multiple variables that can vary from player to player and from match to match.  

If a player has a medical appointment after 10AM, they MUST attend school prior to the appointment to be eligible to practice/play.  They must return with a note from the doctor's office.  If the player is not returning by the end of the day, this must be noted as well.  

How does a player earn a varsity letter?  All players who play in a regular or postseason varsity match will have earned their varsity letter for that season.  They may continue to play at the JV level.  

Coaches Coach

Coaches will be positive role models by: 

• Providing an atmosphere of teamwork and support,

• Developing an understanding and use of the team's Bible verse for the season,

• Maintaining a positive attitude in general and especially about Trinity volleyball in and out of the gym,

• Modeling being a good sport,

• Respecting everyone in the gym.

Coaches will maintain clear and honest communication by:

• Establishing and reinforcing goals and roles for the team and players,

• Using communication devices such as email, Google Groups, website, calendar, and REMIND in addition to word of mouth,

• Collaborating with all Trinity Volleyball coaches,

• Collaborating with coaches outside of the Trinity Volleyball program.

Coaches roles and responsibilities include:

• Modeling and teaching fundamental to advanced skills necessary to succeed,

• Maintaining rigor in practices with well-structured practice plans,

• Challenging players to exceed their own expectations,

• Providing a safe environment to learn and play,

• Providing appropriate supervision of players,

• Studying and comprehending the big picture of how the team best functions,

• Collecting formative assessments to re-evaluate players and their roles,

• Supporting student academic expectations, responsibilities, and achievements,

• Promoting and enforcing the student and student-athlete codes of conduct,

• Organizing optional opportunities, such as camps and open gyms, for players to continue playing volleyball during the off-season,

• Managing fundraising opportunities to raise money to update equipment,

• Connecting athletic experiences with life experiences,

• Updating clearances when necessary, 

• Maintaining CPR certification, and CoachWise Training (Heat, Cardiac, and Concussion),

• Continuing education in coaching techniques, rules and interpretation, and volleyball in general by attending Coaches' Clinics, reading/viewing coaching/volleyball media.

Parents Cheer

Showing support and maintaining a positive attitude about Trinity volleyball in and outside the gym is something I expect from everyone associated with our Trinity H.S. Volleyball program.  "Beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness." ~Audrey Hepburn

Communication is a two-way street.  When you have questions, we encourage you to please contact me and/or my assistant coaches via text or email or face to face at appropriate times.  Talk to the horse's mouth.  We are here to help.  Please allow your daughter to take most of the responsibility of communicating with coaches.  

Game Day is Different

One of my favorite sayings is, "There is so little coaching when it comes to coaching," because of everything that a coach needs to make happen before, during, and after a match.  For this reason, parents may not approach or contact any coach with non-emergency questions/conversations on game day.  There is too much going on before a match, and the "heat of the moment" is never a good time to talk to or email any coach.  

The role of the parent on the side-line is encouragement.  "I loved watching you play today," or "you are an important part of the success of your team," are examples of helpful words your child needs to hear from you about their play.  Providing instruction or critique to your child or any player, coach, or referee during the match is distracting, inappropriate, and unacceptable.   Some helpful guidelines for sideline expectations are provided here. Sideline behavior  Rick Davis on Appropriate Sideline Behavior for Parents

ONLY Coaches May Coach

It is a coach's job to observe and study the players and team dynamics during every practice and event, so that they understand the big picture and how the team best functions and can succeed.  From there, it is their role to make informed judgment decisions and adjustments whenever necessary, which most benefit the team. The THS Volleyball coaching staff takes this role very seriously.  

Obviously, parents do not have the capability of seeing the big picture, as they are not in the gym 100% of the time the team practices, they do not attend coaches meetings, and they usually do not have the experience or training as a coach in the sport.  Please leave the coaching responsibilities to the coaches.  As parents ourselves, we understand that it is very difficult to accept if your child is not playing as much as you or they may hope, or at a certain position you or they would prefer.  But most team and player issues are not situations that parents have the right to control.  To be clear, here are some examples of issues that must be left to the discretion of the coaches and are generally inappropriate for parents to discuss with coaches:

• playing time,

• position,

• strategy,

• or anything about another athlete's role on the team.

Appropriate concerns up for discussion include:

• mental and physical well-being of your child,

• ways to help your child improve, and

• concerns about your child's behavior.

 FLOW of CONTACT

Our goal is to promote open and proactive communication throughout the season. The contact process begins with a conversation between the athlete and the coach, and, if necessary, continues with a parent-coach meeting, followed by the athletic director's involvement if the issue remains unresolved. 

We first encourage players, and then their parents, to contact the head coach at the earliest appropriate opportunity if an issue arises, enabling a quick and constructive resolution for the benefit of the student-athlete and the team.  Waiting until the season ends to present a 'summation of concerns' to the coaches or administration means we miss the chance to address the issue in real-time, and concerns are unlikely to be addressed effectively. 

If you have questions or concerns about YOUR child, then please respect the following flow of contact procedures. 

1.  First, talk to your child. They are at practice every day and should be aware of the team's situation and their important role on the team.  

2.  If you have spoken with your child and still have a question, then please email the coach to set up a time to talk to the coaching staff.  We will meet with you either before or after practice (not during practice and not on a game day).  We will do our best to be honest with you and answer your questions.  

3. 24-Hour Rule:  On a game day, do not contact a coach in any way about playing time/position or about anything short of "a legitimate issue of safety, illness or emergency" to avoid any heat of the moment conversations or words.

4.  If you feel it necessary to continue a discussion after a meeting with the coaches, then you may schedule a time to sit down with the coaches and athletic director. 

This communication reiterates the policies described on page 7 of the  Athletics Handbook. "Parents must avoid engaging the Athletic Director and/or Principal about an issue without speaking with the Head Coach." "Parents/guardians are not to approach members of a coaching staff in a direct or indirect manner concerning the issues of playing time, tactical decisions, and overall team activity."

Parents: Our administration requires that any children who accompany you to matches or Trinity events and are not yet in high school be under your direct supervision at all times. Children should not be sitting or roaming in the cafeteria or hallways. Please accompany them to the restroom and the concession stand.  Thank you for your cooperation.

PARENT EXPECTATIONS FORM

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS FORM

Some Helpful Links...

Resolving a Conflict in Sports Teams

Ways for Sports Parents to Set a Good Example

The Truth About Sports Parents - The Kids Get Real

7 Ways a Volleyball coach Decides Playing Time

Thanks in advance for a great season, open communication, and mutual respect.

Coach JB