Player Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
2. Coaching Philosophy
3. Program Alignment
4. Coaching Responsibilities
5. Parent Responsibilities
6. Playing Time
7. Fundraising
8. Program Participant Responsibilities
9. Team Expectations
2.. Lady Cougar Volleyball – Team Philosophy
Volleyball played is a thing of beauty. Few athletic endeavors require as much teamwork; rarely does a sport reward hard work so completely. Athletes who study the game and apply the lessons learned relish every opportunity to practice and play.
Your East coaches love volleyball. They are committed to you as students, as athletes, and as young women. It is our goal to help you become as good as you want to be. More important, we strive to help you and your teammates become the best team you can be.
We want to teach you the intricate parts of the game while building star qualities (integrity, respect, excellence, adaptability, responsibility, engagement, collaboration) that will last beyond the game.
3. Program Alignment
C Squad Volleyball
Purpose: Teach players the intermediate rules of high school volleyball and the strategies of Cougar volleyball.
Emphasis: Prepare the players, both mentally and physically, for varsity volleyball. Winning games is not an emphasis. The largest difference between a C squad player and a JV player is their aggressiveness and knowledge of the game. C Squad is participatory based and equal time is given to all those that remain in good standings (attendance, work ethic, positive attitude, successful student, etc.). All players on C Squad will play.
C squad players tend to be more timid for one of two reasons:
(1). They do not understand the game and they play confused.
(2). They do not have the size, strength, and agility to play aggressively.
The focus of C squad volleyball is to overcome these shortcomings and develop players that are ready for the next levels.
B Squad Volleyball
Purpose: Teach players the intermediate rules of high school volleyball and the strategies of Cougar volleyball.
Emphasis: Prepare the players, both mentally and physically, for varsity volleyball. Winning games is not an emphasis. The largest difference between a B squad player and a JV player is their aggressiveness, knowledge of the game, and their skill set. B Squad is competitive based. All Players will play but their playing time will NOT be equal. Better players will see more playing time as long as they remain in good standings (attendance, work ethic, positive attitude, successful student, etc.)
B squad players tend to be more timid for one of three reasons:
(1) They are still developing their understanding of the game and they play confused at times.
(2) They do not have the size, strength, and agility to play aggressively.
(3) Their skill set is still developing and they are still figuring it out.
The focus of B squad volleyball is to overcome these shortcomings and develop players that are ready for JV/Varsity.
Junior Varsity Volleyball
Purpose: Teach players the intermediate rules of high school volleyball and the strategies of Cougar volleyball.
Emphasis: Prepare the players, both mentally and physically, for varsity volleyball. Winning JV games is not an emphasis. The largest difference between a Junior Varsity player and a Varsity player is their skill set level. JV is competitive based. All Players will play but their playing time will NOT be equal. Better players will see more playing time as long as they remain in good standings (attendance, work ethic, positive attitude, successful student, etc.)
Junior Varsity players tend to be slightly timid for one of three reasons:
(1) They do not quite understand the game yet and they may play confused at times.
(2) They do not have the size, strength, and ability to play aggressively.
(3) Have not quite master a skill like hitting a quick or the ability to hit multiple kinds of shots.
The focus of JV volleyball is to overcome these shortcomings and develop players that are ready for varsity.
Varsity Volleyball
Purpose: Teach players the advanced rules of high school volleyball and the strategies of Cougar volleyball.
Emphasis: Win games by fielding the best team of players possible, who are both mentally and physically prepared to play volleyball at the varsity level.
• Prepare potential college athletes for the collegiate level.
* Players will not have equal playing.
• It is possible that some players may not play at all.
• Best players on the floor!
• Varsity plays to win at all times.
4. Coaching Responsibilities:
The Mankato East Volleyball Coaching staff will:
• Provide A safe and positive learning environment.
• Will create competitive practices and progress the skills of every athlete.
• Strive to build & create various characteristics that will last a lifetime.
• Act with integrity, fairness, respect, and honesty. These actions will
be reflected in our coaching, our interactions with officials and our opponents.
• Build a competitive volleyball program.
• Be a positive role model
• Communicate with athletes and parents to make sure we are on the same page.
Communication to Parents:
The East coaching staff will make every effort to attempt to keep our players and their parents/guardians up to date on volleyball program issues and events. We have several ways of communicating with parents and players. They are weekly paper schedules, email, school’s website, Facebook, & Remind text messaging service.
• Please see front of handbook to find your athlete’s coaches email.
• Please refer to the Mankato East Activities Website. Find the volleyball tab.
• A private Facebook group has been created to help keep people informed of times and
changes. Search “Mankato East Volleyball.”
• Please disregard the Remind App. It changed and did not use the code shared with what was printed in the 2022 player parent handbook. Coaches will have contact info on their players and will be able to relay changes that way through text messages.
5. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:
We appreciate all of the commitments and support that you give to Mankato East Athletics.
· Be supportive of your child’s participation on the team.
· Help your child meet her responsibilities to the team.
· Inform the coach of any situation that may have an affect on performance or health.
· Let the coach be the coach.
· Provide only positive comments to officials, athletes, and coaches during competition.
· Act in a way that your athlete and coaching staff will be proud of.
· Be in control of your emotions.
· Cheer for your team.
· Please ask questions.
• Please be prompt when picking up and dropping off your athlete.
Communicating with coaches:
Parents can call/text/email a team coach or the head coach with questions about game times, bus times, practice schedules or any other issues related to being gone. All other volleyball related issues (playing time, etc.) are to be communicated directly between players and coach first.
•24 Hour Rule. If you are concerned about a volleyball-related issue that requires you to speak directly with a coach, we ask that you wait at least 24 hours after the triggering event. ALL parent discussions (text, email, or verbal) will include the athlete.
•Follow the proper protocol when dealing with communication:
1. Athlete must talk with team coach first.
2. Parent(s) can schedule meeting with team coach AND athlete.
3. Parent(s) can schedule meeting with team coach, head coach, AND athlete.
4. Parent(s) can schedule meeting with team coach, head coach, AD, AND
athlete.
6. Playing Time
While we understand that playing time is desired, equal playing time is not guaranteed at the B Squad, JV, and Varsity levels. Playing time decisions are at the sole discretion of the coaching staff. Playing time is earned and is not subject to negotiation. It is expected that each player give their full commitment and effort to their team regardless of their individual playing time.
Playing time can be earned for many reasons, but is not limited to the following
•Individual skills •Work Ethic
•Athleticism •Teamwork skills
•Attitude •Competitiveness
•Attendance •Conduct
If there is a question about playing time, we encourage the player to talk directly with their coach. It is well received when players talk to their coach directly about these matters.
7. Fundraising
Fundraising is very important for the entire program. Your support is greatly appreciated. We have a few fundraising opportunities that we do to help supplement our program.
• Selling Cougar Cards at the beginning of the year.
• Hosting and running tournaments. We host two tournaments during our season. The junior high tournament (Saturday, September 17th) and the C Squad tournament (Saturday, October 8th).
• Instead of paying for officials, line judges, and score keepers our athletes take on these jobs. It
is expected that all our athletes work a short shift. Please plan family activities, other trips,
or events around their shift time.
• Athletes will be signing up for a shift the first week of the season so families will have plenty of
notice on when their daughter has to work. Thanks!
Parent(s), if you would like to help as well, we could use a few parents running the concession stand and collecting money at the door at both these events. Please contact your coach about this if you are interested. Thanks in advance for your help.
8. Program Participant Responsibilities
Team Comes First
As a Cougar volleyball player, you agree that the team is paramount. Your individual goals and your team’s goals do not necessarily conflict, but when they do, you accept the decisions are made for the good of the team. Successes are sweater – setbacks sting less – when they are shared.
Rules help our team run smoothly
Each player must decide if she buys into our system and is willing to commit to this team. Every expectation is for the benefit of the team, and you have to decide, in advance, whether you want to follow them. If not, you should not be part of the team.
Our team thrives on trust and respect
Trust between you coaches and your teammates are important. You must behave in a way that earns their respect. You must do everything reasonably necessary to make yourself and your team better. Comments must be kept positive towards our team, our opponents, and our officials at all times.
Our team works hard!!
Everyone wants to win, but few make the sacrifices to do it. No one will give you anything in life for you must earn it. You cannot cut corners. If, for example, you don’t have a consistent, killer serve, you should work long and hard to get one. You are expected to put forth relentless effort at all times. We believe we will have fun by working hard.
On our team, bench team is playing time
As a Lady Cougar volleyball player, you maintain the same focus and enthusiasm whether you are between the lines or on the bench. You accept that playing time is decided by the coach for the good of the team in circumstances of the moment. Our bench is our secret weapon: every player has her head in the game at every moment and is ready to come in at any opportunity.
Do your job!
Be completely dedicated to the program and know your role for the team. Always be prepared for your role could change at any time. Part of your job is to always have a positive attitude and support your teammates at all times. You must display this support of through positive verbal and nonverbal language.
9. Team Expectations
Practice:
Athletes are expected to:
• Come to practice prepared. This means that they allow time to put on their equipment (shoes,
knee pads, etc.) before practice starts and have their hair is pulled back and off of their face.
Tardiness is not showing preparedness.
• NO JEWELRY worn at practice. You can’t wear it during contests so why wear it a practice?
If you feel you have extenuating circumstances, please talk to your coach.
• Help set up and take down equipment.
• Keep your locker in excellent condition. Each athlete will be given a locker and lock to use.
The lock will be turned in at the end of the season. Many players will be sharing a locker.
* A fee of $7 will be charged if a lock is lost or damaged.
• We will practice Monday-Friday with the exception of no practice on a few days such as
Friday of homecoming week. We will have practice on Monday of Labor Day in the
early evening for varsity. The other coaches will decide their team’s schedule.
• August practices times vary – please look closely at the schedule! Our season will run from
August 13 through the end of October.
• Once the school year begins…
All levels will practice Monday-Friday 3:30-5:30pm. Those that have religious obligations to
attend will be dismissed at 5pm. Varsity/JV may go no later than 6PM on practice days.
Absence from Team Practices and Activities
Excused Absences
• An absence is excused if the player notifies their coach in advance and their coach approves the
absence.
• Absences are strongly discouraged as it disrupts the team, team chemistry, drills, etc.
• Excused absences might include but are not limited to – family emergencies, medical
emergencies, special academic opportunities, and once in a lifetime opportunities.
• Injured players are expected to attend practice for rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Work is not an excused absence.
• Getting caught up on missed assignments due to poor planning is not an excused absence.
• Athletes who miss several practices prior to a match with an excused absences may sit out some
or all of that match.
Unexcused Absences
• An absence is unexcused if the player does not notify their coach before the absence occurs.
• If an unexcused absence occurs for a practice prior to a match, the player could have some
playing time taken away for that match. If missing practices become habitual, then the coach and
athlete will meet to evaluate the player’s commitment to the program. During this meeting, they
will discuss possible solutions, including dismissal from the team.
Hygiene:
Athletes need to:
• be aware of the emerging cases of MRSA, H1N1 and other infectious diseases.
• will have their own water bottle and will not share.
• will provide their own towel and not share.
• wash practice clothing and knee pads on a regular basis.
Uniforms:
Each athlete will be assigned a jersey and athletes are expected to:
• Varsity and B Squad players will need to turn in their uniform tops after every game for laundry services provided by East HS. The jerseys will be returned the next afternoon more than likely. All other players are to wash their jersey and see tag for proper care.
• If there is any damage to the jersey, the athlete will be expected
to pay for a replacement. See jersey’s tag for laundry care.
• turn in their jersey following the last game of their season.
• wear appropriate shoes for volleyball.
• Ankle braces and knee pads are not required but are highly recommended.
• Our volleyball program wears black spandex shorts.
Injuries:
The coaching staff and officials attempt to keep our athletes safe but unfortunately, accidents and injuries happen. If your athlete is injured in practice/competition, she will:
• be seen by Amy Bond, who is our athletic trainer at Mankato East, or one of her colleagues.
• be honest with illnesses and injuries.
• It is up to the medical/athletic training staff to determine when the athlete can resume practicing and competition.
• attend practice if the injury or illness allows.
Please keep in mind that an injury or illness may change the role an athlete plays on a team. If an athlete is out of practice and competition, she will have to earn her spot and prove that she is physically and mentally ready. Just because you are out does not me you automatically get your spot back on the floor.
Impact Base-Line Testing:
• All 7th, 9th, & 11th graders will take the impact baseline test under the supervision of Amy Bond or her representative.
This test is done on a computer and measures reaction/thinking time to a series of questions.
• Also, any new athletes to East High School will also have to take this test.
• This is done at the beginning of the season.
Game Day/ Travel:
• We will travel by school bus for most competitions and tournaments. Athletes at each level may be asked to share seats. Space is limited on the bus, so please prioritize what you need to bring. Athletes should have a travel bag and double check for all required equipment prior to departure. Extra uniforms will not be available in the case that you forget yours.
• Athletes are expected to arrive early to meet the bus. The bus will pick up and drop off outside of the girl’s locker room on the East side of the building. Athletes that are not on time for the bus departure may be left at home if they are not present at departure time.
• We want to emphasize that student-athletes are students first and need to make their schoolwork and studies a priority. Athletes need to prioritize homework and make arrangements for away games. We recommend that athletes bring pre/post competition snacks. Money for concessions stands – with the understanding that the choices are limited and bringing your own healthful choices may be a better option.
• We travel various distances for tournaments and competitions. This may result in arriving in Mankato very late in the evening. All athletes are expected to ride to and from competitions with the team.
* The Mankato District policy for riding home with a parent will need to be followed if there is a circumstance that warrants a student to go with their family rather than the team.
Example – We have a game in Winona on August 22nd and a family has a weekend family trip to Wisconsin on August 23rd. It does not make sense for the family to
drive all the way back to East HS,, pick up their daughter, and then double back to go to Wisconsin Dells.
Please fill out the travel release form from the Activities Office and get it approved prior to the event.
• Athletes need to dress neatly for away games. Jeans are okay if they are without holes. Boxers are not okay as outerwear.
• Students cannot drive themselves to away games.
Home Games
• JV and Varsity players will help set up both courts for all home games. This includes getting the nets up, helping with the placement of chairs, and any other duties that may need to be done so the courts are ready for play. This setup will start no later than 3:45 on game days.
• JV & B Squad athletes are required to help with any additional set up after the JV/B Squad games to get the court ready for varsity’s match. JV & B Squad players are also required to help with Varsity’s warm up by shagging balls and preventing them from rolling back to active players. Once warm up has concluded, JV & B squad players are free to do what they need to do. Staying for the match is not required. C Squad players are encouraged to attend the varsity’s match but also not required for them.
• C Squad players are to assist in the set up and take down of their courts. This includes helping to stack chairs from team benches, picking up trash around them to include cleaning the opposing side’s bench area, and any other duties that may be asked of them by their team’s coach.
Drugs/Alcohol/Illegal Activity:
Mankato East does not tolerate any illegal substances or participation in any illegal activity. Our student athletes will always play and practice drug free. Our students will act in a positive and responsible manner on and off the court.
The first violation will follow the MSHSL guidelines (2 games / 2 weeks). After that probation period is served, an athlete’s playing time does not automatically return.
Academic Eligibility:
Mankato East Cougars are students first, and athletes second. It is the athlete’s responsibility to maintain a strong GPA and remain caught up on schoolwork. Please do not hesitate to ask your coaching staff for help if your grades are falling behind. We want to be proactive, not reactive.
Lettering:
Athletes are eligible to receive a Varsity Letter if she participates as part of the Varsity roster for the entire season; this includes post-season practices and competitions.
Lettering criteria: (Taken from the Mankato East Fall Athletic Lettering Policies)
Seniors with at least two (2) or more years in the program at East HS will not be cut. Must have had B Squad and JV or two years of JV to count as years toward not being cut.
Seniors are not automatically placed on varsity. Seniors who have demonstrated that they do not have the skill set to play at the varsity level will be placed on JV at the beginning of the season. Seniors placed on JV will not letter unless they play in 75% of the varsity matches over the course of the season.
Any senior placed on varsity at the beginning of the season will letter regardless of their playing time. Seniors on varsity must be in good standing (Good attendance, good work ethic, team player, no chemical violations, etc) to receive their letter.
Any transfer seniors will have to try out for a varsity spot and are subject to being placed on JV if deemed by the coaching staff not to have the necessary skill set. Must have played on B Squad and JV or played two years on JV in order not to be cut. Anything less than that, they can be cut.
The equivalent of one set per match throughout the season, with tournaments counting as one set playing in 75% of our total season matches will earn a varsity letter. (e.g. 20 matches in the season. A player needs to have played in 15 different match sets).
• A player can also earn a letter if they are moved up from JV or B Squad over the course of the season and have met the number of sets played as described above.
• All athletes must be a member in good standing at the end of the season to receive their letter.
• Managers – two years experience.
•. The coach reserves the right to award letters under special circumstances, such as injury to a starting player who got injured part way into the season.