FAQ

Welcome to the 218 Elite Volleyball Club family! We are excited for your player and family to join us. Please read through the following information carefully as it outlines the program’s policies and procedures important to your player’s success. 

MISSION AND PURPOSE 

The mission of the 218 Elite VBC is to develop players of advanced skills through a fun but challenging experience. 

This is NOT an intra-mural or non-competitive club. Challenging players and enhancing competitive volleyball is the primary goal of 218 Elite. Coaches are working to develop a high standard of sportsmanship, self-esteem, teamwork, and self-discipline in participants.

We are committed to providing the best possible environment for our volleyball players to reach their maximum playing potential through excellence in coaching and community support. Players will be challenged to excel in personal growth for themselves and the betterment of their team and this organization. 

We believe that team-building leads to success on and off the court. Players will be required to display a positive attitude, good character, and commitment to the sport and their team. 

COMMUNICATION 

1. Communication from the club and coaches will primarily be through TeamReach. The 218 Elite VBC group can be joined using the code: 218ELITE.

2. During the season all electronic communication to coaches should only be through TeamReach. Please do not use social media, texting, or email. 

3. If there is an issue that concerns a player, communication should be between the player and coach first. If necessary, the parents may then contact the coach to set up a meeting. If the issue does not get resolved then the issue may be brought to the board. All meetings whether player or parent must be outside of practice time. 

4. 24 Hour Rule: Players, parents/guardians, and coaches are all expected to follow the 24 hour rule should questions or concerns arise during a tournament. Emotions can run high at times and this “cooling off” period is to help foster respectful communication for all.

TEAM PLACEMENT 

Team placement will be determined by USAV age and ability. Teams will be decided upon eligibility AND skills assessment. Each team will roster up to 10 players. While it is our hope to be able to offer a team to all of our registrants, registration will not guarantee placement on a team – we must have enough girls of the same age eligibility and ability to field a team at that level. If we are unable to offer a team to your player you will be notified by Monday December 8th @ 5PM. 

In order for coaches to finalize tournament selections, any known conflicts must be communicated at registration to ensure maximum player attendance.  Coaches have the final determination of tournament selection. 

PLAYER ATTENDANCE 

Player attendance at practices and tournaments is crucial to the success of the team and the overall success of the program. It is important that our coaches are able to run effective practices as well as be able to plan and prepare for tournaments. Please review the following attendance points carefully and decide if participation is a commitment your player and family can make for the entirety of the season. 

MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES

Participants involved in an in-season school sport will be required to submit their schedule to their coach so that coaches can try to plan accordingly. It is expected that players that also choose to participate in the club season will commit to being at practices for the time they are able, whether it is the full practice or partial. For example, if a player has basketball practice from 5-7 and JO practice from 6-8, it is expected that they attend JO practice immediately following their basketball practice. 

Participation in other club sports may present several scheduling conflicts. If conflicts arise between JOs and another club sport it is the expectation that JOs will be the first priority, so we ask that you evaluate whether or not you can fulfill your commitment to your team for the entire duration of the season. 

ILLNESS/INJURY

We know illness and/or injuries happen. If a player is going to be absent due to illness or injury it should be communicated as soon as possible. A signed parent or doctor’s note will be required for the absence to be considered excused. In the case of injury, player safety is always the top priority. If there has been an injury or medical issue requiring ongoing medical care, significant time out of play, surgery, etc. clearance to play should be provided to the coach to ensure the safety of the participant. Injured players should still attend practices/tournaments if they are able. 

FAMILY EMERGENCIES AND FAMILY EVENTS  

If an absence due to a family emergency is necessary, it should be communicated to the coach as soon as possible. 

Family events (including a vacation) where a player will be absent from a tournament will only be considered excused if it is communicated by December 8th. If a player misses practice due to a family event it is required to be communicated at least 1 week in advance or it will be considered unexcused. 

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

We have limited practice time and teams participate in a set number of tournaments. It is important that attending practice and tournaments is a priority. 

The following examples will be considered unexcused absences: failure to use the guidelines mentioned above, hair appointments, nail appointments, routine appointments, work, job interviews, concerts, etc. The following action will be taken for unexcused absences:

First offense: Player will sit a set at the next tournament. A discussion with the player regarding attendance requirements will take place. 

Second offense: Player will sit a match at the next tournament. A message to the parents regarding attendance will be sent.  

Third offense: A meeting with the coaches, player, player’s  parent(s), and board member(s) will take place to discuss further participation in the remainder of the season. 

EQUIPMENT 

All players should have non-marking tennis shoes, knee pads, a water bottle, and a whistle. 

Athletic attire should be worn for practices. The 218 Elite jersey and solid-colored black shorts or leggings must be worn for all tournaments. 

Uniform re-use is a huge way our program has been able to keep fees lower than our competitors; jerseys are to be returned to coaches at the end of the season in well-kept condition. Anything outside normal wear and tear will be subject to fees.

PRACTICES 

1. Each team will have 1-2 practices a week. Practices will begin in late November.

2. It is the responsibility of the player/parent to get to and from practice. Only the players that have signed waivers are allowed at practice. Practices are not open to parents. 

3. Players should be ready to start at the practice time with the appropriate gear in place (tennis shoes, knee pads, water bottle, etc.). 

4. Cell phones are NOT allowed to be out during practice time, including water breaks. 

5. In the event practice needs to be canceled a message will be sent from the coaches through TeamReach. 

TOURNAMENTS 

1. Travel is required and it is the responsibility of the player/parent to get to and from tournaments. Depending on the level of the team, some teams may travel more than others.. 

2. Teams will participate in 6-8 tournaments. 

3. Some tournaments will be solely pool play and some will also include bracket play. Schedules for tournaments will be sent out via TeamReach when they are made available to us (usually the Wednesday leading up to the event). 

4. Players must have all the appropriate gear and be wearing the proper 218 Elite jersey with black solid-colored shorts or leggings in order to participate in a tournament. Players without the proper uniform or gear will not be eligible to play. 

5. Cell phones are NOT allowed to be out during matches, including during matches the team is officiating. 

PLAYING TIME 

As we strive to develop our players it is the goal of the 218 Elite VBC that every player has some role in every match. However, playing time is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the coach. Performance at practices, skill, game management, attitude, and effort are all taken into consideration for playing time. 

PLAYER EXPECTATIONS 

1. All players must follow the Player’s Code of Conduct. The 218 Elite VBC has a zero tolerance policy on bullying; bullying behavior will result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the club. Players are expected to have a good attitude and be respectful of their teammates, the coaches, opponents, officials, and the club, both on and off the court. 

2. All teams will be officiating matches during tournaments. Players are required to learn how to keep score, line judge, and referee. All players must take a turn in each of these roles. 

3. 218 Elite VBC will follow the school policy on suspensions. If a player is suspended from school or school related activities, they will not be allowed to attend any practices or tournaments while the suspension is in place. 

Please reach out with any questions. We look forward to a great season together!