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NW Elite Volleyball Club

Parent-Player Handbook

2021-2020

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MISSION STATEMENT

NW Elite Volleyball Club is a USA Volleyball affiliated club designed to train and educate

young athletes in the sport of volleyball. We strive to empower our athletes with a

commitment to develop sportsmanship, work ethic, communication skills, team oriented

achievements, and excellence in athletic performance at practice, in competition and the

community.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

NW Elite Volleyball Club is dedicated to developing a competitive volleyball program

within the Columbia Empire Volleyball Association. NW Elite Volleyball Club uses three

pillars of training: technical, tactical and physical which profoundly develop the

fundamental skills needed to compete. NW Elite teaches life lessons and provides

opportunities to develop leadership skills through sports while securing and nurturing an

environment which fosters the maturity of athletes on and off the court. NW Elite

Volleyball Club encourages a positive approach to training and competition while

maintaining a competitive method to the game of volleyball through individual and team

oriented drills and competition.

NW Elite Volleyball Club encourages a fun, challenging, and educational club experience

while creating and maintaining a positive learning environment. An enhanced sense of

community is fostered among athletes, coaches and parents.

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USA VOLLEYBALL SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT

I WILL

● I WILL abide by the official rules of USA Volleyball.

● I WILL display good sportsmanship at all times.

● I WILL educate myself on the unique rules of this facility and abide by them.

● I WILL generate goodwill by being polite and respectful to those around me at this

event.

● I WILL immediately notify the Event Director and/or Program Administrator in the

event that I witness any illegal activity.

● I WILL acknowledge that the spectator seating around the courts are for the primary

use of those watching the match in progress.

● I WILL acknowledge that spectators may rightfully choose to remain in a seat for an

entire match without switching sides of the court when the teams switch.

I WILL NOT

● I WILL NOT harass or intimidate the officials including line judges and scorekeepers.

● I WILL NOT participate in any game or game-like activities unless I have a current

membership card with USA Volleyball.

● I WILL NOT bring and/or carry any firearms at any USA Volleyball event.

● I WILL NOT bring, purchase, or consume alcohol at any Youth/Junior volleyball

event.

WARNING!

Risk of injury from flying objects incidental to the sport of Volleyball may occur at this

event. Attend at your own risk. Please pay close attention to your surroundings and be on

alert at all times, especially during active play.

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JUNIOR CLUB PERSONNEL CODE OF ETHICS

It is the duty and obligation of USA Volleyball affiliated Junior Club Program administrators, directors, coaches

and other club personnel to assure the following Code of Ethics is followed and adhered to by all individuals

who have an active role in a USA Volleyball Junior Club Program in any Region of USA Volleyball.

In a continuing effort to promote safe, healthy and ethical communication, relationships and treatment of all

USA Volleyball players and personnel, all adults associated with a junior club program must read, accept and

submit this Code of Ethics.

1. All adult club personnel affiliated with a junior program must be a registered member with a Region of USA

Volleyball and USA Volleyball.

2. All adult club personnel including coaches, chaperones, assistant coaches, trainers, etc. affiliated with a

junior program intending to participate in USA Volleyball must have an approved and current background

screen on file as per USA Volleyball policy. It is intended that the term “all adult club personnel” be all inclusive

and not limited to only those categories identified herein.

3. A head coach or assistant coach affiliated with a junior program must also: be an adult (see Region

definition of an adult) and be IMPACT certified according to USA Volleyball and Region policies.

4. If allowed by Region rules, an assistant coach who has not yet met the age of majority in the state of

residence must be supervised by a head coach recognized by the Region and must meet all applicable Region

and USA Volleyball requirements. Individuals who are registered as junior players and also have an interest in

coaching should contact their region regarding coaching eligibility.

5. Responsibilities:

A. A head coach or other equally qualified club personnel must be present at all practices and

competitions. A head coach, adult club representative personnel or registered chaperone must be

present during team- supervised travel. This individual shall be responsible for the moral, legal and

ethical well-being for each participant during team/club activities.

B. Coaches shall understand the unique power of a coach-athlete relationship. Coaches and all other club

personnel shall not exploit athletes and shall avoid any relationships which could compromise the

integrity of the learning and participation process, impair their professional judgment and/or take

advantage of a situation for their own personal gain or gratification.

C. All club personnel must understand that all forms of sexual abuse, assault or harassment of a current or

former athlete are unethical and illegal even when an athlete invites or consents to such behavior or

involvement. Club personnel shall not engage in sexual/romantic relationships with current athletes or

other participants over whom there is/was authority. See B above.

D. All club personnel shall insure that all individuals have met all Regional Volleyball Association and USA

Volleyball membership requirements prior to participation in any club, team and/or Region/National

USA Volleyball activity.

E. All club personnel must inform the players and their parent(s)/guardian(s) about any Region and/or

USA Volleyball transfer policy. This policy may restrict or prohibit a participant from transferring to

another club or team if specified criteria have been met. Likewise, all club personnel must inform the

players their parent(s)/guardian(s) of any rules or policies regarding coaching transfers during a

particular season.

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F. All club personnel shall abide by and inform the players and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of applicable

regional recruiting policies.

G. All club personnel may not participate in, require another individual to participate in, or condone any act

considered to be illegal under federal, state or local laws and/or ordinances.

H. All club personnel shall strive to educate their athletes and personnel to respect, honor and adhere to

the rules of the facility being used during practices, tournaments or events. In this regard, the rules of

the facility shall have priority over the rules of the Regional Volleyball Association.

I. All club personnel shall ensure that all activities are suitable for the age, experience and ability of their

athletes.

J. All club personnel shall seek professional medical advice when making decisions regarding an injured

athlete's ability to continue training or playing.

K. All club personnel shall, while serving in a professional capacity, avoid any drug, tobacco or alcohol use

while in the presence of athletes.

L. All club personnel shall not supply or condone the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, fireworks,

ammunition, firearms, knives or any item or material that can be used as a weapon, to any of the

participants or athletes and shall report any athlete using or in the possession of the same.

M. All club personnel shall not allow, encourage, condone or require any behavior that threatens an

athlete’s amateur status or Regional, USA Volleyball, school and/or collegiate eligibility.

N. All club personnel shall maintain all relationships with other club personnel on a professional and

confidential basis.

O. All club personnel must be positive role models. This includes being courteous, respectful and polite to

players, parents, other coaches, club directors, event personnel, and officials.

P. All club personnel will not engage in any physical, verbal or emotional harassment, abusive words or

actions, or coercion of current and/or former athletes.

Q. All club personnel will immediately report any suspected case of illegal activity, abuse, assault,

harassment, or ethical violations of this club personnel code of ethics to the appropriate authorities,

including Regional Volleyball Administrators.

6. All club personnel shall abide by and inform the players and their parent(s)/guardian(s) of applicable

regional recruiting policies.

7. All club personnel may not participate in, require another individual to participate in, or condone any act

considered to be illegal under federal, state or local laws and/or ordinances.

8. All club personnel shall strive to educate their athletes and personnel to respect, honor and adhere to the

rules of the facility being used during practices, tournaments or events. In this regard, the rules of the facility

shall have priority over the rules of the Regional Volleyball Association.

9. All club personnel shall ensure that all activities are suitable for the age, experience and ability of their

athletes.

10. All club personnel shall seek professional medical advice when making decisions regarding an injured

athlete's ability to continue training or playing.

11. All club personnel shall, while serving in a professional capacity, avoid any drug, tobacco or alcohol use

while in the presence of athletes.

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12. All club personnel shall not supply or condone the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, fireworks, ammunition,

firearms, knives or any item or material that can be used as a weapon, to any of the participants or athletes

and shall report any athlete using or in the possession of the same.

13. All club personnel shall not allow, encourage, condone or require any behavior that threatens an athlete’s

amateur status or Regional, USA Volleyball, school and/or collegiate eligibility.

14. All club personnel shall maintain all relationships with other club personnel on a professional and

confidential basis.

15. All club personnel must be positive role models. This includes being courteous, respectful and polite to

players, parents, other coaches, club directors, event personnel, and officials.

16. All club personnel will not engage in any physical, verbal or emotional harassment, abusive words or

actions, or coercion of current and/or former athletes.

17. All club personnel will immediately report any suspected case of illegal activity, abuse, assault,

harassment, or ethical violations of this club personnel code of ethics to the appropriate authorities, including

Regional Volleyball Administrators.

Any violation of this Code may result in sanction being issued against the club representative, the individual(s)

and the club/team involved. These sanctions may extend to the loss of eligibility of the club representative, the

individual's), the entire club and the team involved.

Fee/Refund Policy

Once you have signed a CEVA Letter of Commitment, there is a non-refundable deposit due to

secure the spot. Subsequent refund of any monthly club dues is based on the number of players per

team and given for professionally documented medical reasons ONLY.

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Practice Facilities

Our practice locations are at multiple gyms in the Oregon City, Wilsonville, and Molalla area.

Oregon City High School

19761 S. Beavercreek Rd

Oregon City, OR 97045

Jackson Campus (MAIN for OC)

1306 12th St.

Oregon City, OR 97045

Eastham Campus

1404 7th st.

Oregon City, OR 97045

Ogden Middle School

14133 S Donovan Rd

Oregon City, OR 97045

Molalla River School Dist.

Wilsonville High School

6800 SW Wilsonville Rd

Wilsonville, OR 97070

Parents, we ask for your kind assistance in regulating the “NO FOOD IN THE GYM” rule. It is important to

note that we do not own our practice facilities and that we appreciate having access to these facilities for our

athletes to play, it is imperative that we take care of them. In addition, after practice all players need to clean

up their court area so that the incoming teams enter into a clean gym.

Team Eligibility

Tryout & Fee

During tryouts, we expect to evaluate a large number of athletes with varying levels of playing experience.

Players will be evaluated on skill execution, leadership, motivation, attitude, desire and overall athletic ability.

The tryout fee for the 2019-2020 club season is $20.00. All fees paid are non-refundable. This fee covers

administrative costs and facility expenses. To participate in tryouts players MUST register with CEVA/USA

Volleyball and must present proof of membership at first tryout date.

Team Composition

Teams will comprise players that best fit the positions. Teams will consist of 10-12 players. Some players

may be asked to compete above their age level if the coaching staff believes that it is in the best interest of the

player and team.

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Financial Commitment

It is the primary goal of NW Elite Volleyball Club to provide training at an affordable cost to all players. For

2019-2020 season, the club fee will differ by age group, number of practice hours per week, and level of

competition (tournament fees vary).

NW Elite Volleyball Club fees cover facility rental, liability insurance, head coach wages, coaches’ fees,

operating expenses, equipment, and multiple tournament entry fees. When a player/parents commit to NW

Elite Volleyball Club for the upcoming season, parents are responsible for the full non refundable registration

fee (50% of dues). The payment for club fees are due by the specified payment deadlines seen below.

Payment Schedule

1st Payment: Half of team fee due on commitment day + Uniform Deposit

2nd Payment: ⅓ of 50% original fee due by January 28, 2020

3rd Payment: ⅓ of 50% original fee due by February 28, 2020

4th Payment: ⅓ of 50% original fee due by March 31, 2020

(So half due at registration, and remaining dues can be broken up over three payments each due the 10th of

the assigned month, paid in full by March)

*If any scheduled payment is not received by the due date, the player will not be permitted to

participate in any NW Elite Volleyball Club activity until payment is received.

Fundraising

NW Elite team will often participate in fundraisers each season. Funds raised will be used for scholarships and

individual administration approved team needs.

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NW Elite VBC Expectations

Commitment

It is Crucial to be committed to the program. The club season is an ideal opportunity to learn the individual

drills and team oriented systems. In addition, player’s commitment to the club’s and USA Volleyball Player’s

Code of Conduct, each team will also have its own rules established by the players and coaches that must be

respected.

Time Commitment

The 2020-2021 season runs from December 2020 to June 2021.

Practices

We expect players to be punctual and mentally prepared to work hard. It is understandable that an illness,

injury or emergency may arise. However, if a player is unable to attend a practice, he or she must notify the

coach in advance to practice and/or tournament. Should your player be sick/contagious please do not attend

practice. Players that are injured and are unable to practice, are expected to attend practice to learn from the

coach’s progressive technical and tactical strategies that will form the integrated development framework upon

your return to the court.

You are required to be on time to practices. Unexcused absences will result in loss of playing time in the

upcoming tournament. Please arrive at practice 10 minutes early to ensure that you have adequate time to

prepare and be ready to step onto the court at the scheduled practice time. Lack of practice attendance will

affect playing time at tournaments and missed training time may affect the wellbeing of the team and the

individual’s own skills advancement.

In the case of inclement weather, coaches will contact players at their preferred contact number to notify them

of practice changes and/or cancellations. Practices that are canceled due to inclement weather are not

guaranteed to be made up.

Tournaments

Time played at tournaments is earned and not given out equally. Practice is where the athletes learn and grow

in skill development. Participation at practice helps determine tournament play time.

Tournaments are usually on Saturdays and/or Sundays and require full day attendance. All players are

expected to be in the gym, ready to warm up, at the arrival time determined by the coach. NW Elite Volleyball

Club standard is one hour prior to the first game regardless of if you play or referee. Please plan travel time

accordingly. Specific information on each tournament is not typically available until the week of the tournament.

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Due to issues of liability and insurance, NW Elite Volleyball Club coaches, directors and administration cannot

be responsible for any transportation to or from any tournaments or practices.

Officiating and scorekeeping are an integral part of participating in volleyball tournaments. All players and

coaches must attend one (online or in person) officiating clinic per season. Parents are encouraged to attend

also. Officiating at tournaments is a shared responsibility for the entire team. If your team is officiating, other

players may not leave the tournament site unless excused by the coach.

Travel

Travel expenses are the responsibility of each family. If traveling out of area, all team members will be required

to stay in the same hotel. A block of hotel rooms may be reserved by NW Elite Volleyball Club in order to

secure a group rate. It is the responsibility of each family to call and book one of the rooms reserved in NW

Elite Volleyball Club’s name. Parents/Guardians are responsible for their players while traveling. If a

parent/guardian cannot attend/travel, they must provide written proof (email, signed note, text) of who is

designated to be temporary guardian during all travel.

Upon arrival at the hotel, coaches will establish a curfew time for players. It is the responsibility of parents and

chaperones to assist in enforcing these curfews. Players will not leave the hotel without a chaperone and must

adhere to the coach’s set curfew time. Any player found in possession of, or to have used alcohol, tobacco or

other controlled substances while representing NW Elite Volleyball Club will be sent home immediately at the

expense of the parent or guardian. Violation of any of these travel policies may result in expulsion from the

club. Club administration and/or Coach may, at their discretion, send a player home at the expense of the

parent or guardian for violation of any USAV/club policy or rule.

Player Expectations

Players are expected to adhere to all City, County, State and Federal Laws as well as all USAV rules and

regulations. Violations of these laws or rules/regulations may result in expulsion from the club.

Additionally players are expected to:

● Be a team player; the team comes first, always and no matter what.

● Have a positive attitude at all times; encourage and support your teammates to the best of your ability,

whether you are on the court or on the sidelines.

● Demonstrate strong club/team spirit and pride.

● Be a leader on and off the court.

● Stay focused, mindful, and display a strong work ethic at every practice and tournament.

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● Always show respect to all teammates, parents, coaches and officials.

● Do not provide, use, or condone the use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or recreational

drugs.

● Do not remain in a location where this kind of activity is taking place. The

use of any illegal substances will not be tolerated.

● Clean up after yourself (gyms, cars, hotels, restaurants, schools, etc.).

● Be the kind of teammate you would like to have beside you. Find ways to make your teammates better

at every opportunity and celebrate team successes.

● Participate in NWE adopted CEVA and/or USA Volleyball Inclusion & Diversity awareness program.

NW Elite Volleyball Club Director reserves the right to place player on probation or suspension for violation of

any rules or regulations. Probation results in the ability of the player to practice with the team, but not

participate in tournaments. A suspension may result in the player not participating in practice or tournaments

for an agreed upon amount of time.

Multiple Sport Athletes

NW Elite Volleyball Club expects our players to make a commitment to their team for the season. We are

aware that our athletes may also play other competitive sports during the club volleyball season. We believe

that being a well-rounded athlete is vital to your development. However, any athlete that chooses to play in a

school or other club sports during our club season must sit down with their parents and coaches to determine

the following factors:

1. Identify which sport has priority when there is a conflict.

2. Consider the time commitment required to be successful in each activity.

3. Compare schedules and determine the number of practices and tournaments they will miss, need to

leave early for, or be late to.

4. Consider the physical and mental strain they might endure.

5. Assess how their other extracurricular activities will affect their contribution to the team as a whole and

how it may affect their playing time.

6. All athletes must disclose intended extracurricular activities to the coaches during the selection process

and prove that their club volleyball team will be a high priority. The coach will then have discretion as to

whether or not to accept a multi-sport athlete onto their roster.

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Parent Code of Conduct for Tournaments and Practices

Parent participation is essential for the success of the teams and individual athletes. Active and responsible

parents also contribute to the positive image of NW Elite Volleyball Club within the community.

NW Elite Volleyball Club is responsible for the actions of their players, coaches, parents, and spectators.

Please adhere to the following guidelines for tournament etiquette:

Respect: Please be respectful to all players, coaches, officials, linesman, scorekeepers, teams, parents, etc.

In the case of repeated negative behavior, NW Elite Volleyball Club reserves the right to restrict the attendance

of spectators at tournaments. If parents do not cooperate, the club may have no other choice but to dismiss the

player from the team.

Cheer: Cheer for your team and players! Do not be negative about the players, the coach, or the other team at

any time.

DO NOT coach from the sidelines: There is a big difference between cheering for the team and attempting to

coach from the bleachers. Leave the coaching to the coach.

DO NOT approach the officials: Please do not ever approach, or yell at any of the officials, lines persons, or

scorekeepers at a tournament. If a discrepancy occurs, let the coach deal with the problem.

Communicate with the coach at appropriate times: You should always feel free to talk to the coach. There

is an appropriate time and place to discuss an issue with the coach. Tournaments are not the time to do this.

Team Parents

NW Elite Volleyball Club would like to have 1 (one) parent per team to handle team email communications and

food table organization for tournaments. Team parents will be required to attend each tournament as they will

be responsible for setting up the food table and tent if necessary.

Team parents may facilitate a social media page specific for their team. However, please note that such pages

ARE NOT affiliated directly with NW Elite VBC. NW Elite VBC is not responsible for content and information

presented on non-official social media sites.

Team Bonding/Team Parties

NW Elite Volleyball club has zero affiliation with ANY parent player created party or bonding event. If parents

or players decide to meet outside of club designated practice/tournament times, it is NOT a sanctioned club

event. All club sanctioned events will be on the club calendar. Please note any parent/player events outside of

posted club events are not mandatory and are solely discretionary by parents and/or guardians.

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Grievance Procedures/Dispute Resolution

Competitive team athletics, by its very nature, creates an environment where athletes, parents and/or coaches

may not be in agreement with all decisions made. Knowing when and how to communicate with the coach or

Club Director is a concern for almost every parent. Athletes are encouraged to advocate for themselves and to

communicate with their coaches. Athletes are expected to discuss any issues concerning playing time or any

other volleyball related subject with their coaches first before escalation is needed.

Parents are encouraged to communicate with the Club Director only after exhausting all the resources to

resolve the problem.

Coaches are instructed not to engage in controversial discussions during tournaments. If a coach is

approached during a tournament, he/she has been instructed to: politely decline to discuss any controversial

matter and/or refer the parent to the Player/Parent handbook for review of appropriate grievance protocol.

Parents and athletes are to adhere to the following grievance protocol:

(It is of the utmost importance to teach our young athletes to advocate for themselves.)

1. The athlete speaks with the coach where appropriate.

2. The athlete meets with the coach to discuss the matter. If the matter is not resolved or the athlete has a

reasonable concern about speaking to the coach, please proceed to step two.

3. The parent meets with the coach to discuss the matter. If the matter is not resolved or the parent has

reasonable concern about speaking to the coach, please proceed to step three.

4. The parent meets with the Club Director. In certain situations, the Club Director may ask either the

coach or athlete (or both) to attend the meeting.

5. All decisions and recommendations by NW Elite Volleyball Club and the Club Director are final and not

subject to appeal.

(The recommended time for a parent and/or athlete to meet with a coach is immediately after a

scheduled practice.)

If a player or parent has a dispute about a practice/match/tournament, a 24 hour rule is in place as a

cool down period before the dispute is made. There are too many emotions involved right after

practice/matches/tournaments for clear thinking and communication to occur. We have a 24 hour rule

in place so that the parent, player and coach can take time to think through the problem they have

before approaching the situation.

Please note: It is Inappropriate for an athlete and/or a parent to approach any other

NW Elite Volleyball Club members about a problem the athlete and/or a parent is

having with a coach, about objections to coaching, or administrative decisions. For the

health of the teams and the Club as a whole, grievances must be handled via the

grievance process outlined above. Violation of this rule is immediate player

suspension and/or possible dismissal of your athlete.

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NW Elite Volleyball Club strongly promotes fairness and believes in open communication. All issues and

concerns are immediately addressed with the athlete's well-being in mind.

NW Elite Volleyball Club is dedicated to keeping an open line of communication between all involved. We want

the players/parents to feel comfortable with our staff. We are here to make this season enjoyable as well as a

great learning and growing experience for your athlete.

NW Elite Volleyball Club reserves the right to amend this player/parent handbook at ANY time.

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NW ELITE VBC Mandatory Acknowledgment Page 2020-2021

Player Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the

statements in this Handbook.

Applicant Signature Date

Print Name

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the

statements in this Handbook.

Applicant Signature Date

Print Name

Bullying Stops Here Pledge: NW Elite Volleyball Club

I will not be rude, mean or a bully to my teammates.

I will not use my cell phone or computer to hurt my teammates or opponents.

I will include my teammates who are left out.

I will help teammates being bullied by speaking out and getting a coach's help.

Player Name

Player Signature Date