Questions & Answers
- What is the difference between Elite Pro, Elite, Regional and Local Teams?
The Elite Pro teams have a tournament schedule that includes at least 2 National Qualifiers and extensive travel throughout the southeast. The Elite teams will participate in tournaments in Florida and 1 National Qualifier. The Regional teams will attend 2 away 1-day tournaments and one local 1-day tournament. Local teams will attend one local tournament and will participate in several scrimmages/tournaments with other teams locally. - Will players play with other players of their own age?
Yes, for the Elite Pro and Elite teams, players are grouped by age (12-18); however, consideration will be given to players “playing up” if their skills are advanced. The Regional/Local teams will be “blended.” We anticipate the following age grouping: 8-12s and 13-15s. This may change, though, depending on the number of players signing up for Regional/Local League play. - How many players will be on a team and how are they chosen?
For Elite Pro and Elite teams there will be between 9 and 12 players per team. For the Regional/League we expect no more than 10 players per team. During tryouts a number of coaches will independently review your player’s skills. They will compile their results and determine teams. If you selected Regional/Local at tryouts as your skill level, but we feel your player would do better participating on a Elite team, we will tell you. Whether the player moves up to the Elite team though, would be your decision. - How are coaches chosen?
We have very experienced coaches. Coaches are chosen based on their volleyball coaching experience with certain age groups. Some coaches prefer to coach younger players while others prefer the older girls. All our coaches are experienced and many have played college volleyball or coached in college, high school or middle school. - Will my player receive equal playing time on the court?
During practice every player should receive equal practice/playing time. During tournaments, though, playing time is dependent on the prior week’s practice, skill development, etc. Every player earns their playing time on the court during tournaments. For the Regional/League teams, playing time will be much more equal due to the size of the teams – this is why the Regional/League teams are considered “developmental” teams. - How many practices per week will each team have and how long is the “season?”
The Elite Pro teams will practice at least 3 times per week. Elite and Regional teams will practice 2-3 times per week. Local teams will practice 2 times per week. All practices will begin within a month of team selection. Tournaments begin in January for most teams and all will conclude in April. - What exactly is the Regional and Local teams all about?
Many players coming out of “City League” volleyball do not have the skill sets necessary to participate on an Elite Pro or Elite team. The Regional/Local teams will work with the player to develop these skill sets. The players will also learn the 5-1 and 6-2 rotations, the proper passing platform, movement, overhand serve, etc. - Do I need to buy jerseys or other equipment to play?
Every player should have several common items as follows: several “black” spandex shorts, "black" knee pads, "black" socks and a good pair of volleyball shoes. Local Team players will receive 2 shirts; Regional Teams 2 jerseys and 2 practice shirts; Elite Teams 3 jerseys and 2 practice shirts; and, Elite Pro Teams 4 jerseys, Nike volleyball shoes and 2 practice shirts. As we are a Nike Elite Club, all our jerseys are Nike. Our Elite Pro and Elite Teams are required to wear all Nike brand gear during tournaments. - How are hotels selected?
For most tournaments we are required to stay at certain hotels. These are called "stay to play" tournaments. For each team to play in that tournament, a set number of rooms have to be booked by that team. After the minimum is met for your team, you may book at the hotel of your choice. We require all players to book at least 1 stay to play hotel per season. You will also find players tend to “bond” with their teammates when they all stay together. Our travel coordinator will seek the best hotel deal for the club and notify your team mom as soon as possible. - How can I pay for club?
We have several payment options. Of course the first and preferred option is to pay your total fee up front on signing day. The second option is a deposit on signing day, with the remaining balance divided into 4 monthly payments. These payments are due on the 15th of each month, beginning the first month after signing. If you need additional time to pay, you will need to contact our Treasurer, Susan Atwood at [email protected]. These provisions will be made on an individual basis. - Is there a discount if I have more than one player playing with the Jrs?
There is not currently a discount for those with more than one player, however we do provide several fundraising opportunities to off set the cost for all our players. - Can girls travel together locally and out of town?
Locally, players can carpool to practice. However, when traveling out of town the parent is responsible for their player. Coaches are not allowed to drive players to an out of town tournament under any circumstances. - Tell me more about fundraising.
We encourage fundraising on behalf of the player, team and club. Parents can come up with their own fundraising ideas for their team or player. The club will also try and undertake fundraising but for the most part, teams working together have the most fundraising success. Any money a team raises through fundraising is dedicated to that team and pro-rated among the players who participated in the fundraising activity. If a single player raises money that player can decide how the money is to be allocated. - How do I deal with issues/problems with my child’s coach?
First you should try to talk with the team coach. Your discussion should take place out of earshot of any players and not during match play or practice. If you are not satisfied with the coach’s answer, you may contact the club Director. If still not satisfied, you may ask the Jrs Board to address your issue.