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PARENT/PLAYER HANDBOOK

Parent/Player Handbook
2024 Season

 

Metro Volleyball Club
Washington, DC
www.metrovbc.com

 

 

OUR MISSION

Metro VBC is dedicated to providing young athletes and coaches with the opportunity to grow and mature through the sport of volleyball.  
 
Metro VBC is committed to assisting young athletes in achieving these goals by fostering in them and in ourselves a personal commitment to support each other and work as a team, which requires diligence, perseverance and discipline.  We recognize that all the coaches, athletes, parents and members benefit from being committed to a volleyball club that has a continuity of purpose and that pursues excellence. 
 
Metro VBC is a nationally competitive volleyball club dedicated to providing quality coaches, training and schedule to best obtain exposure from collegiate coaches at the travel level.
 

 


ABOUT METRO

Metro Volleyball Club of Washington DC provides volleyball instruction to junior girls ages 6-18 around the Maryland, VA and DC area.  Metro VBC offers several levels of volleyball instruction to all ages and abilities.
 
Metro Volleyball Club of Washington, DC (Metro VBC) provides the athlete a chance to refine their volleyball skills and compete in an organized fashion at local, state and national levels.  Metro is affiliated with USA Volleyball (USAV) as a member of the USAV Chesapeake Region.  The Chesapeake Region is a member of USAV and oversees junior volleyball coordination within its region.  USAV is the National Governing Body for the sport of volleyball in the United States and is recognized by the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) and the United States Olympic Committee.  USAV, through its Rules Interpreter implements FIVB rules for its members.  USA Volleyball hosts the prestigious US Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships, which many clubs strive to qualify for throughout their club season. 
 
 
Metro VBC serves the volleyball community in Washington, DC and the surrounding Metropolitan area.  Metro VBC, formally Metro American Volleyball Club, is a highly competitive junior club impacting the USA National Team, the Chesapeake Region, and colleges and universities throughout the country.  The club has had numerous athletes attend some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country on a volleyball scholarship.

 

 

History of College Attendance

Metro VBC, is proud to have athletes in many fine programs across the country.  Metro’s history is a credit to the athletes, their families and the coaching staff.  It encompasses hours of hard work and dedication.  
 
Please see http://www.metrovbc.com/college-commitments for current college players, along with recent commitments by our current Metro VBC players.

 

 

Management 

Silvia Johnson - Club Director metrovbc@gmail.com
Brandie Couch - Administrative Assistant brandie.metrovbc@gmail.com
Patti Westenburg-Central Region Director pattiwestenberg@yahoo.com
Alice Hughes-East Region Director kahrs24@yahoo.com
Jerry Burge -North Region Director  gerald.burge@gmail.com 
Will Burkett -South Region Director  wburkett417@gmail.com 
 
 
 

 

Coaching Staff

Metro VBC knows that an experienced coaching staff is essential to fulfilling our Mission Statement.   Our staff represents several local schools and Universities, as well as former Division I athletes. 
 
A current listing of our coaches for the Travel, Central, East, North and South teams is listed on our website www.metrovbc.com under Club Teams.

 

 

Collegiate Opportunities

Metro VBC provides the exposure, as well as the discipline and skills, for athletes who strive to play beyond the high school and club level.   Several members of our coaching staff are affiliated with or have active relationships with colleges around the country; an invaluable resource for our athletes.  Metro VBC is committed to assisting athletes in finding a school that fits their individual needs.  The choice of school should be the decision of the athlete and family after taking into consideration academics and competitive level of the volleyball program.  

 

 

Resources

The following websites, organizations and publications may assist in answering any additional questions you have about volleyball.  

Metro VBC official website:
 
Chesapeake Region-directory, tournament lists, juniors updates:
 
USA National teams, junior and youth national teams, national championships:
 
American Volleyball Coaches Association:
 
 
NCAA policies and clearinghouse:

 

 

COVID-19 Response 

Metro will follow the mask, safety, and vaccination mandates set by the local government, CDC and USA Volleyball.  This policy(s) may change mid session and a refund will not be issued due to these changes.
 
 
 

Tryouts and Team Selections 

Metro VBC has teams comprised of members that range from a beginner learning the game to an athlete already committed to play at the D1 level in college.  Tryouts are for all levels of athletes.   Athletes are evaluated for skill execution, as well as athletic capabilities and potential.  We select athletes for teams based on the following non-prioritized criteria: athletic ability for volleyball, athletic potential, work ethic, drive, willingness to be coached, competitive attitude, and skill ability.
 
All athletes are evaluated yearly and must attend tryouts in order to be considered for a team.  Even if an athlete has played on a travel team the previous season, she will not be automatically selected for next year.  If an athlete has a limiting physical or medical condition, she should talk with the Staff or Head Coach prior to the start of the tryout period.  
 
***You will need to register with Metro Volleyball Club AND USAV before you are able to attend tryouts.   Please see the “Tryout Page” under the Club Teams tab on our website for a complete description of the necessary steps that need to be taken before trying out.  

 

 

Types of Teams

Team information can be found on our website, www.metrovbc.com under Club Team on menu.

 

The Multi-Sport Athlete

Many players in the club are multi-sport athletes who compete in two or more sports at one time.  Conflicts are to be worked out well in advance with your coaches.  However, for our Travel teams, we expect Metro VBC to be your first priority for all non-school related activities.

We DO NOT discourage travel team athletes from participating in another sport during our season; however, it is important to be aware of the physical demands and the time commitments required of these athletes.  Safe participation is a primary concern.  Injuries are much more common among athletes who participate in more than one sport at a time.  We have placed many athletes on travel teams who play another sport and do believe in cross training.  However, each athlete needs to be aware of her own limitations in order to stay strong and injury free.

 

 

Team Practices

  • Practice facility locations for each team can be found on our website.  See "Practice Locations" under the "Club Teams" tab on our website.

  • The practice schedule can differ due to school gym conflicts and team schedules.  Coaches will send teams a practice calendar but you should ALWAYS check your email and/or SportsEngine before going to practice in case of any last minute changes.

  • All regular season team practices will conclude by Memorial Day weekend.  All teams that have qualified to attend the US Junior Olympic National Championships or are going to the AAU National Championships will continue to practice through June. Updated practice schedules for those teams (May/June) will be communicated by the coaches.  Players on a team participating in Junior Olympics or AAU Championships are expected to attend all of the pre-tournament practices.

 

                        

Practice Policies

Practice will begin at the scheduled time.  Players should take care of putting on shoes, knee pads, ankle braces, net set up, taping, etc before the start time of practice.  If you are going to be late to practice, the athlete should contact the coach directly with an approximate arrival time.

 

If an athlete can not make practice, she should call the coach directly.  Injured athletes who can attend school are expected to come to practice.  Even if you can not participate physically, there is a lot that can be learned though observing and listening to the coach.

 

Uniforms

All athletes are required to purchase specific Metro VBC uniform gear and equipment.  The type of team you are on will determine the requirements.  Required uniform packages and their prices will be made available to each team, since the packages differ between Travel, Central, East, North, and South teams and also between age divisions.
 
If, during the course of the season, any piece of an athlete’s uniform or equipment becomes lost or damaged, it must be replaced immediately.  
 
Requirements may change from year to year based on supplier availability.  There is no guarantee that a uniform piece will remain an approved garment for your entire Metro VBC career or that an athlete's number may conflict the following season, resulting in the need to purchase new jerseys.
 
 

Financial Information


Club Fees
Club Fees can be found on our website under Club Team on the menu and then clicking on Team Info.
 
 
Travel Fees
Travel fees are additional fees paid by all athletes to cover the  expenses of traveling.  Fees will include:
  • Hotel expenses 
  • Ground transportation to and from the hotel including gas, insurance, tolls and parking.
  • Coach’s expenses (hotel, airfare, food)
  • All athletes are required to pay their portion of the travel expenses for each tournament.
 
 
Other Fees
Uniform fees are charged separately from club fees and travel fees.  The uniform  requirements for each team differs.  Refer to the Uniforms Section of this manual.  
 
 
Payment Responsibilities
Athletes accounts must be paid in order to participate in team practices and tournaments.  This includes accounts from the previous season. 
 
A player remains obligated for payment if they terminate their contract with Metro VBC. 
 
 

 

Tournaments and Travel 

Participation
Players are expected to attend all scheduled tournaments.  Scheduling conflicts should be brought to the attention of the coach at the beginning of the year.  Conflicts may result in the athlete’s court time being affected as the team prepares during practices leading up to an event.  Missed events do not constitute a reimbursement of the participant’s fees.
 
In-Region Tournaments
All teams will participate in the regional tournaments.  This will help teams gain experience at the regional level, gain seeding statistics for other regional events, and fosters team/club unity.  These tournaments will take place on either Saturday and/or Sunday and will not require any missed days of school. 
 
 
Travel Tournaments
Travel tournaments are usually 2 or 3 day tournaments that require teams to stay overnight out of town.  These tournaments will help teams gain national level experience, seeding and exposes athletes to collegiate coaches.   Based on age divisions, Central/East/North/South have an opportunity to participate in a few of these tournaments.
 
For travel teams, the purpose of these tournaments is to qualify for the USA Volleyball Junior Olympics.  Therefore, most scheduled travel events will be a “qualifying event.”  All regular season travel tournaments are 3 days and MAY require missed school days depending on individual school schedules.  These events are often scheduled on holidays to minimize missed days of school.  Athletes are expected to report to their team the night before competition and notify their schools and teachers per individual school policy.  Teams will participate in matches all three days.
 
Post season travel tournaments (Nationals or AAU Championships), are typically 4-6 days long and take place in early summer.  Athletes must plan to attend the summer practices and tournaments.
 
 
Team Officiating
Officiating is the shared responsibility of the entire team.  All athletes are required to help with line judging, score keeping, libero tracking, score flipping, and R1/R2 officiating.  An athlete who has an officiating assignment may not leave a tournament before the assignment is completed.  Coaches will provide further information regarding scorekeeper and officiating online clinics.  Online clinics are also listed on our website under the "Club Team" tab and then "Scoring/Officiating."  Completing the scoring/officiating is the responsibility of the player, including official evaluations and mailing in completed paperwork to the region as stated on their website.
 
 
Tournament Policies
 
  • Playing time for athletes is determined by the performance of the athlete during practices and previous matches, and is left to the discretion of the coach.  Playing time issues can be address with coaches 24 hours after a tournament.
  • Proper demeanor is expected of all members of the Club (athletes, parents, and supporters); this includes treating members of the officiating crew with respect.
  • Only Metro uniform pieces will be worn during tournaments.
  • All uniform pieces must be brought to tournaments.  Uniforms must be clean.
  • Athlete may not leave tournament site until excused by the coach.
  • Be respectful of referees and work teams.  
  • Do not address playing time issues at tournaments.  This should be done through contacting the coach at a later time to set up a meeting.
 
Travel Policies
Violation of any travel policy may result in the athlete being sent home immediately at the expense of the parent/guardian.  Further action by the club will follow.
 
  • Athletes will be courteous and respectfully obey all staff members.  This includes all coaches, chaperones, and adults officially traveling with the team.
  • An athlete who damages any property at a lodging or playing facility will be personally responsible for damages.
  • Athletes must dress appropriately at all times.
  • Athletes found in possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs will be sent home immediately at the expense of the parent/guardian.  Further action by the club will follow. 
 
 
Travel Arrangements 
All travel arrangements and accommodations for the season will be the responsibility of the parents. The club will only book hotel rooms for coaching staff.
 
If the event is a Stay to Play tournament, you must book hotels through the link provided by the tournament or your coach.  Teams that fail to meet the Stay to Play requirements will not be permitted to participate in the tournament.
 
 
  • Player's travel to and from the tournament is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.  
  • Player and family are entirely responsible for player’s welfare in travel process.
  • Player and family are responsible to transport player from the airport to hotel and vice versa.  
  • It is mandatory for the player to arrive at the hotel on time for the team meeting, to be determined by coach.

    

 
 

Parents Code of Conduct

The influence, both good and bad, that a parent can have on their child’s introduction to or continuation in sports is often misunderstood or underestimated. Your valuable contribution to your athlete is appreciated by Metro VBC.
 
  • Remember that where we practice and play is like your child’s classroom, respect the classroom.
  • Make only positive encouraging comments to or about players on BOTH teams.
  • Remember that making mistakes is part of the learning process – don’t criticize.
  • Discuss your concerns away from the players and away from your child.
  • Show respect for the officials, coaching staff, parents, and players.
  • Control your emotions.
  • Get interested in your child’s sport.  Ignorance is not bliss for those around you.  Learn the rules of the game.
  • Don’t coach from the sidelines-don’t coach at all.  Simply reiterate what you may have heard your child’s coach say at practice.
  • Get your child to games and practices on time.
  • Don’t allow your child to talk negatively about a teammate, a coach or an official – stick with the facts, not the emotion.
  • Don’t proliferate your child’s negative behavior when they are discouraged. Help them realize the positive.
  • In the CHRVA region, parents can be issued a Purple Card for disruptive behavior by the Referee.  This card may lead to a sanction fee by the region.  The parent receiving the card will be responsible for the fee.
 
 

Nutrition and the Athlete

Good nutrition is essential for the athlete to be able to compete at a consistent level, not to mention maintain a healthy body.  While Metro VBC may be able to assist in guiding the athlete to consume balanced meals and healthy snacks while on trips, you as the parent are the ultimate tool in creating good nutritional habits for life.  
 
 
 

Know the Rules

Each year, coaches and players take online clinics within our region. Parents are encouraged to watch the online videos with their athlete.  Knowing the rules will allow you to enjoy the many hours you spend watching this game much more.  Nothing is more frustrating than not knowing what the last call was all about – other than listening to the irate parent scream at the official over a call THEY knew nothing about!  You may want to acquire an Official FIVB Volleyball Rules, presented by USA Volleyball at https://usavolleyball.org/resources-for-officials/rulebooks-and-interpretations/      

 

 

Grievance Procedure

Knowing when to communicate and how to communicate with your athlete’s coach is a concern for almost every parent at some time during the season.  Most often the concern is how to inquire about issues surrounding playing time.
 
Athletes should be encouraged to talk to the coach when a problem arises (i.e. regarding playing time, position or unclear expectations in practice or competition). The appropriate manner for the athlete to approach the coach is to ask what she, the athlete, needs to do in order to receive more opportunities to play or to accomplish a goal.  Parents can best help their athlete by guiding them through this process and supporting communication with the coach.  Athletes should be the one to approach a coach regarding “coaching decisions”, not the parents.  Coaching decisions include, among other things: practice organization, playing time, positions, substitutions, etc….
 
The amount an athlete is on the court is the result of a complex determination, in that coach’s opinion, of the athlete’s ability, the athlete’s potential, the team’s needs at the moment, and the team’s needs in the future.  The coach will not be required to defend his/her thought process or conclusions in these determinations. It should be expected, however, that the coach be able to relay information to the athlete to explain the athlete’s current role on the team and what the athlete needs to improve upon to resolve the concern.

 

 

The athlete and parents SHOULD:
 
  1. Approach the coach 24 hours after the incident to ask for a meeting time to be set. (Consider emailing the coach to set a meeting time)
  2. Expect meetings to be at a location other than a tournament.
  3. Expect that the meeting should be between the coaches of the team and the player.
  4. If the concern remains unresolved, approach the coach to ask for a meeting time to be set. This meeting should be between the athlete, the coaches, and the parents.
  5. If the concern still remains unresolved, the parent should contact the Area Director for intervention.
 
The parent or athlete SHOULD NOT:
 
  1. Confront a coach during a practice or during tournaments.
  2. Expect meetings to be set during practice or tournament participation.
  3. Attempt to “compare” or evaluate another athlete.
  4. Use profanity towards the coach.
  5. Harass or threaten the coach.
  6. Discuss their concerns with any other parents or players until a resolution has been reached with the coach.
  7. Approach a coach at a tournament about issues.  
 

 

General Behavior Policy

Metro VBC will not tolerate hostile, aggressive confrontations by a parent towards an official, a director, a coach, an athlete, or another parent.  Violation of this policy may result in the athlete being dismissed from the club.  In such cases, no refunds will be issued.
 
It is inappropriate for an athlete or a parent to involve other Metro VBC members (third parties) about a problem the athlete or parent is having with a Metro VBC coach, objections to coaching decisions, or disagreements with an administrative decision.
 
Any member who, as a third party, hears remarks or stories being told about Metro VBC, its employees or its policies, that cause the member to be concerned is encouraged to call the Director immediately to determine the facts, or to alert the club administration to a situation it may be unaware of.

 

 

Memorandum of Understanding

This writing recognizes that Participant and Parent have been informed and acknowledged that all Parents and Participants in Metro Volleyball Club of Washington DC, have received and understand the Metro Volleyball Club of Washington, DC, Player and Parent Handbook.
 
It is also understood that all Participants are responsible for payment of all fees and expenses incurred during the season.
 
I understand that this Memorandum of Understanding must be signed and returned before I can participate in Metro Volleyball Club of Washington DC  practices or tournaments.
 
I also understand that the failure to pay in full all fees and expenses due to Metro Volleyball Club of Washington DC, may result in loss of practice time and tournament play.