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PARENT TRYOUT CHECKLIST

Find volleyball clubs in your area. Start by viewing the "Club Listing" tab to find the volleyball clubs in your neighborhood.  Once you have located the clubs that are in your area, visit the related club websites to access information on the clubs you may be interested in. 

Club volleyball tryouts generally take place in late July (all boys ages, and girls U15-U18), late-October (girls U12-U14) or again in mid-November (girls U15-U18), but some clubs continue looking for players into the beginning of the playing season. 

Please note that all players must have a current USA Volleyball membership before they can participate in tryouts.  

questions parent should ask:

Studies have shown that a coach is the second most significant influence in a young person’s life who participates in sports. The first, of course, is the parents. It is for this reason the parents should be very selective as to whom they allow to coach their child. The following questions should be answered to your satisfaction.

club

  • What is the club’s Mission Statement?
  • What is the organizational structure?
  • What are the club’s competitive goals?
  • What is the policy of the club covering who I can talk with about problems?
  • How much does it cost?
  • What does my payment cover?  (USAV Registration, Uniforms, Tournament fees, Travel expenses, Gym rental, Coaches’ stipend)
  • Does my fee guarantee my child’s playing time or right to earn playing time?
  • What is the payment schedule?

coaching

  • What is the coach’s written coaching philosophy?
  • What are the coach’s coaching credentials?
  • What are the determinants for player’s playing time?
  • What are the coach’s policies for talking with parents and players?
  • What style of coaching does the coach apply?
  • What are the coach’s expectations of player behaviors?
  • Are the coaches First Aid CPR trained?
  • What is the club policy about parents coaching their own children or coaching within the club where their child plays?

training / practice

  • How many days per week does the team practice?
  • How many hours is each practice?
  • Where are practices held?
  • Is there an emergency plan (in case of injury) in place?
  • Who is allowed to attend practice?

competitive schedule

  • What is the monthly competition schedule?
  • If a player cannot make a given competition, how far in advance must notice be made? (Other than sickness or injury.)
  • What policies apply if there is a conflict with a scheduled competition?
  • What are the competitive goals?​

travel

  • What will be my expense obligations traveling to tournaments?
  • What is the chaperone policy?
  • Is there a club travel behavior policy for both players and parents?

recruiting

  • What does the club do to guide college recruiting?

parents

  • Beyond paying the club dues and related expenses what is expected of parents?
  • What club activities and/or duties are parents expected to be involved?
  • Is there a "code of behavior" for parents? If so, what is it?

Resources for Parents - Positive Coaching Alliance

Navigating competitive sport teams for the first time can be challenging.  Parents often ask:  'what is my role'?  We say, 'unconditional love for your child regardless of athletic performance is GOAL #1'.  Your relentless commitment to help your child process the ups and downs of youth sports will make you a positive sports parent. 

Please visit the aforementioned site for resources to assist you in your quest to be a Positive Sports Parent.