Player / Parent Handbook

2009 
 
 
 

San Bernardino Storm Volleyball Club 
 
 
 
 

WWW.STORMVBC.ORG 
 

 
 

 
 

Welcome to the STORM! 
 
 

We are pleased you have selected STORM Volleyball Club for your continued player development.  Now in our sixth year, we are continuing to grow and, as a result, have attracted some exceptional coaches as well as players from other area clubs.  Last year we started a clinic’s program.  Our goal in 2008 is to provide an affordable yet competitive environment focused on player development at all skill levels.  We look forward to another successful year. 
 
 

Why is STORM Different?

Storm is a local Nonprofit Public Benefit California Corporation, not organized for private gain, but existing solely to foster national amateur sports competition in Volleyball. No one takes home a profit; all funds are used to support our teams.  By removing the profit, we are able to offer an outstanding program with the best coaches in the area at a substantially reduced cost when compared to other clubs.  In addition, we are able to accept tax deductible donations and access other funding sources unique to non-profit corporations to offset the cost of operating the club.  By law, our annual informational return we are required to provide to the IRS is available for review upon request and our annual budget is reviewed and approved at our annual meeting of our members (you!). 
 

 

Parent  Expectations 
 

Being a parent or guardian of a Storm VBC player is being as committed as we expect your daughter to be.  Your commitment is making sure that she is on time at practice and at the tournaments in which her team is scheduled to play, and keeping your payments up-to-date.  As parents you need to be above reproach when it comes to the club, members, and staff.  You will be expected to project a positive and professional attitude during both games and practices.  Nothing can ruin a team or club faster than bad attitudes.  While we welcome your input, we expect that comments or concerns are to be discussed only with appropriate coaches or other club personnel away from the players.   
 

Certain teams may have the opportunity to participate in additional travel tournaments.  Parents will be advised if their daughter has been selected for a team with addition competitive opportunities and will be provided an estimate of the additional cost. 
 

Volunteer! 
 

Much of the success of this club depends on volunteers working behind the scenes on the Board of Directors and various committees.  We need your help.  Please contact Gerald Fisher (gdf99@msn.com) if you are interested in helping us out. 
 

Please check our website (www.stormvbc.org) for regular updates! 
 

 

Player Expectations 
 
 

Playing for the Storm Volleyball Club you must be committed to being the best that you can be and willing to put forth the work and sacrifices to make that happen.  As a Storm player you must realize that the success of your team is important.  You must consider the team first and yourself second.   All players are expected to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth in this handbook.  
 

Commitment

Every athlete selected is expected to make a commitment to herself, her team, her coach, and our program.

Unlike school programs, our time spent with our athletes is extremely limited.  Therefore, in order to maximize our athletes' success on the court, a total commitment of time and energy must be demanded from each individual athlete.

An athlete's commitment to our program is expected to last throughout the duration of our program.  Much time and energy is spent by the coaching staff in order to prepare our teams for competition.  Our program and its athletes are often judged by our team’s performance in the post-season competitions.  The failure of an athlete to commit herself through the entire season not only detracts from the performance of her team, but also from the quality of our program. An athlete's failure to carry out her commitment to the club may follow her through her playing career and may affect any decision regarding her future participation in our program.

In addition, a financial commitment is also required from each athlete in order to administer and operate our program.  This commitment, outlined in your contract, ensures adequate resources are available for every team for the duration of the season.  Each player’s dues and fees go directly to support our team’s, the failure of any member to fulfill this obligation is felt by everyone.

 
 

College Scholarships

Or program does not promise college scholarships will be offered to our athletes.  Any program that does so should be viewed with a considerable amount of skepticism.  The STORM seeks to provide the young athletes that have the skill, strength and talent the opportunity to be observed by various college coaches and recruiters. This increases the possibility of our athletes being noticed, and then receiving consideration for the increasing amount of college athletic scholarships now available to women athletes.

This does not guarantee any athlete a scholarship.  Not all athletes who participate in our program are capable of competing at these high levels of competition, nor do all of our athletes desire to do so.  However, the opportunity does exist for the athletes who are willing to make the necessary commitment of time and energy to the sport.

There is no magic formula.  To compete at the collegiate volleyball level requires not only the necessary physical ability, but also large doses of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice.  We believe our program can contribute a great deal to the development of skills in athletes maintaining the necessary level of commitment.  
 

Tryouts

Tryouts are held in late fall each year for all players interested in playing for the STORM.  All players, including returning players must try out each season.  This gives our coaching staff an opportunity to observe all players and select players best suited to an individual team.  Once players are selected to a team, the spot offered to a player can only be guaranteed by signing on with the STORM and paying the initial dues for the season.  We recognize that players possess a variety of skills and experience and we attempt to structure our teams to accommodate a variety of skill and experience levels. 

On occasion a player may be moved to another team within the club.  These changes are infrequent and carefully considered by our coaches in consultation with the player’s current coach, other coaches, and parents as necessary.  Any movement of players within the club must be initiated by the coach.   Please do not approach other coaches if you are interested in an opening on their team – consult directly with the club director.

 
 

Club Policy

While participating in any event as a member of the STORM Volleyball Club it is important to remember you are serving as a representative of the STORM Volleyball Club.  
 

People will judge our program according to your actions both on and off the court. The coaching and administrative staff, players and volunteers from our beginning years to today continue to work long and hard to build the STORM Volleyball Club into a widely respected program.  Your actions will also be the basis by which people will judge those that follow you.  Those participants unable to conduct themselves in a manner complimentary to the positive image the STORM Volleyball Club seeks to maintain will not be tolerated.  
 

The following rules and regulations have been established by the STORM Volleyball Club coaches and administrative staff to ensure the smooth operation of our sports program.  All participants will agree to abide by the following rules and regulations, knowing that they have been established to facilitate and maximize the effects of the serious training program in which they will be participating.  
 
 

General Rules 
 

All players must follow all rules established by STORM Volleyball Club personnel and facility officials at all tournaments, practices, and accommodation sites. This also applies during transportation to and from competition sites.  
 

All players can participate in clinics, exhibitions, and demonstrations to actively promote the sport of volleyball.  
 

If there is a rift between two or more players, they must immediately work it out by themselves. If unable to do so, they must meet with their coach and work on a solution until the problem is resolved.   
 

Do not expect your teammates and coaches to read your mind.  Express yourself and your feelings through appropriate channels.  Inappropriate attitude and behavior only hinders the success of your team, as well as yourself. 
 

Repeated failure to follow club rules and policies will result in disciplinary action up to and including being asked to leave the program.  Problems adhering to club rules and policies will be addressed as follows:

1. Coach/Player consultation - review of rules and expectations / verbal warning
2. Coach/Player/Parent consultation – review of rules and expectations / final verbal warning
3. Coach/Player/Parent/Club Director – discussion of problem / written warning / possible temporary suspension
4. Coach/Player Parent /Club Director/B.O.D. – temporary suspension / possible permanent dismissal from club.

 
 
 

Attendance 
 

All training is accomplished at practice. An athlete's inability to regularly attend practice not only affects the performance and success of the entire team, but also destroys the continuity of training each coach tries to establish in teaching the necessary volleyball skills. 
 

We cannot make athletes attend practice.  Hopefully her personal commitment to herself, her teammates and the sport will prevent any problems which may arise due to poor attendance at practice. 
 

The only way we can succeed at this primary objective is to ask each and every athlete to adjust her personal schedule around our training and competition schedule.  It is the only way we can hope to accomplish any of the goals we set for ourselves and our program. 
 

• MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND PRACTICE REGULARLY! The nature of our program demands regular attendance at all practices and tournaments in order to benefit the individual player and team.
• Be on time and ready to practice – this means wearing appropriate athletic attire and having all jewelry including earrings and any body jewelry removed before the start of practice.
• Individual coaches will establish their own policies regarding attendance at practice and an individual's playing time on the court.
• If unable to attend practice, each player has the responsibility to contact her respective coaches at least 24 hours before the scheduled practice.  In the case of an emergency, please notify someone as soon as possible (coach, teammate, administrator, etc.).
• The coaching staff may continue to look at prospective athletes during the time period permitted under SCVA rules.  At that time membership to our program will be closed.  The coaching staff will concentrate on developing the skills of those athletes who have committed themselves to our program in preparation for Regional and National competition.

 
 

Practice

Comment on constructive criticism:

All comments or remarks (constructive criticism) concerning your volleyball performance must never be taken personally. Those comments are directed to you, the volleyball player, and not you the person.

 Purpose of Practice 
 

• Provide an environment in which the individual and the team can discover their maximum human resources.
• To mold a group of individuals into a “team”.
• To prepare the team for EVERY situation that will occur in competition.
• To help teams be competitive during tournaments
• We must make the maximum use of this time we spend in practice. Quality work, not quantity produces the best results! Therefore, you must always come to practice mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared to work hard! Playing time will be earned in practice.
• It is important to know the coaching staff will work only with those who want to work hard.
• Always pay attention and follow directions. When uncertain as to what has been said or what is to be done, make sure you find out.
• Never allow yourself to settle for anything less than your best. Be a perfectionist. “Good Enough” is never good enough.

 
 

Practice Rules 
 

• Practice will always start on time.
• There is no sitting down in practice, unless so instructed by the coaching staff.
• Coaches will coach and players will play. Players/parents will not coach.
• Any overt display of displeasure or frustration will not be tolerated. That player will be taken out of a drill, asked to sit down, or be dismissed from practice. We cannot afford losses of emotional control during competition.
• Any taping or other preparation will be done prior to practice.  Be ready.
• Always shag your own ball. Never ask another person or group to shag for you.
• When shagging balls during a drill, never allow a ball to roll through another practice area, especially during hitting or blocking exercises.
• If you must leave practice for any reason, notify the coach.
• In any drill, if you do not “go” for the ball, you either start the drill over or are taken out of the drill. There is NEVER a reason for a lack of effort.
• When other teammates are in any intense drill, you must be encouraging. It is a great show of teamwork.
• If you know you are going to miss or be late to practice, notify your coach at least the day before. Individual coaches will determine a team policy regarding missing practice.
• Players must report illness or injury to the coaching staff immediately upon detection.
• Should you feel the need to use the restroom, do so before practice or during break time. If you have problem with this, see your coach.
• At the conclusion of practice, all players will round up all balls. At that time, an inventory will be taken. Volleyballs are a major expense of running our program. Take the responsibility and keep an eye out for them.
   

Competition Rules 
 

• Players are responsible for picking up after themselves during each tournament and competition. Players will abide by all rules and regulations of the playing site. Treat each competition site as though it was our own facility.
• During the match, players who are on the bench must be ready to go into the game at all times.
• During each tournament, coaches will assign officiating assignments to the players. Each player is responsible for a certain assignment.
• Each team is responsible for all game equipment issued to the team. Should any item be lost or stolen, the team will be required to pay for each of the missing items.

 

Travel 
 

The San Bernardino Storm parents/guardians are responsible for the transportation of their daughters to and from both practices and tournaments.  You will need to schedule family events around practice and tournament schedules as to avoid conflicts.  Anytime a single player is absent from practice or competition, the entire team suffers.  Please advise your coach of any conflicts as far in advance as possible.

 

Tournaments 
 

Most of the regular season tournaments are part of Southern California Volleyball Association (SCVA) competition.  Teams move up or down in ranking based on their performance at each tournament which allows for more equal competition among teams as well as progression to higher divisions for stronger teams that perform consistently.  Tournaments last 5-6 hours on average; bring a comfortable chair, water (for player) and plenty of snacks!  Certain teams may participate in additional tournaments – details for these tournaments will be communicated through your coach. 
 

Teams will play in the division appropriate for their team’s age group.   
 

SCVA tournament sites and times for your team are usually posted to the SCVA website 3-4 days in advance of the tournament date.  While we will make every effort to keep the schedule site updated on the Storm website, please check the SCVA website regularly for changes as well.  Schedule and rankings will be available on the SCVA website (www.scvavolleyball.org). SEE THE 2008 SCHEDULE BELOW: 
 

GIRLS 2008 SCHEDULE Tentative Schedule - Subject to Change
Tournament Date	Division	Tournament Type	Entry Deadline
Saturday, January 12th	14	Qualifying Day 1	12/21/07
Sunday, January 13th	12	Qualifying Day 1	12/21/07
Sunday, January 20th	15	Qualifying Day 1	12/28/07
Saturday, January 26th SAT Date	16	Qualifying Day 1	1/04/08
Sunday, January 27th	12	Qualifying Day 2	12/21/07
Sunday, January 27th	18	Qualifying Day 1	1/04/08
Saturday, February 2nd	14	Qualifying Day 2	12/21/07
Sunday, February 3rd	15	Qualifying Day 2	12/28/07
Sunday, February 3rd	18	Qualifying Day 2	1/04/08
Saturday, February 9th ACT Date	14	Qualifying Day 3	12/21/07
Sunday, February 10th	16	Qualifying Day 2	1/04/08
February 16th - 18th	18/17	22nd Annual Las Vegas Classic	Online Registration
Saturday, February 23rd	12	Mandatory #1	2/01/08
Saturday, February 23rd	15	Qualifying Day 3	12/28/08
Sunday, February 24th	16	Qualifying Day 3	1/04/08
Saturday, March 1st SAT Date	14 (Div. 8+)	Mandatory #1 San Diego	2/08/08
Saturday, March 1st SAT Date	15	Mandatory #1	2/08/08
Sunday, March 2nd	14 (Div. 1 - 7)	Mandatory #1 San Diego	2/08/08
Sunday, March 2nd	18	Qualifying Day 3	1/04/08
Saturday, March 8th	12	Mandatory #2	2/15/08
Saturday, March 8th	16 (Div. 8+)	Mandatory #1 San Diego	2/15/08
Sunday, March 9th	14	Mandatory #2	2/15/08
Sunday, March 9th	16 (Div. 1 - 7)	Mandatory #1 San Diego	2/15/08
Saturday, March 15th	18 (Div. 6+)	Mandatory #1 San Diego	2/22/08
Sunday, March 16th	18 (Div. 1 - 5)	Mandatory #1 San Diego	2/22/08
March 22nd and 23rd		Easter Weekend
March 28th - March 30th Friday - Sunday	18/17/15 Open and Club	Junior National Qualifier	Online Registration
Saturday, April 5th	12	Mandatory #3	3/14/08
Saturday, April 5th	15	Mandatory #2	3/14/08
Sunday, April 6th	14	Mandatory #3	3/14/08
April 11th - 13th Friday - Sunday ACT Date	16/14/13/12 Open and Club	Junior National Qualifier	Online Registration
Saturday, April 19th	16	Mandatory #2	3/28/08
Sunday, April 20th	15	Mandatory #3	3/28/08
Sunday, April 20th	18	Mandatory #2	3/28/08
Saturday, April 26th	12	Mandatory #4	4/04/08
Saturday, April 26th	16	Mandatory #3	4/04/08
Sunday, April 27th	14	Mandatory #4	4/04/08
Saturday, May 3rd SAT Date	16	Mandatory #4	4/11/08
Sunday, May 4th	15	Mandatory #4	4/11/08
Sunday, May 4th	18	Mandatory #3	4/11/08
Saturday, May 10th	12	Mandatory #5	4/18/08
Saturday, May 10tj	14	Mandatory #5	4/18/08
Sunday, May 11th	x	Mother's Day	x
Saturday, May 17th	15	Mandatory #5	4/25/08
Saturday, May 17th	18	Mandatory #4	4/25/08
Sunday, May 18th	16	Mandatory #5	4/25/08
May 24th and 25th Saturday and Sunday	12	Regionals	5/02/08
May 24th and 25th Saturday and Sunday	14	Regionals	5/02/08
May 31st and June 1st	15	Regionals	5/09/08
May 31st and June 1st	18	Regionals	5/09/08
June 7th and 8th SAT Date	16	Regionals	5/16/08
Sunday, June 15th	x	Father's Day	x
Saturday, June 21st	18	Summer Invitational	Online Registration
June 28th - July 4th		Volleyball Festival Reno, NV
		USAV Girls Invitational
June 26th - July 5th		USAV Girls Olympic Championships Dallas, Texas

 

  

Reno Volleyball Festival 
 

This will be an outstanding experience for each player participating in the largest sporting event in the world.  Second only in size to the Olympic Games in the number of athletes, this is the highlight of the year for thousands of girls from around the world.  Last year there were nearly 13,000 girls participating in this weeklong event.  The Club’s goals are to provide the best possible team experience in volleyball competition and other team activities.  Additional information is available at the Festival’s website http://www.volleyball-festival.com  
 

All amounts outstanding must be paid in full prior to the festival to ensure player participation.   
 

Dates – June 28th through July 4, 2008 
 

Lodging – The Storm teams, chaperones and coaches will be staying @ John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks, NV.   Players are expected to stay with their team during the duration of the festival.  
 

Parent / Spectator Accommodations – Check the Festival website for a list of hotels.  If you have not done so already, make your reservations, as hotels will sell out early.  In addition, you will need a ticket for the opening ceremonies as well as the finals.  A ticket order form will be available at the festival website as we get closer to the festival dates. 
 

Chaperones – Each team will select 2 designated parents who will act as chaperones for each team.  Lodging for the chaperones is paid for by the club.  Chaperones will accompany the team for the duration of the festival.  Chaperones are responsible for ensuring teams are on time for scheduled competition as well as providing a schedule for the week that allows adequate rest, meals, and fun activities during off days / times. 
 

Food & Entertainment – The cost of the trip includes only lodging and player fees and does not include food, entertainment, etc.  Each player is responsible for her own meals and other incidental expenses.  We suggest $30 per day for meals and extra money for any entertainment.  Also, please remember to contribute for gas if someone else is providing transportation. 
 

Competition Sites – Site locations/schedules will be available in the hotels.  There are several competition sites in and around the Reno area.

 
 

Club Policies and Guidelines for the Volleyball Festival - Reno 
 

All participants at the Festival, athletes, parents, coaches, and spectators are expected to help create a memorable festive atmosphere where everyone gets the most from their shared experience.  The mission of this event is to provide athletes with tests of their athletic talents while at the same time offering the entire Festival community with opportunities on and off the court.  All players, coaches, and chaperones are expected to adhere to the Festival’s Code of Conduct.  In order to create a true team experience, Storm players will be expected to remain together with their team for the duration of the Festival.  This includes rooming with their respective team in the hotel, during travel to and from competition and other Festival events, and all team practices and non-competition activities.  In addition to enhancing the experience for the players, this will ensure the teams are together in the event of last minute scheduling changes.  The teams will be accompanied by registered chaperones at all times. 
 

Parents - To insure a positive experience for your girls in Reno, we are asking that you adhere to the following: 
 

• The coach and head chaperone are the only two people to schedule activities for your girls, please do not take it upon yourselves to make plans for your daughter unless it includes the whole team and is approved by the coach. No Exceptions!!

 
 

• Provide a positive attitude for your girls and respect their coach’s decisions, grumbling can destroy a team very quickly. If you want to be a coach; feel free to apply next year!

 
 

• Show the utmost respect for the referees, parents, coaches and players from other teams, win or lose we want people to remember the STORM as a club to be respected for their sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and influences on the people in Reno.
   
• If you have Storm gear, please wear it, and wear it proudly!

 

Fundraising 
 

The club will carryout fundraising activities throughout the year.  As a 501(c) (3) Not-for-Profit, we have the ability to accept tax-deductible donations and support from the community.  All cash donations or other tax-deductible contributions must be made directly to the club to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.  Please contact the Club Director or a Board member if you or someone you know would like to make a donation to the STORM.   
 

We encourage individual teams to carryout their own, separately planned fundraising activities such as car washes, garage sales, etc.  Proceeds from these types of activities may be used by the individual team as they choose.  
 
 

Closing Comments 
 

In any group activity, such as athletics, there must be supervision, leadership, and a disciplined effort by all to accomplish our goals. Otherwise, there will be chaos.  
 

Discipline and compliance are essential in any activity on and off the court, and will foster Team Work. Your coach is very interested in you as an individual. But they must act in what they consider to be the best interest of the team, for either the moment, or the future.  
 

Your participation and commitment to our program will not only benefit you as a volleyball player, but will most assuredly extend into other facets of your life. The discipline of training, the drive to succeed, the realities of commitment and sacrifice will always contribute to your growth as a person.