River City Player Expectations

The Team Comes First

As a River City volleyball player, you agree that the team is most important. Your individual goals and your team's goal may not necessarily conflict, but when they do, you accept that decisions are made for the good of the team. Successes are sweeter and setbacks sting less when they are shared.

Rules Help Our Team Run Smoothly

Each player must understand what is expected and is willing to commit to the team and club philosophy. As a member of the River City Volleyball Club you understand and agree to follow the player rules as outlined in the Evergreen Region's Participant's Handbook and the rules outlined by your River City coach and Board of Directors. You have to decide, in advance, whether you want to follow them. If not, you should not be part of the team.

Our Team Thrives on Trust and Respect

River City players will earn the trust and respect of their coaches by understanding there is often more than one way to do things correctly. You must be willing to make changes according to your coaches' suggestions. River City players also behave in a way that will earn the trust and respect of their teammates. They will come focused and ready to learn or compete. Personal "baggage" will be left at the door of the practice or tournament gyms and cell phones will be turned off until the end.

Our Team Works Hard

Everyone wants to win, but only the dedicated few make the sacrifices to do it. You cannot cut corners to be a good player. If, for example, you do not have a consistent killer serve, you should work long and hard to develop one.

Our Team Has Balance

To balance academics, athletics, work and family, you must plan ahead. Understand what the time commitments are. Do not let your team down by missing practice and tournaments because you were not realistic about your obligations.

On Our Team, Bench Time Is Playing Time

As a River City volleyball player, you maintain the same focus and enthusiasm whether you are on the court or on the bench. You accept that playing time is decided by the coach for the good of the team in the circumstances of the moment. When every bench player has her head in the game, ready to play effectively at any moment, the bench becomes the opponent's worst fear.

Our Team Can Be Successful

Your coaches want you to know that almost any obstacle can be overcome with hard work. Commitment, perseverance and responsibility will be rewarded.

Our Team Has Fun

River City Parent Expectations

Communicating With The Coaches

Many River City coaches have been in your shoes: they are former student-athletes or are the parent of a student-athlete and know first-hand the joys and frustrations that can accompany the coach-player relationship. They are glad to speak with you about your daughter. But first, we ask that you:

Insist that your daughter try to work out volleyball related issues directly with her coach before enlisting your direct assistance. She is never to young to learn to communicate. Learning to deal with coaches or other authority figures is one of the benefits of participation in organized sports.

Discuss all concerns with the volleyball coach first before contacting the club director. Remember that emotions of the moment can sometimes distort the situation. Respect the 24-Hour rule.

The 24-Hour Rule

If you are concerned about a volleyball related issue that requires you to speak directly with a coach, we ask that you wait at least 24 hours after the triggering event. Cooler heads are more productive. While at a tournament or during practice, never confront a coach or attempt to discuss your daughter's playing time, role on the team, or other aspects of her participation. Too much is going on at these times for a conversation of this type to be productive.

Sportsmanship

All parents are expected to demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship while representing River City Volleyball. While there are many aspects of sportsmanship, we would like to remind you to:

v  Please cheer for our teams' efforts and successes. You should never celebrate our opponents' mistakes.

v  While in the gymnasium, keep all comments positive. Remember you are sitting among parent of your daughter's team - and sometimes, the parents of their opponents.

v  Please do not compare the skill or attitude of your daughter with other members or parents of the team.

v  Do not criticize your daughter's teammates on or off the floor.

v  Volleyball officials, and those coaches and players filling those roles, are off-limits for parents. Refrain from yelling at the referees – before, during and after the match – no matter what the perceived error or injustice.

v  Take the time to learn more about volleyball rules and strategy. What sometimes seem like a blown call or poor coaching decision often looks different if you have a more detailed appreciation for the nuances of this sometimes-complicated sport.

Playing Time

For coaches, delegating playing time is a zero-sum exercise - the decision to give one player more time on the court means another player will get less. All good coaches know that with each decision, however well considered, comes the likelihood that someone will be disappointed. So be sure to:

v  Understand that playing time is the decision of the coach. Accept this fact and help your daughter accept it.

v  Strong teams have strong benches. Players who keep focused on the match while not on the court greatly increase their chances of success once they enter the game. Spirited bench players usually infect their teammates with optimism and extra energy. Encourage your daughter to be "in the game" whether she is between the lines or on the bench.