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2011 AHS Volleyball Policy Handbook

Welcome to Armstrong Volleyball!  We are looking forward to a fun, positive and competitive season with a focus on development.  Please review the following policies.  Before the first competition, players will be required to sign a form with their coach stating that they’ve read, understood and agree to abide by the guidelines outlined below. 

Academic Standing
All players must be in good academic standing and working towards graduation.  Teachers are encouraged to notify coaches if a student athlete is failing a course, which may lead to suspension from the team until passing requirements are meant.  Volleyball players are strongly encouraged to maintain a 3.0 GPA, and may receive team and/or conference recognition. 

Attendance Policies/Absences
Volleyball comes after health, religion, family and academics.  With that said, please make every attempt to attend all practices, matches and tournaments.  The full contest schedule can be found on the AHS Activities page.  If an absence is known ahead of time, please submit this in writing to your coach as soon as possible.  Players missing ½ day or more of school cannot attend practice or contests for that day.  Players missing practice the day before a contest shall miss part or the entire contest per coaches discretion (coaches will take reason for absence and attendance history into account). 

Attire
Players are required to wear proper athletic apparel to practice (shorts, t-shirt, knee pads and tennis shoes).  Refrain from clothing with alcohol, swearing, tobacco, etc.  Jerseys will be provided for use during the season, but players must wear their own black spandex shorts with no brand/logo showing and inseams 2.5” or longer.  White crew or tall socks should be worn with game uniforms (no ankle or colored socks).  Players can wear team or outside purchased Armstrong apparel, (jackets, sweat shirts, t-shirts, etc) to warm up before contests and on the bench only if they are red, white, or royal blue.  On contest days, players may be asked to dress up.  No jewelry during practice/matches.  Please wash kneepads throughout the season. 

Captains
Varsity captains will be selected by the coach at the end of the season.  Input and/or votes from Varsity players will be taken into consideration.  Captains are expected to be leaders on and off the court as role models for the team.  Other responsibilities are to organize captain’s practice, reach out to middle schoolers, mentor underclassmen, pose team gatherings, and arrange and promote the carwash and grocery bagging dates.  Captain’s parents will also be the main contact between the coach and the booster club, though work should be in collaboration with other willing parents. 

Communication/Conflict Management
Communication between players and coaches is strongly encouraged.  However, if a conflict arises, players and parents must wait 24 hours to contact the coach (never on contest nights).  The issue should first be communicated via player to their respective coach, then player head coach, next parent to coach, and finally if an issue cannot be resolved within the program, a meeting will be arranged with the Athletic Director. 

Conduct
Players are expected to adhere to a high standard of conduct both in and out of school/volleyball.  This includes showing respect in both language and actions to coaches, parents, opponents, students, teachers and teammates.  Severe misconduct such as bullying, harassment, theft or vandalism is considered grounds for dismissal from the team. 

Chemical Violations
Players suspected of or caught using drugs, alcohol, or tobacco are subject
Per District 281 and Minnesota High School League state guidelines to the following:
1st offense-Loss of eligibility for two consecutive weeks or two contests, whichever is greater.  Loss of captain status for one year.  Loss of Varsity letter for one year. 
2nd offense-Loss of eligibility for three weeks or six contests, whichever is greater.
3rd offense-Loss of eligibility for twelve contests or four weeks, whichever is greater.  Professional chemical evaluation at parent’s expense before athlete can return to play. 
4th offense-No further participation in any activities for the remainder of high school. 

Eligibility
All players must be cleared by the activities office to participate in any sport.  Players must submit all required forms, including a current physical on file, an agreement to remain drug & alcohol free, and a participation fee (for economic hardship assistance, please contact the activities office). 

Equipment/Facilities
Players are responsible for setting up and taking down the nets each day and making sure all balls and equipment are properly placed.  It is imperative we do not leave equipment out to get lost, damaged or stolen as it is at the expense of the program.  A $1/player fee will be charged and put towards new volleyballs each time a ball is found in the gym after all players have left (volleyballs cost $40+ each).  Finally, at the end of each practice or match, all trash, water bottles, etc must be disposed of.  .  Extra conditioning will be assigned for trash left by volleyball players.  Do not create additional work for the custodians, and take pride in keeping school grounds clean

Fundraising & Boosters
The program will participate in three fundraisers during the year, a car wash, cookie dough sales, and one day of grocery bagging tentatively the day before Thanksgiving.  The activity fee covers less than the stipends of three coaches, while the district pays for buses, referees, facilities and maintenance.  Thus, the volleyball program via Boosters must pay for two of the coaches on staff, uniforms, carts, balls, equipment, programs, and end of the year banquet.   These quickly add up.  Player/parent efforts in fundraising and contributions are needed and appreciated!

Game Nights
Players will be assigned various duties during home matches.  All teams and players will alternate working each others matches (set-up, line judge, score, keep book, etc).  9th grade players should watch portions of the B/JV matches and are encouraged to stay for Varsity matches.  B and JV players are expected to stay through the second game of Varsity at a minimum.  Varsity players must attend the B/JV matches.

Lettering
Players who play in 10 or more Varsity contests will receive a letter.  Chemical violations and quitting/being dismissed before the season ends will disqualify player from lettering. 

Nutrition
Health, stamina, and the general sense of “feeling good” have much to do with diet.  Please be conscience of what you eat the day of a contest.  High carb meals are best 3 or more hours before competition.  Stay well hydrated with water or sport drinks. 

Playing Time
Under ordinary circumstances (no absences or violations), in 9A/B, B-Squad, all players will have the opportunity to contribute in match play.  The goal of these levels is to have fun and gain experience.  However, this does not guarantee “equal” playing time.  JV, playing time is earned, though all players will get some playing time.  At the Varsity level, win/loss record matters.  No playing time is guaranteed and line ups will reflect the players demonstrating the highest level of skill at their position.  Communication, attitude and influence on team play will also be taken into consideration. 

Off Season
Players should stay active during the off season, whether it is in volleyball, another sport, weight lifting, etc.  With the high school season lasting under three months, out of season maintenance is necessary to cultivate a competitive program. 
We will have offer an affordable Armstrong JO program for those interested (more info soon). 

Travel
Players are expected to be at the flag pole for bus pick up 10 minutes prior to departure.  Bus schedule will be posted online, and will vary according to travel distance.  Shuttles may bring teams back to AHS at different times, so always check with your coach the day before the contest.  Players will ride the bus to and from away matches unless they submit a note with parental permission to leave otherwise.  Parents please at the school to pick up your daughter when the bus returns to AHS.