I'm completely new to club volleyball...

Contratulations!  You're not alone.  First, rest assurred that your daughter/son will improve her/his volleyball game by playing for an additional 5-6 months per year.  Second, club volleyball doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to play.  While no club is free, the cost of playing club varies greatly from club to club.  Depending on what you're looking for, a program is probably available in a price range you can afford.

Will my son/daughter's club experience cost thousands of dollars?

It's impossible to determine the exact total cost for the season because travel expenses (gas, food) will vary, but Raytown tries to keep traveling to a minimum (1 to 2 hours).  For the 1's teams that are shooting for Nationals, the expenses will be greater due to qualifier tournaments (increased travel, hotel expenses) and especially if they make it to the National tournament.    The Club Fee for 2009-2010 will be $1000.  When teams attend festival or qualifier tournaments there is an added charge to cover the increased cost of the tournament and the cost of the coach's travel and lodging.  Festival tournaments cost each player an additional $50 or $100 if a coach's hotel stay is required, and qualifiers $150.  If a team were to travel to the National Championships, there would be another $150 fee.   These fees only cover the additional costs to the club for the tourney entries and the coach's travel.  They do not include your personal expenses.  This year any teams that are trying to make it to Nationals must provide a $300 deposit toward the additional fees.  If the team does not go to Nationals the entire $300 will be refunded.  If the team does go to Nationals, $150 will be refunded.  And if the team goes to Nationals, but the player drops out or can not attend, the $300 deposit will transfer to a replacement player to defray her costs. 

This year the Girls 12's, 18's and any boys teams will have a $600 base fee.  These teams will be participating in a shortened season. 

The first payment of $500 is due at the team registration meeting held at the end of November.  At this time parents will write two additional checks - each for half of the balance.  One check will be post-dated for January 31st and the other for February 28th.

What are the practice days and times?

Raytown uses the Case High School field house on Sundays, 11am - 2pm and Mondays, 7-9:30pm.  Also, we use Horlick High School Field House on Wednesdays from 7pm-9:30pm.  Specific practice hours for each team will be established during the first team meetings.

How do try-outs work?

Players will try-out with other players within their age group.  On the first day of try-outs the coach will identify the top 9 or 10 skilled players.  Of those, 4-5 will receive offers for a position on the 1's (top) team.  The next 4-5 will receive gauranteed offers for the 2's team (2nd team).  Additionally, these players will be able to continue trying out for the remaining 1's team openings at the second day of try-outs with any new players who were unable to make the first try-out date.  The rest of the players trying out will be eligible to fill out the rest of the roster openings for the 2's or 3's team (if there are enough players to carry additional teams).

What if my daughter/son doesn't earn an offer and has missed try-outs for other clubs?

Call other clubs to find out where their openings are.  Many clubs carry as many teams as they have players for, but the last team might be short a few players.  Clubs will often send out emails to other clubs informing them of their teams that need players.   Usually, anyone who really wants to play club volleyball can find a club that needs players.  You might have to drive a little further.

Will there be a hundred girls trying out for 8 or 9 positions?

Raytown works hard to secure enough quality coaches to provide opportunities for as many athletes as possible.  If this means we are able to carry 3 teams at one age level, we will do it if we can secure an experienced coach for that team.  We are not about fielding one strong team and sending others on their way. 

Will my son or daughter's WIAA eligibility be jeapardized by playing in a club whose co-directors are high school coaches?

Coaches who make up the Board of Directors do not coach any high school aged teams.   WIAA allows high school coaches to work with athletes through their 8th grade year.  Also, high school coaches CAN work with players from other high schools or players who play on a team of the opposite sex as the team they coach. 

The WIAA does NOT have a "hard number" for the number of players from a single high school team that can play on a club team together, but they do specifically refer to a 50% guideline or anything that "looks" like a high school team playing together.  Raytown club directors work together to be sure Raytown coaches do not jeapordize WIAA eligibility.

Does my son/daughter have to play in Raytown in order to play on their high school team?

There are several club programs in the southeast Wisconsin area.  Families should research as many as they can and choose to try out for the club that fits their needs best.  Additionally, some athletes may make their high school team without ever playing club volleyball.  Like other sports though, greater amounts of experience at earlier ages give players obvious advantages when it comes to making high school teams.

Do "club" players receive preferential treatment during their high school season?

It is the responsibility of the high school coach to build the strongest team possible.  There is no gaurantee that any player from any club will make it to a certain level of high school competition.  Ultimately it is up to each player to demonstrate an attitude, ability and the committment level necessary to earn their position on a team.

Is Raytown a club for Racine volleyball players only?

Raytown is open to anyone who wants to try out.  Over our first 3 years we had players from Kenosha, Burlington, Union Grove, Oak Creek and Racine, & Milwaukee.

How does Raytown's philosophy support the high school program philosophies and vice versa?

The high school coaches who've come together to build Raytown recognized a need for a home grown volleyball club when Great Lakes Volleyball Club ceased opperating the junior club component of their business.  There is an immense tallent pool in the Racine area to support a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity.  Several head coaches in Racine understand that a solid club program will support all high school programs in the area.   Ultimately, high school coaches want their players to get as much experience as possible, regardless of which club s/he chooses to play for.  As long-time members of the Racine community, Raytown's directors are making certain Racine has a solid, respectable club program to provide early opportunities for quality instruction.  With over 100 participants in each of its first 3 years Raytown has quickly become Racine's premier volleyball club due to the committment of its athletes, coaches and directors. 

Can my son/daughter play in other high school sports while playing club volleyball?  And will their club schedule accomodate their multiple schedules?

Some club players continue participating in other high school sports.  Missing some volleball practices, or even a tournament, as a result of scheduling conflicts is normal when players play multiple sports.  The practice schedule tends to work out pretty well.  Communication between coach and player at the beginning of the season and during the tournament schedule making process is very important.  Always keep in mind though, playing time is the result of three factors (not all weighted the same); attitude,  ability and committment. 

Players comitted to an Elite team are expected to attend the National qualifiers and the Nationals tournament if the team earns a bid (or the deposit will be forfeited).