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Parent Handbook



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Parent Handbook

11/2023


P. O. Box 551 Forest Lake, MN 55025


Anchorwww.lakesvolleyball.org

www.flaaa.org

www.jvaonline.org


Vision


To be a competitive volleyball program primarily focused on district 831 players, but drawing from the local area to round out teams at each age level to create competitive teams that challenge each player as well as improve player skills and abilities.



Mission


Exceed the expectations of the players and the parents by providing a well-organized program with a highly qualified coaching staff and focused improvement targets for each age bracket. Lakes Volleyball will create a systematic and consistent approach to teaching volleyball skills, techniques, and teamwork that builds each year of the program. To remain consistent, Lakes Volleyball will develop these techniques in conjunction with the Forest Lake High School Volleyball program. Fundamental skills are the focus during the early age brackets (12’s and 13’s) with techniques and more complex skills built upon that foundation each year thereafter. The Lakes program is committed to be the best value in the area and to provide a competitive volleyball program. We strive to keep the costs competitive by utilizing school facilities, working with FLAAA, partnering with the community and the area businesses and sponsors, and by organizing fundraisers as needed that will reduce program fees to players.



WE REQUIRE THE FULL DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT BY THE

PLAYERS AND PARENTS IN ORDER TO CREATE COMPETITIVE TEAMS.



Guidelines


Team Selection

Age, ability, and at the older ages, position played shall determine teams. Determination of teams will be based on individual skill level and position within each team to create the strongest and most competitive team roster. Lakes Volleyball reserves the right to move players within teams before and during the season to strengthen the team and offer opportunity for each player.


Participation in tryouts is mandatory for all Lakes players. Special circumstances (ex. injury,

Illness) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Lakes Board of Directors.


Playing up an Age Bracket

A player may be asked to play up in a higher age bracket by the tryout evaluators. Determination of skill level will be made by unbiased coaches and evaluators according to the tryout criteria. All age bracket exceptions will be authorized by the proper Lakes Volleyball coaches committee in accordance with the JVA Volleyball age bracket policy and guidelines.


Coach Selection

Teams will be staffed with coaches who promote fairness, a high work ethic, integrity and being a good sport. Lakes Volleyball is fortunate to have individuals within our community dedicated to the sport and athletes’ success. All coaches submit a background check and complete Abuse Prevention Systems training. . Lakes is committed to providing our players with exposure to a variety of coaching talents. Coaches are limited to coaching the same group of players for two consecutive seasons. The Coaches Committee may select coaches with a child in the program. Parent Coaches are allowed to coach their own child up to the 14’s age level. Lakes Volleyball follows all MSHSL coaching rules and regulations for coaches that are involved in both High School and JO volleyball.


Season Information

The Lakes regular season runs from December 1st to the end of March. Registration cost covers coaches pay, gym space rental, at least 2 practices per week and tournament registration fees. On occasion Lakes Volleyball may offer an extended season which will run for the months April & May. There is an associated additional cost that will cover gym time, coaches pay, practices and 3 additional tournament dates. If offered, additional details will be available in early February.


Player Expectations

Lakes Volleyball, in accordance with the Junior Olympic Volleyball program, requires full dedication and commitment from the players and parents. Players are required to attend all practices and games unless they have made arrangements in advance with their coach. More than two (2) absences may be grounds for dismissal (and forfeiture of fees paid to Lakes) at the discretion of the coach and appropriate committee. Lakes Volleyball expects that each player will attend practices and events with a good attitude and a willingness to work hard. All players must sign the Lakes Volleyball Code of Conduct.


Expected Behavior

  • Participants must know the “Official Volleyball Rules” and abide by them.
  • Participants must accept referees’ decisions without disputing them. In case of doubt, clarification may be requested only through the game captain.
  • Participants must refrain from actions or attitudes aimed at influencing the decisions of the referees or covering up faults committed by their team.


Code of Conduct

  • Parent Code of Conduct – posted on lakesvolleyball.org under the home tab and agreed upon when making electronic payment
  • Player Code of Conduct – posted on lakesvolleyball.org under the home tab and agreed upon when making electronic payment.
  • JVA Code of Conduct and Ethics http://jvaonline.org/jva-member-code-conduct-1


Fair Play

Participants must behave respectfully and courteously in the spirit of FAIR PLAY, not only toward the referees, but also toward other officials, the opponents, teammates and spectators.


Social Media Policy

Student-athletes are expected to abide by the following rules:

  • Social media sites may not be used to publish negative or harassing remarks about Lakes Volleyball players, opposing club players, parents, coaches or referees.
  • If posting content to websites or other forms of online media, ensure that the post does not reflect poorly upon the Lakes Volleyball program.
  • Failure to abide by this policy, as well as other policies listed in the Parent/Player handbook, will result in disciplinary action.


Photo/Video Disclosure Statement

Lakes Volleyball may take photographs and/or video of its members for use on the Lakes Website, social media sites or for training materials.


Parent Expectations

Parents are needed to support the teams by attending games, encouraging players, and displaying a positive attitude. Parents should allow the coaches to do the coaching. If a dispute between the coach and parent arises, there is a 24-hour cooling off period, at which time a parent can contact their player’s coach. Parents are encouraged to talk to the Parent Representative of their team at an early stage to head off any concerns before they become issues. If concerns and issues cannot be addressed to satisfaction through a parent representative, then parents are encouraged to use the Lakes Volleyball formal conflict resolution process at any time. The conflict resolution form is available on the Lakes website under the home tab, resources, conflict.


Lakes Volleyball requires full dedication and commitment from the players and parents. Players are required to attend all practices and games unless they have made arrangements in advance with their coach. More than two (2) absences may be grounds for dismissal (and forfeiture of fees paid to Lakes) at the discretion of the coach and Lakes Board of Directors. Lakes Volleyball expects that each player will attend practices and events with a good attitude and a willingness to work hard.


Volunteer Requirements

Lake Volleyball Club hosts an annual tournament, Kill the Chill. Each family is required to fulfill one volunteer obligation per player. We do not collect checks for volunteer obligations. During the registration process you will agree to complete the volunteer obligation. If that obligation is not met during the Kill the Chill tournament fees will be assessed at a date set annually. If you prefer to “opt out” of your volunteer requirements you may pay an additional 250.00. We would much rather have you volunteer at the tournament. It is our annual fundraiser and we would not be able to do it without your help! For those that do not make a team, the $250.00 volunteer obligation will be voided upon team creation.


Fees

The club wants you to understand that this program is budgeted to keep costs at minimal levels and keep your fees low. If a player quits for any reason other than a medical condition or injury, the player/family is liable for the full season fee. In the event of a season ending injury or medical condition, prior to 1/31, the player/family may petition for a prorated fee reimbursement. The player/family must provide a healthcare provider’s letter of written statement if they request fee reimbursement. Reimbursement is at the discretion of the Lakes Volleyball Board of Directors. The Lakes Volleyball Board of Directors will review the request and if the Board of Directors moves to reimburse, the fee will be prorated. If a season ending injury or medical condition occurs on 2/1 or after, no fees will be reimbursed.

Lakes Volleyball believes that every player deserves to have the opportunity to participate in a competitive program regardless of financial ability. For this reason, Lakes Volleyball offers resources for those families that may not be able to afford the full registration cost. An application must be completed each season. Each Player Participation Assistance Application is reviewed by the Lakes Board of Directors. Applications are kept confidential. Final determination on eligibility and amounts are at the discretion of the Lakes Board of Directors. Discounts are provided via a discount code to be entered during the registration process.  The application can be found www.lakesvolleyball.org under the home tab, resources then assistance.

Lakes Volleyball believes that every player deserves to have the opportunity to participate in a competitive program regardless of financial ability. For this reason, Lakes Volleyball offers resources for those families that may not be able to afford the full registration cost. An application must be completed each season. Each Player Participation Assistance Application is reviewed by the Lakes Board of Directors. Applications are kept confidential. Final determination on eligibility and amounts are at the discretion of the Lakes Board of Directors. Discounts are provided via a discount code to be entered during the registration process.  The application can be found www.lakesvolleyball.org under the home tab, resources then assistance.


Online Payments

Payment must be made via an online payment link. Season fees are required to have a payment plan set up or be paid in full prior to participating in practices. Players/Parents who do not fulfill their team and/or financial commitments without providing Lakes Volleyball with an acceptable explanation may not be allowed to participate in Lakes Volleyball for the following season.


Practices

Practices are where the players learn the skills needed to participate in the playdates and tournaments. Each player is expected to attend practices and events with a good attitude and willingness to work hard. Please make sure that players eat appropriately before practice.


Please DO NOT drop your children off at practice without double checking practice location and time. Possible school changes could affect scheduled practice time. While uncommon, it’s possible that gym times can be switched at the last minute.


Weather – If school is canceled, practice will be canceled. If after-school activities are canceled, practice will be canceled. If you feel that weather conditions are too severe to drive, DO NOT drive. Please notify your coach or team manager prior to practice, or it will be considered an unexcused absence.


Tournaments

Tournaments usually start at 8:00 AM and end by 6:00 PM. However, depending upon the number of pools and teams and the tournament organization itself, it can last several hours longer. Except for starting times, most tournaments do not follow a set time schedule. Matches will begin about 10 minutes after the end of the previous match. If the tournament is run well, it should be over around 6:00 pm. To be on the safe side, expect to be there all day. Teams will begin pool play, where they will play each team in their pool, with the winning teams advancing to a gold bracket and other teams advancing to a silver or bronze bracket. Most matches are best 2 out of 3 games. Rally scoring is used.


Most brackets are not released until the week of the competition. Parent Representatives (Team Managers) will provide time/location/bracket information as it becomes available.


Seating is sparse in most of the gyms, so bring your own chairs if they are allowed by the hosting team. Some bring a blanket, homework, a book, etc for the longer tournaments. Arrive early so you can help set up your team area and get ready to warm-up. No coolers are allowed inside tournament facilities. Please leave the site neater than when you arrived – you are representing Lakes, your team, and your family.


Tournament Selection

Coaches are responsible for choosing tournaments or playdates, working within the coaches and team’s availability/schedule. There is one mandatory tournament which teams are expected to attend: The Lakes Kill the Chill Tournament in January. If you have a conflict with any dates, notify your coach as soon as possible. If a coach is unable to attend a tournament date, a substitute coach will be provided. All efforts will be made to have the substitute coach attend practices in advance of the tournament/playdate.


Occasionally there is the opportunity for a last-minute tournament. This can happen if Lakes Volleyball is notified by tournament directors of openings that remain. These are typically first come first served and may be offered at little to no cost. Each team is allowed to do one of these tournaments each season. Coaches and parent reps will work with the parents/team if the opportunity arises to determine if the team would like to attend the tournament.


Officiating Clinic

We will be performing hands-on training during practices to train players effectively on proper officiating.


Fundraising/Volunteering

Lakes Annual Tournament, Kill the Chill, is our primary fundraising effort. We can’t do it without you. Proceeds from entry fees, admittance, and concessions go directly back to the club. Parents and players will sign up for volunteering (dibs) for shifts to prevent the volunteer check from being cashed.


Injury Policy

All injuries that happen during any practice, playdate, or tournament should be reported to your coach. The coach will complete an Incident Report Form (available at lakesvolleyball.org) and submit to the club President. Any player receiving an injury that requires medical attention by a healthcare provider must present a note from the healthcare provider that clears the player to resume participation. Injuries not requiring professional medical attention will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The decision to resume limited/full participation will be decided upon between the Player, their Parent/Guardian, and the Coach. The player is expected to attend practices unless excused by the coach, but participation may be limited. If a player is unable to fully participate during practice, play time may be reduced depending on the rehabilitation process and coach discretion.


Concussion Policy

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even a ‘ding’, ‘getting your bell rung’, or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. We at Lakes Volleyball take concussions seriously.


Effective September 1st, 2011, Minnesota State Statute M.S. 121A.37 requires that any municipality, business, or non-profit organization that organizes a youth (ages 18 and under) athletic activity for which an activity fee is charged is required to make available information regarding concussions to coaches, players and their guardians. This requirement dictates that if a coach or official suspects that a player exhibits signs of a concussion, they must immediately remove the player from activities and notify the parent/guardian of that player. Once removed, the player cannot return to play until written permission is given from a healthcare provider who can properly assess the player’s condition.


Symptoms (Observed Symptoms/Physical Symptoms)

  • Appears dazed or stunned.
  • Headache or “pressure” in head
  • Is confused about events
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Repeats questions
  • Balance problems or dizziness
  • Answers questions slowly
  •  Fatigue or feeling tired
  • Can’t recall events prior to the hit, bump, or fall
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Can’t recall events after the hit, bump, or fall
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly)
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Shows behavior or personality changes
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Forgets class schedule or assignments
  • Does not “feel right”


Cognitive Symptoms Emotional Symptoms

  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Irritable
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sad
  • Difficulty remembering
  • More emotional than usual
  • Feeling more slowed down
  • Nervous
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy


Concussion Danger Signs:

One pupil larger than the other, drowsy or cannot be awakened, a headache that gets worse, weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, repeated vomiting or nausea, slurred speech, convulsions or seizures, cannot recognize people or places, becoming increasingly confused, restless, agitated, unusual behavior, or loss of consciousness (even brief should be taken seriously).


Conclusion:

Lakes Volleyball Club has been providing affordable opportunities for those in our Lakes Area Community for over 30 years. We are excited to help local youth continue to develop their volleyball skills as well as learn time management, positive work ethic, and teamwork skills that carry benefits into every area of our future leaders.


We are always looking for individuals that want to take a more active roll and become more involved. Every person has something to offer. Please consider joining one of our committees, the Lakes Volleyball Club board or offering to donate your time in a magnitude of different rolls-there are many opportunities. It takes a village to run this program and we want to see Lakes Volleyball Club continue to flourish.


Have a great season!

Lakes Volleyball Board of Directors