Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am totally unfamiliar with volleyball. What do I need to know to be able to watch the matches and understand what is going on?
Here is a useful video. A few rules mentioned in this video are being changed for 2015-17.
Here are the official Indoor Volleyball Rules – over 250 pages of them(!)

2. Besides transportation to and from practice, what else is expected of a parent?
Parents play a vital role in the club volleyball experience. In addition to logistical support for dozens of practices, parents drive to tournaments, provide healthy food, cheer and provide emotional support, among many other things. And let’s not forget paying for the season! Reading Sections 2 and 3 of this Handbook will also help answer the question “What can I do to support my player at home?”

3. What is expected of a player?
As explained above, we expect our athletes to:

Honor the Game by showing respect for rules, opponents, officials, team, and self (ROOTS). Exhibit behavior that reflects positively on the team, the Club, and of course the parents.
Be supportive and respectful of teammates and coaches. Encourage teammates on the court; speak positively about them off the court, in texting, on social media, and at home. Take care of each other.
Make good use of every precious minute of practice time. This means focusing and working hard during practices, listening to the coaches and trying what they ask (the first time) and coming to practice with an “I want to learn” mindset.
Follow any team rules set by the coaches.
Attend every possible practice and match

4.What are appropriate topics for talks with the coach, and when is a good time to talk? How can I resolve issues with the team or coach?

See Sections 2 and 3 of this Handbook. Parents should establish early, positive contact with the coaches. Ask for mid-season parent/coach meetings. Encourage your athlete to talk with the coach about her performance and to ask questions. Our coaches try to be alert to potential problems, but in all sports issues can arise regarding playing time, other players’attitudes, the coach's style etc. When there is an issue or concern, Club policy is that the first step (almost always) is for the player to talk with her coaches. The coaches will try to resolve the situation or will explain what needs to happen and why. The next step, if needed, is for player and parent to meet with the coaches. If that doesn’t provide a satisfactory resolution, contact CHAVC’s Director (director@chavc.net). Of course if there is ever a safety or health concern, the parent should contact the coaches right away. Similarly, parents of a young player should go to the coach directly if the player is not able to understand or communicate the issue herself.

5. Can you tell me more about the coaches and their qualifications?
We are proud of our staff. See the Coaches tab on the Club website, www.chavc.net

6. What about playing time in matches?
Each player in good standing will receive plenty of attention and training in CHAVC’s practices. Across the country, playing time in tournaments is probably the top issue raised by parents of junior club players. For the sake of your daughter’s team, it’s important that you accept the coach’s decisions about playing time, because the coach is in a far better position to know which combination of players has the best chance of winning a match. Any player is entitled to ask the coach what she can do to help the team and earn more playing time.
Most competitive clubs make no promises about playing time. A few players on a team might sit on the bench all day at a tournament. CHAVC has found that it’s possible to field competitive teams while still providing significant playing time in every tournament. Players in good standing receive some playing time in each match, but not equal playing time. A player in good standing is one who attends almost all practices and tournaments, works hard in practice, respects and works well with her teammates and coaches, and is up-to-date on club dues.

7. How can I find out about the specific tournaments and gear for my daughter’s team?
Check out the appropriate team sheet on www.chavc.net under “Teams.” Note: please air-dry your jerseys . In a pinch, they can be tumble dried on low heat if carefully monitored. Dryer heat can ruin today’s high-tech jerseys!

8. What should my player have in her backpack for tournaments?
Your athlete needs to bring both of her jerseys and her black spandex shorts, shoes, socks, knee pads, ankle protection (optional) and water bottle. She will need scorekeeping supplies, including her whistle, and personal supplies like lip balm, deodorant, inhalers, other medications, etc. It’s a good idea to stick a favorite energy bar or snack in her backpack. If there won’t be a team food table, find out if the tournament venue has decent food, or pack her lunch.

9. What about shoes and ankle protection?
Volleyball shoes are the best choice, although some basketball or tennis shoes are okay too. Running shoes are not made for the sideways and jumping movements of volleyball. Volleyball shoes start at around $60. More expensive shoes may provide better support. Mizuno and Asics are well-known brands. Athletes who play volleyball for their schools and for a club should get new shoes at least once a year.
If you are a blocker, have weak ankles, or have had an injury, it’s a good idea to wear ankle protection such as the ASO (soft) or Active Ankle (semi-rigid) braces. For more information write to info@chavc.net Limited studies have shown that ankle protection can significantly reduce serious ankle injuries in volleyball players. Most college teams wear ankle protection.

10. Why aren’t parents allowed to help on the court during practices and tournaments?
Like most clubs, CHAVC obtains insurance through USAV. That policy requires that the only adults on the court or sidelines be USAV members who are vetted and cleared as junior-team coaches or team chaperones.

Questions or comments about CHAVC or this Handbook? Please write to info@chavc.net.

Enjoy the season!