Player/Parent Handbook

PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK

Along the way this year, we must ensure that all of us, from Directors, Staff, Coaches, Parents, and Athletes, have a common understanding of the expectations of all involved.  Our goal is an incident-free season, and we will communicate those exact expectations upfront.  Participation in a Net Force program is a privilege and requires a strong time commitment to the Club, your Program, your Team, and your Training. Our programs are dedicated to providing all of our coaches and athletes with the opportunity to be successful. 

Mission

Net Force Volleyball Club is dedicated to providing a positive and inclusive environment for players of all skill levels. We are excited to bring together athletes from the Sauk Valley area and beyond to foster a love of the game, build lasting friendships, and develop skills both on and off the court. We strive to create a positive, inclusive environment that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication.

Payments:

**All club fees are non-refundable. In the case of a season-ending injury, fees may be prorated up to the last day the athlete participated in training (excluding commitment fee).  Once this contract is signed, you are responsible for all current and future club fees as outlined in the payment schedule.

Team Selection:

This is the hardest and most stressful part for both the coaches and the athletes. Please keep in mind that we allow all our athletes to participate in other SCHOOL sports. This can delay the team selection process as we do not always have everyone at practice. Please be patient with us during this process and understand that we, as a coaching staff, are working hard to get teams set. Teams are chosen over a 2-3 week process. During the team evaluation process, coaches evaluate all players and place them on teams appropriate for their level of ability. We work hard to place players in a position to increase their overall volleyball skills and have a successful season contributing to their team.  At Net Force, we start each season with a fresh slate, and previous placement does not guarantee a spot going forward, nor does it hinder a player from moving up through the ranks. Our rosters will generally be set at 8-12 players per team.  

CHANGING TEAMS DURING THE SEASON:

After your daughter has been placed on a team, Net Force reserves the right to move them to a different team at any time during the season to continue to improve the level of play for all considered. This means that a player may be added to a team during the season or that a player may be asked to move to another team to better match the player with the appropriate team.

SPORTS ENGINE:

All teams will be entered into the Sports Engine App. This will hold all communication for every team. Within this app, you will find practice schedules, tournament dates with locations, and a messaging platform for parents, athletes, and coaches to communicate. Be sure to opt-in to the Text Messaging notifications through your SportsEngine App and account communication preferences.

PRACTICE:

Practice will be run by a master coach. The master coach will develop practice plans, be at practices, and assist coaches in ensuring all athletes get the same training regardless of team placement.​​ Teams will practice one - two times a week throughout the season. We request closed practices, but if you attend, you must stay upstairs.  Each athlete will be given 10 excused absences, after which excused absences will also need to be made up. Excused absences include, any SCHOOL function the athlete is participating in, illness, and extreme circumstances. Unexcused practices WILL need to be made up. 

PRACTICE CANCELLATIONS:

Practice cancellations are rare. Practices may be canceled due to inclement weather. We will follow our facility's recommendations on this as well. We ask that each family evaluate the situation on a case-by-case, area-by-area basis. Players not attending practice due to inclement weather in their area would be considered excused from practice. We will do our best at a reasonable time to get any cancellation messages out through social media, email, and Sports Engine text.

Be sure to opt-in to the Text Messaging notifications through your SportsEngine App and account communication preferences.

PLAYING TIME:

We understand that every parent wants their athlete on the court. During tournaments, each athlete will play in pool play.  The amount of playing time is not guaranteed; playing time is not equal and must be earned. When pool play ends and we enter the tournament portion of the day, the player's performance and production in matches, as well as the flow of set/match will determine playing time. We know that all players want to play, and the vast majority of concerns by players and parents involve the amount of playing time that is allocated to the player. 

Note:  If concerns over Playing Time arise, please review the protocol for player/parent communication.

PLAYER/PARENT COMMUNICATION: 

One of the most important aspects of coaching youth sports is having clear and effective communication between players, parents, and coaches. To maintain professionalism and ensure a positive environment, Net Force has established the following communication guidelines.

24-Hour Rule
There is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after each tournament before any concerns or issues may be addressed. This rule will be strictly enforced. Additionally, it is never acceptable for a parent to approach a coach during practice, an event, or in any other setting with a concern.

Guidelines for Communication
Player-Initiated Discussion first. 

  • If an issue arises, the player must request a meeting with the coach to discuss the concern.

  • A Net Force Admin will be present at this meeting.

Escalation Process (Non-Playing Time Issues Only)

  • If further discussion is needed and does not involve playing time, the parent may request a meeting.

  • The meeting will include the player, parent(s), coach, and a director, and will take place privately.

  • Playing time decisions will not be discussed with parents. If you have questions regarding playing time, please refer to our Playtime Policy.

  • Zero Tolerance for Disrespectful Behavior

  • Net Force will not tolerate any form of verbal, mental, or physical abuse.Coaches, players, and parents are prohibited from berating anyone.

  • Any concerns related to safety, harassment, or abuse must be reported immediately to the Parent-Player-Coach Advocates.

  • Confidentiality & Respect for Other Athletes

Net Force Coaches and Admin will NOT discuss another athlete’s performance or playing time with any other player or parent.
Email Communication Guidelines

Electronic Communication

When emailing a coach, Net Force Admin must be CC’d on all communication.
The official Net Force Admin email is: netforcevbc15@gmail.com
By following these communication guidelines, we ensure a positive, respectful, and professional environment for all athletes, parents, and coaches.

FUNDRAISER:

We will once again do our annual fundraiser.  Each athlete will receive raffle tickets to sell as a part of the fundraiser.  We ask that everyone try to sell 10 tickets at a minimum. 

Player/Parent CODE OF CONDUCT

ROLE OF THE PARENT

The role of the parent at Net Force (in the most basic form) can be clearly defined. We ask that parents provide support to both their daughter and the team at all times. The success of our teams can be affected both positively and negatively by the role that the parents assume in the process. Parents that are supportive of their daughters and the team will assist in helping create the positive atmosphere and chemistry that is a key ingredient to a team’s ultimate success. Parents that are disruptive and critical of either their daughter or members of the team (including coaches) can unfortunately help to create a dysfunctional atmosphere that will ultimately hinder the development of the team and individual players throughout the season.

The vast majority of parents and families of our players have been very supportive in the past, and we hope that support will continue to grow each year. We hope that parents support their athlete(s) by attending their matches and giving positive encouragement. We expect you to refrain from criticizing your child, their teammates, their coaches, or the officials.

Net Force realizes the sacrifices that are made by all of our families and appreciates the time and commitment of the parents throughout their athletes’ club careers. We have an open door policy with our families and encourage you to address any concerns you have with our staff under the guidelines we have set forth. We ask you to help us create the positive environment necessary for our athletes to succeed both on and off the court.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

As with our players, parents also represent Net Force Volleyball. We expect parents to act with a higher set of standards than we expect from our players. Parents are the role models.

Parents should read, understand and sign this form prior to their children participating in our program. Any parent guilty of improper conduct at any match, tournament, practice or Net Force sponsored event will be asked to leave the venue. Repeat violations may cause the season forfeiture of the privilege of attending all events or removal of the athlete from our program.

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:

  • Trustworthiness,

  • Respect,

  • Responsibility,

  • Fairness,

  • Caring, and

  • Good Citizenship.

The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

  1. I will not force my child to participate in Net Force Volleyball.

  2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for the players, not adults.

  3. I will inform the coach of any physical or mental disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others

  4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game.

  5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

  6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.

  7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence (verbal or physical).

  8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

  9. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning; so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

  10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

  11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

  12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize matches and competition in the lower age groups.

  13. I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

  14. I will respect the officials and their authority during matches and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at a tournament, and will follow the communication protocol outlined in this handbook.

  15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

  16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

By signing this agreement, I am signing on behalf of both parents/guardians of our athlete.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

Net Force Volleyball is committed to all of its players exercising good sportsmanship at all times. Our program philosophy is that our athletes should represent themselves, their family, their team and our organization in a positive and respectful manner. In order to represent our athlete’s commitment, we have developed the following Code of Conduct for our players:

  1. I will adhere to the rules and policies of Netforce Volleyball outlined in this handbook.

  2. I will adhere to the rules and policies set forth by my team that may be in addition to the rules and policies of the program.

  3. I will follow all rules and policies of the host facility when at tournaments, hotels or other functions related to participating in Net Force related events.

  4. Derogatory or defamatory social media posts will not be tolerated; including, but not limited to, posts with the Net Force logo, players, or family members.  Any such posts will be evaluated by the coaching staff and leadership at Net Force and may result in expulsion. 

On The Court

  1. I will respect the game of volleyball and give it my all during practice and games.

  2. I will accept responsibility and be accountable for my effort, focus and commitment to the game, my team and myself.

  3. I will demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play at all times. I will set an example in the way in which I conduct myself on the court. I understand those actions, good or bad, have a long lasting effect on everyone around me.

  4. I will treat the coaching staff respectfully at all times. This includes not only my own coach and lead trainer, but any member of the coaching staff that takes the time to offer instruction throughout the season.

  5. I will value the instruction of my coaches. Whether I think my coach is the best, the worst or somewhere in between, my job is to listen to my coaches, follow instruction, make changes and trust that they are looking out for my best interests.

  6. I will be respectful, supportive and courteous to my teammates.

  7. I will appreciate my teammates. Every player on my team has certain strengths and weaknesses. I will be patient with my teammates as they improve their games — just as they will be patient with me as I work on my game. Volleyball is a team sport. Success can only come when the entire team works and plays well together both on and off the court.

  8. If I have a problem with a teammate, I will accept the responsibility to work it out with them. If I am unable or uncomfortable, I will talk to the coaching staff to attempt to solve the problem.

  9. I will put my teammates first at all times. I understand that I am not bigger than the team no matter what my role may be. I understand that if I do not, my playing time will be affected.

  10. I understand that poor conduct such as foul language, physical or verbal intimidation of any individual, fighting with other teams/players, and vocal outbursts are not permitted.

  11. I will never question an official or express my feelings at a call. Officials are part of the game. I will never talk back or show up an official. This includes players that are performing officiating duties such as line judge or scorekeeping at an event.

  12. I will take time to learn the rules of the game. I understand that in order to master the sport, I must understand the rules that we play by.

  13. I will communicate. I will ask questions. I will express myself. I understand that in order to be successful I have to understand how to succeed. In order to do that I must communicate with my coaches and teammates.

  14. I will accept feedback. I understand that all feedback and/or criticism of my game is designed to help me grow as a player.

Off The Court

  1. I will be responsible when using the internet and will not submit any negative information regarding my teammates, team or Net Force Volleyball while using social networks or communicating via email. I will not post inappropriate comments, pictures or other content that would otherwise break any of the rules or policies set forth in this handbook/Code of Conduct.


 

Net Force VOLLEYBALL PARENT/PLAYER CONTRACT

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING YOU ARE SIGNING SO THAT THERE IS NO CONFUSION

  1. I understand that there are dues and fees (see hand book) associated with my athlete in order to play for Net Force. I agree that I will pay the associated costs in full and understand that once I sign the contract that no refunds are given. I understand that failure to pay the dues/fees on time may result with my athlete not being allowed to participate in tournaments or any Net Force events until my account is brought current.

  2. I understand that we need to turn in the Waiver/ Medical Release, Parent/Player Contract, and Financial Agreement. I understand that if I do not meet the obligations defined above my athlete may not be able to participate in tournaments or any Net Force events.

  3. I acknowledge that I have read and discussed with my athlete the Player Code of Conduct. I understand and agree to have my athlete abide by all of the standards outlined in the Player Code of Conduct.

  4. I acknowledge that I have read and discussed with my athlete the Parent Code of Conduct. I understand and agree to abide by all of the standards outlined in the Parent Code of Conduct.

  5. I understand my athlete must be registered with a National Governing Body (USAV and/or AAU) in order to participate with Net Force. I agree that I will complete all the necessary steps in order to have my athlete properly registered for the season and that Net Force has my permission to submit information on our behalf in order to complete the registration process.

  6. I understand that playing time is earned with commitment and production. I understand that Net Force fully expects that each athlete understands their playing time situation and is communicated to clearly by their coach.

  7. I understand that Net Force has full discretion on placement of players onto teams and that when more than one team is formed in an age group, placement will not take place until an evaluation process is completed the first several weeks of the season. I understand that  Net Force  also has full discretion on moving players up or down from one team to the other throughout the season.

  8. I understand that Net Force can relocate, replace or dismiss a player if a player does not follow the Player Code of Conduct, which includes, but is not limited to, meeting the coaches or directors expectations in attendance, commitment and/or production.

  9. I understand that communications with the team will be done through email/website. It is the parent’s responsibility to check email/website on a regular basis. Handouts will NOT be used as a primary form of communication. Documents will be released in the Forms section of the website and can be downloaded and printed.

  10. I understand that all tournaments are out of Net Force’s control. This includes tournament schedules, gym locations, and cancellation of the tournament. Tournament schedules, gym locations and cancellations will be communicated to all parents as soon as possible.