Volleyball Handbook

MISSION STATEMENT

At Summit Sports NW, our primary focus is to provide youth athletes the opportunity to grow and compete in the sport they love while learning team building and leadership skills in the process.

PHILOSOPHY

All in pursuit of maximizing our athletes mental strength and athletic abilities. We will teach the importance of fundamentals, the value of teamwork, and use mental preparation and goal setting. We strive to share our competitiveness, intensity and passion for the game with the hope that our athletes can build on it and have fun! We truly believe that when we utilize what is taught in practice to its full potential, then we will win as many games as our abilities allow.

TEAM CULTURE

At Summit Sports NW, we strive to have a championship culture. To have a championship culture means that we have a strong sense of mission and purpose. We want to instill that our coaches and athletes know exactly what we want to achieve and have a burning desire to achieve it. We want to be fully designed and aligned to achieve our goals and have a laser beam focus on success. We will have high standards for our team members and provide each other with candid and frequent feedback on how they are doing. We will be galvanized for greatness!

To sustain the championship culture, that means that every player and coach in our program holds ourselves to the basic outline…

Consistently work hard every day because they want to, not because they have to.
Are fully engaged and committed to your team's mission and goals.
Take immense pride in representing your team.
Play passionately for each other and not just themselves.
Take full responsibility for getting the job done.
Hold themselves and each other accountable to high standards.
Don’t give or tolerate excuses for why people didn’t perform or produce.
Are led by credible, competent, and caring leaders.
Challenge and support each other through thick and thin.
Have a burning desire to achieve for themselves and their teammates.
Build an unbreakable sense of unity and chemistry.
Expect to win each time they put on their uniform.

TRYOUTS

Summit Sports NW will hold open tryouts to select players for our club teams. We will announce our tryout dates and times by posting notices on our website, and other social media. We may also choose to advertise or tryouts in local newspaper ads or printed flyers.

Summit Sports NW is a baseball and indoor volleyball training program with limited positions. We do not guarantee that every player that attends our tryouts will be selected for one of our teams.

Once a player has been selected for one of our teams, Summit Sports NW will make an offer of membership for that player to join our club for the season. That player and their parent/guardian will be asked to accept the offer. If accepted, the player will have up to the signing date to formalize the agreement by submitting a signed club contract and making a financial deposit. If the offer is denied or deferred, Summit Sports NW may reserve the right to offer the spot to another player.

PLAYER SELECTION PROCESS

The sport of volleyball is not a measured or timed event. All team selections will be made based upon a variety of objective criteria that the Summit Sports NW directors and coaches consider important to the creation of a great team as outlined below:

Execution of volleyball skills will be evaluated by our team selection coaches. The following skills will be evaluated and graded on a 1-5 scale.

The 1-5 scale will be based on the following criteria

athlete demonstrates basic knowledge of skill/drill.
athlete demonstrates basic knowledge and technique of skill/drill.
athlete demonstrates intermediate application of technique of skill/drill.
athlete demonstrates good application of skill/drill and how the skill/drill applies to position and game execution.
athlete demonstrates instinctive technique and decision making for game play in terms of skill/drill execution and how it translates to competition.

Each player will be graded on the following skills:

Attacking
Blocking
Digging
Setting
Serving
Passing

Other considerations will be included in our selection process:

Teamwork: The willingness to accept a role that leads to team success. A commitment to playing for others.
Positive Attitude: Exhibiting enthusiasm and support of teammates and club coaches and staff.
Maturity: Showing an ability to adjust to various situations and dealing with adversity with grace and confidence. Ability to accept coaching with an open mind and willingness to learn.
Ability to be “Part of the Team!”: Exhibiting the ability to process and incorporate coaching from the Summit Sports NW coaching team.

Head coaches and assistant coaches of respective teams are ultimately responsible for the selection of each team. Summit Sports NW directors, Alyssa and Jackson Conn will help in approval and finalization of all team rosters.
All players/parents/guardians and coaches will be upheld to the requirements as outlined in the 2024/2025 Player & Parent Handbook.

TUITION

Once a player has accepted the offer to play for Summit Sports NW, they will be presented with a tuition payment schedule for the season. The tuition cost will cover the coaches’ pay, court rental and equipment fees, tournament fees, and shared admin costs. (Parents and players will be responsible for their own travel expenses to and from tournaments. Should we stay overnight at an event, parents and players will also be responsible for these expenses as well.)

Once a players and their parent (or financially responsible party) have decided to play for Summit Sports NW, they will be required to either:

Make a lump sum payment for the entire tuition cost.
Make an initial deposit (due on/near signing day), then five (5) monthly fixed payments for the remainder of the tuition via debit/credit card. Payment option will be set up through the Summit Sports NW website. Automatic payments will be charged on or near the first of the month until full tuition is financially met and will be subject to the website's 4% processing fee.
Summit Sports NW will discount the tuition cost by $50.00 for a lump sum tuition payment.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

Each athlete is responsible for a deposit on signing day. This deposit may be paid by check or credit card. All monthly payments are to be paid to Summit Sports NW on the 5th of each month via electronic payment on our website until full tuition is financially met. Summit Sports NW requires each athlete's family to have a credit card connected to their account for automatic withdrawals of your club fees on the 5th of each month. These payments are outlined in the Summit Sports NW Payment Schedule Agreement to be signed by each athlete family on signing day. Payments will be subject to the website's 4% processing fee.

If the card on file is charged and it bounces back due to non-sufficient funds, then there will be a $50.00 NSF fee added to players account balance.
If monthly payment remains unpaid following the 5th of the month, then the athlete’s account will be placed on the “not in good standing” list, and the player will not be allowed to train in practice or play in tournaments until the account is up to date- no exceptions.
Please do not give payments to the coaching staff.
A player with an account that is “not in good standing” will be denied the privilege of playing in a tournament and participating in practice or training until the account is up to date. A player can return to full participation after their account is up to date. This policy will be heavily enforced throughout the season.
Final payment is due by March 1st, 2026. Unpaid balances are subject to an additional 3% simple interest charge on the remaining balance per month until balance is paid in full. Accounts that remain unpaid after the April 1st, 2026 due date will be considered “not in good standing” and will be reported to the USAV to prevent further participation in the USAV club volleyball program until the account is settled.
Accounts with outstanding balances are subject to being reported to collections.
Any refund resulting from injury, illness, closures, or any other reason, is handled on a case-by-case basis and determined by and subject to the discretion of the club director.

TEAM PRACTICES

Practice and tournament schedules are distributed to the players at the beginning of the seasons and will be updated and/or revised as necessary. Each team will practice together two (2) times per week. Practice facilities, dates and times may change throughout the season depending on facility availability. We will do our best to keep a consistent schedule, but we are at the mercy of facility availability.

PRACTICE STANDARDS FOR ATHLETES

The purpose of practice is to:

To provide learning experiences through which the individual may expand their physical, emotional and mental capacity, and to mold groups of individuals into teams.
To prepare for situations that may occur during tournament play.

To achieve these goals, all players must company to the following practice rules:

Each practice session is very important to the development of our athletes. Coaches also prepare practice plans according to how many players will be attending. It is expected that each player will prioritize their personal schedule and exercise good time management skills so that scheduling conflicts are kept to a minimum.
All athletes are expected to make every effort to attend every practice. If a player must miss practice, an email or TeamSnap app message to their respective coaches is mandatory at least four (4) hours prior to the beginning of practice. Whatever the reason, if an athlete misses practice, their playing time may be affected.
Advanced notice is required if missing a practice due to school functions, family events, etc.
Scheduled practice time is the start time. Please drive to the gym at least 15 minutes prior to the start of practice.
All athletes are required to help set up and take down poles, nets and accessories.
Players are expected to hustle, jog/run appropriately to the assigned task. This includes shagging balls, returning to the end of the line, when in a drill, etc.
At all times, players will put forth maximum effort to perform to the best of their ability.
Players are expected to control negative emotions brought on by frustration or fatigue. Over-use of negative words or body language toward self, teammates or coaches will not be tolerated.

Parents are expected to pick up their athletes promptly at the end of practice. Coaches will not leave until all players have been picked up.

In case of inclement weather, coaches will notify you of practice cancellations via email or the TeamSnap app.

Summit Sports NW will hold “closed” practices. Closed practices means that spectators may not be in the gym while practices are in session. Closed practices create a concentrated and distraction-free atmosphere, allowing athletes to immerse themselves fully in their training. Without external influences, athletes can focus on refining and trying new skills, and seeking guidance without any apprehension.

TOURNAMENT STANDARDS FOR ATHLETES

At each tournament, players are expected to:

Always arrive on time when and where your coach instructs you to meet.
Be responsible and bring everything you need for the day. Always bring all Summit jerseys, regardless of what color the team is planning to wear on the court that day.
Abide by ALL rules set by the governing body (USAV or JVA), host club or organization, facility/venue, coaches, and team representatives at all times. Obey facility rules specific to food, beverage, team and spectator areas.
Always check in with coaches before leaving the playing or team area, hotel, lobby, pool, etc. Players should use the “buddy system” and always travel or be accompanied by parents or at least one or more teammates.
At the completion of each tournament be sure the team area is left the way it was found. It is the player’s responsibility, not their parents’, to contact the coach regarding missing any part of a tournament. If a player is going to miss any part of a tournament, they must inform their coach directly and in advance, not only for attendance and rostering, but for game strategy, rotations, and planning. Asking a teammate to tell the coach is also not acceptable.

Officiating and work teams:

Officiating is the responsibility of the entire team. All players must participate.
Every player must complete USAV officiating training prior to being an eligible player for the season.
Players are not allowed to leave the tournament while their team is officiating and should plan to stay through the last work assignment even if they are not part of the work team that is actively officiating.
Each coach will determine a procedure that their team will follow for officiating duties.

PLAYING TIME

Playing time is not guaranteed. It is our expectation that parents and players choose Summit Sports NW for the quality of coaching provided. Generally, after players are evaluated at practices, coaches will select the players that best fit into their strategy for upcoming matches. Outside of practices or tournaments, coaches will be more than happy to schedule a time to discuss any issues regarding playing time. If the issue remains unresolved, then the player, parent, and coaches should follow the grievance procedures as outlined in “Communication Guidelines”

ATHLETES WHO TURN 18 DURING THE SEASON

Why SafeSport?

USA Volleyball believes that volleyball has many positive things to offer those who participate. First, and most importantly, whether one is a gifted athlete or a recreational player, volleyball is FUN! It is a lifetime sport enjoyed by players from 8 to 80. Participation in volleyball is not only good exercise, but also involves team cooperation and spirit. Athletes enjoy a wide range of physical, emotional and social benefits. Sports develop general physical fitness, and physical exertion has a documented positive mental effect. Athletes have a greater sense of self-worth, demonstrate better collaboration skills, and maintain healthier peer relationships.

Unfortunately, sports, including volleyball, can also be a high-risk environment for misconduct, including physical and sexual abuse. All forms of misconduct are intolerable and in direct conflict with the values of USA Volleyball.

Misconduct may damage an athlete's psychological well-being. Athletes who have been mistreated may experience social embarrassment, emotional turmoil, psychological scars, loss of self-esteem and negative impacts on their relationships with family, friends, and the sport. Misconduct often hurts an athlete's competitive performance and may cause enough harm for them to drop out of our sport entirely.

Parent & Youth Training Courses: The U.S. Center for SafeSport has launched parent and youth courses. This training is not mandatory and will be offered through the Center's website. U.S. Center for SafeSport (safesporttrained.org)

These free courses are for minor athletes and their parents to understand the importance of positive, welcoming environments in sports, where misconduct like bullying or abuse is less likely to happen, and to know where to report abuse, should it happen.
To log in to the training use the guardian's SportsEngine email address, many times the SportsEngine password will work, if it doesn't request a password reset.

U.S. Center for SafeSport "Core" Training: This is required training for adults who have regular contact with amateur athletes who are minors, and/or have regular contact with or authority over an amateur athlete who is a minor. The training must be completed before regular contact with an amateur athlete who is a minor begins, or within the first 45 days of initial membership, or upon beginning a new role subjecting the adult to the MAAPP. Available to USAV members for free.

30-Minute Refresher: This is conducted annually following "Core" Center for SafeSport Training. This training is 30 minutes and is a review of the information shared in the Core Center for SafeSport Training. Available to USAV members for free.

Athletes turning 18 during the season, whose teammates are minors, will be required to take "Core" Center for SafeSport training. To prevent any disruption in play, the center will allow athletes who are 17, turning 18 during the season to take "Core" given parental consent. The parental consent form is included in the U18 Player membership. Athletes using this membership will be required to complete Core training before they are allowed to be rostered.

https://www.psrvb.org/safesport

MAAP – Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies

USA Volleyball has adopted the U.S. Center for SafeSport Minor Athletes Abuse Prevention Policies. Federal law authorizes the Center to address the risk of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of amateur athletes. The U.S. Olympic Committee and national governing bodies (collectively, “Covered Organizations/LAOs) are required to follow these Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies. Covered Organizations/LAOs are responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with these policies.

MAAP Summary

The goal of Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies is to limit one-on-one interactions with minor athletes--interactions with minors should be observable and interruptible. Any violation of MAAPP is reportable

The policy covers six areas:

Limiting one-on-one interactions, including meetings and individual training sessions
Massages and rubdowns/athlete training modalities
Locker rooms and changing areas
Social media and electronic communication
Local travel
Team travel

Information pertaining to MAAPP can be found at https://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/about-us/safesport/maapp or the attached MAAPP PDF from USA Volleyball.

TOURNAMENT STANDARDS FOR PARENTS

Some venues may not have adequate seating around the court or tournament camp, so we recommend that you bring your own chairs unless told otherwise by coaches.
We also recommend that you pack beverages (i.e. water) and a cooler for your athlete for the tournament day.
Communication!
If you have a concern about your child’s playing time or issues within the program, we ask that they come to us first. We are not just developing them as volleyball players, as young adults. Advocating for themselves is an important skill that we want to teach them. We also strive to be approachable, the athlete can come to us with any concerns they may have. If the problem is not resolved after that, then feel free to email me to set up a date and time to discuss the issue. At no point will there be a conversation regarding playing time issues where an athlete is not involved.
If you have a concern about your child’s safety or well-being, please contact the head coach of your respective team immediately to address and discuss the issues. Without communication from either parent or player, then unfortunately we do not always know that there is an ongoing problem.
Under no circumstance should a parent approach the coaches before, during or after a game unless it is an emergency situation where someone may be in harm's way. Tournament days are crucial and should not be interrupted if they do not have to be. Same goes for practice days.

At this level, one mistake can ruin the momentum for some athletes. If your child makes a mistake, please cheer them on. Try to refrain from yelling instructions at them to fix a mistake that already happened.

Safety is a primary concern for us. Unfortunately, we can’t watch every child every second. If you see any situation that you believe is a safety concern, please step in and help. Make sure you follow up with us so we know what has happened.

TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Ground transportation for players to all tournaments will be the responsibility of the parents and players.
Summit Sports NW tuition does not cover meals. Meals are at the expense of the player and parent.
Parents and players are responsible for associated expenses with overnight stays and travel.

COMMUNICATION / GRIEVANCE GUIDELINES

The 24-hour rule MUST be followed at all times unless the health or safety of a player is an emergent concern. Following this simple rule ensures everyone involved has the time needed to think things through, calm and regain composure, and have a more productive conversation.

Club Director/ Administrator to/from Players and Parents

Most pertinent team information will be routed through the coach and dispersed throughout the club. The primary mode of communication between the club director and the parents and players will be either by email or through BAND app. The secondary mode of communication is by a phone call or in person. After those modes fail, the last mode of communication will be by written correspondence sent via US Mail. These lines of communication will be used for important notices to policy changes, changes in playing schedule, traveling information updates, billing invoices and grievances. Notify the club director and your team coaches if your email address or contact information changes. During the season, the club director may call various meetings to inform parents and players of important events or details pertaining to the entire club.

Coach to Player/Player to Coach

We encourage our athletes to take responsibility for their participation. Both the player and coach are responsible for the establishment of a relationship to be based on trust and mutual respect. Coaches are expected to be effective and empathetic communicators; players are expected to be the same.

Parent to Coach

It is our expectation that a parent and/or players who chooses Summit Sports NW for the quality coaching that is provided. Coaches will be more than happy to discuss any issues after a practice or tournament has concluded. As stated under “Tournament Guidelines for Parents”, Under no circumstance should a parent approach the coaches before, during or after a game unless it is an emergency situation where someone may be in harm's way. Tournament days are crucial and should not be interrupted if they do not have to be. Same goes for practice days.

The club director will not tolerate aggravated or aggressive behavior toward any of our players, coaches, parents or other clubs players, coaches, parents and/or referees. If a parent or player exhibits this type of behavior, they will be appropriately sanctioned, which may result in being asked to leave the practice/ tournament and asked not to attend practices/ tournaments in the future or even dismissed from the club.

Player to Player

It is our expectation that if a personality conflict arises between players on a team, this conflict gets resolved outside of court time as to not affect the team chemistry. If the conflict is irreconcilable, then the expectation is that parties involved do not aggravate the conflict further by involving other players and their parents, by spreading gossip and rumors. The club director and coaches will not tolerate gossip or rumors that are detrimental to the club. All involved will be appropriately sanctioned, which may include temporary suspension or even dismissal from the club.

Please follow the following steps if any issues arise that must be addressed.

If the issue is between players; then the players involved should try to resolve it first.
If the issue remains unresolved or involves a coach-to-player, then the player should address their concern with their respective coach first.
If the issue remains unresolved, then the player and parents should make an appointment to speak with their coach. Any such meeting should take place outside of tournament and practice times. Any time a player/ parent/ coach meeting is scheduled, we expect our coaches to inform the club directors that there is an issue as well as inform the club directors of the date and time of the meeting.
If after a parent/ player/ coach meeting the issue remains unresolved, then the player, parents and coaches should schedule a meeting with the club director.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
I will be knowledgeable in the rules of volleyball and I will teach these rules to my players.
I will use coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skills that I teach.
I will treat all players fairly and will not show favoritism towards one player.
I will do my best to make sure practices and competitions are properly supervised.
I will work individually to develop the skills of every member of the club.
I will be professional and approachable at all times and develop an open and respectable communication with my players and players’ parents.
I will review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat minor injuries to players.
I will do my best to organize practices that are challenging and meaningful for all of my players.
I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players, as well as to spectators, parents and tournament officials.
I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for the youth and not the adults.
I will not solicit to players or parents any goods or services for personal profit unless prior permission has been granted from the club director.

DRUGS, TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL

Coaches do not tolerate the use of performance enhancing drugs and support athletes’ efforts to be drug‐free.

Coaches discourage the use of alcohol and tobacco in conjunction with athletic events or victory celebrations at playing sites and forbid use of alcohol by minors.

Coaches refrain from tobacco and alcohol use while they are coaching and make every effort to avoid their use while in the presence of their athletes.

If a player and/or coach is caught using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol before or during a sporting event, they will be dismissed from the club.

**Summit Sports NW will follow the current USAV Drugs, Tobacco and Alcohol guidelines and procedures.**