Southwind Volleyball Club Policies

Policies page to be updated soon concerning other topics such as recruitment/returning players and practice cancellations due to weather conditions. (11.07.08)

Pay Pal Refunds (11.18.09)
Southwind is glad to be able to provide credit card payment on line through pay pal. However, payment on-line includes a pay pal fee of 2.9% along with a .30 cent transaction fee. If for some reason there must be a refund after an on-line payment it will be made by check and the pay pal fee will not be included.

Returned Check Policy (10.12.09)
With the number of checks we receive we are finding a few insuffient funds. If a check is returned due to insuffient funds the athlete will not be able to participate until the payment is made and there will be a $25.00 fee due in addition to the payment.

Southwind Travel Guidelines
For teams that travel during the season parents are expected to provide transportation for their athlete. Coaches are not allowed to provide transportation for athletes or player's family members (exception: if player is a family member of the coach.) Parents are expected to ensure their athlete reaches the destination or competition site with plenty of time to check into hotel rooms and to be a part of any team activity or practice before competition (coaches will communicate with families for specific times and activities/practices).

Families traveling by plane will also need to arrive in time for team activities/practices. Players will not be released early for return flights after competition, players will all be released after the team finishes their responsibilities of either competing or officiating. Please be sure to make travel arrangements to ensure you will not miss your return flights by scheduling flights late in the day after ALL team responsibilities are fulfilled.

Playing Time
Club volleyball is, by its very nature, competitive. This means that playing time will not be equal for every player. Players and parents must understand this from the beginning for the team to be successful.

Many teams experience difficulties as the season progresses due to the issue of playing time. We would ask that parents not discuss the issue of more playing time with their daughters as it affects the players attitude. Athletes become less coach-able if parents begin to discuss their concerns and/or frustrations with their daughters. If there is a concern and/or frustration we ask that parents set up a time to speak with the coach and/or director. The issue will not be discussed at a tournament or practice, or in front of any other players or parents. Parents who confront the coach in an angry or hostile manner, at a tournament or practice, will be subject to expulsion from the club with no refund of fees.We need parental support in achieving our goals:

* Improving player skills
* Instilling a winning attitude (not a win-at-all-costs attitude)
* Creating positive team interaction
* Teaching players to take responsibility for their own improvement

The following guidelines explain how we will be treating the sensitive issue of playing time:
1. Playing time will not be equal for all players. Even though the fees are the same for every player, playing time will not be equal. Both gold and silver level squads will follow this guideline. Players involved with bronze level squads will have more opportunity to play as we will make every effort to give the developmental players an opportunity to play during competition. However, the decision for a players “game time” will be determined by the coach.

2. Practices will provide constant opportunities for player improvement. Players are expected to attend practices and work hard at getting better. Sometimes, this can be frustrating, but a player's work ethic and mental focus are key to becoming better. Players who attend practices on a consistent basis have a better opportunity for more game time as they will be more familiar with the team strategy. However, the decision for a players “game time” will be determined by the coach.

3. Winning occurs through mental attitude and physical ability. If players do not believe they can win, they will never win. Winning requires a positive attitude toward the game, the coach, and the teammates. Playing time may be adjusted for attitude and skills performance at practices and at games.

4. We will coach to win. This means putting the strongest team on the court during a tournament, and in particular, during the playoffs of a tournament. We recognize that playing time is important to player improvement. The coach must balance player improvement with a winning strategy. During a tournament, the winning strategy will take precedence; during practice, player improvement is the most important.

5. Players should discuss playing time issues with the coach. Players are ultimately responsible for their improvement. They need to understand what they need to improve upon to get more playing time. Players have the opportunity to learn how to discuss improvement with the coach and to obtain feedback on their performance. Our coaching staff is open to teaching players how to work with people in position of authority.

6. Parents should not confront the coach regarding playing time issues. If the player has discussed the issue with the coach and parents are not satisfied, a meeting will be scheduled with the player, the parents, and the coach and if necessary the club director. The issue will not be discussed at a tournament or practice, or in front of any other players or parents. Parents who confront the coach in an angry or hostile manner, or at a tournament or practice, will be subject to expulsion from the club with no refund of fees.

These guidelines are important in setting clear expectations for both parents and players. They will help us all to have a positive experience during the club volleyball season.

Practice/Tournament/Event Attendance during the Junior Olympic Season
During the Junior Olympic/Club season players will be expected to make their team practices during the week. Making up practices will be expected if players will be missing, coming late or leaving early. Southwind athletes will be expected to manage their time and school work so they will be able to attend practices, club events, and tournaments especially during the week of finals. Southwind Volleyball will also expect athletes to honor their commitments to the club and their team by making social plans outside of scheduled practices, club events, and tournaments.