What is Junior Olympic Volleyball or Club Ball?
Junior Olympic Volleyball is part of the USA Volleyball Organization. People involved typically will use the term "club" when relating the programs competing locally and nationally in juniors volleyball. Club ball does not play in a typical league format you may have previously experienced, rather we compete in several tournaments across a 4 to 6 month playing season. Clubs may have only one team or many teams. Teams compete within their own region and, depending on the mission and emphasis of the club, they can if they seek to qualify, and earn the opportunity - compete at the junior national level.
What is a Region?
The country is divided into different regions to help govern and promote the sport. In the Kansas City area we belong to the Heart of America (HOA) Region, which covers a large area roughly extending from Columbia, MO (east) to Springfield, MO (south) then (west) to Wichita and back across to Topeka and Kansas City.
How do I get my child involved?
A good starting point is to begin with a list of clubs in your area and to talk with friends or family who may have some knowledge of club volleyball. You can find a list of clubs on the HOA website along with a list of club directors and contact information. The HOA office will also post a list of tryout dates, times and locations before tryouts begin in early November. It is very important to think through what kind of experience you would like initially for your daughter. Are you seeking a developmental environment or are you interested in starting with a higher level club opportunity?
What is the difference between teams?
Teams are determined by age with the cut off date set at September 1st of the following school year .
Teams are also determined by skill and ability of the players. The stronger players compete on the open and/or gold level with the silver level following and the developmental teams at the bronze level.
What is the difference between clubs?
There are many differences that separate clubs. Some clubs carry many teams at different age levels while there are other clubs that carry only 1 or 2 teams. The various clubs offer a wide range of programs and coaching expertise, with goals and objectives from providing primarily developmental team opportunities, to local semi-competitive teams, to elite clubs seeking to compete with the top teams across the nation. Your daughter will, in most cases, have to tryout for a club and make a team. HOA has established rules regarding tryouts, offers and acceptance. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rules so that you are not pressured into making a decision before you are prepared to do so.
How long is the season?
Most teams begin in November and compete through April with elite teams competing on through late June/early July.
How often do teams compete and where?
Teams compete in weekend tournaments and each club is different in how often they compete. Since there are tournaments almost every weekend, clubs determine the number of tournaments they would like to enter. Some teams may have 12 tournaments during the season while others may have only 4 tournaments. Tournaments are held throughout the local area as well as throughout the country. Most teams will compete in several local tournaments and some will include travel to one, two or more national qualifying tournaments around the country. We are fortunate as our HOA Region has national qualifying events in the Kansas City area when many local teams have the opportunity to compete. Teams seeking to attend nationals must win a "bid" through an approved qualifying tournament to qualify for the national tournament at the end of the season.
How often do they practice?
This varies depending on the club and team. Highlands #1 teams will practice 3 times per week and other teams will practice twice a week.
Is my child guaranteed playing time?
This is another area that differs from club to club and from team to team. Just because you pay for your child to participate it does not guarantee playing time. At Highlands Performance Volleyball the team's head coach is responsible for the composition of the team and determining playing time. Each athlete will receive equal training time and repetitions in practice sessions but we cannot and will not guarantee playing time for anyone. It is in the best interest of the team that we compete for championships and this involves some players not playing in some matches. The head coaches will make their decisions based on a player's attendance at practices, the importance of an event, the player's attitude, work ethic, proficiency at required skills and most importantly, the team's needs.
What is the cost?
The cost will range from $750.00 to $2,000.00 depending on the club and the level of the team. Highlands Performance Voleyball fees for 2010/2011 will range between $850.00 to $1,750.00 for the season which is inclusive (excluding player/family travel expenses). Many teams post club fees but be sure to ask about additional fees - for traveling, uniforms, etc. Consider the number of out-of-town tournaments because they will involve additional expense for the family members who will travel.
Closing thoughts . . .
We recommend contacting Club Directors to find out more about their club philosophies. We also recommend visiting with parents who have had or have children involved with Junior Olympic Volleyball; they will be your best source for truthful feedback due to their personal experiences with the different clubs.
Most people involved with Junior Olympics do so because they are passionate about the sport as well as children and young adults. As you search for a club keep these thoughts in mind so you, the club, and most importantly, your child can have a successful season.
