West Hants Wizards Volleyball Club has been established in order to provide an opportunity for school-aged athletes to develop volleyball skills and to compete in a setting that encourages excellence in individual and team achievement, leading to a life-long love for volleyball.

 

 

Our club will also provide a structure that will facilitate the operation of individual teams in terms of financial support, booking of facilities, providing equipment, quality coaching, communication and supervision. All of these things are necessary to provide a safe, competitive and enjoyable volleyball experience. Our club will offer a range of teams for the various age classifications, based on coaching availability.

 

 

 

Team Composition and Court Time

 

 

 

All teams will be coached by at least one coach whose primary responsibility is that team. Other coaches may be involved, and a head coach will oversee the operation of all teams. Athletes will be assigned to particular teams based on consideration of a variety of factors including:

 

        ●     Providing a good playing and development experience for an individual athlete

        ●     Providing an opportunity for as many athletes as possible to play volleyball

        ●     Ensuring viability of teams

        ●     Providing a reasonable opportunity for all teams to succeed.

 

Upon completion of registration the coaches will meet to discuss the athletes and

                        teams and arrive at team lists based on the criteria outlined above.

 

 

    In general, athletes will be assigned to play for teams within their own age group. However, it is recognized that some athletes who are particularly skilled will benefit from practicing and playing at a more advanced level. Therefore, once the teams have been selected and an athlete has been assigned to their primary team, it is permissible for athletes to also practice and play with other teams within the club to help in their personal development. This must be done in accordance with Volleyball Nova Scotia rules. If there is a conflict in scheduling between two teams that an athlete is associated with then the priority is always with their primary team, unless otherwise agreed to by both coaches.

 

 

Commitment and Playing Time

 

 

    Athletes who cannot make a full commitment to their team at the beginning of the season with respect to the practice and competition schedule should understand that their role during competitions may be limited, at the discretion of the coaches. This will not apply to the 13U and 14U age groups,as VNS has rules regarding fair play at the 13U and 14U level, and coaches will be following those guidelines at those levels. 

 

    Our goal is to provide volleyball to as many players as we can, while maintaining team numbers that allow for the best instructional environment. Volleyball is not a “minutes on the floor” type of sport. Please don’t expect your player to play the same amount as someone else. Players and parents can have respectful, genuine conversations around this topic during on-playing times if they need clarification.

 

 

Parent Expectations

 

 

    Each team requires a parent manager. This is to assist the coach with phoning, road trip supervision, fundraising activities, hosting tournaments, operating concessions at the tournaments, and other fundraisers. We have a Head Manager who will help managers learn their role. Coaches are responsible for determining playing time and court positions for athletes. Parents are not permitted on the court during matches unless specifically requested by the coaches to assist in some capacity. Any concerns or questions regarding playing time or otherwise just not be done during the tournament setting.  If this becomes a problem, parents may be asked to leave the venue, a formal complaint to VNS and SportNS may be launched, and future attendance to volleyball events may be limited. Once the season begins, coaches will hold a meeting to go over player and parent expectations. Parents will need to sign a parent code of conduct. Practices at the 15U and higher levels may be closed if the coach wishes. This can sometimes help players stay more focussed.. It has been found that player’s attention and intensity is increased when there are no spectators during practices. That being said, coaches can make their own decisions regarding open or closed practices, and it may change throughout the season as well.

 

 

Athlete Expectations

 

 

    Athletes are expected to participate in their team with an open and positive mind. They should recognize that it requires continuous hard work and FOCUS in order to improve individually and as a team. The philosophy of the club is to provide a venue where athletes will improve and excel during competition. Being a team player, showing respect at all times, and working hard on their skills and team commitments are all expectations of players in our club. Simply being a strong volleyball player is not our only goal. Players will need to sign a player code of conduct at the beginning of the season.

 

    Our Wizards club strives to be a community-based, development-focused club. Our coaches follow the Long Term Athlete Development model set out by Volleyball Canada, and we believe that the value of sport for young women goes far beyond winning and losing matches. Whole athlete development including mental toughness, goal setting, how to be a productive team member, and FUN are things we believe contribute to athlete success and lifelong active living.