Philosophy & Mission Statement

Focus 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.

The 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.

Athletes, coaches and parents will benefit from this organization because:

• Common organizational and record keeping functions are centralized

• Individual coaches have access to highly experienced coaches

• A more significant, on-going club should be able to access sponsors and other financial support

• Athletes and coaches are part of a larger team whose combined accomplishments will continue to attract higher level athletes and coaches.

• Parents have the option of playing a specific role in the club, according to their inclination

• The club will offer a complete range teams for the various age classifications.

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 senior coaches will oversee the operation of all teams.

Athletes will be assigned to the team that the coaching staff deems to be most appropriate to their age and skill level.  Theoretically, if all players on a given team function at the same level, then there is no reason why they cannot expect to enjoy comparable playing time.

Volleyball is becoming more and more specialized by position with the inception of the libero and substitution rules.  Therefore, some players will necessarily enter and leave the court throughout the match, while others will remain on the court continuously.

The number of players on a given team will be limited so that all players can benefit from an adequate amount of court time, enabling them to develop skills and the ability to perform in the heat of competition.

Players 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 coach.  The coach should clarify this type of situation at the beginning of the season of when he/she becomes aware that the athlete’s role will be limited.

During the playoffs of tournaments and during Provincial Championships or National Championships, player substitutions will become more strategic than routine.  If a particular combination of players has been found to be more effective, in these situations, in order to achieve the best possible results, a regular rotation of players may not be the norm.  This being said, all players should be given the opportunity to perform in these situations throughout the season.

Expectations of Parents

Ideally two parents from each team will become involved to assist the coach with phoning, road trip supervision, and fund raising activities.  Assistance is also required and requested for organizing and hosting tournaments, operating concessions at the tournaments, score keeping, and minor officiating.

Expectations of Athletes

The 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.

All athletes are expected to participate in the hosting of at least one of the tournaments that the club operates.  Failure to do so will result in an increase in fees and will jeopardize the athlete’s status in the club.

Strict adherence to the “Players’ Conduct Contract” is expected on road trips and whenever the athlete is representing Focus Volleyball Club.

All athletes will be advised of the practice and competition schedule as soon as it becomes available.  Each member of the team (and parents) must make a financial and time commitment at the beginning of the season.  This includes a commitment to the Provincial Championships and the National Championships if these competitions are part of the planned schedule.  Athletes must pay all fees and deposits prior to the first practice following selection to the team.  No athlete will train with the team until the fees are paid.

Athletes will advise their coach as soon as possible if they need to miss a practice.  They will provide at least one week’s notice of missing a tournament for which they had previously made a commitment.  Players cannot expect a rebate in fees if they cannot attend the full competition schedule.