NTR-Joining a club

What Age Division am I in?
- USAVolleyball has strict guidelines concerning ages. You can view the age definitions for the upcoming season.
What Clubs are out there?
Visit our Club Directory
- Do you want a club that practices in your city? Are you willing to travel 30 minutes, 1 hour or even 2 hours to practice with a certain club?
- Does that club offer your age division?
Philosophy
- Know what YOUR philosophy is....what do you want from a club during this season? Are you bound and determined to get to Nationals? Persistent for a club to help you get a scholarship? Are you wanting to get better for high school? Are you wanting to play with your friends on a team? You have to know what you are shopping for.
- Ask the Club what THEIR philosophy is.
Cost
- How much do Tryouts cost? Do I have to pay for each tryout? Or does the one fee pay for all tryout sessions?
- How much is due up front once I commit to the club?
- Can I make monthly payments?
- Are travel expenses included? Is that Hotel? Air? (Don't forget that parent travel expenses are always extra!)
- Are Nationals or Post-season included? If not, when is that due? Is that refundable if you don't make it to post-season?
- What if my daughter gets hurt during the season?
- Is Fundraising available to offset the cost?
- What player equipment is covered in the cost? shoes? kneepads? socks? how many jerseys? how many shorts?
Members on the team
- How many kids are on a team?
- Is playing time guaranteed?
Level of Commitment
Many girls are active in other sports or activities. Try to have a feel for what your schedule might be like in your other activities so you will know if there are any or many conflicts. Always check with the club to see what is tolerated.
- Very Cooperative - they'll work around anything and everything
- Cooperative within Reason - There are a few instances that the club may excuse you for being late or absent
- Full Commitment - Some clubs expect some or all of their teams to put club volleyball first. They expect you at every practice and every tournament.
Practices
- How many practices per week? How many practices if there is a tournament that weekend?
- How long is each practice?
- Where are the practices located?
Tournaments
- How many tournaments are offered for the teams in that age group? Is that too many or not enough for you?
- Where are the tournaments located? Are they all travel? All local? Combo?
Travel
- How many tournaments are "travel" tournaments?
- How are travel arrangements handled for your daughter?
- Are any arrangements made for the parents? (remember this is usually in addition to season dues)
Coaches
- How many coaches are per team?
- What are their qualifications?
Communications
- How does the club communicate to Parents/Members? via Web? meetings? newsletters? Email?
Other Perks
- What else does the club offer?
- Club/Team outings throughout the year?
- Clinics throughout the year?
- College Recruiting help?
- Have their own facility?
Attend the Club Information/Parent Meeting!
These meetings allow the club to present to you what they are all about. It can also give you an opportunity to meet the club director and possibly your daughter's potential coach. Here is where you want to ask lots of questions. Some clubs hold meetings before any of their tryouts, some will hold meetings on the same day as their tryouts and other will have a combination. If you STILL have questions, please email or call the directors. They will be happy to answer your questions.
Attend one or more tryouts
We often encourage you to tryout for more than one club. This gives you a feel for the club and it gives you more exposure for making a team. Usually tryouts are held in November, AFTER your school season is finished.
Committing to a Club
The USAV guide states that you can only represent one club during one season. That means you cannot change clubs in mid season. Please do your homework before committing to a club.