CheckList Challenge

SportsWorld
CheckList Challenge

Yes

Overall

Did the athlete enjoy last season?

The easiest gauge of how well the club suited the athlete.

Did the athlete improve?

Did the athlete play to his / her full potential?

Was the athlete treated with respect at all times?

Every interaction between the club and the athlete can become a “teachable moment” if handled properly.

Did the athlete enjoy a positive atmosphere?

A positive atmosphere is the best way to maximize the athletes' abilities.

Was growth sought through encouragement and positive feedback?

Staff should have nurtured the physical and emotional growth of the young athlete at every opportunity.

Facility

Did the club provide its own facility?

While not a requirement to be successful; a club with its own facility and courts eliminates scheduling conflicts that often occur at shared locations and unnecessary variable (e.g ceiling height, nets, etc.).

Was the facility in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations?

Did the club have a business license prominently posted in the lobby; thereby ensuring that it was in compliance with, at least, minimum safety and sanitation standards.

Was the facility climate controlled?

A poorly ventilated gym can be a miserable environment, but also accelerates athlete fatigue thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Did the facility accommodate spectators and parents?

In addition to the free zone around each court required for player safety by USA Volleyball; the facility should also provide adequate seating areas and accomodations for spectators and parents.

Was the area above each court free from obstructions?

USA Volleyball requires a minimum clearance of 23' above the entire playing surface; which includes the court and free zones on all four sides.

Tournaments

Did your club host SCVA tournaments?

SCVA screens and then partners with select venues that meet or exceed their standards to host sanctioned tournaments throughout the season.

Did you play the majority of your tournaments at your club

Members of a club with a facility benefit from the convenience of tournaments 'at home' and often a much shorter commute to weekend tournaments - saving, perhaps, hours of round-trip travel.

Were all courts in compliance with USAV regulations?

USAV regulations establish a minimum standard for consistancy-of-play and the safety of the athletes, spectators and officials.

Were spectators provided seating out of the “kill zone”?

Viewing from the ends of a court places spectators in the line-of-fire during serves and receives. The safest location is on the side opposite the team benches and outside the “free zone”.

Did athletes have sufficient room to serve?

A serving area shorter than the USAV requirement, or obstructed by spectators can inhibit proper serving and increase the risk of injury.

Did the club treat the health of the athletes as paramount?

The athlete must be taught and practice the importance of warming-up, stretching, injury prevention and proper nutrition; especially at year-end events where the club often manages the athletes' food intake.

Staff

Was the coaching appropriate for the athlete; the team?

The coach should have been matched to the caliber of the team based on skill-level, personality, etc.

Was the coach well trained and experienced?

USA Volleyball requires that all junior volleyball coaches be certified through their IMPACT program. Your club coach should have that certification along with playing and coaching experience.

Was the safety and security of athletes always protected?

The athlete and family's physical and emotional well-being must be protected at all costs.

Was the behavior of the coach beyond reproach?

The coach is in a unique position of trust and responsibility that requires the highest levels of ethical behavior.

Did staff appropriatly evaluate the athletes talent?

With proper coaching, effort, and team interaction, an athlete's skills can blossom earlier than 'next seasons try-out' - did your coach look for that type of growth mid-season?

Administration

Did the administration encourage open dialogue?

Membership in a club is a relationship that requires open ongoing communication at all levels.

Was the athlete always treated with respect?

Answer "yes" or look for a new club.

If there was a dispute, were efforts made towards a fair resolution?

Administrators and the parents/athletes may not always see eye-to-eye - but the administration must be willing to listen and address all valid concerns.

Were costs accurately projected & honored throughout the season?

Participation requires a substantial investment that should be clearly presented to its members prior to commitment. Renew with caution if your club has previously tacked on additional charges throughout the season.

Did the size of a team increase after the athlete committed?

With the payment of the nonrefundable deposit, an athlete commits to a team and a club commits to an athlete. Any roster changes afterwards shoud only be with the agreement from the parents on the team or with adjust(s) made to your terms/payments.

Community

Did the club encourage a sense of community among its athletes?

While it may not be a 'scientifically proven fact' - many believe that interaction off-the-court can accelerate a teams performance on-the-court.

Were outside activities created for the athletes and families?

For many, volleyball is more than a sport - it's a lifestyle. The better clubs recognize this and go beyond the sport to create positive experiences through other activities.

Were lasting friendships made?

Some of the most rewarding outcomes from this sport can be the friendships made on and off the court; if the athlete was given the opportunities.

Was communication open and respectful?

Professionalism, honesty and respect are important in any business - especially when it comes to children and young adults.

Did the athlete feel part of a larger group?

Sports can be a strong vehicle to help increase ones identity-of-self for young people. The club, its reputation and the actions of its staff should reflect the goals that you have for your child.