CheckList Challenge

SportsWorld
CheckList Challenge

Yes

Overall

Did you/your player enjoy last season?

The easiest gauge of how well your club suited you/your player.

Did you/your athlete improve?

Did the athlete play to his / her full potential?

Were you/your athlete treated with respect at all times?

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

Did you/your athlete enjoy a positive atmosphere?

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

Was growth sought through encouragement and positive feedback?

You/your athlete is an adolescent who should have been developed physically and emotionally.

Facility

Did the club provide its own facility?

While not required to be a successful, a club with its own courts eliminates scheduling conflicts that often occur at shared locations.

Was there at least a 9' 10" free zone around all four sides of the court?

USA Volleyball requires this free zone, also known as a safe zone, around all four sides of the court for the safety of the players and spectators.

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.

Was the facility climate controlled?

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

Was the facility well lit?

Proper lighting is essential for visibility and the all-important parent photography.

Tournaments

Did your club host SCVA tournaments?

SCVA selectively partners with certain locations to host sanctioned tournaments throughout the season. This commitment is typically locked-in between SCVA and a facility before the season begins.

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 players 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 you/your player; 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?

This fast-paced season requires leadership from an experienced coach.

Was the safety and security of players 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 you/your athletes talent?

With proper coaching, effort, and team interaction, a player'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.

Were you/your 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/players 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 you/your player committed?

With the payment of the nonrefundable deposit, a player commits to a team and a club commits to a player. Thereafter, no additions to the roster should be made because that reduces the potential playing time for the others. If that happened to you - did the club adjust your terms/payments accordingly?

Community

Did the club encourage a sense of community?

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 players and families?

Did the club go beyond the sport and try to create a positive experiences in any other activities as well?

Were lasting friendships made?

Some of the most rewarding outcomes from this sport can be the friendships made on and off the court. Did you/your player feel it?

Was communication open and respectful?

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

Did you/your athlete feel part of a larger group?

Sports can be a strong vehicle to help increase ones identity-of-self for young people. Did the club, its reputation and the actions of its staff help strenthen the personal development of you/your athlete?