Code of Conduct, Policies, & Procedures

ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

 Athlete Behavior:

• Come to practices and games with a positive attitude.  Be prepared to give your best effort, to be open to learning new skills, and receive feedback from coaches to ensure you have the best opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete.

• As we generally only practice 2 times / week,  attendance is expected at practices. We expect no less than an 80% attendance rate. Monthly attendance audits will be completed 

• Understand that this is not drop in volleyball, it is club volleyball and you are required to be dedicated to the team and sport. Therefore if you are playing other sports and cannot commit to attending all practices unless sick it is important that you communicate this prior to signing with the team. If you are not practicing with the team regularly you are falling behind, and are not game ready. This can be dangerous to you and your teammates.

• Commit to working hard for yourself, for your team and for your coaches.

• Be supportive of your own personal growth and your teammates’ growth in the sport in practice and games.  

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during and after games.

• Respect teammates, opponents, parents, coaches, officials, and spectators. Athletes are ambassadors of the club as well as the sport and should act with class and dignity as such.

• Treat team members on and off the court as valued members of the group. Be intentional, kind and inclusive with all teammates to ensure a healthy, positive team culture. Gossip, abuse, bullying, berating, and social exclusion of members is not acceptable behavior.

• Help foster a positive and healthy team culture within the team. Be positive and respectful toward coaches and teammates / opposing teams & athletes at all times. Communicate with the coaches / captain(s) / leadership team when negative talk or behaviors occur that may jeopardize the culture of the team.

• Coaches are there to help you and the team to succeed. Treat them with respect and accept their decisions.

• Be positive and respectful when interacting with coaches, officials, Volleyball Alberta staff, opposition players, opposition parents, and club parents.

• Be mindful and refrain from negative talk, texting, emailing, or use of any other social media platform between teammates, friends, parents, other athletes. Negativity breeds disunity and bitterness in the team.

• Have open, regular communication with the coaches from the onset of the season to help foster positive relationships and open lines of communication.

• Respect facilities that we are fortunate enough to use. Make sure areas used are clean and follow all facility guidelines. 

• Athletes will not consume alcohol, tobacco products, vaping products, or any drugs during practices, games, tournaments, and team functions. This does not include over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs as per parent approval.

• Phones are not to be used during practices, games or team-specific time without coach permission. 

• Attend practices, games, and team events regularly and on time.

• Notify coaches if there is a team event that cannot be attended in advance and give a reason why.

• Inform coaches of injury or other circumstances that may prevent you from fully participating in team events.

• Follow Volleyball Alberta and Fort Sask Sonic Social Media Guidelines

Disciplinary Guidelines:

• All disciplinary actions will begin with the team coaching staff. If the infraction is deemed minor, the coach will deal with the player directly. If the infraction is more serious, the coach will involve the club executive and the parent. All infractions will be discussed with the players so they can provide information to the coaching staff and/or executive about the incident.

• Minor infractions can include: inappropriate action such as disrespect to coach or official, late or absent for a team event without notifying the coach, unsportsmanlike actions, violation of team policies.

• Consequences for minor infractions could include reduction in playing time, or removal from team events for a set period of time.

• Major infractions can include: offensive behavior (for example: discriminatory or racist comments), continual minor infractions, continuous and or regular missed practices, participation in illegal activity, and consumption of drugs or alcohol during team events. We have a high level of expectations as far as attendance. We expect no less than an 80% attendance rate. Monthly attendance audits will be completed and will result in follow up by the coach and or executive team member

• The coaches and executive members reserve the right to suspend or expel a player for a major infraction.

 PARENT/GUARDIAN CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Attend Volleyball Alberta events and club activities alcohol and drug free

2. Remember that children play volleyball for their enjoyment, not mine

3. Never question an officials/coaches’ decision in public

4. Never use violence or bad language, nor harass players, coaches, staff members, officials, or other spectators – express your disapproval in an appropriate manner to the proper officials, club and Volleyball Alberta contacts. Swearing will not be tolerated, anyone verbally abusing members of our staff will be asked to leave immediately 

5. Remember that children learn best by example, and will demonstrate good sportsmanship and applaud all good plays by both my child’s team and their opponents

6. It is mandatory for a parent/guardian to help volunteer with the team and take their turn scorekeeping etc. If you cannot assist you will be required to pay a volunteer exemption fee of $50

7. Be accountable for the actions of yourself and your child. If a coach or executive member needs to address concerns with  you about an incident or issue, be respectful. This is not an easy conversation to bring up to you and the person having this difficult conversation with you is a volunteer. Becoming defensive and verbally attacking coaches and executive members will not be tolerated and may result in your child's removal from the roster for this season and red flagged for future seasons.

8. Understand and adhere to the Volleyball Alberta and Fort Sask Sonic Volleyball Club Social Media Guidelines