VOLITUDE VOLLEYBALL CLUB PLAYER/PARENT CONTRACT

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Participation Agreement is entered into by Volitude Volleyball as an entity including its staff and the below listed Parents/Guardians and Players.

This contract is effective for the 2024/25 season which begins upon signing of this form and concludes post final session of participation.

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Athlete Contract

My primary goal is to become the very best player I can be. Only I am responsible for my own actions. I am fully committed to Volitude Volleyball Club and therefore will:

1. Conduct myself in a manner to bring credit and prestige to myself, to my team, and to Volitude.
2. Budget my time to meet all the responsibilities of work, school, and other personal areas because I understand that I have signed and committed to participate in Volitude practices, tournaments, and events that take precedence. If I am to participate in a Regional, Power, or Elite program, I will attend all Volitude sessions as a priority over other events.
3. Attend every possible practice, tournament, and team function. If I am unable to attend, I will personally notify my coach ahead of time per Tournament & Practice Policies listed below. I understand that by not attending all practices, tournaments, or team functions I may face penalties at the coach’s discretion such as loss of playing time.
4. Be ready for practice on time (15 minutes early) and adhere to all Practice Policies as listed below.
5. Pursue mental and physical conditioning outside of practice and maintain my training schedule.
6. Communicate – both on and off the court – with my teammates and coaches for mutual understanding. I will personally communicate with my coach if I have any questions regarding my team, position, or playing time. I will not ask my parent to interfere.
7. Discipline my body, including getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and ABSTAINING from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. If I am caught using any of the aforementioned substances, I may be dismissed from the program with all of my remaining club fees due immediately within two weeks of notice of release. Additionally, if I am found in any situation that may compromise my reputation or reflect negatively on Volitude, I may face consequences at the discretion of the Director which can include suspension or dismissal with all fees due within two weeks of notice of release.
8. Accept all coaching comments and assignments only as ways in which the team and I might improve. I understand that my attitude is also an important part of the game and that I will work hard to have the best attitude I can.
9. Ignore the errors of my teammates, as I believe no one is trying to make a mistake.
10. Support the full effort and good skills that my teammates exhibit.
11. Perform with full effort and intensity to the best of my ability in all practices and tournaments.
12. Clean our tournament areas and practice facilities of all trash. Leave the area as I found it, if not better.
13. Realize that a team is made up of individuals and everyone cannot start. Accept my role on the team and what it takes to be the best. (Review Tournament Policies and Playing Time Defined for more clarification).
14. Understand that I represent Volitude Volleyball and the Southern California Region at all events and I must conduct myself in a respectful manner.
15. Follow any club or region policies listed below without exception.

 

Parent Contract

I have given permission for my child to participate in Volitude Volleyball Club. We have discussed the risks, commitments, and sacrifices involved and are committed to contributing to the success of the program. I understand and accept the financial and time obligations of participating, with the following in mind:
1. Team selections are made by a group of experienced coaches. I trust their collective judgment and will support my child and the team.
2. I understand that if my child experiences any issues with their team or teammates, they are first personally responsible to discuss the issue with their coach. If the issue is not then resolved, I may request a conference with the Director. The Director may request the coach’s presence. More about the Grievance Procedure can be found below.
3. I understand that I will withhold any negative comments directed towards players and coaches. If I have any concerns, I will speak directly with the Coach or Club Director. I understand the responsibility of my child’s coach is to coach the players and team as a whole and I WILL NOT interfere with this in any manner.
4. If I need to speak with the Club Director, in regards to a practice or tournament event, I will wait 24 hours before doing so following the practice or last match of the tournament; however, I understand the Club Director will not discuss my athlete’s playing time or any athlete’s position on the team.
5. I will not speak to a coach directly about my child’s playing time; I understand that it is ultimately a coach’s decision and that no player is guaranteed a set amount of playing time. I understand that it is my child’s responsibility to speak to their coach regarding this matter.
6. Once my child is selected for a team, I will be responsible for paying the non-refundable club fees in a timely manner. Please review the Financial Policy below.
7. We will participate in community & club events as asked of us if possible.
8. Club fees do not include player travel, food, or lodging expenses.
9. Athletes are responsible for sharing team expenses whether or not they participated in a particular event.
10. I realize that we are role models and will conduct ourselves accordingly at all times, with appropriate sportsmanship.
11. I may be asked to refrain from attending practices and tournaments if my conduct is inappropriate.
12. I will see that my child is at practices and team functions on time per the Practice and Tournament Policies outlined below.
13. I will assist in car-pooling whenever possible.
14. I will do my best to cheer on all Volitude athletes and support our club in any way possible.
15. I understand that any player using illegal drugs, tobacco, or alcohol will be immediately expelled from the club and all remaining monies will become due and payable. Additionally, we understand that if our athlete is caught participating in any event that may compromise their reputation or the reputation of the club, they may be released immediately or face penalties at the discretion of the director with all fees still due immediately within two weeks of the release date.
16. If I do not agree with coaching style or decisions made by Volitude, I have the ability to withdraw my athlete at any time during the season, but I will not receive a refund and the remainder of the season fees will be due immediately within two weeks of the notice of release.
17. Volitude staff may ask for a copy of the athlete’s birth certificate for age verification as necessary for tournament purposes.
18. I may ask for clarification or detailed communication from my coaches or Director if I believe I am not receiving adequate information.
19. Follow any club or region policies listed below without exception.

 

Playing Time Defined

Both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following:
Please be reminded and understand that all players MAY NOT play every set, match, or day during our tournaments. Although some playing time is guaranteed at some levels, it is the coach’s discretion based on the following: player’s current abilities, potential abilities, strengths, weaknesses, attitudes, behavior, position, efforts in practice, practice attendance, opposing teams, current performance, and future matches.

Athletes are NOT guaranteed to play the position they desire. Athletes may take on another role or position based on the team dynamic and should strive to embrace this and excel with it.

 

General Policies

Both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following:
Volitude Volleyball requires that any engagement of sexual harassment to any Volitude Member or by any Volitude Member must be reported to the coach and Director immediately. Any engagement of sexual harassment is subject to immediate dismissal and further legal action upon discretion.
1. Sexual Harassment can be defined as unwelcome and unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as sexual jokes, gestures, graffiti, posters, writings, touching, or other physical contact.
2. I grant Volitude Volleyball permission to use pictures, media, videos, etc. of my athlete on their social media pages, website, or any product for presentation purposes.

 

Practice Policies

Both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following:
1. All Practices are mandatory attendance. Exceptions to this are by player notification to the coach with at least 7 days’ advance notice. If sickness or injury occurs within 7 days’ notice, the player or parent may notify the coach. The player will not be required to attend practice if they do not attend school with sickness. The coach (at his or her discretion) may require a doctor’s notice of injury preventing the player from participating. If a family emergency occurs within 7 days’ notice, the player or parent may notify the coach.
2. Be prepared for practice which means arriving at a minimum of 15 minutes early, warming up prior to practice start time, wearing appropriate clothing and shoes, and BRINGING VOLLEYBALL if provided as this will be used for practice. Coaches have discretion on penalty actions if these are not met.
3. Practice T-shirts may be required at the discretion of the coach, however, no other club or school t-shirts are to be worn via Volitude’s requirements.
4. Cell Phones are not to be used during practice at any time including water breaks. Cell phones will be allowed to update parents of any changes and in any event of an emergency.
5. Understand that practices are for instruction and training. It is important to be fully aware and mentally prepared to participate. All athletes should offer 100% effort in each drill and training to maximize

 learning. Tournament playing time is an extension of practice input as outlined in the Tournament Policies below.
6. Communicate with your coach if you receive an injury during practice, have questions regarding drills or training, need additional assistance outside of practice, and generally attempt to understand the session.
7. Upon entering into this agreement, we understand that Volitude requires Regional-National practices, tournaments, and sessions are a priority over other school sports, extracurricular activities, or personal events. Please be aware of this and review the commitment level as described in the Available Programs on our website: www.volitudevolleyball.com. You may receive an unexcused missed practice if this is not upheld.
8. Due to limited practice facilities and any coaching assistance needed, practices may be combined with other teams of similar age or skill level, practices may shift locations, or practices may shift times. Notification will be released with as much notice as possible.
9. If the location of practice facilities is closed due to school or municipal events, Volitude will cancel practices as well. We will do our best to make the practice up or have practice at an alternative location, but this may not be guaranteed.
10. Missed Practices - If practices are missed for any reason other than defined in section “1” or approved by the coach, the following may occur:
   a. Sanctioned playing time at the following tournament (Discretion of Coach)
   b. Additional conditioning or practice time penalty (Discretion of Coach)
   c. Transition to a different position: Please understand that by missing practice, the player forfeits valuable training time and the team forfeits the ability to prepare for competition. Another player may be asked to step in to fill the role of the missing athlete. This could be temporary or indefinitely at the discretion of the coach. This should not be considered a penalty as it also provides the athlete with an increased opportunity to learn.
   d. Upon three unexcused missed practices, the player may be suspended from the team indefinitely. The coach will bring this to the attention of the Director, and the Director will implement this policy. Missed practices may or may not be consecutive. If the player is released due to three unexcused missed practices, all remaining unpaid fees become due immediately and must be paid within 2 weeks of notice of release.
11. Coaches may offer additional policies per their own teams.

 

Tournament & Travel Policies

Both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following:
1. All Tournaments are mandatory attendance for competition levels.
2. Exceptions to this are by player/parent written communication via email prior to accepting a position with Volitude Volleyball.
   a. If sickness or injury occurs the athlete/parent must communicate to the coach with as much notice as possible to allow for alternate preparation. A doctor’s note may be required at the coach’s discretion.
   b. If a family emergency occurs the athlete/parent must communicate to the coach with as much notice as possible to allow for alternate preparation.
3. Tournament gate fees, travel expenses, lodging expenses, food expenses, team bonding expenses, tournament gift expenses, and other purchases are not included in the season fees.
4. Coaches and the Director will work to ensure that the athletes are performing at the competitive level required at the tournaments assigned. If this is not the case, the coaches and Director will work with Parents and Players to reevaluate the tournament schedule and adjust it to remain or become competitive. This could include increasing fees if another tournament or change in tournament is incorporated.
5. Parents and players are encouraged to wear Volitude apparel at tournaments. At the coach’s discretion, players may be mandated to wear Volitude t-shirts and a warm-up jacket.
6. Certifications are required by Volitude and the USAV/SCVA, AAU Region. Every team will be assigned reffing duties in which they are to provide an R2, a Scorekeeper, a Libero Tracker, a Score Flipper, and two Line Judges. Volitude coaches will assign these tasks to players and parents during the tournaments/season. Those assigned to these tasks are expected to operate efficiently and professionally during the responsibilities. This means paying attention with no distractions. Cell phones and other electronics (iPods, laptops, etc.) are NOT allowed to be out during reffing duties.
7. Athletes are not to leave the court during “off” matches or reffing duties at any time unless dismissed by the coach.
8. Parents agree to stay in designated hotels at Stay to Play events and could incur a fee if not participating. Stay to Play is defined as a tournament that the Region or another Region requires athletes to stay in a hotel on a pre-determined list. The season tournament schedule will notate the events that are Stay to Play. Any fee that Volitude receives due to lack of follow-through with these tournaments will be passed along to the family.
9. Both players and parents/guardians are required to wait at least 24 hours before discussing any issues following the tournaments. Players may directly speak to coaches following this time frame about: playing time, positions, concerns, suggestions, etc. Parents may only contact the Director regarding concerns or issues per bullet “4” in the “Parent Contract”.
10. Coaches may request meetings, team bonding, etc while at tournaments. Players are to be involved in any coach’s request unless extenuating circumstances arise or the coach is aware in advance that the athlete cannot participate.
11. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be permitted at any time from the player, parent, friend, or any member representing that of a Volitude member or the club in its whole. The member (player or parent) or representative of the member will be asked to leave.
    a. This can include rude behavior, unnecessary comments to another player, coach, official, fan, or parent, or bad language. A player may be benched or asked to leave if this occurs at the coach’s discretion.
12. Parents and players agree to arrive at the tournament site at the time assigned by the coach. Additionally, if the coach requests a meeting prior to the tournament, the player and parent will oblige unless discussed with the coach.
13. Coaches may offer additional policies per their own teams.
14. If the team finishes the season at Regionals but the player is invited to participate with another club to attend a national or postseason event, Volitude may grant a release to participate. Volitude requires a written request to do so.

 

Injury Policies

Both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following:
1. All players and parents are expected to report any injury sustained during a USAV, SCVA, JVA, AAU, or Volitude sanctioned event to your coach or Director immediately.
2. Players will not be released back to practices or tournaments unless a doctor has made the official release.
3. Volitude will provide any forms that may be required by the Region to fill out after sustaining an injury.

**Grievance Procedure**
In order to best resolve any situation that may arise during the season both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following Grievance Procedure:
1. The Player will first reach out to their coach requesting a meeting to discuss the concern.
2. If unresolved, the parent may seek a meeting from the Club Director in writing via email. In keeping with our policy, parents are not to discuss issues with coaches. However, upon moving into step # “2” of the Grievance Procedure, the Club Director will directly contact the coach to determine if he or she will want to be a part of the meeting and will update the parent.
3. The Club Director will meet separately with the coach following the parent meeting to discuss issues and resolutions if the coach is not initially involved. The Director may require the parent and athlete to attend.
4. The Coach will receive either two practices or one tournament depending on the time of the issue to resolve.
5. If unresolved, the Club Director will determine if the issue relies on the coaching staff or player/parent and once determined appropriate actions will be taken which could include removal of the coach or athlete. If the athlete is removed, remaining owed fees will be due at a pro-rated amount based only on missed tournaments and pay to coaches. If all fees are paid, the Director will reimburse paid fees as the unused amount of pay to coaches since the tournaments have already been paid for. Please keep in mind that there is a 24-hour period following the practice or tournament in which the parent is not to contact the Director. Additionally, the Director will not discuss coaching decisions or personalities with parents unless the coach violates the policies presented to them upon employment. The Director will provide these to the parent upon request.

 

Financial Policies

Both parties of parents and players entering into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball agree to adhere to the following:
1. I have reviewed the fee schedule associated with my athlete’s program and agree to pay all fees in full regardless of the duration of participation excluding exceptions listed below in # “12”.
2. I agree to pay the owed fees by or on the dates listed in the schedule.
3. I agree that I will pay online via the Volitude portal or via a Club Director’s approved alternative.
4. There will be a $25 late fee for every week that the payment is late unless discussed with the Director prior.
5. I will communicate with the Director if I seek to be included on a revised payment schedule and will still face the $25 late fee for every week that the payment is late unless also discussed with the Director prior.
6. I understand that the membership fees do not include travel, lodging, or food expenses.
7. I understand that my athlete may be penalized playing time at the Director’s discretion if fees are not paid on time.
8. If my player is released due to breaking policy all of the fees will become due immediately within two weeks of notice of release.
9. If I and my player decide

 to leave because we are unhappy with coaching decisions or the season in general all fees will become due immediately within two weeks of notice of release.
10. If I have ANY unpaid dues during the season or upon the conclusion of the season my athlete’s USAV membership will be suspended-sanctioned until payment is made. The fees owed will be due along with any accrued late fees.
11. In the event of a default, Volitude Volleyball has the right to seek legal guidance in seeking payments. If the obligation is referred to an attorney, and/or collection agency, the member agrees to pay, over and above their liabilities, reasonable attorney fees, court costs, collection costs, fees owed, and late fees owed.
12. Refunds may be due in the event of the following:
   a. Following a Grievance Procedure decision in which the Director released the athlete, the refund of only fees paid will come in the amount of unused monies owed to coaches for practices and tournaments if all fees are already paid. If there are remaining owed fees these will be due at a pro-rated amount less only unattended tournaments and pay to coaches.
   b. If the player sustains an injury that removes the player from play for the remainder of the season, Volitude will reimburse only fees paid at the rate below:
   c. A written request must be submitted to the Club Director via Email.
   d. If the TEAM folds for any reason, all paid fees will be reimbursed with the exception of what has been paid out for gym rentals, uniform purchases, coach payments, and tournament entries.
   e. No Refunds will be given if the athlete misses practices or tournaments for any reason.
   f. No Refunds will be given if practices are canceled due to inclement weather or facility issues and cannot be rescheduled.
   g. No Refunds will be given if the athlete quits for any other reason than listed in “a-d” above.
   h. All donations, sponsorships, and fundraising amounts will not be refunded.

 

Waiver of Liability

The undersigned player and parent/guardian, hereafter designated as member, agree to accept membership in Volitude Volleyball for the 2024/25 club season. Member agrees that Volitude Volleyball, USAV, AAU, JVA, directors, and staff members shall not be liable for the damages arising from personal injury sustained by the member and/or guest(s), on or about the premises of the said facilities or by participation in events with Volitude Volleyball. We understand that volleyball by nature is a physical activity and have a full understanding of the potential risks including potential death, serious injury, or property damage and ASSUME THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING OR OFFICIATING IN A VOLLEYBALL EVENT. I acknowledge that I hereby take the following action for myself and do not hold the club, its administrators, and coaches responsible for any injury occurred while participating in any club activity. I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all claims or liabilities for death or personal injury or damages of any kind which arise out of or relate to my traveling to and from or my participation in any volleyball event, I AGREE NOT TO SUE any of the persons or entities listed above for any of the claims or liabilities that I have waived, released, or discharged herein. I INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS the persons or entities mentioned above from any claims made or liabilities assessed against them as a result of my actions. I also agree that if any portion of this agreement is found non-binding that all other portions will still be in effect.

 

Volitude Volleyball 2024/25 Acknowledgement Page

By signing, parties (parents/guardians & players) that entered into this agreement with Volitude Volleyball commit to uphold all policies & procedures as outlined on the Volitude Player-Parent Contract with no exception for the 2024/25 volleyball season beginning upon commitment and lasting through the final session scheduled for your program.