As many are aware, SRVA has changed its Policy which allows Tryouts for the 2023-2024 Club Season to take place after USAV Junior National Championships in July 2023.

Optimal Volleyball Club has made the decision to maintain a similar Club Tryout model as in previous years.  The tryouts will take place in October, instead of following the USAV Junior National Championships in July.

This decision was influenced by several factors:

1.  Compliance with rules:  It is essential to consider not only the USA Volleyball regulations but also other governing bodies such as GHSA/TSSAA.  The alignment of the club and high school volleyball seasons by SRVA within the same time period can potentially lead to violations, which would be detrimental to the athletes.  It is crucial for parents and players to familiarize themselves with the GHSA/TSSAA rules and not solely rely on the club’s statements, as the club will not face sanctions for violations.

2. Coaching commitments:  Many of our coaches are also involved in coaching at the middle and high school levels.  Managing two seasons simultaneously would make it challenging to provide 100% dedication to both school and club players if the club season is year-round.

3. Fair evaluation and team formation:  To ensure a fair Club Tryout process, it is important to consider that players can experience growth and improvement throughout their school seasons.  Creating teams solely based on current skill levels, when significant changes can occur before club tournaments starting in January 2024, is not in the best interest of the players.  Placing players on teams that match their skill level is crucial for a successful club season.

4. Rest and Recovery:  Research in the medical field emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery.  As a club, we value the off-season as a period to recharge and plan for the upcoming season. Most players will engage in High School or Middle School volleyball when the Club season concludes.  Balancing both school and club volleyball schedules can be demanding for players and their families.  Over the years, we have observed burnout in talented players, and we aim to provide a well-balanced schedule that allows players to remain passionate about the game.

5. Affordability:  Optimal Volleyball was established to offer an affordable club experience for players in our area.  Extending the season would require additional gym space and coaching, resulting in increased club fees. Keeping the club accessible and affordable is a priority for us.

Private and small group training sessions will be available through Kontrolled Khaos Volleyball Camps, ensuring compliance with GHSA/TSSAA rules.  For more information, please contact them through their Facebook page.

This decision aligns with our club’s values and vision.  We have been fortunate to welcome families who understand our mission and culture.  We believe this will continue in the 2023-24 club season and appreciate the ongoing support.  We wish our athletes the best of luck in their school tryouts and look forward to seeing them on the court!

It is that wonderful time for players to complete their scoring and ref training through SRVA/USAV.

This is for the players to complete.  They will be the ones keeping score, line judging, and down reffing.

Steps to register / complete the online junior officiating clinics are as follows:

To login to your USAV Academy Account:

1. Go to user.sportngin.com/users/sign_in and login to your SportsEngine account

2. Click on Household, then select the correct person

3. Click "View Details" on the USA Volleyball membership

4.  Select USAV Academy Button on the right side

5.  Your required modules are loaded automatically in your dashboard

6.  Once completed you will automatically receive your certificate

Social Media and Electronic Communication  

For Optimal Volleyball Club 

Electronic Communication Policy of Optimal Volleyball club 

PURPOSE 

Electronic Communication Policy of Optimal Volleyball Club 

Optimal Volleyball Club  (OVBC) recognizes the presence and prevalence of electronic  communication and social media in today’s world. Social media plays a part in the everyday lives of our  student-athletes and their families, and can be an effective tool for communication in college recruiting,  club communication, and social settings. That being said, OVBC also recognizes that there are potential  risks involved in internet communication between members of our club. 

All communication between coaches and families, both student-athlete or their family members, must be  professional in nature and strictly for the purpose of communicating team business. The content and  intent of all electronic communication must adhere to the USAV Code of Conduct and the professional  conduct expected of Optimal Juniors. To ensure this standard is being met, all communications  between all stakeholders of OVBC must be through the TeamApp system. This system  allows club administration to monitor communication and ensure it meets our high standards. 

To further ensure the professionalism of communication, OVBC expects all email to be clear, direct and free  of innuendo. Communication between coaches and players/parents is considered a record of the  club. Wherever possible, parents should receive a copy of communication to/from coaches and student athletes. At no time should communication contain or relate to drugs or alcohol use, sexually oriented or  explicit language or activity. Communication should never relate to an adults personal life, social  activities or relationships. 

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Similar Sites: 

Coaches may have personal Facebook (or similar social media) pages but minor-age players should not  request to follow coach’s personal pages nor should coaches accept ‘friend’ requests to pages that  include personal information of any kind. Coaches should remind players that this is not  acceptable. Coaches and athletes should not communicate through private message software or IM chat  software. Coaches are encouraged to set personal pages to ‘private’ to prevent athletes from accessing  personal information of OVBC coaches. 

Coaches will address social media in team meetings to ensure student-athletes are educated on the  potential pitfalls of inappropriate content of player social media sites, including but not limited to college  recruiting opportunities. 

Social media presence designed to promote team bonding that includes the entire team, parents and club  administration is allowed but will be closely monitored by club administration. At no time should behavior  that is inappropriate or not compliant with the OVBC or USAV Codes of Conduct be included on social media tied to a coach, team or the club. At no time should these ‘pages’ include activity that is personal in nature, inappropriate for minors, and/or social activity outside the club business. 

Inappropriate social media or electronic communication WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Violations will be  considered violations of the OVBC Code of Conduct and will be addressed through club administration or, as necessary, the Regional SafeSport officer for evaluation. Complaints and  allegations will be addressed quickly and efficiently. Any participant, parent or coach that violates the  social media policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited  to: suspension, permanent suspension and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

It is now time to upgrade your SRVA membership.   You must convert your membership from a tryout membership to a full season membership.  Visit SRVA.org to do this.  You can't be added to a team roster until you have a full team membership.  Click the link below or the picture in the team app message about this topic to see complete directions to convert your membership. 

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NeHlxevCtu7E7VgIUieHY1On2ynnWI5XZRstm-rQzm4/edit?usp=sharing