Est.

2000

HANDBOOK - 2020
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Table of Contents

WHAM! …........................................................................ 3

What WHAM! and Club Volleyball are all about ……. 4

General Philosophy .…………………………………………………….. 5

WHAM! Citizenship ……………………………………………………… 5

Operating Plan ………………………………………………………………. 5

Executive ……………………………………………………………………….. 7

Grievances .……………………………………………………………………. 9

Sponsorship …………………………………………………………………... 9

Sponsorship letter ………………………………………………………. 10

What Membership in WHAM! VC Means ………………… 11

Accounting Plan …………………………………………………………….. 11

Budgets and Fees …………………………………………………………. 12

Tryout Information ……………………………………………………… 14

Registering With Volleyball Alberta …………………………16

Season Schedule …………………………………………………………… 17

Social Media ………………………………………………………………….. 17

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CLUB NAME:
“WHAM! VC”

TEAMS KNOWN AS: WHAM!

W – Winner’s attitude!
H – Humongous effort!
A – Absolute loyalty!
M – Mega dedication!
! – all with enthusiasm!

TEAM COLORS: ORANGE/BLACK/WHITE

VIBRANT, EYE-CATCHING, ENERGY INDUCED
- JUST LIKE OUR PLAYERS!
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WHAT WHAM! AND CLUB VOLLEYBALL IS ALL ABOUT

WHAM! VC is a participating member of Volleyball Alberta (VA). VA is the
provincial sport governing body for volleyball. They organize, and conduct the
business of providing competitive volleyball events for teams of boys and girls in a
variety of age groups throughout the province. Age groups are 13u, 14u, 15u, 16u,
17u, 18u, Open, and Masters. Although it is completely separate of school
volleyball, club volleyball works with the schools, primarily with regards to facility
rental, to operate.
WHAM! VC may have teams in any of these categories in any given year, depending
on number of athletes who register and the number of capable adults who get
involved to coach.
The club is for kids in Taber and surrounding area. WHAM! VC will accept players
from any community, but the club reserves the right to limit the number of
players on teams and determine the suitability of the players for the club.
(Place of residence or school attended will not be a basis for selection, unless it
will negatively affect a child’s responsibilities for participation, eg: a child living
far enough away that regular attendance would not be possible.)
The “club-season” starts after the junior and senior high school seasons are
completed. Around this time, the WHAM! Club will hold assessment camps, or
tryouts, for girls and/or boys who have registered. These try-outs will be used to
measure the individual and team skills that the athletes possess. The coaches and
club officials who do these evaluations will determine groupings and make team
decisions.

General Philosophy
The environment of club volleyball is a competitive one. The WHAM! VC philosophy is modelled
after the VA philosophy… striving to produce better players and better people within a
framework of competition. Teams will be formed with the goal of achieving the best results,
while still placing athletes in position for best development. Winning will not be the only goal,
but it will be strongly considered every step of the way.
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WHAM! Citizenship
The volleyball growth of the kids will always be on display. Citizenship growth will also be
tended to. Examples of this would include:
- Sportsmanship
- Work ethic
- Cooperation skills
- Communication skills
- Social media use and online activity appropriateness

Operating Plan
WHAM! VC will consist of players, coaches, parents and family members, and the working parameters of
the club will be these:
 The WHAM! VC will be run by an executive, consisting of parents and coaches.
 The executive will be asked to provide the direction and leadership for the club; they will assign
the coaches for the teams; take registrations, and manage finances. In general, they will set up
the season and manage the teams.
 Efforts will be made to keep team size to 10 players.
 If there are enough players for 2 teams in a category, the coaches and assessment team (made
up of people asked to help with tryouts and evaluate player talent and suitability) will consider
several criteria, such as…
o Quality and experience of athlete
o Position the athlete is suited for
o Attitude/passion/drive of athlete
o Home community (for travel purposes)
… in this order.
*It should be noted here that if there is a conflict of interest (such as parent of player) for
people in the assessment team, they will be asked to step back after the evaluation process. The
teams will then be formed.
 If there are more than 10 players, but not enough for a 2nd team in an age group, the assessment
group will make recommendations regarding who makes the team and if the number of players
might be different than 10.
 If there are only 8 or 9 players, a meeting with coach and parents can be held to determine if
group is committed enough to offer a season.
 Coaches can apply for team assignments anytime. Efforts will be made to have coaches placed by
Nov 1st.
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The assignments will be based on suitability of the coach for the group. Considerations for
suitability will be these and in this order…
o Age-group desires of coaches
o Quality of coaching background and experience
o Certification level
WHAM! VC will encourage and support coach upgrading and development both in principle and
financially for as long as they serve the club.
 WHAM! VC encourages/supports kids playing a variety of sports. Athlete development is better
served with a variety of sports, instead of specializing in just one. As well, WHAM! VC recognizes
that a good working relationship with the schools benefits both the club and the schools. So,
efforts will be made to accommodate school basketball programs. Weekday volleyball practices
may be held during the basketball season, but if a basketball player is not in attendance, it will
not affect their status on the WHAM! team. When conflicts do occur (ex: a VA Premier and a
bb tournament), the athletes will be encouraged to attend the school event, and the players
status on the WHAM! team will not be affected.
 Players must recognize the level of commitment required to be a part of the program. If
work/other activities/friends will be attended to instead of practices or scheduled team events,
then the player should not join. If this comes up during the season, it could affect the player’s
status on the team.
 WHAM! VC follows the ‘Fair Play’ rule, as mandated by Volleyball Alberta. All players listed on
the score sheet must start the first or second set of each match, and, aside from special
circumstances, substitutions can occur only after one team has scored 15 points. (In 13u age
group, substitutions will only occur for injuries.) If a third set is needed, the coach can choose
who plays.
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EXECUTIVE
1. The Executive for WHAM! VC will consist of any number of parents, all of the club’s
coaches, and possibly, other invited members (this group might be included here to seek
relevant expertise and, in some cases, to allow for continuity in philosophy and approach
to club matters).
2. To be a member of the Executive it is imperative that there be no personal agendas – all
decisions to be made will be with the best interest of the teams and/or the club in mind.
3. Election of officers will take place at the AGM in January, after teams have been
formed. All Executive officers will be invited back to pre-season planning meeting for
the following season.
4. All members will be asked to demonstrate a genuine interest in the growth and
development of our volleyball players and the club. These people need to be positive in
their approach to club dealings, because that is the nature of the game the kids are
playing, and that is the type of leadership we want our kids to learn from.
5. The 2 key objectives for filling positions are:
a. that all responsibilities are covered.
b. that all teams are represented.
Election for Executive positions will be held at the Annual General Meeting in January.
Executive members can hold more than one position, but it is desirable to spread the workload
as much as possible.

Positions include:
 President
- Will be a contact/spokesperson for the club
- Handbook editor
- Chairs Grievance Committee
- Signing authority
 Past President
- Invited to attend meetings to add an experienced voice
- Adds Handbook input
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 Secretary/Administrator
- Records minutes of meetings
- Adds Handbook input
- Collects player registrations at tryouts and collects all waivers & forms
- Collects all necessary forms and documentation from coaches and club official
- Completes AVA online registration (along with team delegates)
- Keeps up to date records of teams and club
- Signing authority
 Treasurer
- Keeps track of the financial matters of the club
- Adds Handbook input
- Signing authority
 Team Parent Contact
- Each team will have one
- Responsible for making contact with team parents to disseminate/collect info
- Helps Secretary/Administrator with registration procedures
- Works with Booking Director for booking hotel accommodations for tournaments
- Will represent team on the executive at meetings
 Booking Director
- Responsible for Booking gymnasium for practices and tournaments
- Works with team-parent contacts to book accommodations for tournaments
 Uniform Director
- Responsible for sizing and ordering of club uniforms/warm-ups
- (Does not order socks or bags. This is a team responsibility.)
 Coach Director(s)
- Each team “Head Coach” will sit as a director at meetings to add technical
expertise when requested, and to become informed of goings on with the other
teams and club in general.
 Grievance Director
- A go-to person, with qualities suitable for conflict-resolution
- Work with the Grievance committee to solve problems that may arise
 Communication Director
- (this position will be developed going forward)
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Grievances (Problems can arise…)

It is very possible that there will be bumps along the road as we progress through this season.
Some things to consider when dealing with the obstacles:
1. What we do is for all of the kids.
2. Players are all individuals, but they are in a club as part of a team. Any concern will be
looked after, but what is best for the team and the club will play a significant part in the
outcome.
3. Problems will be solved with an open mind and willingness to see both sides of issue.
4. For many reasons, emotions can run high. It is important that cool heads are used to deal
with problems.
5. If a player has a concern, they need to be encouraged to talk to the coach about it
first. (For parents, is not appropriate to ask a coach to deal with a problem that has not
been dealt with by the player and coach.) The sooner the situation is dealt with the
better. If there is no satisfaction gained, the parent is welcome to make an appointment
to meet with the coach. A 24 hour “cooling off period” shall be strictly adhered to
before calling to book this appointment. If, after a meeting with coach, parent, and
possibly player there is still no satisfaction, the situation can go to a grievance committee
(consisting of the club president, the grievance committee chair from the executive, and
a neutral coach – preferably a ‘senior’ coach from another WHAM! team… if there is a
conflict of interest for any of these people, then another executive member or senior
coach will be substituted).

SPONSORSHIP

WHAM! Volleyball Club is an organization that operates for the purpose of giving kids an
opportunity to grow in the sport of volleyball.
Sponsorship at any level is most welcome. Here is what you can expect for your sponsorship
dollar:

A thank you in the Taber Times at season’s end, (other suitable recognition can be
considered).
Your logo or name on our club t-shirt (deadlines exist to get this done!)
… If you have something else in mind, we are all ears!

SPONSORSHIP LETTER ON FOLLOWING PAGE

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Winner’s attitude! Humongous effort!

Absolute loyalty! Mega dedication!
All with enthusiasm!
_____________________________________________________

Dear Prospective Sponsor,

Taber WHAM! volleyball club is a participating member of

Volleyball Alberta. WHAM! Exists to promote competitive
youth volleyball to the student athletes of Taber and
surrounding areas. Our goal is to promote the development
of our athletes’ skills and etiquette within the framework of competition. To accomplish this, WHAM!
Volleyball Club strongly encourages positive team efficacy, provides quality training, and offers plenty
of opportunity to be competitive. Our teams travel across the province proudly representing our town
in the sport of volleyball.

Your sponsorship will benefit our student athletes by contributing to a portion of the cost associated
with playing competitive volleyball, which includes things such as: tournament fees and team
registration; facility rentals; team uniforms; and equipment. Currently, each play is expected to pay
between $800 - $1100 for the 2020 season. Your donation will help to minimize player fees making it
more affordable for our athletes.

There is no minimum sponsorship expected. Regardless of your gift size, your donation
will make a difference, and it will contribute to the continuing success of the athletes
within our volleyball club.

Taber WHAM! Works hard to allocate all funds responsibly and effectively. We will provide you with a
Receipt for Donation, and your sponsorship will be openly recognized on our social media page. We
will look forward to linking your own social media page our Facebook Page in recognition
of your contribution.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please direct your inquiries to taberwham@gmail.com.

For more information about Taber WHAM! Volleyball Club, please visit www.taberwham.weebly.com.

We sincerely appreciate the time you have taken to consider sponsoring our young athletes!

Best regards,
Taber WHAM! Volleyball Club
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WHAT MEMBERSHIP IN WHAM! VC MEANS

Being a member has its privileges. The WHAM! VC has a good reputation in the volleyball community
for producing good teams with skilled players who are respectful and play with good sportsmanship.
WHAM! players will get that reputation when they wear the uniform. It is their responsibility to be
worthy of it.
Also, with membership comes responsibilities. This club recognizes the importance of doing the right
thing, not just on the volleyball court, but off the court as well. Adults and coaches set the
example for players, and older players set the example for teammates and younger players.
The primary goals of this club are to make kids better volleyball players and better people, and to
make each season a positive experience for all concerned. Everyone involved with the club, including
athletes, coaches, parents, and executive members has a roll to play in realizing these goals. Rolls might
be different, but they are all important.
Where teams will strive to win volleyball games, WHAM! members realize there is a lot more than just
wins and losses that determine success. Volleyball is very much about problem solving, and ‘finding a
way’ to get the job done. It is about teamwork and support. It is about being positive and
learning from mistakes. It is about the group, not the individuals.

Accounting Plan
WHAM! VC maintains…
- A general Club accounting (on-going) that looks after equipment purchases, coach and club
official’s registrations, coach certification, coach clinics and workshops, club advertising,
club business, and the like.
- Age group accounting (that last for the season) for each separate age group and gender
that the club operates.
Budgets and Fees
Team budgets have been fairly accurate in the past because most costs and expenses are known. But
there are still uncertainties. The budget determines the player fees, and considerations for the budget
will be these:
o Each age group will have a separate budget, so player fees for different age groups could
be different.
o 10 players per team. (Fee schedule changes if number of players is different.)
o The initial budget for an age group will account for a full season of play, including all VA
Premier Tournaments for the age group and 2 local tournaments. Less than a full season
could mean a decrease in fees.
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o The budget accounts for uniforms. This includes 1 jersey, 1 sponsor-logo’d t-shirt, warm-
up hoody and sweats. 16u girls also include 1 warm-up shirt which can be used for libero
purposes.
o Player fees are subject to change.
*Fundraising:
Fundraising can affect a team’s bottom line, but it will not be budgeted for. It should be noted
here that money raised from a WHAM! VC tournament, itself, does not count as team fundraising
unless it is running things like raffles or concessions. Money raised by the tournament itself will
pay for tournament expenses, with the remainder to go into the WHAM! VC account.
Once the teams are chosen, a team “Parent Meeting” will be held to go over the season schedule
(as well as many other things). At this time, the schedule could be altered by adding or taking out
any events listed. Of course, any changes made will affect the budget, and player fees for that
age group will be adjusted accordingly.
If there is a surplus of money for a team at the end of the season, it could be rebated back to
parents. Criteria is as follows…
1. Any amount after $500 will be rebated back to parents in that age group.
2. All other money to go into WHAM! VC account. (This money to be used for major equipment
replacement, like poles/nets/carts/facility repairs that might impact club. It can also be used
to subsidize another team in the club that did not have 10 players on roster. Otherwise that
group’s players will share the extra cost. As well, coaches can apply for money from this
account to help pay for Coach Certification courses or clinics/symposiums/workshops or other
similar types of upgrading).

Registration
 Will occur December 12, 2019 at 7:00pm St Mary’s School
 Please bring a copy of government issued ID
 Half of fees will be due on Registration day
 The remainder of the fees will be due on or before January 26, 2020
 If a player’s fees have not been paid in full by January 26, 2020, then they will be unable to play
with the team until their fees are paid in full
 If a player’s fees were in arrears in the previous season, then all fees for the current season will
be due on registration day.
 If a player’s fees were not completely paid in the previous season then players will not be able to
participate in tryouts until those fees are paid in full
 Sizing of jersey and warm-up shirt will happen at registration on December 12, 2019
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TEAM BUDGETS - 2020

13u
- AVA registration 70
- Uniforms 100
- Tournaments 50 (includes 2 local tourneys)
- Coach expenses 319
- Gym Rental 70
- Premiers 183 (includes 2 premiers and a Provincial tourney)
- Other expenses 29
Total $825
14u/15u
- AVA registration 70
- Uniforms 100
- Tournaments 50 (includes 2 local tournaments)
- Coach expenses 375
-Gym Rental 70
-Premiers 240 (includes 3 premiers and a Provincial tourney)
- Other expenses 29
Total $930

16u/17u/18u
- AVA registration 70
- Uniforms 175 (includes 2nd jersey)
- Tournaments 50 (includes 2 local tournaments)
- Coach expenses 375
- Gym Rental 90
- Premiers 240 (includes 3 premiers and a Provincial tourney)
- Other expenses 29
Total $1040

TRYOUT INFORMATION - CLUB SEASON 2020

Age Classes * expanded age categories for all age classes this season

13U born Sept 1, 2006 to Dec 31 2007

14U born Sept 1, 2005 to Dec 31 2006
15U born Sept 1, 2004 to Dec 31 2005
16U born Sept 1, 2003 to Dec 31 2004
17U born Sept 1, 2002 to Dec 31 2003
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Tryout Dates:

Friday, November 29, 2019

13u/14u girls 4:00-6:00pm St. Mary’s School
15u/16u/17u/18u girls 6:00-8:00pm St. Mary’s School

Saturday, November 30, 2019

13u/14u girls 10:00am - 12:00pm St. Mary’s School
15u/16u/17u/18u girls 12:00-2:00pm St. Mary’s School

FAQ’s Regarding Tryouts

What exactly are the tryouts for?
Athletes come to the assessment/tryouts in an attempt to make one of the competitive teams for the upcoming VA club season.

Is there a tryout fee?

Yes. Volleyball Alberta requires all athletes trying out to register online at the Volleyball Alberta website. The cost of
registration is $10.25. Proof of registration must be brought to tryouts.

What am I being evaluated on?

Athletes are evaluated in many different areas: athleticism, current skill level, natural size and strength, attitude, work ethic,
coachability, communication skills, ability to function within a team framework in a competitive setting, etc.

How long is club season?

After tryouts in Dec, practices will be held on Sundays in Jan/Feb (until basketball is finished, as determined by each team
separately.) We encourage all WHAM! players to participate in basketball or other sports, and understand the commitment
they need to make to those teams. We will not begin our more intense training until the conclusion of basketball season (late
Feb/early March). The club season can run to the middle of May, depending on which age division the athlete is in.

What does it cost to play club volleyball?

Club fees range from about $600 to $1100, depending on the age division and the tournaments attended.

What do my club fees pay for?

Included will be VA and 2 local tournament fees, VA registration fees which includes insurance coverage, jerseys, warm up
sweats and hoodies, and coaching expenses and honorarium.

Who does the evaluating at tryouts?

The evaluators will be the club coaches and helpers.

When will I know if I make a team?

Coaches will meet to discuss evaluations immediately after the final session.
The head coach will email the team list to all players trying out using parent email addresses shortly after. Any players/parents
wanting to speak personally to the coaches about their situation can ask to do so.
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Tips for Tryouts

Tryouts in any sport can be a stressful situation for even the most confident athlete. Players must understand that they are
taking a personal risk – they might not make the final roster. If that will be too difficult to deal with, it is suggested that the
player should not try out.
Kids from different schools will be put into a competitive environment where their play is assessed by coaches who will
eventually determine whether a player will be selected to join the team or club. This assessment time can be very exciting and
an excellent opportunity to discover new volleyball techniques, meet new friends and help establish goals as an athlete in the
sport. But it can be stressful as well.
Are you ready to try out? The following tips may help you through the assessment process:

1. Get a good night sleep! Before you go to bed, visualize yourself at the assessments the next day. Picture yourself with
all the other players and how you stand out in comparison to them. See yourself making the perfect pass to the setter,
hitting a perfect kill shot down the line, and setting the perfect ball for the kill. Picture yourself having success and
feeling confident.

2. Drink plenty of fluids and be ready to play hard.

3. Show up for the assessment early and start warming yourself up with some moderate stretches and exercises even
before you set foot on the courts. Coaches love it when their players get in the gym early, and those who straggle in
“just on time” or a few minutes late impress no coach.

4. Hustle! Always run everywhere on the courts. Coaches notice an enthusiastic player who hustles everywhere and
dislike the opposite.

5. Try to come with an upbeat, cheery attitude. Treat others, as you would want them to treat you.

6. Always look at the coaches when they are speaking. This shows a respect and eagerness to listen, learn, and cooperate.

7. Be encouraging and communicate well with others. If somebody makes an error, you can say, “You’ll get it next time,” or
“nice try.” This shows coaches that you are a good team player and that you don’t let things bother you or let you get
down on yourself or others. Be supportive.

8. While on the court in drills and games, “talk-talk-talk”. Quiet players are not as effective as players who are
constantly talking and communicating with one another. “He/she talks really well on the court,” coaches will say. Call
for the ball, call for the set, call for the hit, and call the ball in or out. In all situations, players who talk and
communicate, show leadership and confidence.

9. Confidence is key. Some players have more than others. It is something that is constantly developing. Players who
always do the right thing will develop more confidence. Players who are confident about their game and with others are
players that coaches are looking for.

Athletes will commit errors and many do not know how to deal with it effectively. The best advice, “Recognize and move
on.” For example, keeping your head up after hitting a ball out or missing a serve. This shows your team, and the opposition
that you can handle mistakes and that you are confident that on your next opportunity you will be successful. In WHAM!
volleyball, and on every other team, there will be mistakes, How will you respond?
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Have fun! Volleyball is one of the greatest games that you will ever play. The life experiences that we learn from this sport are
invaluable. See the assessments as fun and challenging, and good things will happen. Good luck!

Registering with Volleyball Alberta

Kids of all ages interested must register with VA then show up for WHAM! VC
tryouts.
Steps for online registration:
1. www.volleyballalberta.ca

2. On top bar, click on registration

3. Go to ‘How to Register’ and follow the path

(If you have problems or questions, you can call for help 403-634-0607)

Please remember to bring proof of registration to tryouts

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Season Schedule - 2020

13U 14U 15U 16U 17U 18U

Feb 1-2 Calgary
Feb 8-9 Calgary Calgary
Feb 22-23 Calgary Calgary
Feb 29-Mar 1 Calgary Calgary
Mar 7-8 Calgary Calgary
Mar 14-15 Calgary Edmonton
Mar 21-22 Calgary Edmonton
Mar 28-29 Edmonton Edmonton
Apr 4-5 Edmonton Calgary
Apr 18-19 Edmonton Calgary
Apr 25-26 Calgary Calgary
May 2-3 Calgary Edmonton