Playing Time Policy

Playing time is always a sensitive issue in team sports. The purpose of Vienna Elite Volleyball Club's playing time policy is to document and communicate the club-wide guidelines in advance to ensure that those who commit to the Club understand what factors will be used to determine playing time over the course of the season. As well, our Club establishes a process whereby a player/parent can raise concerns if they believe the coach is not implementing the policy consistently on their respective team. Whereas "house"-level sports programs advocate “equal playing time”, our Club does not advocate equal playing time, rather “earned playing time."  However, the Club does believe that all players should receive equal training opportunities at practice. In volleyball, there are four (4) types of games – scrimmages, pool-play, playoffs/medal-brackets, and regionals/qualifiers. All players will receive some playing time during scrimmages and pool play at the discretion of the coach. However, in playoffs/medal-brackets and playoffs or regionals/qualifiers, the factors below will be used to determine playing time:

1. Ability to execute during competition

2. Ability to perform specific skills needed or play a specific position during competition

3. Performance in practice (including skills, attitude, and dedication)

4. Attendance/level of commitment to the team

5. Overall contribution, in whatever capacity, to the success of the team

Athletic propensity dictates what position a person plays, and her performance in practice dictates how and when she will be used in tournaments. Another factor that may influence court time is how she adds to or distracts from the team's performance as compared to a teammate who plays the same position.

During a tournament (i.e., game day), coaches are constantly adjusting and evaluating line-ups, which means that some players will receive more court time than others. Players are expected to understand and accept their role as defined by the coach, and concede that the collective performance of the team has priority over the individual player.

Under no circumstances is it permissible for a parent or player to approach a coach during competition or at a tournament site to discuss playing time. Players and parents are required to wait 48 hours after a tournament before initiating any type of communication with a coach regarding playing time issues. If a player is concerned or unclear about her role on the team, she should initiate a meeting with her coach to discuss the matter either before or after practice. Coaches will meet with players at least twice during the season to discuss each player's role on the team and to set individual goals.

The Club's season runs from mid-November through the end of May. Players are expected to participate fully in club-sanctioned events:

* 2 to 3 practices per week

* 7 to 10 all-day regional tournaments, including 4 to 5 multi-day tournaments

There are no scheduled practices during the week between the Fairfax and Loudoun County winter break. However, optional practices may be organized at the discretion of each individual team coach based upon the potential level of participation by players who are not out of town during the winter break.  

Players are expected to attend all practices and tournaments throughout the entire season. In the event that a player cannot attend practice, she must notify the coach as soon as possible, but no later than one hour before practice and 48 hours before tournaments. Tournament conflicts should be reported as soon as possible when conflicts become known. Mandatory school/academic functions, illness, and family emergencies are considered excused absences when communicated IN ADVANCE. To minimize consequences due to absence, players must act responsibly regarding their absence and inform the coach of the conflict with as much notice as possible.

Any activity that a player is committed to outside of her team that may present a practice or tournament conflict must be communicated to her coach in advance. We have accommodated multi-sport athletes in the past; however, it can only work when such commitments/conflicts are communicated in advance.

In order for Vienna Elite players to do their best, they need a positive atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Toward this end, any concerns discussed with the coach must be handled in a respectful and non-judgmental manner. For their part, coaches will keep an open mind and will provide objective and subjective data about a player in preparing for discussion of the situation and seek to understand the player's perspective. The club requests that the player/parent also act in a respectful manner and, if possible, provide specific (date & match) examples of perceived playing time issues to support a more constructive discussion. The goal is to have honest discourse, surface and resolve perceived issues, and develop a more complete assessment of the situation or issues. As well, if action is required of either the player/parent, coach, or club director, then these items will be recorded and communicated to all parties.

Players and parents are required to initiate the discussion of a concern. If a face-to-face meeting is required, schedule a time before or after practice to talk. Typically, communication with the coach and/or club proceeds in the following order:

* 1st Communication: Player and Coach

* 2nd Communication: Player, Parent, and Coach (if 1st communication unresolved)

* 3rd Communication: Player, Parent, Coach, and Club Director (if 1st and 2nd communications unresolved)

Most concerns are dealt with at the player/coach level. Only if a resolution cannot be reached does the communication move to the next level. It is up to the coach's discretion to address parent concerns that are not shared by the player

The Club asks parents not to circumvent the communication hierarchy established above. Allow your daughter the opportunity for personal growth by handling the situation as independently as possible and appropriate for their respective age group. This also serves to strengthen her relationship and dialogue with her respective coach(es).

If a player violates the Vienna Elite Volleyball Club player Code of Conduct (signed during registration), the player will be suspended by the club for a period of time and/or until certain pre-conditions have been satisfied as determined by the Club Director. During a suspension period, the player is not eligible to play in club-sanctioned games.