CLUB PHILOSOPHY

AZ Mile High Volleyball Club is dedicated to providing quality physical and emotional training to young athletes who are interested in learning the skills of volleyball, values of teamwork, responsibility and self-discipline. We have developed a program dedicated to the core values of teamwork, communication, self-responsibility, challenging yourself and working passionately towards a common goal.

Our club recognizes the profoundly positive effect that we have on athletes. Our training and teachings extend far beyond the gym as we strive to help young athletes develop "life skills." We do this by teaching them to set difficult but achievable goals and the value of working hard. Hard work is the foundation for all our training as is key to the development of self-confidence, courage and self-esteem.

The following are additional elements of our Clubs philosophy:

PLAYER GROWTH AND SUCCESS

We recognize that there are a number of important lessons that come from playing team sports. The ability to recognize working hard as an immediate goal will be stressed throughout the season. A desire to win is a significant motivating force behind hard work. We believe in winning and having an enjoyable experience but these are recognized as by-products of the immediate goal of hard work. We focus on creating an environment where hard work, fun and winning can take place. Within these three concepts lies the foundation for player growth and success.

PLAYING TIME

While every player will get opportunities to play at every tournament, the specific amount of playing time is at the coaches discretion and will not be equal for all players. Players earn playing time through game situations and practice. Every player will get the same opportunities in practice to earn playing time. Players that are absent from practice (whether excused or unexcused) will miss out on opportunities to earn playing time. It is the responsibility of the coach to identify the strongest line-up and implement a strategy that puts the team in the best position to be successful.

Every player has a role. Understanding the role and the expectations of it are a joint responsibility of both player and coach. When a player is disgruntled over her role on the team, the appropriate response is to clarify her role with the coach and work as hard as possible to effectuate a change. Parents can best help their athlete by helping her set goals to achieve more opportunities for play.

Teams playing in the most highly competitive situations (National tournaments, tournament finals) will need to be at their best. In situations such as these, it is the judgment of the coach to identify the strongest line-up and implement a strategy that puts the team in the best position to be successful.  At National Tournaments the best players will undoubtedly play more.

ACADEMICS, FAMILY & SOCIAL LIFE

A significant element of our teaching involves training our athletes to manage their time and achieve balance in their busy lives. Our program acknowledges the significance of academics and understands the demands that most of our student/athletes are subjected to. The skills we teach involve planning, time management and goal setting. In doing so, we expect that players will not miss practices due to a lack of foresight.

Family and social engagements frequently conflict with the club season. Involvement with our program is not convenient. All our athletes, coaches and families will be called upon frequently, to sacrifice personal and family plans for the common interest of the team. Personal sacrifice is only a portion of the price required of participation in high-level athletics that AZMHVBC pursues.

MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES

AZMHVBC welcomes multi-sport athletes and works to develop schedules and policies that are amenable to those with additional athletic commitments. With the decision to participate in multiple sports come the added responsibilities of added time management and priority setting. What is expected however is that the player will do everything possible to fulfill her commitment to her AZMHVBC team. The consequences for missing a practice or tournament due to additional sport activities are no different than for other excused absences.

These consequences go beyond having to sit out a game. When athletes miss opportunities to practice, they miss opportunities to improve. This affects team continuity and performance, which in turn, affects playing time.

Nonetheless, the club volleyball season is long. There have been numerous multi-sport athletes that have missed some training. We have found when they become fully committed; they are in great shape and catch up quickly.

TEAM TRAVEL

Competition level teams will travel quite extensively during the season. Teams at this level could travel to a minimum of (2) multi-day, National events.  Failure to attend such travel tournaments will not absolve players of the tournament fees.

Considerable time and resources are dedicated to the planning and scheduling of these events. We take great pride in providing our players, teams and families with the most organized, competitive and safe travel tournaments. Players, families and coaches receive regular communications regarding these tournaments and team itinerary.

We believe that there are many benefits of our aggressive travel schedule. Such travel is useful in teaching athletes the traits of self-responsibility, time management and stress management. It is also our belief that it provides our teams a more competitive experience, facing teams from across the nation. Athletes are also exposed to considerably more collegiate coaches at such National events increasing their opportunities for college recruitment and scholarship.

PLAYER SAFETY & COACHING BOUNDARIES

AZMHVBC is committed to keeping all players and coaches safe and free of unnecessary risk exposure. All coaches must undergo background checks from USA Volleyball and AZMHVBC administration prior to becoming registered members with USA Volleyball, the Arizona Region and AZMHVBC. In assuming these responsibilities, each coach is held to a strict professional code of ethics and conduct.

The enthusiasm, support, assistance, cooperation and positive reinforcement of family members and fans are always appreciated. There will be times during the course of the season when situations arise that are not to your liking. AZMHVBC has developed specific policies and practices for resolving such situations. We will not tolerate the condemnation of any of the AZMHVBC coaching staff. Teaching athletes how to express themselves during times of concern and disagreement is a significant part of our training and player development. While our policies allow for communication and conflict resolution, a coach will not be required to defend his/her coaching decisions. These decisions include among other things, specific match decisions (who played when, who was subbed out when, etc.).

The goal of AZMHVBC is to earn the reputation of having competitive, well-organized and well-trained athletes. We will achieve this by dedicating ourselves and our training to these values and philosophical beliefs. This system and philosophy will allow AZMHVBC to reach great levels of success at both the regional and national levels.