WEST POTOMAC HIGH SCHOOL
Volleyball Program
2016 TEAM POLICIES
Go Wolverines!
West Potomac Volleyball Team Administrative Information
Coaching Staff
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Varsity: Coach Nancy Nixon
Cell: 703-727-0759
Email: [email protected]
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JV: Coach Ashley Lau
Cell: 507-318-0998
Email: [email protected]
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Freshmen: Coach Amy Skidmore
Cell: 202-494-7682
Email: [email protected]
Useful Links:
West Potomac Athletics Website: http://www.westpotomacsports.org
VHSL: http://www.vhsl.org
USA Volleyball: http://www.usavolleyball.org/
American Volleyball Coaches Association: http://www.avca.org/
Required for Participation….
Academic Eligibility
In order to be eligible to try out and represent West Potomac High School you must continue to maintain your grades and
receive passing grades in five out of seven subjects in the previous semester. Players may be required to submit an academic
progress report every week in order to maintain team eligibility.
Forms Required for Participation
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VHSL Physical – all athletes must have a competed VHSL physical dated after May 1. These physicals will be kept on
file for all sports that school year.
Medical Insurance – every student athlete must have insurance. If the athlete does not have insurance than he/she
must purchase the school insurance.
Emergency Care Card Forms – must be submitted to the coaching staff at the beginning of every season. An athlete
cannot participate until the form has been received and all required information is completed.
FCPS Communicable Disease Information – all athletes must turn in this form complete with the athlete and
parent/guardian signature in order to participate.
Weight room Authorization Form
Concussion Education Tutorial - must be viewed by parent/guardian and student
FCPS Extra Curricular Activities Form
Letter of Expectations for Players and Parents
Welcome to the West Potomac Volleyball Program! The purpose of this letter is to
outline what we hope to accomplish this season, expectations for the players, and how
parents can help support the teams.
It is our desire to meet the individual needs of each player, as well as the collective needs of each team,
by building a strong foundation in volleyball skills and life principles, which can be drawn upon in the
future. The program will emphasize good sportsmanship, hard work, and effort. We will also emphasize
teamwork. We are all part of one team with the same goal! Respecting your teammates and coaches will
be critical to the success of this team.
The primary focus of player development at the high school level is to ensure that players have a strong
foundation in the fundamental skills of serving, passing, attacking, setting, blocking, and digging. We
also want players to understand how to self-teach and how they can start to refine their already
developed games.
Whether we are practicing or playing a game, the coaches will be looking for each player to give her full
effort. That includes when players are on the sidelines during practice or games. A strong bench will
ensure a successful team. We want everyone to have fun learning and playing while paying attention and
working hard. The challenging parts of this sport are what make it fun.
Position Capabilities - Players will learn multiple positions in order to help them to become well-rounded,
stronger players. It also allows the team to continue to push through if there are injuries or player
absences.
Goals: Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about a player’s ideal future, and for motivating a
player to turn her vision of this future into reality. By knowing precisely what they want to achieve,
players know where they have to concentrate their efforts. We will set team and individual goals and
measure ourselves as we go.
Homework: Volleyball related homework will be given on a regular basis and will include training outside
of practice time on skills that don’t require a net.
Practice and Match Rules and Guidelines, Team Rules, and Playing Time Philosophy and Practice
Attendance Guidelines - As a new/or returning member of the West Potomac High School volleyball
team, you will be expected to know and follow the team’s rules, along with working hard to meet its
expectations. Being part of any team requires some sacrifices to become a strong individual player and
a strong member of the team. Dedication and hard work are required by those involved in order to have
a successful season and a strong volleyball program. When the player and her parent signs our
contract at the end of this packet, she is agreeing to abide by all the rules and guidelines
outlined in this packet at all times. ALL RULES ARE IN EFFECT FROM THE FIRST PRACTICE
THROUGH THE FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON.
Please note: Practices are mandatory starting the first day of tryouts. Playing time (and
playing proficiency) will be directly related to your attendance. Please plan other activities
around practice and game schedules. See “Playing Time Philosophy and Practice Attendance
Policy” for more details.
For Parents: The Parent Code of Conduct…Behind every student is a parent that, understandably,
wants his or her child to excel. We appreciate all the encouragement parents will provide our studentathletes and ask that you commit to supporting the team by reading and agreeing to abide by the
“Parent Code of Conduct” at the end of this packet. There are times when matches will get exciting and
exhilarating, but please model sportsmanship by not yelling at players, referees, or coaches. We will
never blame the outcome of a match on anything but our own performance.
Volleyball is much more complicated than players and parents think. If you have questions about the
strategy of the sport, please ask. We will pass out information regularly to the players; please ask your
player to share this info with you. We highly encourage players and parents to educate themselves
about this lifetime sport and for players to practice the skills outside of practice time!
If you have any concerns about your player or yourself as a player, the team, or the coach please let
your coach know. We can’t be of help if we don’t know there is a problem. Let us know what is working
well too!
Parents, thank you for allowing us to coach your daughters.
Sincerely,
Nancy Nixon, Head Varsity Coach
Ashley Lau, Head JV Coach
Amy Skidmore, Head Freshmen Coach
COACH NANCY’S PHILOSOPHY:
“BETTER THE BALL, BETTER THE PERSON”
PRACTICE RULES AND GUIDELINES
Practice Times: Monday – Friday, plus Saturdays as announced. See website for each team’s
times.
Before you go to Practice:
 Eat a small meal or snack.
 Get hydrated: Drink a couple glasses of water before practice. Do not drink a caffeinated drink
before practice. Energy drinks are prohibited per VHSL rules.
Bring to Practice:
 Water bottle
 Shoes, kneepads, socks, shorts, practice t-shirt (no spaghetti strap tanks)
o Forgotten clothes will be viewed as an unexcused absence.
 Player binder
 Team equipment as assigned
Time:
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Be on time. “Being on time” means:
Arriving at least 15 minutes prior to practice
Having your shoes and kneepads on
Helping to set up the nets and get equipment out
Carefully lining your bags up against the side wall
Filling your water bottle if necessary
Using the rest room if necessary
In the event you are late, RUN into the gym and onto the court!
Practice Rules:
 Cell phones, gum, and jewelry are not allowed on the court during practices or games.
 All balls must be shagged before water breaks. Do not throw the ball into the court. Balls must
be placed in the cart.
 Breaks will be taken as a team and only as a team, including water breaks.
 Players are responsible for helping with all team equipment before and after practices. No one
leaves until all equipment is stored. EVERYONE HELPS.
 Coaches, not players or parents, are responsible for coaching the team during practice and
matches.
Practice Attitude:
 If you are not involved in a drill, you will actively shag balls and support your teammates.
 When engaged in a drill with a partner and the ball is shanked, both players must retrieve it.
 Always be enthusiastic and energetic during practice.
 Always remain mindful, open-minded, and coachable.
 Pick-up after practice: I cannot leave until all players have left, so please arrange for
transportation home promptly after practice end time.
Injuries or Illness
 All injuries should be reported to the coach and the ATC. Any limitations on practice and game
performance due to injury should be provided in a note from the ATC or a doctor, not the
individual athlete or parent. Only the ATC may readmit players after an injury.
 All viruses and illness must also be reported immediately to the coach.
Student-Athlete
 Athletes must conduct themselves in a professional manner around West Potomac and the
community.
 You are a student first. Please let your coach know if you are having any difficulties in school
that will affect team participation. Please, no surprises! Let us know before the Student
Activities Office knows. We will work together with your teachers and parents to explore
solutions that prioritize schoolwork and minimize impact on team participation.
 Athletes will be expected to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Fairfax County Public
Schools.
 Players must attend school on the day of games and practices.
 Hazing or initiation ceremonies are illegal and will result in suspension.
 Fighting, refusing to take part in practice, talking back to any coach or game official, leaving
school early, disobeying school or bus rules are grounds for dismissal.
 Students are prohibited from drinking energy drinks per VHSL rules. The rule stipulates
“athletes cannot consume energy drinks during participation in VHSL practices and competition,”
because of “potential serious safety and health issue.” The ban also states:
o Energy drinks should not be used for hydration.
o There is no regulatory control over energy drinks, thus their content and purity cannot be
ensured. This may lead to adverse side-effects, potentially harmful interactions with
prescription medications (particularly stimulant medications used to treat ADHD), or
positive drug tests.
MATCH RULES AND GUIDELINES
Before you go to matches:
 All athletes will dress up for away games and wear game day t-shirts for home games.
 Eat a decent meal or snacks before your match.
o No fried foods, soda, candy, or desserts during matches. Secret sister treats should be
enjoyed after matches. 
 Get hydrated. Do not drink caffeinated drinks before a match or your playing time will be
impacted. Drink a couple glasses of water before the match.
 Things to bring to every match (put your name on everything, not just your volleyball supplies):
o Water bottle
o Gym bag with all uniform tops, spandex shorts, socks, volleyball shoes, knee pads, warm
ups (top and bottom), comfy change of shoes, brace if necessary
o Extra pair of socks and spandex
o Player notebook
o Hairbands (bring extras!)
o Food and snacks
o HOMEWORK! Time will be made available for studying.
Match Arrival:
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Arrive 20 minutes prior to bus departure for away games or 1 hour prior to home games.
Players MUST take the bus to all away matches, no exceptions unless approved by the coach.
Buses will only wait a maximum of five minutes past designated departure times.
All players must wear team gear when travelling with their teams.
Have contacts with you to call if there are any concerns with directions, car trouble, running late,
etc. Call or text your coach first but keep calling until you get someone.
During the match:
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During chilly months: After playing you must have a team warmup/sweatshirt on to keep the
core of your body and shoulders warm, even if you are hot.
Substitutions: Substitutions take place inside of the 10’ line. Remember whom you are subbing
for and head to the sideline when it is time for you to sub in. If the coach subs in a player for
you, you will be on the bench until the coach calls your name again. Do not ask the coach if you
are going back in again.
Time Outs: Listen to the coach first, then ask questions. There needs to be absolute focus in
the huddle at all times.
End of Game High Fives: You look directly at your opponent, shake their hand, and tell them
good game or good match. After you address your opponents, high five every one of your
teammates and coaches. Be honorable: respect your opponents, respect your teammates, and
respect your coaches.
While other teams play: All players are expected to sit together and support the other West
Potomac volleyball teams. Our teams will shag for each other. WE ARE ALL PART OF THE WP
VOLLEYBALL TEAM AND WILL CHEER AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER!
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Officials: Respect the officials!
o Only the coach is allowed to question the official’s decision.
o Only the court captain will be allowed to approach the official.
o Never argue calls made by other work teams.
o Abusive language is not allowed at any time!
o Captains will shake the official’s hand and thank them after the conclusion of the match.
After the match:
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Post game meeting: Win or lose we will have a quick post-game meeting immediately after every
match. Do not walk away until the meeting is complete.
Home Matches: All players will help clean up and take down equipment after the final game for
home contests. No player is allowed to leave until break down is complete unless excused by the
coach.
Away Matches: All athletes are expected to ride the WP bus home unless 1) a parent lets the
player’s coach know in person they are taking their child, or 2) a note, signed by a parent, is
given directly to the coach indicating the player has permission to ride home with another
player’s parent. The player’s coach must see the adult giving the player a ride home. Athletes
will not be allowed to ride with other students.
TEAM RULES
1. Respect your teammates and coaches.
2. Listen to your coaches. Be focused and attentive when coaches are speaking. Remember all of
the coaches in the program are here to help you and will be engaged in coaching you.
3. Always give a strong effort and have fun.
4. Always exhibit good sportsmanship. Sportsmanship includes being humble in victory and gracious
in defeat, playing fair, following the rules of the game, respecting the judgment of officials, and
treating opponents with respect. Remember, what one player says reflects on the team as a
whole.
5. Conflict resolution:
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Disputes between players should be addressed in the following order:
 Start by addressing your concern with the other player.
 If unresolved, go to the team captain for mediation.
 If unresolved, ask the captains to bring the matter to the attention of the
coaches.
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Parents or Players, if you have an issue you’d like to address with the coach we ask you
follow these guidelines:
 Player addresses concern with the coach
 Player and parent follow up with each other
 If concern continues, make an appointment for both the player and the parent to
meet with the coach
o We ask that any match day concerns be addressed 24 hours after the
match.
PLAYING TIME PHILOSOPHY AND
PRACTICE ATTENDANCE POLICIES
Playing Time Philosophy – Playing time is comprised of a complex mix of an athlete’s personal strengths
and limitations (physical, emotional, mental and social), skill level, attitude, attendance, work ethic,
team’s positional needs, player tendencies, opponents’ tendencies, strategies, long- and short-term goals,
team cohesiveness, player roles, and knowledge of the game. Ultimately, it comes down to “what is in
the best interest of the team?”
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Balanced Approach - We presume that players want to play volleyball. Playing time is the
ultimate reward for hard work at practice and at home. Parents don’t come to matches to watch
their daughter sit on the bench. At the same time everyone wants to be on a winning team and
we seek to develop girls into winners. Our playing time philosophy attempts to balance these
interests.
Every Player Can Earn Playing Time - Every player will be treated fairly and given equal training
and opportunities to earn playing time. However, there is no guaranteed equal playing time on
each team. Coaches make playing time decisions based on performance, ability to execute skills
needed for the position played as well as attendance and level of commitment to the team.
Statistics taken during practices and games will also help form decisions.
Deciding Sets/Post-Pool Play/Playoffs - If the team is playing a deciding set or advances to the
playoffs in a tournament, we will play the players that have performed the best on the court
that day, to give us the best chance to win. We will endeavor to get every player in the match so
they can contribute, but the focus in play-offs will be on team success.
Final Playing Time Decisions: Playing time can often be a sensitive topic when an athlete or
parent does not understand or agree with the amount of playing time an athlete receives. Playing
time may be discussed together 24 hours after a match with both parents AND player present,
but the final decision will be made by the head coach.
Attendance, Practice Absences, and Late Arrivals – The purpose of outlining practice policies is
simply to provide clear, fair, and consistent guidance on the expectations for players who accept a
position on the team. We are here to have tons of fun, but also to prepare to compete against other
teams in a very short amount of time (only two weeks until our first scrimmage!). August tryouts and
practice are vital for individual skill, team systems development, and team bonding. Each and every
player who is offered a position is critical to the success of the team and the players should expect to
be accountable to themselves, their teammates, and their coaches for any absences.
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PRACTICE AND MATCH ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Coaches will keep track of
attendance on a daily basis.
In accordance with VHSL rules, athletes must attend a minimum of 14 practices before the 1st
game in order to play in the first match.
Absences, whether excused (i.e., sickness or academics) or unexcused, will be assessed on a
case-by-case basis in terms of impact on playing time.
During August, all doctor, dentist, hair appointments, etc. should be scheduled outside of
volleyball practice times.
If you are going to miss a practice due to a school conflict, illness or unforeseen circumstance,
or will be arriving late for practice, you must text or email your coach a minimum of 30 minutes
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prior to the time practice is scheduled to start. Your parents should be included in the
communication. Please do not send word via another player.
If you are injured or sick (not contagious), you are expected attend practice to observe what is
being taught. If you do not attend practice but are capable, it will be considered unexcused.
Excused Absences: Excused absences include only those that are absolutely necessary and are
cleared by your coach BEFORE the game or practice is missed. Do not always assume that your
excuse is acceptable. Always check in advance.
 All absences require a signed note or email (i.e., from doctor, teacher, parent, etc.).
 If you are going to miss practice due to an excused absence (as determined by your coach),
you must notify the coach at least 24 hours prior to practice (excluding illness).
 If a practice before a game is missed, playing time will be decided by the coaches depending
upon what was missed during practice.
Unexcused Absences:
 August vacations are not considered excused absences because we are officially in-season.
 If the coaches do not know before a practice or game of an absence and are not told
specifically by the athlete or parent themselves, it is unexcused.
 Forgotten clothes, along with excessive excused absences, excessive unexcused tardiness, or
leaving early from practices and games will be treated as unexcused absences.
 If you have an unexcused absence anytime during the week:
 1st time: sit out the first set of the next match
 2nd time: sit out the next match
 3rd time or more: coaches’ discretion. Possibilities: sit out the next two matches,
lose Varsity letter, or possible removal from the team.
 If you have an unexcused absence the practice the day before the match: Sit out the match.
 If you have an unexcused tardiness, you will not start the following match and will do make up
conditioning as seen fit by the coaches.
 Athletes who have to sit out matches are still expected to dress in uniform and sit with the
team at the game, both on the bench and supporting other teams.
Varsity Players: To earn a Varsity letter, players must finish the season in good standing.
PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Success starts with the understanding that this team is all about the players, and making them the best volleyball
players they can be. In turn we believe the positive lessons these young athletes will learn by being part of our
program will aid them in becoming upstanding young adults. West Potomac believes that providing a positive
experience for the players on and off the court will translate for greater individual, team, and club success.
Help us maintain an excellent program by supporting coaches and players with a positive attitude!
As a Parent, I will:
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Be committed to the program as established by the coaching staff.
Maintain a positive attitude toward the program at all times.
Put my player’s team before my player. This means supporting player position decisions made
by the coach and understanding that playing time is earned through a consistent demonstration
of skill at a particular position, effort, and attitude during practices and games.
Remain in the spectator areas during all games.
Not advise the coach on how to coach, who to put in the game and/or who to take out of the
game.
Respect the integrity of the officials and not advise them how to call the match.
Model sportsmanship for my child by treating all coaches, officials, tournament directors and
players of either team with courtesy and respect.
Encourage hard work and honest effort that will lead to improved performance and
participation.
Emphasize the cooperative nature of the sport.
Not coach my child during the game or after.
Cheer for my child's team.
Encourage my child to participate for enjoyment as well as competition.
Applaud good and fair play during matches.
Be in control of my emotions.
Learn the rules of the game to help me better understand what is happening on the court.
Understand that physical or verbal intimidation of any individual is unacceptable behavior
Encourage athletes to participate in volleyball drug-, tobacco- and alcohol-free.
Be supportive of all attempts to remove verbal or physical abuse from organized volleyball
activities, including language.
Understand that conduct that is inappropriate as determined by comparison to normally
accepted behavior is unacceptable.
WEST POTOMAC VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
PLAYER AND PARENT CONTRACT
We, ___________________________(player’s name) and _______________________________,
(parent’s name) have read, understand, and agree to adhere to the Policies and Procedures for the West
Potomac Volleyball team as outlined in the:
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Practice Rules and Guidelines
Playing Time and Match Guidelines
Team Rules
Playing Time Philosophy and Practice Attendance Policies
Parent Code of Conduct
I (the player) agree to print out and put our team policies in my team binder to have on hand at all times.
I will bring them the first day of practice for a team discussion.
I (the player) understand that I am expected to follow our team rules regarding sportsmanship,
practice and game readiness and attendance, and conflict resolution at all times. I understand that all
rules are in effect from the first day of practice through the final game of the season.
Player Signature_________________________________________ Date ______________
Parent Signature_________________________________________ Date ______________