6th Grade Girls Volleyball

The objectives of the girls 6th grade volleyball programs at Holy Cross are:

· to teach the game of volleyball (rules, regulations, rotation, etc.)
· to develop fundamental volleyball skills (bumping, passing, setting, spiking, blocking, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single girls' team. All girls who desire to participate will be placed on the respective roster.

2. Team coaches shall be adults, preferably parents of participating children. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules; regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of volleyball are desirable, but not required. Arrangements can be made for the inexperienced to learn the basics of the game and of coaching a youth team. Enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the program are the primary requirements.

3. The responsibilities of the coach include:

· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing match strategies, including player rotations.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and reporting of match scores to the Holy Cross Athletic Director.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision and scoreboard operation during home matches, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Sixth Grade Volleyball is considered to be strictly a developmental program. The emphasis is on putting forth best effort; winning or losing is incidental.

4. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend matches and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home matches.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

5. The responsibilities of the players include:

· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards, and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards, of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and matches.
· committing to learn and improve volleyball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. Every player on the team will play substantially equal time in all matches except in the case of disciplinary action.

· players who miss practices or matches, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the match following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit playing eligibility for the match following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the match and to attend the match and sit with the team.

7. Players are expected to attend all practices and matches except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during volleyball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/match conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed practices or games will impair the development of the volleyball skills and knowledge of the player; and it is probable that team development will be negatively affected as well. Thus, players are strongly encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of other organized activities. If the choice of priority is otherwise, every effort will be made to accommodate the child; but there will not be any exceptions made to the rules concerning forfeiture of playing time for missing practices or matches.

8. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or match, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

9. Trophies are not awarded at this grade level for volleyball. Team members will be recognized and given a team photo at the Sports Recognition event following the season.

7th Grade Girls Volleyball

The objectives of the 7th grade volleyball programs (girls - fall; boys - spring) at Holy Cross are:

· to further players' understanding of offensive and defensive strategies
· to continue development of fundamental volleyball skills (bumping, passing, setting, spiking, blocking, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to introduce the realities of team sports competition, while assuring adequate playing time for all participants.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' varsity team (combined with 8th grade boys) and a single girls' team. All children who desire to participate will be placed on the respective roster.

2. Team coaches shall be adults, preferably parents of participating children. Previous experience in coaching a youth sports team and knowledge of the rules; regulations, strategies and other aspects of the game of volleyball are desirable, but not required. Arrangements can be made for the inexperienced to learn the basics of the game and of coaching a youth team. Enthusiasm, love and concern for youngsters and a desire and commitment to pursue the objectives of the program are the primary requirements.

3. The responsibilities of the coach include:

· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing match strategies.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and recording of match scores and records.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision and scoreboard operation during home matches, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Seventh Grade Volleyball seeks to introduce the concept of playing to win while still providing adequate playing time for all players. Conference and tournament games are played to win; other games combine a developmental posture with making a reasonable effort to win.

4. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend matches and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home matches.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

5. The responsibilities of the players include:

· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and matches.
· committing to learn and improve volleyball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. Conference (Council II-3A Athletic League) and Tournament matches only will be played with the objective of winning; and for these matches, there shall be no restrictions on the coaches as to player utilization. For all other matches, each player shall play at least the equivalent of one full game except in the case of disciplinary action.

· players who miss practices or matches, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the match following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the match following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

7. Players are expected to attend all practices and matches except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during volleyball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/match conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed practices or games will impair the development of the volleyball skills and knowledge of the player; and it is probable that team development will be negatively affected as well. Thus, players are strongly encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of other organized activities. If the choice of priority is otherwise, every effort will be made to accommodate the child; but there will not be any exceptions made to the rules concerning forfeiture of playing time for missing practices or matches.

8. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or match, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

9. Coaches may award up to three trophies to individual players, choosing from the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player
• Most Improved Player
• Coach's Award
• Best Offensive Player
• Best Defensive Player

Trophies will be given to recipients at the Sports Recognition event following the season, along with a team photo for all players.

8th Grade Girls Volleyball

The objectives of the 8th grade volleyball programs (girls - fall; boys - spring) at Holy Cross are:

· to further players' understanding of offensive and defensive strategies
· to continue development of fundamental volleyball skills (bumping, passing, setting, spiking, blocking, footwork, etc.).
· to instill the concepts of team play, of an individual's responsibilities as a team member and of good sportsmanship.
· to introduce the realities of team sports competition, while assuring adequate playing time for all participants.
· to provide a challenging and rewarding experience for the players, parents and coaches.

The following policies and guidelines are set forth to assure the accomplishment of these objectives:

1. There shall be a single boys' varsity team (combined with 7th grade) and a single girls' team. All children who desire
to participate will be placed on the respective roster.

2. The Athletic Director at Holy Cross shall be the coach of the team.

3. The responsibilities of the coach include:

· planning and running practice sessions.
· planning and implementing match strategies.
· maintaining attendance records, rosters, scorebooks, etc., and recording of match scores and records.
· recruitment of "team parents" to assist with gym supervision and scoreboard operation during home matches, team parties, etc.
· having a thorough knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to, the Codes of Ethics of Holy Cross School and the conference(s) to which we belong.
· scheduling and conducting a meeting of all players and parents at the beginning of the season to discuss objectives, playing time rules, Codes of Ethics, etc.
· continual concern for the safety and well being of the children.

Coaches must remember that meaningful participation is an important element of the success and vitality of Holy Cross sports programs over the years. Accordingly, it is understood that coaches will seek to provide playing time in excess of these minimums (where applicable), consistent with the competitive postures set forth below:
· Varsity Volleyball institutes the objective of winning and the realities of team sports competition - the better players play the most, the lesser players the least.

4. The responsibilities of the parents include:

· arranging for their child to attend matches and practices regularly; and to arrive and be picked up promptly.
· assisting in carrying out Team Parents duties at one or more home matches.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

5. The responsibilities of the players include:
· dedicating themselves to the achievement of the high academic standards and conducting themselves in accordance with the high behavioral standards of Holy Cross School.
· regular attendance at practices and matches.
· committing to learn and improve volleyball skills, to give always their best efforts, to be team players and to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
· abiding by school and conference Codes of Ethics, rules and regulations.

6. All matches will be played with the objective of winning; accordingly, there shall be no restrictions on the coach as to player utilization except in the case of disciplinary action. Players and parents should therefore expect that not all players will play in each match, and that total playing time may vary significantly from player to player.

· players who miss practices or matches, or who consistently goof around during practices will forfeit some or all of their playing time for the match following the infraction. Players who are not meeting Holy Cross academic or behavioral standards (as advised to the coaches by the Athletic Director) will forfeit all of their playing time for the match following the infraction. To the extent possible, coaches shall inform the player and parents of impending problems and of the consequences. Players suffering the consequences of an infraction are nonetheless expected to attend the game and to sit with the team.

7. Players are expected to attend all practices and matches except in the case of illness, family vacation, etc. If a child is involved in an organized activity during volleyball season outside of Holy Cross, practice/match conflicts are sure to arise. It is certain that missed practices or games will impair the development of the volleyball skills and knowledge of the player; and it is probable that team development will be negatively affected as well. Thus, players are strongly encouraged to make a commitment to place their Holy Cross team in front of other organized activities. If the choice of priority is otherwise, every effort will be made to accommodate the child; but there will not be any exceptions made to the rules concerning forfeiture of playing time for missing practices or matches.

8. Should a player be unable to attend a practice or match, the player or a parent must advise one of the coaches in advance.

9. Coaches may award up to three trophies to individual players, choosing from the following categories:

• Most Valuable Player
• Most Improved Player
• Coach's Award
• Best Offensive Player
• Best Defensive Player

Trophies will be given to recipients at the Sports Recognition event following the season, along with a team photo for all players.