Parent & Player Club Handbook.

Dear SVC Athletes and Families,

Welcome to another exciting season of Sarasota Volleyball Club! Whether this is your family's first season with SVC or your ninth, we are honored that you have chosen to be part of our volleyball family. Your trust means everything to us, and we are committed to providing an experience that extends far beyond the volleyball court.

At SVC, we believe volleyball is one of the greatest teachers in life. Every practice, every tournament, every victory, and every challenge provides an opportunity to develop qualities that will last long after an athlete's playing career ends. While we are passionate about teaching the game at the highest level, our greatest purpose is developing young people of character.

Our mission has remained the same since the day SVC was founded: to build champions of character through the game of volleyball. Character is demonstrated through integrity, accountability, resilience, humility, and respect. These values shape how we coach, how our athletes compete, and how our families represent our club.

Equally important is our commitment to maintaining a true family-first culture. We believe the strongest teams are built on trust, encouragement, and genuine relationships. At SVC, every athlete matters, every family is valued, and every coach is committed to helping players grow — not only as volleyball players, but as confident young leaders.

This handbook is designed to provide clear expectations for athletes, parents, and coaches while helping everyone understand the standards that make our club successful. We encourage every family to read it carefully and use it as a resource throughout the season.

On behalf of our entire leadership team and coaching staff, thank you for placing your trust in SVC. We are excited to walk alongside your family this season and look forward to celebrating every milestone, every lesson, and every accomplishment together.

“Success is not measured only by championships won, but by the character we build, the relationships we create, and the lives we impact through the game of volleyball.”

Myreli Zamora
Owner • Club Director
SVC Sarasota Volleyball Club

Our mission is to develop athletes from beginners to elite competitors by providing exceptional volleyball instruction in an environment that values character, family, commitment, and excellence.

We believe volleyball is a powerful tool for teaching life lessons that extend far beyond the court. Through positive coaching, purposeful training, and meaningful relationships, we prepare athletes to become confident leaders, resilient competitors, and responsible young adults. Winning matches is important — but developing outstanding people is our greatest success.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be recognized as one of Florida's premier volleyball clubs by creating an environment where every athlete has the opportunity to grow, compete, and reach their highest potential. We strive to build a volleyball community where athletes feel valued, families feel connected, and coaches are committed to developing the whole athlete — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Our Core Values

• CHARACTER: Integrity, respect, accountability, courage, humility, and leadership through positive example.
• FAMILY: Every athlete matters, every family is respected, and relationships are built on trust.
• COMMITMENT: Dependability, strong work ethic, coachability, responsibility, attendance, preparation, and positive attitudes.
• EXCELLENCE: Maximum effort, continuous improvement, competing with confidence, learning from adversity, and never settling for average.

At SVC, player development goes far beyond learning volleyball skills. Our coaching philosophy is centered on developing the complete athlete through progressive instruction, purposeful competition, and positive mentorship. Every athlete progresses at their own pace, and our responsibility as coaches is to provide the guidance, encouragement, and challenge necessary for continuous improvement.

We focus on developing five essential areas:

• Technical Skills: Mastering the fundamentals through repetition, proper mechanics, and position-specific instruction.
• Volleyball IQ: Teaching athletes how to read the game, anticipate plays, communicate effectively, and make smart decisions under pressure.
• Athletic Performance: Improving speed, agility, strength, balance, coordination, and injury prevention through age-appropriate training.
• Mental Toughness: Developing confidence, resilience, discipline, and composure while learning to embrace challenges and adversity.
• Character & Leadership: Instilling respect, accountability, teamwork, humility, and servant leadership that extends beyond volleyball.

Our goal is not simply to create better volleyball players — it is to develop confident, resilient young people who are prepared for success in athletics, academics, and life.

SVC Sarasota Volleyball Club offers year-round training opportunities designed to meet athletes where they are in their volleyball journey. Our programs provide a clear pathway for player development, from beginners learning the fundamentals to elite athletes competing at the national level.

• Beginner Program: Designed for athletes who are new to volleyball or have limited playing experience. This program emphasizes fundamental skills, confidence building, teamwork, and developing a love for the game.
• Regional Prep Program: Designed for athletes with previous volleyball experience who are ready for a more competitive environment. Players receive advanced technical instruction while competing in local and regional tournaments throughout Florida.
• Travel/Elite Program: Our highest level of competition. Athletes receive advanced position-specific instruction, strength and conditioning opportunities, and compete in regional qualifiers, state championships, and AAU Nationals. This program is designed for athletes who demonstrate a high level of commitment and aspire to compete at the highest levels of club volleyball.

Team placement is one of the most important decisions we make each season. Every athlete deserves a fair, objective, and professional evaluation. Athletes are evaluated by multiple members of our coaching staff in areas including ball control, serving, passing, attacking, blocking, defensive skills, volleyball IQ, athletic ability, coachability, communication, competitive mindset, teamwork, and attitude.

Final team selections are based on the collective evaluation of the coaching staff, leadership team, and Club Director. Roster placement reflects the athlete's current ability while also considering future development potential and overall team balance.

Team Rosters

To maximize player development and quality instruction, SVC strives to maintain roster sizes that allow meaningful coaching and competitive opportunities. Our goal is to maintain a minimum of 8 athletes, a preferred roster size of 10–11 athletes, and larger rosters only when determined to be in the best interest of the team and approved by the Club Director. Roster sizes may change throughout the season due to injuries, player relocation, or other unforeseen circumstances. SVC reserves the right to add athletes to a team when necessary to ensure the team's continued success and competitive balance.

Accepting a Roster Position

Accepting a position on an SVC team represents a commitment between the athlete, family, teammates, and the club. By accepting a roster position, families acknowledge their commitment to participate for the entire season, meet all financial obligations, attend practices consistently, attend scheduled tournaments, support teammates and coaches, and represent SVC with integrity. Families are encouraged to carefully evaluate the time, travel, and financial commitments before accepting an offer.

Consistent attendance is essential to both individual improvement and team success. Athletes are expected to attend every scheduled practice, tournament, team meeting, and club activity unless excused by their coach.

Whenever possible, athletes should notify their coach at least 24 hours in advance if they will miss practice. For unexpected illnesses or emergencies, notification should be made as soon as possible. For athletes 13 years old and older, communication should come directly from the athlete whenever appropriate. All communication between athlete/coach/parents must be through TeamSnap. Parents may assist younger athletes.

Excessive absences may affect playing time, position assignments, tournament participation, and overall team responsibilities.

Every practice is an opportunity to improve. Athletes are expected to arrive on time, properly dressed, mentally prepared, and physically ready to train. Each athlete should bring volleyball shoes, knee pads, water bottle, and any required braces or athletic equipment.

Athletes should demonstrate positive attitude, maximum effort, coachability, respect, and encouragement toward teammates. Repeated tardiness, lack of effort, or disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action.

SVC is a competitive volleyball club dedicated to developing athletes while preparing teams to compete at the highest level. Although every athlete receives quality coaching and opportunities for growth during practices, equal playing time is not guaranteed.

Playing time is earned through consistent demonstration of attendance, effort, attitude, coachability, skill development, competitive performance, and a team-first mindset. Coaches evaluate each athlete continuously throughout the season and make playing time decisions based on what is in the best interest of both the athlete's development and the team's success. Playing time decisions are made solely by the coaching staff. Playing time will not be discussed during tournaments or immediately following competition. See our 24-hour policy below.

Every athlete who joins SVC agrees to uphold the standards of the club both on and off the court. Athletes are expected to:

• Respect teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and facilities.
• Demonstrate integrity and sportsmanship at all times.
• Give maximum effort during every practice and competition.
• Accept coaching with a positive attitude.
• Encourage teammates and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Represent SVC with pride both in person and online.
• Maintain appropriate behavior while traveling with the team.
• Comply with all USA Volleyball, AAU, and SVC policies.

Participation in SVC is a privilege, and athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of the club.

Tournament Expectations

Athletes are expected to arrive at the tournament venue at least one hour before their first scheduled match, unless otherwise instructed by their coach. This time allows athletes to check in with their coach, prepare equipment, participate in the team meeting, complete warm-ups, and mentally prepare for competition. Failure to arrive on time may impact playing time at the coach's discretion.

Tournament days are a commitment to the entire team. Athletes are expected to remain with their team throughout the event unless excused by the coaching staff. Players may not leave the venue before the conclusion of the team's responsibilities, including matches, officiating assignments, team meetings, and team awards or recognition. If a family emergency requires an athlete to leave early, parents must notify the coach immediately.

Officiating Responsibilities

Officiating is an important part of competitive volleyball and helps athletes develop a deeper understanding of the game. Every athlete is expected to complete the required AAU and/or USA Volleyball officiating training before the season. During tournaments, athletes may be assigned responsibilities including line judge, scorekeeper, libero tracker, flip score operator, and second referee (when age and certification permit). Athletes are expected to perform these responsibilities professionally and remain attentive throughout each assignment. Every athlete needs to know how to be a scorekeeper.

Sportsmanship

SVC athletes represent our club at every tournament. We expect our athletes to demonstrate respect for officials, opponents, teammates, coaches, tournament staff, and facilities. Unsportsmanlike conduct, inappropriate language, disrespectful behavior, or actions that reflect negatively on SVC may result in disciplinary action. Winning with humility and losing with grace are hallmarks of an SVC athlete.

Travel Expectations

Families are responsible for all transportation to and from practices, tournaments, hotels, and team functions. Travel expenses — including airfare, fuel, meals, parking, hotel accommodations, and personal expenses — are not included in club tuition unless specifically stated. Families should carefully review the tournament schedule before the season to prepare for anticipated travel expenses.

Hotel Policy

For tournaments requiring overnight accommodations, SVC may designate team hotels to promote organization, safety, and the overall team experience. For all Stay-to-Play tournaments, families are required to reserve accommodations through the designated tournament housing system and stay at the assigned hotel. Whenever possible, SVC will coordinate hotel blocks to keep families together and simplify team logistics. Hotel costs remain the responsibility of each family.

Athlete Supervision

Athletes remain under the supervision of their parent or designated adult guardian throughout all travel events. If a parent cannot attend a tournament, they must arrange supervision with another approved parent or guardian, notify the Team Coach and Club Director in advance, and provide emergency contact information. For the safety of all athletes, SVC coaches and staff may not serve as overnight chaperones or guardians for athletes and may not share hotel rooms with athletes under any circumstances. This policy complies with USA Volleyball SafeSport and MAAPP requirements.

Team Meals

Whenever possible, coaches will communicate meal schedules to families before or during tournaments. Parents are encouraged to provide nutritious meals and healthy snacks that support athletic performance. Athletes should avoid excessive fast food, energy drinks, and foods that may negatively affect hydration and performance. Whenever practical, teams are encouraged to enjoy a team meal together to strengthen relationships and build team chemistry.

Uniforms & Equipment

Athletes are responsible for bringing all required equipment to every tournament, including competition jerseys, spandex, knee pads, volleyball shoes, warm-up jacket, backpack, water bottle, and any required braces or medical equipment. Uniforms should be clean, complete, and worn properly at all times.

Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other electronic devices should never interfere with team meetings, warm-ups, coaching instruction, or competition. Athletes are expected to remain engaged with their teammates and coaches throughout the tournament day. Social media posts should always reflect the values of SVC and demonstrate respect toward teammates, opponents, officials, and tournament staff.

Representing SVC

Every athlete, parent, and coach serves as an ambassador for Sarasota Volleyball Club. Whether competing locally or traveling across the country, we ask every family to represent SVC with professionalism, integrity, and class. Our reputation is built not only on how we compete — but on how we treat others. We strive to leave every tournament known for outstanding sportsmanship, respectful families, positive athletes, professional coaches, integrity in competition, and a culture that reflects Character, Family, Commitment, and Excellence.

Partners in Your Athlete's Success

At SVC, we believe that an athlete's greatest opportunity for success comes when parents, coaches, and athletes work together toward a common goal. Parents are an essential part of our volleyball family. Your encouragement, support, and positive example play a significant role in your athlete's development — not only as a volleyball player, but as a confident, respectful, and resilient young person.

Our shared mission is to create a positive environment where every athlete can grow in confidence, character, leadership, and volleyball skill.

Our Commitment to Families

As a club, SVC is committed to providing a safe, positive, and respectful environment; qualified and experienced coaches; age-appropriate athlete development; honest and professional communication; fair and consistent policies; opportunities for every athlete to improve; and a culture centered on Character, Family, Commitment, and Excellence.

What We Ask of Our Families

• Encourage effort rather than focusing solely on results.
• Allow coaches to coach.
• Respect all athletes, coaches, officials, tournament staff, and opposing teams.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at every event.
• Support every member of the team — not only your own athlete.
• Help create a positive and welcoming club environment.
• Model the behavior we expect from our athletes.
• Follow club policies and communication procedures.

Positive Sideline Behavior

Our athletes deserve an environment where they can compete confidently without fear of criticism or unnecessary pressure. Parents are encouraged to cheer enthusiastically, celebrate great effort, encourage teamwork, support every player, and applaud good sportsmanship from both teams.

Parents should avoid coaching from the sidelines, questioning officials during competition, criticizing athletes, arguing with coaches, creating distractions during matches, and discussing playing time during tournaments. Your encouragement gives athletes confidence. Your composure teaches them how to handle pressure.

Volleyball is an emotional sport. To encourage respectful and productive conversations, SVC follows a 24-Hour Communication Policy. Parents and athletes are asked to wait at least 24 hours after a tournament or practice before requesting a meeting regarding concerns such as playing time, position assignments, or other volleyball-related concerns.

This brief waiting period allows everyone the opportunity to reflect before discussing concerns in a constructive and respectful manner. Coaches will not discuss playing time or coaching decisions immediately before, during, or immediately after practices or tournaments.

We believe open communication builds trust. The best communication is honest, respectful, timely, solution-focused, and professional. Whenever concerns arise, we encourage direct communication with the appropriate individual rather than discussing concerns with other parents or through social media.

1. Step 1 — Athlete & Coach: We encourage athletes to speak directly with their coach regarding volleyball-related concerns. Learning to communicate respectfully with coaches is an important life skill and promotes confidence, accountability, and personal growth. For athletes 13 years of age and older, this conversation should occur before parent involvement whenever appropriate.
2. Step 2 — Parent, Athlete & Coach: If additional discussion is needed, parents may request a meeting with the coach. Meetings should be scheduled at a mutually convenient time — not during practices or tournaments.
3. Step 3 — Club Leadership: If the concern remains unresolved, families may request a meeting with the Club Director and/or Leadership team. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure every concern has been heard fairly while keeping the athlete's best interests at the center of every decision. The Club Director's decision regarding club policies, team operations, and disciplinary matters is final.

Appropriate Topics for Discussion

We welcome conversations regarding athlete development, skill improvement, practice habits, attendance, club policies, team expectations, player goals, sportsmanship, and athlete well-being. These conversations are most productive when scheduled in advance and approached with mutual respect.

Topics Not Open for Discussion

To protect every athlete and maintain fairness within the team environment, coaches will not discuss another athlete's playing time, another athlete's position, another athlete's performance, team selection decisions regarding other players, confidential personal information, or comparisons between athletes. We appreciate your understanding as we respect the privacy of every family.

Healthy teams are built on trust. We ask families to avoid negative posts about athletes, coaches, officials, or the club; gossip; rumors; group messages intended to exclude individuals; and public criticism of coaching decisions. If a concern exists, please communicate directly with the appropriate coach or Club Director. Social media should reflect the same respect and integrity expected during practices and competitions.

Building a Positive Club Culture

Every family contributes to the culture of SVC. When families choose encouragement over criticism, collaboration over conflict, and solutions over complaints, our athletes thrive. We ask every family to help us build a club where every athlete feels valued, every coach feels respected, every family feels welcomed, every team experiences a positive environment, and character is valued as highly as competition.

“As a coach, I will always remember that every athlete on our court is someone's son or daughter. As parents, I ask that you remember every coach standing on the sideline is investing their time, knowledge, and heart into helping your athlete grow. When we choose trust, communication, and partnership over criticism, we create an environment where young people can truly flourish. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family's journey.”

— Myreli Zamora, Club Director

In consideration of being allowed to participate in the SVC Sarasota Volleyball program and related events and activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,
2. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the releasees or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,
3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases. If I observe any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,
4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release and hold harmless SVC Sarasota Volleyball, their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event ("Releasees"), with respect to any and all illness, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from the negligence of Releasees or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The full waiver must be signed at registration. For participants under 18, a parent/guardian signature is required.

If an athlete/family decides to depart SVC during the season:

1. Step 1: Submit a written release request to the Club Directors (Myreli@sarasotavolleyballclub.com or Tatiana@sarasotavolleyballclub.com) and to the Florida Region at registrar@FloridaVolleyball.org, stating the reason.
2. Step 2: Club will release the athlete immediately once all club gear is returned and all financial obligations are remitted (full cost of season).

Transfer Policy: A player can represent only one club during the season. A change in the geographical location of the family due to a change in job, military, scholastic, or inter-collegiate status may receive special consideration. No player may participate in different qualifying events with different clubs/teams during the same tournament season. Proof of residency must be provided by the family at the time of the release/transfer request. Once an athlete has participated in a National Qualifier Event (Regional or NQ), they may not be released for the rest of the season to another club. Please refer to the USA Volleyball (USAV) Championship Manual on releases for athletes that participate in regional or national qualifying/bid events.

As a member of SVC Sarasota Volleyball Club, all athletes and families are expected to understand that conduct both in person and online reflects not only on the individual, but also on teammates, coaches, families, and the club as a whole.

• All electronic communication between coaches, athletes, and families must remain professional, respectful, and related to club activities.
• Communicate with integrity and demonstrate good sportsmanship both in person and through all forms of electronic communication.
• Do not engage in bullying, harassment, intimidation, discrimination, or inappropriate online behavior toward teammates, coaches, officials, parents, or members of the volleyball community.
• Recording or photographing individuals in locker rooms, restrooms, changing areas, or any location where privacy is expected is strictly prohibited.
• Do not post or distribute content that damages the reputation of another athlete, family, coach, official, or Sarasota Volleyball Club.
• Concerns regarding coaching decisions, playing time, team selection, or club operations must be addressed through the communication procedures outlined in this handbook and not through social media.
• Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from Sarasota Volleyball Club.

Participation in SVC Sarasota Volleyball Club is a privilege. Every athlete and family is expected to represent the club with character, integrity, respect, and professionalism at all times.

SVC follows the USA Volleyball Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP) developed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. These policies cover required education and training, one-on-one interactions, meetings, athletic training, locker rooms, electronic communications, transportation, and lodging.

All adult participants who are in regular contact with minor athletes must complete SafeSport training. Coaches, parents, and athletes are expected to comply with all MAAPP provisions.

For the complete MAAPP document, visit usavolleyball.org/safesport or the U.S. Center for SafeSport at uscenterforsafesport.org.

By registering with SVC Sarasota Volleyball for the 2026-2027 season, the parent/guardian and athlete acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by all policies in this handbook.