Parent / Player Club Handbook.

SVC is where young athletes develop their game in a safe, fun, and educationally sound environment. Coaches and parents partner to build both volleyball skills and life skills, helping every player grow as a person and an athlete.

Players and staff alike are expected to work hard, play hard, and have fun. We believe success is not measured by wins or losses — every match is a learning experience. Winning is not the most important thing, but the will to win is.

Building Champions of Character through the Game of Volleyball.

• CHARACTER: Integrity, Poise, Leadership, Courage
• COMMUNITY: Family values, Service, Kindness, Empathy
• PASSION: Enjoyment, Fun, Effort, Commitment
• EXCELLENCE: Compete, Goal setting, Relentless, Challenge

We are a volleyball club in Sarasota focused on Character, Family and Commitment.

Myreli Zamora – Owner / Club Director / Travel Coach

Tatiana Cortez – AAU Coordinator / Assistant Director / Coach

Jeff Horr – Youth Coordinator / Tournament Director / Coach

Emma Thrift – High School Program Coordinator / Marketing / Coach

Stephanie Olivieri – Communications Director / Coach

Mark Cristiani – Strength & Conditioning Coach (non-volleyball coach)

Additional Coaches: Jorge Alvarez, Genevieve Perry, Nickie Cristiani, Angel Gaskin, Cookie Cruz, Rebecca Dzuranin, Lauren Johnson, Tom Hartley, Eric Miller, Tanner Stiegler, Scott Paetsch, Orlando Sanchez, and Julia Jekonski. Full bios are available on the Coaches page.

Our training philosophy includes: complete control of fundamental skills, physical conditioning, player intelligence, sportsmanship, discipline, commitment, and love for the game in a family atmosphere.

The methods we use to assign players to teams are based on an evaluation conducted in a professional manner upon the consensus of qualified coaches. We evaluate all skills at tryouts and place athletes on teams based on their skill level. SVC strives to fill teams with a maximum of 11 athletes and no less than 8. Teams with more than 11 players can be formed with coach and club director approval.

Players may continue to be added to teams for the season if the qualified coaching staff feels that it is in the team's best interest to do so. If for some reason a player is no longer able or authorized to participate on her team, the Club Directors, in their sole discretion, may add another player or players to cover that position as needed.

Our travel teams and regional teams are competitive. Our AAU teams are also competitive in nature. Regardless of team level, there is no equal playing time rule and none should be expected. Some players will play more than others, and we balance individual playing time with what the team needs to compete successfully. Coaches determine what is best for both the team and the athlete, and playing time is earned through improvement and effort in practice.

Parents should never approach a coach at tournaments, during games, or at practices to discuss playing time. Please schedule a meeting instead (see Grievance Procedure).

Commitment and teamwork are two of our most valued principles. We ask families to commit fully — both in participation and financially — before accepting a roster spot. Withdrawals create a financial burden on our programs and have a real impact on the team and the individual athlete.

Refunds are issued only if an injury prevents an athlete from participating for one month or more, and the athlete does not participate in any other physical activity (interscholastic or recreational) during that time. Refunds are prorated and exclude the non-refundable down payment, and are paid at the end of the club season.

1. Athletes are expected to act courteously throughout the season both locally and while traveling. Athletes disobeying SVC, AAU, or USAV rules, or acting in a manner deemed inappropriate by the staff, may be disciplined or expelled. If expulsion is required, there will be no financial compensation.
2. Every SVC member will be offered training developed by our coaching staff at weekly practices. Playing time is based on practice and event performance as viewed by the team coach and the SVC coaching staff. Equal playing time is NOT guaranteed.
3. Any member found in possession of alcohol, tobacco, vape pens, illegal drugs, or prescription medication without written consent on the premises of any practice or tournament facility will be immediately expelled from the program.
4. Players who commit to an SVC Travel and AAU Season are expected to fully comply with all team practices and tournaments until their team's responsibilities are completed. Players should not commit to any other club volleyball training program until their last SVC tournament ends.
5. Practice times and locations are subject to change throughout the year.
6. Players must contact their coach at least one hour before practice if they will not be in attendance. Missing practices may affect playing time.
7. To emphasize player responsibility, the athlete should be the one alerting the coach about needing to miss practice (with the exception of 12-and-under parents/players).
8. Athletes should not engage in direct one-on-one text or chat communication with coaches. Any communication between an athlete and a coach must include a parent or guardian in the conversation.

1. Teams will arrive at the playing site at least one (1) hour prior to their first match (45 minutes for refereeing and 1 hour for playing the first match).
2. Travel expenses for players/families are NOT included in club fees. Understand the tournament schedule to estimate travel expenses (air/ground transport, hotel, meals).
3. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to all practices and to designated tournaments and corresponding hotels.
4. We encourage parents to travel with the team. If you cannot attend, arrange in advance for your athlete to be under another team parent's guardianship. Players may never be under a coach's guardianship or stay overnight in a coach's hotel room.
5. Reffing at tournaments: Each athlete will be required to line judge, score keep, book keep, libero track or down ref at least once per tournament, per day. Every SVC player must complete the reffing training provided by the Florida region and AAU.
6. Leaving early: Athletes are not allowed to leave a tournament early. They will stay until the completion of every match (playing or reffing). For a family emergency, talk with your coach before leaving.
7. Hotel stays may be required for tournaments 70+ miles away. Athletes stay with parents and parents are responsible for the hotel cost (typically $180–$280 per night). SVC books designated hotels for tournaments over 70 miles and for Stay-and-Play tournaments — athletes must stay at the designated hotel.

One of our core values is family involvement; therefore each player and family is required to work at least one home tournament. Volunteer hours are coordinated through our volunteer coordinator and sign-ups will be required upon acceptance to a team. Please contact myreli@sarasotavolleyballclub.com for volunteer questions.

Team benches are for the team, not parents. Athletes should stay on the bench with the team and will only leave with the coach's permission. Athletes will not leave the venue during tournaments until the tournament has concluded — parents may pick up food, but athletes must stay at the venue.

Good sportsmanship is always encouraged; berating referees, players, or coaches is unacceptable. Remember, our athletes will be refereeing and we will never tolerate parents from other clubs harassing them. Represent your family and the club in a positive manner.

Parents should refrain from any unsportsmanlike conduct that could embarrass the club or penalize a team. Inappropriate language will never be tolerated.

SVC observes a 24-hour cool-down period. If a concern arises at a tournament or practice, please wait 24 hours before scheduling a meeting or calling the coach. Never confront a coach at a tournament about playing time or coaching strategy. Weekends are for volleyball; weekdays are for business.

When an issue arises, we follow a chain of command:

1. Athletes speak to the coach first.
2. If still not satisfied, coach + parent (and sometimes athlete) meet together.
3. If still unresolved, parents may request a meeting with the SVC Director(s). Final decisions are made by the SVC Board of Directors.

Failure to follow the procedure above can cause immediate dismissal from practices or events.

1. 24-hour rule: If a concern arises from a tournament or practice, wait at least 24 hours after the event before discussing it with the head coach.
2. Do not approach the coach immediately before practice — coaches must stay focused on the athletes and the session.
3. The athlete must first request a meeting with the coach (before or after practice, never during). For 13s and younger, a parent may request the meeting, but the athlete, parent, and coach must all be present.
4. If the concern is not resolved, the parent may request a private follow-up meeting with the coach and athlete — at an appropriate location, never at a tournament or during practice.
5. If still not resolved, the parent may request a meeting with the club directors, head coach, and athlete. The club director's decision is final.
6. Parents and SVC are a team in building character in your athlete. Open, respectful communication creates better outcomes for everyone.

• Remain in the spectator area during matches.
• Do not advise the coach on how to coach.
• Do not make derogatory comments to or about coaches, officials, tournament directors, or players of either team.
• Do not try to coach your child during the match.
• Cheer for your child's team. Show interest, enthusiasm, and support.
• Be in control of your emotions.
• Help when asked by coaches or officials.

SVC operates on an "All Inclusive" system — you will NOT receive additional invoices during the season. Tuition covers facility rental, uniforms, coaching salaries and travel expense, tournament entry fees, administrative expenses, and equipment.

• Required for tryouts: Athlete AAU membership (aausports.org/Membership).
• Required for Travel teams (due Sept. 1): AAU membership and USAV membership (2026-27 memberships required).
• Travel teams: Season starts first week of November and ends in June with AAU Nationals. Nationals are included in price.
• Regional and AAU Teams: Season starts last week of October and ends late April.
• Hotel costs (typically $180–$280/night) are not included in tuition.

SVC understands social media is a popular tool but also a venue where inappropriate behavior can occur. The following policies ensure appropriate use.

Texting, Email & Electronic Communications

1. A parent (or guardian) must be copied on any direct coach-to-player message.
2. Communication must be signed so the sender is clearly identified.
3. Content should be non-personal and limited to team activities.
4. Never include offensive, sexual, or inappropriate language or photos.
5. Time of day and number of messages should be considered.
6. Records of every coach's current cell number and email account should be kept.

Social Media (Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, X, Blogs, etc.)

• Coaches are not to have contact with players on any personal social media site.
• Players should never post pictures of other club members or players that could be hurtful, embarrassing, or shared without permission.
• Recording or transmitting visual images is strictly prohibited in showers, restrooms, changing rooms, or other private areas.
• Players and parents may follow the official SVC pages; coach-to-player communication there must be open, transparent, and professional.
• Use of SVC logos and media (including player and coach pictures) without express permission is not permitted.
• Negative posts about the club, players, or coaches are grounds for immediate dismissal.
• Athletes may not post inappropriate content (including but not limited to profanity, sexual content, drug/alcohol references, or bullying) while wearing SVC jerseys, uniforms, or other club apparel. Such content reflects poorly on the club and may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the team.

In consideration of being allowed to participate in the SVC Sarasota Volleyball program and related events, the undersigned acknowledges that participation includes possible exposure to infectious diseases (including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19). The participant knowingly and freely assumes all such risks, both known and unknown, and agrees to release and hold harmless SVC Sarasota Volleyball, its officers, officials, agents, employees, sponsors, and venue owners/lessors with respect to any illness, injury, disability, death, or property loss arising from participation, 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 directors@sarasotavolleyballclub.com) and to the Florida Region at registrar@FloridaVolleyball.org, stating the reason.
2. Step 2: Release is granted once: (a) all club gear is returned, and (b) all financial obligations are remitted (full cost of season).

Transfer Policy: A player can represent only one club during the season. Geographic relocation (job, military, scholastic) may receive special consideration with proof of residency. Once an athlete participates in a National Qualifier or Regional event, they may not be released to another club for the rest of the season. See the USAV Championship Manual for full release rules.

By accepting a position on an SVC team, the parent/guardian agrees to full payment of tuition. No refunds will be issued unless a player is injured and unable to participate for more than one month; in that case, a prorated refund (less the nonrefundable down payment) will be paid at the conclusion of the club season, provided the athlete did not participate in any other physical activity during that time.

Failure to fulfill financial obligations may result in suspension from practices and tournaments or dismissal from the club. SVC reserves the right to use outside collection agencies. Full tuition for the 2026-2027 season is due by 3/15/2027.

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.