Playing time is always a sensitive issue in team sports. The purpose of IVC Volleyball Club's playing time policy is to document and communicate the club-wide guidelines in advance to ensure that those who commit to the Club understand what factors will be used to determine playing time over the course of the season.
Our Club has also established a process whereby a player/parent can raise concerns, if they believe the coach is not implementing the policy consistently on their respective team (set forth in the player/parent contract). Whereas "league"-level sports programs advocate “equal playing time”, our Club does not advocate equal playing time, rather “earned playing time." However, the Club does believe that all players should receive equal training opportunities at practice.
In volleyball, there are four (4) types of games – scrimmages, pool-play, playoffs/medal-brackets, and BIDS/qualifiers. Playing time during all portions of any match is always at the discretion of the coach. The factors below will be used to determine playing time:
1. Ability to execute during competition
2. Ability to perform specific skills needed or play a specific position during competition
3. Performance in practice (including skills, attitude and dedication)
4. Attendance/level of commitment to the team
5. Overall contribution, in whatever capacity, to the success of the team
Athletic propensity dictates what position a person plays, her performance in practice dictates how and when she will be used in tournaments. Another factor that may influence court time is how she adds to or distracts from the team's performance as compared to a teammate who plays the same position. During a tournament (i.e. game-day), coaches are constantly adjusting and evaluating line-ups, which means that some players will receive more court time than others. Players are expected to understand and accept their role as defined by the coach and concede that the collective performance of the collective team has priority over the individual player. Under no circumstances is it permissible for a parent or player to approach a coach during competition or at a tournament site to discuss playing time. Parents and players are required to wait 24 hours after the last tournament day before initiating any type of communication with a coach regarding playing time issues. If a player is concerned or unclear about her role on the team, she should initiate a meeting with her coach to discuss the matter either before or after practice. Coaches will meet with players during the season to discuss each player's role on the team and to set individual goals.