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What is the closed practice policy?

The club maintains a policy of practices being closed to parents. We believe this creates a much more professional and positive learning environment for your child as well as reduce the inevitable negative comments which ultimately come from some parents.

 

The closed practice policy applies to practices but does not apply to our typical Friday night scrimmages in which parents are welcome. Teams that practice only twice a week will be permitted to watch the last 30 minutes of the second practice a week. For 10 & 11’s, parents may watch practices during the months of November and December. All 12 & older teams parents may watch the first practice of each month, beginning in December. These dates are: December 4th or 5th, January 2nd or 3rd, February 5th or 6th, March 5th or 6th, April 2nd or 3rd, and June 4th or 5th.

 

My daughter is running late or cannot make a practice—what should she do?

Being on time is required; however, if your daughter is going to be late (for a valid reason) she must contact her coach, (and assistant coach) as soon as possible.  If she is unable to make a practice, she, again, must let the coach know in advance as their practice plan may have to be adjusted.  It is important for players to be at all their practices for the team to develop competitively.

 

I emailed, texted, or left a message and did not get an immediate response?

Our goal at OTVA is to respond to all inquiries as soon as possible, however, 24 hours is a standard response time frame. Please do not contact us at midnight and expect a response.

 

Are the players required to wear specific practice uniforms?

A specified color (red, navy, or white) OTVA tee shirt is the only required item for practices.  Each team will decide the color for their practices and each player is responsible for having the correct colored shirt.  In the event the proper colored-shirt is not worn, it can be purchased for $8.00 at the facility.

 

Does my daughter have to take all her jerseys to all matches?

Yes, yes, yes…She will have three (3) jerseys and MUST TAKE ALL TO EVERY MATCH EVERY DAY, even if they are dirty!!  At away tournaments jerseys can be washed by hand or laundered if hotel has laundry facilities. Teams have had to expectantly change their jersey during a match and may be forced to forfeit if a player doesn’t have all her jerseys.

 

When traveling, can we pack shoes and uniform gear in checked luggage?

NO, No, no….if the bag is lost, she would not be able to play.  Each player must carry their gear—PACK SHOES, ALL JERSEYS, SHORTS, AND ANY & ALL GEAR IN YOUR BACKPACK SO IT FITS UNDER THE SEAT.   This eliminates the risk of a carry-on gate check when overhead space is filled. She should never be separated from this gear!!!

 

What are the travel days for the out-of-town tournaments?

We travel the day before tournament play begins.  The teams will generally gather for a pre-tournament team meeting that evening at 830p or 9p, so please book your flights accordingly.  Return flights should be booked any time after 6:00p on final day of tournament to avoid having to forfeit in the finals or incur change fees/missed flights.

 

Are the athletes required to stay in the same hotel?  Where do I find out about the hotel information? 

Are players allowed to stay by themselves in hotel?

Yes, we are required to stay at specific hotels through the “Stay and Play” requirements for all tournaments. All 15-18, Red and Blue teams are required to room together.  For all White, Navy, and Gold teams, they are encouraged to room together for all tournaments but only required to room together for Qualifiers.

 

Is there a curfew?

Yes, yes, yes….10pm curfew for all teams. We want them to be safe, accounted for and well-rested!!

 

What if I am unable travel to an out-of-town tournament?

We ask that you make arrangements for your daughter to stay with another family/parent. Players are not allowed to stay in a room by themselves. Please make sure that your daughter is either traveling with surrogate family or booked on the coaches’ flight.  Also, please ensure your daughter takes enough money for meals, which could include breakfast, lunch and dinner and for any healthy snacks.

 

When does the season begin?

Each facility will coordinate their own schedule and your coach will inform you about the practice schedule.

 

How should play-time issues be handled?

Playing time is determined at the discretion of the OTVA coaching staff and is not guaranteed. It is based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, a lineup for each competition that will lead to success on the court. Playtime is a very complex determination.  It includes the coach’s opinion, the athlete’s ability, the athlete’s potential, the team’s needs/game strategy at the moment, the momentum of the game, the number of subs remaining, and the team’s needs for the future.  The coach will not be required to defend his/her thought process or conclusions in these determinations, and it is improper for a parent to make such a request.

 

What are the Travel and Food Parent Responsibilities?

Travel Parent Responsibilities - The Travel Parent has the responsibility of paying for the players rooms and collecting the amount due from each parent. All team members must be responsible for immediately paying the Travel Parent so the Travel Parent does not have to pay “out of pocket” for these costs. If any parent ultimately does not pay the Travel Parent, the club will reimburse the Travel Parent. The Travel Parent will work directly with our travel agent, Donna Banks. Only the Travel Parent should contact Donna. Since Donna is located on the west coast, please do not contact her before noon.

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Food Parent Responsibilities - The Food Parent has the important responsibility of organizing all meals and will also collect monies from the other parents for their share.

1. Breakfast is a critical meal and there are limited options. If it is a suite hotel that provides breakfast, that is the best option. If not, then the Food Parent will generally stay at the team hotel and have breakfast items in their room i.e. cereal, fruit, bagels, etc.

2. Lunch is generally available at the playing facility.

3. Dinner is determined by whether you play in the AM or PM wave. If you play in the AM wave, dinner should generally be arranged at a restaurant from 5:00-6:30pm but not later. Sometime during a 3-day tournament, players will prefer to just remain at the hotel and relax. PM waves are much trickier as players “return time” to the hotel is unknown. The Food Parent should try to coordinate bringing food back to the hotel or ordering (generally pizza and pasta) so that the players can eat as soon after returning as possible.

 

When does the season end?

All players are expected to complete the season which ends with the AAU Nationals. Teams which earn a bid to the USAV Nationals and those teams will also attend the USAV Nationals.

 

What is Volleyball Recruits?

Volleyball Recruits is offered to Red & Blue teams from ages 15-18. Players ages 16 and above on other teams may pay $25 and the club will pay the balance if they wish to join. Some of you already have Volleyball Recruits accounts, and you will keep all your information and activity as we enter a new season.  If you are new to Volleyball Recruits, you'll receive a welcome email with your login credentials once we send them this year's rosters.  To learn more about Volleyball Recruits, check out their homepage at sportsrecruits.com or contact their Customer Success Team at help@sportsrecruits.com.

 

How do club payments work?

Auto pay is mandatory and will start once the deposit has been made using the credit card authorization form. Alternative payment methods must be authorized by your facility director.

 

Are travel expenses included in the club dues?

Travel is not included in the dues and must be booked by parents individually. That includes airfare, lodging, transportation to/from the facility and meals. We will provide the required hotel information to our travel parent. They will then share with the team. Please book ASAP as hotels fill up quickly. Travel Tip: Many of our parents share rooms to help keep their costs down. All players that qualify for the USAV Nationals will pay an additional $370 fee.

 

How do I order apparel?

You may order all OTVA apparel and any special orders by clicking on the link to The Orlando Volley Shop on the OTVA website (orlandovolleyshop.com).

 

You may also purchase OTVA apparel in the Volley Shop located inside the OTVA South facility. The OTVA uniform spandex, socks, and knee pads are also available for purchase via the website and in the volley shop.

 

Team shoes are not mandatory; however, we have available for purchase the new Mizuno Wave Lightning Z3 in the following colors: stars & stripes, white/navy, and black/red. Suggested retail is $120.00 – Volley Shop price is $104.95.

 

We accept all major credit cards and PayPal. Please contact us via email: Irene@vshop.com or by phone: 407-450-7618 with any further questions.

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OTVA To-Do List

Turn in all paperwork to your facility; this should have been completed at tryouts 

     A. Player Registration Packet (Info Sheet and Code of Conduct)

     B. Credit Card Authorization form

     C. USAV Medical Form (signed & notarized)

     D. A copy of your daughter’s birth certificate

     E. Signed Participation Agreement & Release

Purchase (or renew) your daughter’s AAU membership

     A. Make sure to add our club code: WYWYC4

Purchase (or renew) your USAV membership and select OTVA as your club

On Monday October 2nd, we will email you the USAV Player Commitment form.

     A. Parents must sign for their daughters unless the player is 18 or older.

Make sure your daughter completes the Junior Officiating requirements per the Florida Region

2017-2018 clinics and training will be available in October 2017 at

http://www.floridavolleyball.org/instructions-for-online-clinics--exams.html (Training will be available in October)