"Champions are not made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them...a desire, a dream, a vision." Muhammad Ali Mission of Spring Valley Volleyball Program

The Coaching Staff believes that players have the most “fun” when they are successful and feel competent in a given endeavor. Our practices are designed to make this possible, as are the off the court activities we participate in together.

Varsity Volleyball

This team is composed of the most skillful, experienced players currently available in our program --- regardless of age or grade. We seek to represent Spring Valley with the most competitive team possible. Our goal every year will be to compete for the State 4 AAAA Volleyball Championship title!

Junior Varsity Volleyball

This team is clearly developmental in its focus. Conscious efforts are made to include all players in most games when circumstances allowed. Playing time, however, must still be earned through practice performance, positive attitude, effort, and skills. Unlike a recreational league, this is NOT a “pay and play” program. Fundamental skills and strategies are introduced at this level as we make assessments on players’ projected ability to compete at the varsity level in the future.

Therefore, playing time is earned through practice performance each day and is based on demonstrated ability, attitude, and effort. There is NO GUARANTEED of playing time in every match for every player. Substitution for the sake of soothing egos of players or parents is NOT a consideration. The best players play majority of the time, PERIOD! We will try to win each match we play and all personnel decisions are made with that goal in mind. However, whenever game situations allow, we will make every effort to involve all of our players in the contested matches.

-1- 2 I. Player Prerequisites:

All potential athletes must have the following items completed:

1. Physical dated after April 1st (before the next volleyball season begins).

2. Richland School District Two Medical Release and Concussion Forms.

3. Payment of school sports participation fee of $50.00 (this will be placed on your school fee statement. It’s a District non-refundable payment).

4. Clear all current debts with the school.

5. “Athlete Permission Trip” form filled out.

6. A Birth Certificate on file with the Athletic Director (New Freshman or 1st time participants of sports).

7. Good standings with grades.

Coaching Staff:

Varsity Head Coach: Deanna Rudnik Assistant Head Jv Coaches: Tonya Thompson & Tamara Moss Parent Coordinator: Valarie Wright Strength and Condition Trainer: Tonya Thompson Team Manager(s): Score Table Manager(s): James Martin Karlene Stuart

Additional School Information: Athletic Director: Tim Hunter Athletic Secretary: Teresa Leggett Athletic Trainer: Paul Dobyns Principal: Jeff Temoney Mascot: Viking Colors: Forest Green & Athletic Yellow Gold Address: 120 Sparkleberry Lane, Columbia, SC 29229

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” Anatole France PLAYER EXPECTATIONS:

It is imperative that players attend daily practices. Failure to do so limits the skills development and knowledge of the game to our success. When you accepted to be a part of the Vikings Volleyball program, you accepted improving and competing to your optimum ability. This means time commitment for daily practices from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the season opener. From 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. thereafter (if changes in practice times advance notice will be given). There will be conditioning except on day’s matches are scheduled.

We recognize that there are some legitimate reasons for absences:

1. Serious illness

2. Death in the family

3. Religious ceremony (ex: baptism, confirmation, family wedding, and others).

4. Academic field study trip (Not elective trips for chorus, band, or clubs).

Regardless of the reason, you are expected to notify Coach Rudnik @ 728-0037 by phone and/or e-mail, [email protected] as soon as you know of the emergency or potential absence. Coach Thompson @ [email protected] (803)467-3057 Coach Moss @ [email protected] (803) 467-5286.

Missing practice for any other reason (including, but not limited to, youth groups “ski trips, church retreats, personal vacations, and extra-curricular”/elective course school trips such as band or chorus concerts, student activity organization functions, etc.) will result in the player being withheld from participation in any subsequent game(s) until missed practiced time is made up. A second unexcused may result in dismissal from the team. Your teammates and coaches are committed to being here daily in pursuit of our goal of being the best volleyball team that we can be.

Coaches, likewise, make personal sacrifices in time away from our families and in re-scheduling events/vacations to be here for your benefit. Each of us is accountable to teach and uphold the commitment we have made to accomplish our goals. If you accept your spot on the roster, do fulfill your obligation and commitment. “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”– Billie Jean King

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II. Player Conduct & Attitude

You, the player, will be expected to conduct yourself properly on AND off the court. You represent ALL of us (family, school, community, and coaching staff); in every action you take… good or bad. As a student-athlete, your conduct is scrutinized more critical than the average student. Therefore, we trust in the specific values taught by your parents, framed within the following three basic tenets of our conduct expectations for players and coaches:

1. DO WHAT IS RIGHT. Avoid questionable situations in which alcohol, smoking, drugs, or any other illegality might exist. Attend classes, be prepared, and BE PROMPT. 2. DO YOUR BEST. This includes maintaining a positive attitude regardless of your role on the team or the amount of playing time. GIVE maximum effort and attention to ALL you do! 3. BE LOYAL & RESPECTFUL. You are to address your coaches with respect and use supportive, appropriate and encouraging language with others; this includes your teammates as well!

Team Rules

NO jewelry allowed in practice, as well as in games. NO GUM! No Cell Phones please see additional sheet. NO profanity and/or nonsense attitude. ALL players are expected to follow ALL school rules at ALL times. BE on TIME!

A. Be on time! ALL players are expected to attend ALL practices. Any player unable to attend any practice should bring a note from a parent or guardian with an explanation why your daughter was not or will not be in attendance. As for school, you must provide a note from teacher, tutoring session or counselor if you arrive late to practice. Any player who does arrive late without a note must be prepared to face consequences.

Consequences for Violation of Team Rules  1st Offense: Extra Practice Time, Running, etc...  2nd Offense: 1 game suspension (sit out a SET).  3rd Offense: 1 matches suspension (sit out 2 SETS).  4th Offense: Dismissal from the Team. ****Once practice is over, players are to be picked up on time and leave campus once practice is over. Unless there are make-up drills, runs due to the above actions.

4 5 “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.”– Matt Biondi

III. Coaches’ Expectations

 Coaches will plan and execute productive, fast-paced practice sessions which facilitate maximum skill repetition in a minimum amount of time.  Coaches will push and challenge you to achieve more than you might think possible; they will do so without the use of profanity.  Coaches will encourage, support, and listen when you need to discuss athletics, academics, or personal matters.  Coaches will make every effort to insure your safety, enjoyment, and learning.  Coaches will set the example for proper conduct by their professionalism and treat ALL players and parents respectfully.  Coaches will be knowledgeable and competent in teaching the most current strategies and techniques available to equip you for competition.  Coaches will end practices ON TIME.

IV. Parent Expectations

While it is often difficult for parents to objectively assess their own child’s ability. We expect that you will trust the expertise and experience of our coaching staff to determine the extent your daughter’s emotional, mental, and physical skill-readiness to compete in accordance with our mission of representing Spring Valley High School with the best volleyball team possible.

Our athletes, your daughter, is blessed with differ degrees of athletic ability and athletic talent.

 Support ALL of our players…not just your own. We want to make our daughters feel as though they are a part of a BIG FAMILY!  Demonstrate sportsmanship toward officials and opposing players/fans.  Refrain from vocal criticisms of officials. This is often a greater hindrance than a help.  Recognize coaches and players make mistakes…this is inevitable.  Pitch in and do your part to help the program in any way possible (example: fundraisers, concessions, committees, etc…). You are an equally valuable part of our family team and we need your help. We cannot do it without YOU!  Please be on TIME picking up your daughter from practice and away matches.

V. Parent Protocol Parents should feel free to speak with our Coaches and ask questions following this protocol:

A. The emotionally charged post-game atmosphere of the volleyball court is NEVER an acceptable place to air concerns. Contact Coach Rudnik to set-up a private meeting or phone dialogue at an appropriate time. B. NEVER confront Assistant Coaches without first discussing your concern(s) with Coach Rudnik. A meeting will be scheduled at the earliest possible date and will include Coach Rudnik. No PHONE calls at home to voice concerns. C. Give us a chance to address and rectify a (if possible) any situation of concern. Complaining with other parents is an ineffective means of solving your problem and cannot effect change. D. Follow the appropriate chain of command:

a) Athlete to Coach. b) Parent to Coach. c) Coach to Athletic Director. d) Parent to Athletic Director. e) Athletic Director to Principal. f) Parent to Principal.

Additional TEAM RULES:

Grades: Players are expected to maintain a B average in ALL classes and pass at least 5 classes the previous semester to be eligible for play in the present semester.

Uniforms: Uniforms are provided by the school, and/ or Volleyball Booster Club. Any player who loses, misuse, ruins, or fail to turn in their uniform will be responsible for replacing their uniform(s) at the end of the season. The cost will and can be placed on your school fee statement.

Transportation: Transportation will be provided to all away games (with some few exceptions) by the District. ALL players are expected to use the Activity Bus provided by the District. Any exceptions to this rule, a player must bring a note from a parent or guardian; signed by the Principal and given to the coaches prior to departure.

Any Varsity player(s) will NOT, under any circumstances, drive themselves to or from away matches or tournaments. Unless they live outside the District attendance zones and approval is written by parent/guardian.

Parents/Guardians are expected to provide their daughter with transportation home from ALL practices, matches and tournaments. Champions keep playing until they get it right.”– Billie Jean King Spring Valley Volleyball Player/Parent Agreement

I______have read, understand and accept the guidelines for participating in Spring Valley High School Volleyball Program for the season. I have asked all questions that I needed to ask, and agree to abide by the Team Handbook. I realize the consequences for any violations of team rules. I will give 110% to myself, the Coaches, my team, and my family for the entire season. I plan to play a major role in helping to conquer and set high standards for Spring Valley Volley Program.

______Athlete’s Signature Today’s Date

Parent Agreement:

As the parent of ______, I have read and understand the rules, procedures, and consequences listed in the Spring Valley Volleyball Handbook. I will support and help my daughter conquer and set high standards for Spring Valley Volleyball Program through fundraising efforts, concessions, Booster Club, sub-committees, Service Learning Projects, etc…

______Parent Signature Today’s Date

6 This page will be considered as part of the Lady Vikings Player and Parent Handbook that takes effective starting Friday, October 05, 2012.

During the AWAY games, players will be required to ride the bus back to the school. The ONLY way for a player not to ride back to Spring Valley High after scrimmages, tournaments, Regional matches and State Playoffs, will be the following reason(s):

 Player & family live 25 to 50 miles from Spring Valley  Family emergency  Illness/Injury

We know cell phones, iphones, ipads, ipods, Kindles, etc., plays an important role in our daily lives. Also, these forms of tech devices can hinder our way to communicate and develop a relationship with each other as a team. Therefore, during our travels to scrimmages, tournaments, Regional play and State playoffs, all electronic devices listed and not listed above will be collected before player is to enter the bus.

During our travel time, you can estimate times to return to Spring Valley for pick up between 10 to 30 minutes of drive time for local travel. For long distance you can estimate between 30 minutes to an hour of travel time.

All devices will be returned to players after returning to Spring Valley. If parent(s) need to get hold of their daughter for emergency purposes, please call the following coaches at:

Coach Rudnik (803) 446-7337 Coach Thompson (803) 467-3057 Coach Moss (803) 467-5286

I have read and understand the above information set forth by the Lady Viking Volleyball Coaching Staff at Spring Valley High School.

Player Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date:______

7 SPORTS NUTRITION Eating the right foods is vital to your performance. Athletes need to keep in mind that the main food your body uses when you exercise is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the common source for energy, especially for days at school, work, double header matches and tournaments. Eating good carbs is the key as well as keeping your body hydrated with water can help improve your performance, strength, and endurance. Therefore, I am suggesting each player eat and stay within the teams healthy goals for the season.

TEAM FOOD GOALS:  No Fried Foods (or reduce fried foods to twice a month, NOT everyday)  Water, Water, Water!!!!  No SODA!  If you want some flavor, drink Gatorade, Propel, or G2.  Tea…No sweet tea on game days. Tea can SLOW you down.  Reduce intake of Little Debbie snack cakes & pies. Other snack foods to twice a month or none for the season.

Good Carbohydrates:  Whole wheat breads (white bread creates belly gut and you will need tight abs for an effective hit).  Pasta (lots of it!)  Fruits and vegetables (raw or steamed)  A BAKED POTATO, not French fries or potato chips.  Beans, ANY kind.

"Champions are not made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them...a desire, a dream, a vision." Muhammad Ali

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