While we keep our teams to a maximum of 10-12 players, equal playing time is not guaranteed across all BoCo teams. Every player is guaranteed practice time, training, and mental toughness coaching. Playing time is primarily determined by skill, followed by attitude and effort. BoCo and our staff strive to form teams where every player has the opportunity for meaningful playing time, provided they demonstrate the following characteristics consistently throughout the season:

• Good work ethic

• Positive attitude

• Willingness to be coached

• Full effort, giving 100%

• Consistent attendance and punctuality at team practices

The dedication shown during tryouts and practices, including hard work, position assignments, and team success, will influence the amount of playing time a player receives in games and tournaments.

The following colors represent the levels of competition at each age group:

GOLD – Recreational teams, where players are guaranteed playing time in each match. The focus is on repetition of basic fundamentals, fun drills, and fostering a love of the game. Equal playing time is not guaranteed.

RED – Regional teams, where every athlete is generally guaranteed playing time in each match, though exceptions may apply. The emphasis is on building basic fundamentals.

SILVER – 2nd teams that attend 2-3 out-of-state tournaments. These teams are competitive, and the commitment expectations are high. They focus on fundamentals, volleyball IQ, and transitioning to a faster-paced game. Equal playing time is not the standard.

BLACK – National teams, where competition is highly competitive and intense. These teams focus on developing volleyball IQ while continuing to improve fundamentals. Equal playing time is not the standard.

Yes. We feel that this promotes unity among the players and teams. All players will be provided with two practice T-shirts at the beginning of the season.

Absolutely! Volleyball is a sport that relies heavily on strength and power, making it essential for athletes to develop specific muscle groups to perform at their best. Players need strong legs for powerful jumps and an explosive vertical to spike and block, as well as a strong upper body to execute those same actions and defend against opponents' attacks. Strengthening volleyball-specific muscles ensures that athletes can achieve their maximum performance potential.

One of the key aspects of volleyball is the need for explosive jumps and rapid direction changes. Being able to jump high is critical for both offensive and defensive plays. To improve vertical jump, athletes should focus on exercises that target leg and hip muscles. An effective strength and conditioning program should also include agility drills and lateral movements to enhance foot speed and overall court quickness.

Since volleyball is a high-impact sport, athletes face the risk of joint stress from all the jumping, landing, and cutting involved. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments that surround the joints play a crucial role in protecting from injury. Strengthening these muscles helps the body absorb the shock from landings and sudden direction changes, preventing damage to joints and reducing the risk of injury.

Lastly, developing a balanced foundation of strength and flexibility is key. Flexible muscles allow for better range of motion and improve technique, enabling athletes to exert more force and perform at a higher level. A well-rounded volleyball-specific strength and conditioning program not only enhances performance but is also critical for injury prevention, helping athletes stay strong and healthy throughout their careers.

Club fees are due and payable regardless of whether the athlete is injured, ill, quits the team mid-season, or is dismissed for any reason. All of our expenses, including coach salaries, facility rental, tournament fees, and other administrative costs, are incurred and paid up-front during the first couple of months of the season. The fee is based on the number of committed players, which includes your child. Once your child makes the commitment by signing the contract, they are financially responsible to their teammates and coaches to fulfill their commitment for the entire season.

The 24-Hour Rule: As stated in our BoCo Handbook, parents/guardians are not allowed to confront a coach, team, or league official to discuss any "negative" game or practice situation until at least 24 hours have passed from the completion of the game or practice. A confrontation includes any conversation where the tone or demeanor escalates to yelling, profanity, or derogatory comments toward the coach, team, or league official. Violating the 24-Hour Rule is considered a breach of our Zero Tolerance Policy. Similarly, BoCo’s Directors and Coaches will also adhere to the 24-hour rule when responding to any grievance or concern, ensuring that we address the situation thoughtfully and without an immediate emotional reaction.

Please refer to our "Grievance Procedure" for further guidance on how to properly handle any concerns or disputes you may have during the competitive club season. We are committed to fostering open and honest communication with both players and parents, always within the boundaries of kindness and respect.

Our long-term goal is to build our own facility. For now, we will rent facilities in and at the Longmont Athletic Club.

Practices will be 2 to 3 times per week and approximately 2 hours long each practice. This is dependent upon the age and level of the team.

Each team will also have a once per week 1 strength training session with our personal trainer, Yarib Estrada.  

Missed Practice and Strength Training Policy

Regular attendance is critical for both individual and team success. If an athlete misses practice or strength training, they may lose playtime. BoCo Volleyball Club practices require a total commitment of 5 hours per week, plus tournaments, and we ask that athletes prioritize this commitment.

Communication with the coach is critical. The expectation is that the athletes take responsibility for letting the coaches know if they will be missing a practice. Our goal is to teach athletes to be confident in communicating directly with their coach.

The absence policy applies to both practice and strength training. The only exception is that strength training sessions can be made up by attending another team's session, if needed.

BoCo’s Unexcused Absence Definitions

The following are considered unexcused absences:

• Homework: Time management is part of growing up. Preparing for assignments and tests in advance is essential.
• Family Dinners: We value family time but ask that families schedule around the club’s 5-hour weekly commitment.
• Birthdays: We’re happy to celebrate your athlete’s birthday in the gym. Encourage commitment and teamwork by attending practice.
• Non-Participant School Events: Activities in which athletes are not directly involved, such as plays, concerts, or other events, are considered unexcused absences.
• School Sports: Going to watch a friend or boyfriend play a basketball or baseball game is NOT excused.
• Family Vacations: While we encourage family time, vacations are not considered an excused absence.  This is a choice that is being made by your family that does not prioritize your commitment to your athlete’s team.  
• No Communication: if the athlete fails to communicate with their coach this will result in an unexcused absence.  Even if the reason falls under an excused absence, no communication will result in an unexcused absence. 

This policy reinforces BoCo’s commitment to team unity, responsible behavior, and communication, which are key components of success. Let me know if any adjustments are needed!

Consequences:

• Each athlete is allowed one unexcused absence per season. 
• One unexcused absence results in missing 1 set at the next tournament. 
• Two unexcused absences lead to missing 4 sets, or if both absences occur the week before a tournament, the player will miss the entire tournament.
•  Each player is allowed 1 unexcused absence per season and 4 excused absences per season.  
• Anything above those will result in missed sets, games & possibly being let go from the team.  

Please note: Strength training can be made up by attending another team’s session. For the schedule, visit bocovac.org/calendar.

BoCo’s Excused Absence Policy

BoCo Volleyball Club recognizes that certain situations may arise which require an athlete’s absence from practice. However, we strive to maintain a high level of commitment to the team. Below are BoCo’s definitions for excused absences and guidance for interpreting them accurately.

Definitions of Excused Absences

• TRUE Required School Activity

• • • Definition: A school activity where the athlete is actively participating or performing, such as a concert, play, or similar school-sanctioned event.
    • Guideline: If attendance is not required, or the athlete is only a spectator, they are expected to attend practice.

• TRUE Emergency

• • • Definition: An unforeseen circumstance requiring immediate attention or action by the athlete and/or family.
    • Guideline: Emergencies are unplanned and often require swift response. Family dinners, birthday parties, or other planned gatherings do not qualify as emergencies. Athletes should still aim to attend practice, even if arriving late, whenever possible.

• TRUE Injury

• • • Definition: Physical harm or damage (or required treatment) that prevents the athlete from participating in practice.
    • Guideline: If an injury restricts only physical participation but allows for attendance, athletes are encouraged to support their team and coach from the sidelines, focusing on communication, teamwork, and encouragement.

• TRUE Sickness

• • Definition: Illness that may be contagious, involve a fever, a stomach virus, or serious symptoms warranting a doctor’s recommendation to rest.
  • Guideline: There’s a difference between being truly ill and simply not feeling well. Minor ailments like coughs, sniffles, headaches, or general discomfort do not excuse an athlete from practice. Athletes should inform their coach of their condition to ensure it is understood and supported appropriately.

Parent and Athlete Commitment

We recognize that dedication requires balance. Athletes are encouraged to honor their BoCo commitments and, in turn, build resilience by recognizing when they can push through minor discomforts. Please be prepared that athletes may occasionally miss or be late to family or special events to uphold their team commitment.

This policy aims to provide clarity on BoCo’s expectations regarding absences while supporting athletes in building strong habits of responsibility and dedication. Let me know if there are any further revisions needed!

All players, parents, coaches, staff, administration, and any individuals associated with BoCo Volleyball Club are expected to observe, honor, and comply with the Core Values, Standards of Behavior, Policies and Procedures of the club.

Respect

• Respect for Others: Always be respectful towards teammates, players, coaches, staff, parents, families, officials, opponents, spectators, and facilities.
• Respect for Yourself: Take pride in yourself and represent yourself positively both on and off the court, including on social media. Remember, you are not only representing yourself but also BoCo Volleyball Club. Take pride in that representation!
• Respect for Time: Be respectful of everyone’s time by arriving at practices and tournaments at least 15 minutes early to help with setup, get ready, and begin warming up.
• Dress Code: For practices, strength training, and tournaments, BoCo gear is required. No attire that shows the midriff, represents other clubs, or displays politically driven messages is allowed. Non-BoCo gear is also prohibited.

Participate

• Effort in Practice: Give 100% effort and focus in every practice. Stay engaged in all drills, avoid distracting others, and never walk from place to place. Always shag balls without needing to be asked, and follow your coach's instructions. Your level of effort reflects your commitment to your team. You should always be moving during practices.
• Team Bonding: Attend and actively participate in all team bonding activities.
• Volunteer Service: Complete 8 hours of volunteer service with your team. All volunteer opportunities will be organized by BoCo Volleyball and performed as a team throughout the season.

Lead

• Lead with Courage and Pride: Approach leadership with bravery and confidence, carrying pride in your actions.
• Lead Positively: Be humble and gracious in all situations.
• Lead with Empathy and Kindness: Show compassion and understanding, never leading with cruelty or judgment.
• Lead by Example: Avoid profanity, maintain a positive attitude on and off the court, on the sidelines, and in the stands. Be the role model that others strive to be—this includes parents. Be the parents that others admire for their positivity and support.
• Lead with Encouragement: Celebrate everyone's success, not just your own (or your child’s). Leadership means uplifting the whole team.

Communicate

• Timely Communication: Notify us as soon as possible if you will be late to or miss a practice or tournament by using the LeagueApps app.
• Positive Communication: Always communicate with your coach and team in a positive and respectful manner. Follow the communication chain outlined in the handbook for guidance on how athletes should communicate with the coach, player advocate, and director if necessary.

  Responsibility

• Own Your Actions: Take responsibility for your actions both on and off the court. Understand that what you say and do affects those around you.
• Be Mindful of Your Words: While being competitive is important, it’s equally important to lead positively and avoid becoming the teammate no one wants to play with. Parents, remember your children are listening to you—if you are positive, they will be too. If we hear negativity from the stands, we reserve the right to ask you to leave the tournament.
• Know Your Role: Understand your role on the team and communicate with your coach if you wish to change that role. Whatever your role may be, strive to be the best at it.
• No Phone Rule: Embrace the no phone policy during practices and tournaments to build lifelong bonds with your teammates. If you need to contact your parents, communicate with your coach. Social media use is not permitted during tournaments or practices.
• Stay Drug and Alcohol Free: Attend all volleyball events, practices, and tournaments free from drugs and alcohol.
• Honor Commitments: Stay true to your commitments, whether they relate to your team, club, family, friendships, finances, or otherwise.

It’s a WE not ME Mentality