Tryout Process

The tryout process is indeed a stressful period for both players and parents alike.  Our Club’s approach is to limit the stress to all parties and attempt to ensure the process is seamless as possible.  While parents typically have many questions throughout the process - coaches, club executives or returning players may not be able to answer all of them.  In an attempt to provide as much clarity and transparency as possible we have provided these guidelines to alleviate the process.  Although this guide will hopefully provide answers to many questions, it is not intended to be exhaustive of each step in the process.  Generally speaking, our process will likely unfold in essentially the following manner.

1. Signing/Tryout period is confirmed by Volleyball Alberta
2. Open gyms are held in June/July/August to allow the athletes to meet the coaches; coaches will try to communicate with all athletes that attend
3. The dates, times and locations are posted on our Club’s website and our Instagram page
4. Age groups that are eligible for early signing will post updated rosters each week until the end of early signing 
5. If positions are still available after early signing then tryouts will occur after school volleyball is over
6. Open gyms may occur prior to tryouts
7. Registration for the tryouts will open
8. Approximately one week prior to tryouts email alerts may (dependent on volume) be sent out to all parties who have expressed an interest;
9. The number of tryouts is based on the how many players attend tryouts, offers made and accepted, and number of teams;
10. Coaches will attempt to communicate with each player throughout the tryout;
11. At the conclusion of the first tryout, coaches may make offers to some players;
12. Players who do not receive offers should not perceive this as a negative reflection or assessment on them personally or their play as some players simply stand out or excel at competitive tryouts or varying times, while others do not;
13. Coaches will continue to make offers at the second and/or third tryout sessions until a full team(s) complement is reached;
14. Players should continue to attend all tryouts throughout the process;
15. Our Club’s website and social media platforms will be updated to reflect positions available.

Remember, go hard and have fun on the court!

Orientation

Upon conclusion of the entire tryout period, an Orientation day will be scheduled.  This date will be announced as soon as practical, generally occurring at the end of the week of the tryout process.  Our Club’s Orientation will generally consist of the following events:

1. Parents’ meeting with Club personnel.  This meeting will provide an opportunity for parents to discover the upcoming season schedule, club policies and procedures, team parent positions available, scorekeeping, tournaments, etc.
2. Signing of any remaining Club documents.
3. Coaches’ meeting with players to review practice days, times and locations, training, tournaments, team expectations and rules, goal setting, etc.
4. Team apparel sizing for all players and coaches.
5. A ‘Meet the Coaches’ session for parents to ask questions and engage team coaches in discussion for the upcoming season.
6. Question period with Club personnel.

Typically, this meeting and session will last approximately 45 minutes.  The team player must attend (if unable the team's Head Coach must be notified) with at least one parent.  The player must present government issued photo identification at this meeting and session.

Parents must also provide payment of fees, in full or agreed upon payment plan, by way of a direct deposit. 

STAVC does not refund club fees for any reason including player injury, illness, change of intention to play or any other grounds, after signing the LOI.