Frequently Asked Questions:

Didn’t find your answer here?  Email mmazur@altitudevb.com

 

What is the core Altitude philosophy?

Determination...perseverance...sportsmanship. These are all qualities that make up the core philosophies of Altitude Volleyball Club.  In addition to developing a tremendous framework of the skills necessary for success in volleyball, our athletes also learn life lessons that they will take with them long after their club careers are over.

 

What is USA Volleyball?

The United States Volleyball Association (USVBA) was created in 1928, and is now known as USA Volleyball (USAV).  The association is the National Governing Body for the sport and the parent organization of the USA Men and Women's National Teams.

It is the USAV mandate to nurture all variations of the game (indoor, grass, sand, six-person, doubles, coed, etc.) at all skill and age levels. USAV responsibilities include supporting a year-long training schedule for the Olympic Teams; USA Youth Volleyball (ages 7-12); the Junior Olympic Volleyball program (ages 12-18); U.S. Open Championships by age groups; the USA Coaching Accreditation Program (CAP); and establishing rules of play in the U.S. and certifying referees and scorekeepers.

 

What is the Great Lakes Region of USA Volleyball?

Altitude Volleyball Club is a member of the Great Lakes Region, which enjoys the highest membership in all of USA Volleyball considering its actual geographic borders with over 10,000 members.  The region continues to grow and adjust its programs to the demands and needs of the membership. There are well over 500 tournaments hosted annually in this Region.

 

The GL Region has won numerous national awards and championships, and leads the way in many national programs and guidelines. The Great Lakes Region is proud to be a “leader” in grass roots programs and support of our national programs and teams, and has one of the strongest official’s training programs in all of USAV. Great Lakes is in full compliance with national requirements of publications, membership reports, financial obligations and national meeting attendance.

 

 

What is the difference between “Travel” and “Club” divisions within Altitude?

For those wanting a higher level of competition, our Girls “Traveling” teams practice twice a week, and participate in two highly competitive tournaments a month. Travel teams go on at least one weekend event per session, and the teams train to compete with the best that region has to offer. Teams are formed at each age level beginning at 11 and Under up to 18 and Under across our sites. 

 

A change will be made to the “Club” division this year.  Teams will practice have two instructional sessions per week:  one practice, and a match playday on a second day.  Club Teams will also be participating in a local USAV league out of Lincoln Center in Highland, IN.   This division gives more athletes the chance to participate.   It requires a lower time commitment, and is the most economical. “Club” Teams will be formed at the 12, 14, and 16 and Under levels.

 

 

How much does it cost?

The membership fee for the Altitude Girls Travel Teams ($645 for 11/12 OR $795 for 13/14/15/16/17/18&U) for Session 1 (Nov-March) includes local tournament entry fees to higher end events, tournament entry fees for a weekend “Festival” tournament, local playdays, USAV registration fee, gym rental for two practices per week, needed team equipment, and the coaches’ stipends. 

 

The fee for Session 2 (Apr-June), which includes all of the above AND entry into the Asics Junior Nationals held at McCormick Place in June, is $295 for 11/12, OR $395 for 13/14/15/16/17/18&U).  Most Travel team members will sign up for both sessions, and a $50 discount package is given for anyone paying for both sessions before the first practice.  Payment plans are available by request, fundraising is available, and the club also accepts Visa and MasterCard.

 

For our Altitude Club Teams (Club 12/14/16&U), the membership fee for Session 1 (Nov-March) is $399, which includes local tournament entry fees, local playdays, USAV registration fee, gym rental for two instruction sessions per week, needed team equipment, and the coaches’ stipends.  We are not offering a club program in Session 2, but there will be an opportunity to try out for a travel team as space permits.    

 

Upon committing to accept an invitation to play with the club, a deposit of at least $250 towards membership fees is required, as well as selection and payment of your chosen uniform package. The remaining balance is made in equal payments on the first of the month in December, January, and February.  

 

We also have a different fundraiser going each month, and many girls are able to pay their entire fees this way.

 

What type of payment options are available for Membership Fees?

Upon committing to accept an invitation to play with the club, a deposit of at least $250 towards membership fees is required, as well as selection and payment of your chosen uniform package. The remaining balance is made in equal payments on the first of the month in December, January, and February.  

 

We also have a different fundraiser going each month, and many girls are able to pay their entire fees this way.

 

Payment using Visa and MasterCard is also accepted.

 

 

How does the Altitude Fundraising Program work?

Fundraising opportunities are available for those wishing to defray their club fees.  All fundraising is optional, and is completely at the discretion of the player and their parents.  Activities include a VERY successful t-shirt sponsorship drive, a Candlelight Bowl event, candy sales, Eli’s cheesecake and Gino’s Pizza sales, and several other fun and interesting programs.  For more specifics, please contact our fundraising coordinator, Michelle Thompson, at mthompson@altitudevb.com.

 

 

What happens if I pay my balance in full, and then make additional money through fundraising?

The club will refund any credit balance in a member’s account, or they can keep that balance on account for use for future trips or fees.  Credit balances may also be used to purchase spirit wear such as sweatshirts or duffel bags, or volleyball merchandise such as socks, spandex, t-shirts etc, from the Altitude Store.

 

 

Is there a uniform fee in addition to the cost of membership? 

There are discounted uniform packages available depending on the division, travel or club, that you play in.  For all teams, the package includes the cost of two uniform jerseys, and spandex shorts for all teams age 11 and higher, and an embroidered warm-up jacket and pants are also included for the travel teams. 

 

We have worked out a discounted volleyball shoe deal that is available to all members, although it is not required.  As a side note, warm-up jackets and pants are available to club teams for an additional fee. 

 

Additional spirit wear is available through the Altitude Shop via the website.

 

 

How long does the season last?

The club will run two sessions this year; Session 1 will run November-March, and Session 2 will run April-June ending with the 400+ team Asics Junior National Championships held at McCormick Place in Chicago. 

 

Discounts are available for those who sign up for both sessions at the beginning of the season.  Most athletes on Travel teams will opt to join both sessions for continuity of that team.

 

 

Do players get “cut” at tryouts?

The club strives to find an appropriate team for all athletes based on their skill level, as promoting the game is a core value of our club.  At the tryout registration, players will be asked to declare their intention of wanting to be considered for the “Travel” team.  Some athletes will indicate that they are only interested in the “Club” team.

 

Travel teams are the most competitive, and the top candidates will be offered positions on that team shortly following that tryout.  All other players will be given the opportunity to play on one of the Club teams.

 

 

How far away do the “Travel” teams travel, and how often do they play?

All travel teams play in an average of two tournaments per month.  Most tournaments are one-day events, and will be played throughout the Chicagoland area, usually less than an hour’s drive at the most. We have scheduled the majority of our events at Palos Courts in Palos Hills, IL, about a 40 minute drive from Crown Point.

 

Teams will travel to participate in several “Festival” style full weekend tournaments, and will also have the opportunity to play in the Asics Junior National Championship at McCormick Place in Chicago in June.  Currently, we have tentatively scheduled 2 full weekend events in Indianapolis and Milwaukee. 

 

 

How far do the local “club” teams travel, and how often do they play?

Most tournaments are played throughout Chicagoland, usually less than an hour’s drive from Crown Point.  We will be hosting several of them locally, and there are no overnight or out-of-town tournaments scheduled for the club teams.  There will also be a series of local “playdays” that are tournament style in format that will be held at one of our sites.

 

 

Do coaches have to go through any certification or screening process?

Background Searches are performed by USA Volleyball for ALL Adult personnel registered with the Club. This includes: Coaches, Directors, Trainers, Managers, Board Directors and Chaperones. The searches are good for 2 seasons.

 

All first year coaches attend the USA Volleyball IMPACT (Increased Mastery and Professional Application of Coaching Theory) certification clinic, which is an all-day class that educates coaches on teaching techniques and best practices in coaching young athletes.  

 

In addition, many of our coaches have gone on to complete the higher level certification of CAP I and II, which is a Coaching Accreditation Program conducted by USA Volleyball where coaches interact and learn from some of the top minds in the game.

 

Finally, each year all Altitude coaches attend a club run clinic to review the Altitude Coaching Manual, ensuring that all teams are being taught the core Altitude fundamentals and philosophies consistently.  While all teams will have the same basic terminology, etc, they will also receive the personalized instruction and unique talents of their individual coach.

 

 

I want to coach – how do I get involved?

Altitude is always looking for experienced coaches who can give the type of positive experience that the club exemplifies.  Please forward your credentials to Club Director Mike Mazur for an interview. 

 

Altitude also has a coaching internship program where rookie coaches can learn "on-the-job" by assisting other coaches in practices and match situations.  Interested candidates should call or email Mike Mazur @ 219.864.0693, or mmazur@altitudevb.com

 

 

How many matches does a teams usually play during a one-day tournament?

Teams usually play a minimum of 3 matches in pool play, and then another 2-3 matches if they make it all the way through the playoffs.  The top two teams in each pool advance to the playoff round.

 

 

How long does a tournament usually last?

Tournaments usually begin at 8 or 9am, and pool play is over around 2pm.  When the team makes it out of pool play and into the playoffs – these usually end at approximately 5pm. 

 

For the Midwest Volleyball League, there is a slightly different format:  Teams play a 3-match session (either morning or afternoon) and are finished for the day.  Wins are counted as “points” in a league style format, and no playoffs occur.  These dates usually run from 8am-1pm or 2pm-6pm.

 

 

How many players are usually on a team?

The most optimal number is 10-12 players on a team, although smaller numbers may be used at times to field teams at different age levels. 

 

 

Why do the teams have two different color jerseys?

Throughout the course of the tournament, players may find the need to switch to a clean jersey.  All players must wear identical uniforms, with the exception of the Libero.  The Libero wears the opposite color of the rest of their teammates.

 

 

What is a “Libero”?

Each team has the option to register one specialized defensive player, called a "Libero," among the list of players for a match. 

 

The specific rules for a Libero player are as follows: 
A) He/she is restricted to performing as a back row player and has no right to complete an attack hit when the ball is above the height of the top of the net.
B) The Libero may not serve, block or attempt to block.
C) The Libero must wear a different color shirt from the other members of the team.
D) Substitutions involving a Libero are not counted as regular and their number is unlimited. A Libero doesn’t take part in normal substitutions and may only enter or leave the game while the ball is out of play and before the whistle for service.
 

How does the club communicate with the parents?

Most communication from the club occurs to our members and parents via our website and through email.  Specific start times, etc are posted as they are received at www.altitudevb.com, and any last minute changes or breaking news will be posted as well.

 

If you would like these sent to a different email address than what you provided at registration, or if you don’t use the Internet, please notify the club director so other methods may be used for you.

 

 

Where do I find info on the schedule of tournaments for the year?

Once the season gets underway, click on the “Schedule” page on www.altitudevb.com.  The Master Schedule is posted each year in late November.  The schedule may be revised from time to time, so you should check back occasionally to check for updates.  The Revision date is posted on the schedule to make sure you have the latest copy.

 

 

When do we get a schedule of the start times for a specific tournament?

Most tournament directors send out the actual start times no later than the Wednesday before a weekend event.  Asics Mikasa and Midwest Volleyball League usually send them out the previous Sunday.  The Club Director will email out the schedule as it is received to the email distribution list per team that was received at tryouts.  If you are not receiving these, or if your email address has changed since tryout, please send an email to mmazur@altitudevb.com to ensure you are on the list.

 

 

How do the players get to the tournament?

Parents are responsible for getting the athletes to the tournaments.  Many parents find it helpful to carpool with other members of the team

 

 

Where can I find directions to the playing sites?

Directions to all tournament venues are listed on the “Directions” page at www.altitudevb.com, and assume a starting point of downtown Crown Point.

 

 

What does a “reffing assignment” at a tournament mean?

In addition to playing in matches, teams usually have 1 or 2 matches where they act as the officiating crew.  Teams are responsible for providing 2 line judges, 1 scorekeeper, 1 score “flipper,” and a down official (aka second referee.)  When acting as a down official, the player will need a whistle. 

 

Players will be taught the proper etiquette and procedures for each of these roles, and it is something that is taken very seriously.  Everyone on the team is expected to take their turn at one of these spots during the course of an event.

 

If a team must referee the last match of the day, ALL girls must stay until the assignment is complete.  Failure of a team to show up for a “reffing” assignment results in a $100 fine from the Region Office to the club for each offense. 

 

 

My son/daughter wants to learn to be a better scorekeeper.  Is there any way to learn more about doing this?

The region website has a tutorial and tips sheet for keeping the official scoresheet.  You can download the sheets and guide at the following URL: 

 

www.greatlakesvolleyball.org/USAV/Redesign/publications.cfm?view=forms&cat=O

 

Becoming a certified scorekeeper or official through the region as a Junior USAV member is also a great way to earn extra money.  Many tournament directors hire Certified Junior Officials to work their tournaments.  

 

 

Can we bring coolers to a tournament?

Most  venues do not allow coolers inside of their facility, but many parents do prepare a cooler and leave it in the car.  Most facilities also have a full concession stand at them with a mixture of healthy and unhealthy foods.  Although the Club does not dictate what a player can/can’t eat at a tournament, athletes are encouraged to eat properly during an event to help them to be at peak performance while in the competitive situation.

 

 

Can we bring chairs to a tournament?

Bringing comfortable chairs to the event is highly recommended, and is allowed at almost all facilities.  The bleachers fill up quickly, and at a few venues they are sparse.  Many parents from the club choose to arrange their chairs together in one area to create a “cheering section” which is always great for the players.  “Camping style” folding chairs are the most commonly seen seats in the gym.

 

 

Do players have to wear a specific shoe or socks in addition to their club supplied uniform?

Players on our girls teams are asked to wear white knee high socks with their uniform.  There is no specific brand that is required.  Colored socks are not allowed.  For the boys, white or black socks are OK.

 

The club has negotiated a discounted shoe deal with our supplier, and players are encouraged to take advantage of this to get a quality pair of volleyball specific shoes in our club colors.

 

Players are also free to wear any type of court shoe they desire – the only request is that they be appropriate for court use and have the proper support to avoid ankle injuries.

 

 

Where can I learn more about rules specific to USA Volleyball?

Email Club Director Mike Mazur to request a rule book, or download the USAV Rulebook in a .PDF file from the “Downloads” page of the Altitude website for an online copy. Coaches are also always happy to discuss the rules with parents while in between games at a tournament.

 

 

What is the proper way to talk to a coach about playing time concerns?

Concern over playing time is an issue that should be discussed with your coach early on before it festers.  This can be a very emotional issue, and one that should be discussed only AFTER a tournament – never during one – as coaches have a lot going on to prepare for the day’s matches. 

 

Playing time will not be discussed with parents at a tournament or during practice.  If you have a concern, please make an appointment to talk with the coach at least 24 hours after the event’s conclusion

 

For Travel Teams, playing time is based on the competitive nature of the team at practice and in games.  Although every coach will strive to make sure everyone on the team has a role, there may be instances in a tournament where playing time is not evenly distributed, and playing time is at the complete discretion of the coach, based on a number of factors including but not limited to performance in practice, games, etc.  Opportunities are always given at practice, which is where the majority of the athletes’ learning takes place. 

 

For non-travel teams, coaches will make their best effort to distribute playing time equitably. 

 

Please talk over the playing time policy with your child and make sure to make the proper decision for them when choosing a level at which to play.

 

Parents are also encouraged to call the Club Director to further discuss their concerns.

 

 

What is the escalation process for Altitude to discuss concerns?

To escalate any issue, please use the following escalation procedure:  Team Coach – Age Division Coordinator – Managing Director, Operations – Executive Director.  In the event that the team coach is also the division coordinator, please go directly to the next level after speaking with them.

 

 

How do I determine what age level my son/daughter belongs in?

USA Volleyball has set an age definition that is standard across the country.  A player may play in the division that corresponds to the age they will be on September 1^st following the season.  For example, for the 2008-09 season, an athlete with a birthday of August 15^th, 1995 would play at the 14 and under level, since they would be 14 years old on Sept.1, 2009.  An athlete with a birthday of September 2, 1995 would be considered a 13 and Under.

 

There is an exception to this definition for seniors in High School a follows:  For the season, players who were born on or after September 1, 1989 and a high school student during some part of the current academic year are still eligible to play as 18 and Under for that season.  Simply put, you are still allowed to play 18 and Under as long as you are still in High School.

 

Once a player participates in a club or varsity program for any university, college, community college, or junior college, he/she is ineligible to play in any regional or national JOVC qualifying and championship events.

 

There is also an exception for the Boys 14 and Under level as follows:  Regionally waived boys teams in the 14 and under age group will be allowed to participate at the USA Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships using the following age/grade definition: Players who were born on or after September 1, 1993 or Players who were born on or after September 1, 1992 (15 years or younger) who shall neither have completed nor are in a grade higher than the eighth grade (8th) grade during the current

academic year. This exception is based on the net height difference of 7’4 1/8” to 7’ 11 5/8” between the 14 and Under Division to the 15 and Under Division.

 

You can find the official USAV Age Definition document on the Region’s website, or download it from either the Altitude Home Page or the “Downloads” page.

 

 

I have noticed a few boys playing with the girls at tournaments.  Is that legal?

In an effort to help grow boys volleyball, The Great Lakes region has instituted a rule allowing the boys to play with the girls.   THIS RULE IS FOR SANCTIONED GREAT LAKES REGION TOURNAMENTS ONLY. When playing out of Region, the rule may be different or non-existent.

 

Boys 10 & under may compete with Girls 10 & over. Boys 12 & under may compete with Girls 12 & over.  Boys 13 & under may compete with Girls 13 & over. Boys 14 & under may compete with Girls 15 & over.

 

 

Where can I find the forms that I need for the club?

Go to the “Downloads” page on www.altitudevb.com to find online versions of all of the forms necessary for participation. 

 

 

How do I pre-register for tryouts?

There is an online form on the “Tryouts” page where players can pre-register and avoid the long lines at tryouts.  Pre-registration shuts down 24 hours before the actual tryout.