Code of Conduct

Welcome to another exciting season of Club Volleyball.

Ravens Club Volleyball has had a long tradition of respected & successful teams in the volleyball community throughout the province that will continue for years to come. Club Volleyball offers an opportunity for players to develop team building skills in a highly competitive atmosphere.  Team discipline and a strong team concept are linked, in that, positive social skills such as good sportsmanship & positive attitude will be expected for players to reap the rewards of being a member of this team. Athletes must be aware that while on Raven time, there is a code of conduct that must be followed as they are a representation of the club.

Code of Conduct

DO NOT USE
Athletes
    1. I will abide by the Volleyball Alberta Association rules while being affiliated with Ravens Club.
    2. I will participate in volleyball knowing that there is a zero policy for any drug, substance or alcohol use. Any use will follow an immediate suspension with Ravens Club.
    3. I will not participate in any violence to self and others. For example, bullying, bullying through social media, affiliation with any clubs that permit violence or violent acts. Violent acts can include exploitation, language, force, harassment, online mocking, etc. Such acts include other teams, team mates, parents and coaches. This can include on or off Raven times. Ravens club adheres to the highest standards of safety and there is zero tolerance requiring permanent suspension.
    4. I will respect everyone involved in my volleyball experience: parents, coaches, teammates, officials and opponents; because without them, there wouldn’t be a game, club or volleyball community.
    5. I am aware of the team commitment and obligation to team practices.  General appointments such as a dentist or medical, should be scheduled at times that do not conflict with practices. Coaches must be aware of any lates or absences.
    6. Coaches will consider recurrent lates, absences, poor behavioral problems and poor sportsmanship to what is best for the team. Coaches require a “team first” policy and will not tolerate anything that can compromise the sake of the team. This could mean benching for a game, suspension or removal from the team.
    7. I understand what it means to have “Team first” not “Player First”. “Team First” could mean unequal playing times. Coaches will provide playing time to all players, but positions & amount of playing time is up to the individual coaches.  Please understand that this is not meant to single out a player for poor play or skill inability. This means that there are other dynamics the coaches need to consider and will have to make a decision for what is best for the plays. For example, team dynamics, plays made by opposing teams will require coaches to bench certain players. In such cases, I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me.  I will accept their decisions and appreciate the challenges of their position.
    8. I will take ownership to raise concerns or issues with my coach directly.  Please discuss any concerns/issues with your respective coach first.  Immediately before, during or immediately after a game or in front of other players/parents is an inappropriate time to discuss an issue about your issue with a coach.  Please schedule a time when things can be discussed in private. A period of 48 hours is required after a tournament/game, communication via phone or in person only. 
    9. I will remember to be a team player, because volleyball is a true team sport. Open communication, transparency, trust, positive attitude, willingness to take risk, open-mindedness, not take things personally are all good qualities in a team player.
    10. I understand that if I suffer from a serious injury/illness I will not be permitted to return to practices/games without parental permission in the form of a note, a phone call or email to the head coach.  The coach may request a doctor’s note if they feel it is not in the best interest of the athlete to return at that time. Unexcused absences could result in less playing time.
    11. I will respect all public facilities that I use with my team: gymnasiums, schools, restaurants, hotels and washrooms.  When using the facility, I will remember to put all my garbage in the trash bins and not use volleyballs in school hallways and hotel rooms. 
    12. I will be held responsible for damages caused by the negligence or intentional acts. I will be responsible for any costs associated with vandalism or damage to any facility that results from my actions.  I will accept other disciplinary action that the Board assigns including the possibility of removal from the Team. 
    13. I will adhere to the curfews and set by the coach.
    14. If I am removed from a game or tournament by an official or coach for code of conduct violation (i.e. cursing, swearing) I will leave the playing area immediately (OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF SOUND). Failure to do so will carry a minimum penalty of suspension for the remainder of the tournament.
    15. I will remember to have fun and enjoy the experience of competing, learning and growing in the sport of volleyball.
    Parents / Guardians
    1. I will abide by the Volleyball Alberta Association competitions rules for any given tournament.
    2. I will refrain from any drug, substances or alcohol use during events and around players.
    3. I understand that if my child is under the influence of any drug, substances or alcohol use during events and around players this will result in an immediate suspension wit no refund of fees.
    4. I will role model the appropriate behavior. For example, demonstrate good sportsmanship and applaud all good plays by both my child’s team and their opponents.
    5. I will remember that children play volleyball for their enjoyment, not mine.
    6. I will never question an officials/coach’s decision in public. I will abide by the 48-hour rule. Meaning 48 hours are required after a tournament / practice/ game; communication with a coach via phone or in person only. Please schedule a time when things can be discussed in private.  If the board needs to be involved, and send an email request thru the website then two board members, coach & parent will meet in person only. 
    7. I will refrain from violence or bad language, nor will I harass or bully players, coaches, officials, or other spectators.  I will express my disapproval in an appropriate manner to the proper officials, club and Volleyball Alberta contacts at an appropriate time.
    8. I will support my child’s team and volunteer as required. As well as, have a positive attitude towards volleyball and will emphasize the cooperative nature of the sport.
    9. I understand that Ravens club follows a “team first” policy. Situations will arise where some players may not receive equal playing time.  Coaches will provide playing time to all players, but positions & amount of playing time is up to the individual coaches.  Please understand that this is not meant to single out your child for poor play or inability, but for the coaches and players to use the experience for observation and instruction for all team members.
    10. I understand the importance of commitment and obligation to the teams If my child is late of absent, notification to the coach is required. If behaviors are continuing, the athlete may be benched, suspended, or altogether removal from the team. This is a team, & all members are responsible to each other for success.  This also includes: bad attitude & poor sportsmanship.
    11. I understand that the most efficient way for a player to raise concerns or issues is for the player to speak directly to their coach.  Please allow your child to discuss their concern/issues with their respective coach first.  If the issue can’t be resolved then the parent may approach the coach, as per code of conduct rules and regulations.
    12. I will ensure that my child adhere to the curfews set by the coach.
    13. I will be held responsible for damages caused by the negligence or intentional acts.
    14. I understand that if my child suffers a serious injury/illness they will not be permitted to return to practices/games without parental permission in the form of a note, a phone call or email to the head coach.  The coach may request a doctor’s note if they feel a return is not in the best interest of the athlete.
    15. Parents are responsible for providing transportation to practices and tournament not coaches.
    16. I understand that any athlete or parent removed from a game or tournament by an official or coach for code of conduct violation (i.e. cursing, swearing) must leave the playing area immediately (OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF SOUND). Failure to do so will carry a minimum penalty of suspension for the remainder of the tournament.
    17. I understand that any athlete, parent or guardian that is involved with any violence, harassment, bullying either physically or via cyber and social media to any Ravens members (athletes, parents, coaches, board members) or other members of the community could result in severe consequences.  Inappropriate behavior/actions of the athlete/parent could result in expulsion from the team with no refund of fees.
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