Philosophy: 

 Colorado North Stars Volleyball program is dedicated to developing volleyball skills in young female athletes.  It is a program committed to hard work, dedication, and success.  We believe that positive attitudes and good work ethic are contagious - so you need to have one, or catch one.  It is important to build character in these athletes by teaching them good sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive self concept, good self control, a strong work ethic, pride in a job well done, and sense of fairness.  Everyone committed to this program has pride in Colorado North Stars and believes in its success.    

Volleyball is a TEAM sport. It is based on individuals striving to obtain team goals.  Each athlete must be selfless - committed to their team as much as themselves.  To be a successful team, we need to be successful individuals working on a common goal.  Volleyball is a sport that is 30% physical and 70% mental.  There is nothing that should interrupt team morale.  This sport is purely about "the Team" and everyone should be committed to that.

Team Rules/Expectations:

            No swearing at any time.  Profanity or inappropriate gestures toward teammates, coaches, opposition, officials or crowd will not be tolerated at any time.  Players choosing to be disrespectful will not continue playing or practicing and risk the chance of being removed from the team.

            Players will need to wear appropriate clothing for practice.  Spandex is recommended at practice.  T-shirts cannot contain inappropriate words or advertising.  Kneepads are required until discussed with the coach.  Appropriate shoes are required.  No gum is allowed during practice. 

No jewelry - plain and simple, take it off before you enter practice!!  Practice how you play.

Absences:  An excused absence must be cleared with a coach before the absence occurs.  Messages may be left on coach's voice mail or a note may be given to the coach - messages should not come from friends.  An excused absence qualifies as:  (1) illness:  coach must receive a call from parent prior to practice; (2) emergencies:  defined as unforeseen set of circumstances needing immediate attention, a call needs to be made to the coach from a parent as soon as possible; (3) interscholastic activities (band, drama, etc. that is reasonable)

 >>>Failure to attend practices or matches not regulated under the above guidelines will result in a loss of playing time, movement to another team and/or further consequences as identified by the program directors.     

Playing time:  Playing time is not guaranteed.  It is strictly earned.  It is not equal.  Performance and attitude in practice will determine playing time for each individual. 

Practice:  All practices are closed practices until the last ½ hour of the practice to allow for parent pick up.  Intersquad scrimmages and tournaments are scheduled for family and friends to attend. 

Trash:  Players are responsible for the cleanliness of their area at practice and at tournaments.   "Leave the place better than you found it."

Communication:  Coaches have complete control of lineups, playing time, position assignment and discipline policy.  Coaches are allowed the flexibility to make necessary changes as a team develops.  If there is a player concern regarding playing time, team rules, or team play, it is advised that the player discuss the concern with her specified team coach.  If the problem is not resolved, then a discussion with the parent and player with the coach shall occur.  If the problem continues, we will set up an appointment with the player, parent, coach and director.  Confrontations or interruptions in the middle of practice or the day of a tournament are not okay.  Set up a time to talk with the coach outside of team practices or tournaments.  Tardies, unexcused absences and discipline concerns will result in a player receiving a limited playing time, position assignment change, team assignment change or player removal.

What your coaches expect from you:

-          practice how you will play - always practice competitively (even during pepper!)

-          practice out of your comfort zone, the only way to improve is to try harder

-          challenge yourself and others

-          don't cheat, you are not cheating me, you are cheating yourself and your teammates

-          respect - others

-          communicate - early and often

-          hustle at all times

-          expect to work hard and give 110%, 110% of the time

-          support others all the time - it's a team sport - embrace it

-          be prepared for anything all the time

-          do not be afraid to make a mistake,  but be prepared to fix it

-          your differences, friendships, lack of friendships needs to stay out of the gym - we are a team

-          learn to take constructive criticism

What you can expect from your coach:

-          loyalty to you and dedication to your successes

-          honesty about your abilities, your position, your playing time, and your role on the team

-          leadership and training necessary to achieve team goals

-          the ability to work you hard to make you a better player

-          to assist you in any way possible

-          to be treated with respect

-          to not allow you (or your team) to give up

-          to expect and accept only the best

-          to push you past your limits