Dear Illini Elite Players and Parents: 

We would like to welcome all new and returning players and parents to the 2020-2021 club volleyball season with Illini Elite. Although this season will be different than what we are all accustomed to, we are still looking forward to working with all of the athletes to make them the best volleyball players they can be.

As a result of the COVID situation, we will not be having our usual in-person Parent/Player meetings. This season the Parent/Player contract, accounting form and COVID waiver/plan will be completed online and submitted electronically. All forms and payments must be made before players attend their first practice. Practices begin on October 1st. The link to the forms to be completed will be published this weekend once the Elite team selections have been made and posted.

The link to this form can be found on our website at: www.illinielite.com/forms.html We have added a link right next to the “Home” button on our website navigation bar so it should be easy to find.

A few notes for different age groups/programs:

***All Players*** – If you know you have a credit in the system from last spring and have not used it yet, you will need to email Kyle at kyle@illinielite.com to get a discount code to enter in the payment portion of the forms. You will not be able to submit the forms without payment. If your credit covers the entire first payment, the form will still require you to enter your credit card information, but it will not be charged anything if the credit covers the full amount.

- If you have multiple players in the program and would like to take advantage of the 10% sibling discount, you must also email Kyle to get the sibling discount code. The discount code can be used for the lesser of the two (or more) players.

***All ELITE Players*** – If you attended tryouts for an Elite team and were not selected, we placed you in the Local program. If you do not wish to play in the Local program, please let us know as soon as possible as we do have a significant waiting list.

***All 13U*** – Players who are not selected for the fall program will have an opportunity this fall/winter to participate in Sunday youth/Jr. High programming on Sundays. These should hopefully start in mid-October once the club practices get going. If the IESA season goes according to the current plan, all 13U players will also have the opportunity to join the Spring Youth season in March.

***14U Elite*** – At this time, we are only selecting two Elite teams and will select a third Elite team at the Spring Youth Tryouts in March. We will, however, have a third 14U team practice with the two Elite teams in the 14U Elite practice time slot on Mondays and Wednesday. When the tryout result list is posted, this third team will be tentatively listed as 14 Red. All 14 Red selections should plan to come to the Monday/Wednesday practice time with the 14U Elite teams but not the Saturday practice. The 14 Red team is considered a Local program team at this time (for form and payment purposes).

***15U Local*** – This group will be split to even out our practice groups/pods. This was updated in the October practice plan that was posted online. We will post a list of which players should come to which practice once we have finalized all of our numbers in each age group.

PLEASE complete the online forms prior to October 1st. No player will be allowed to practice without having completed the online forms.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Illini Elite VBC Parent and Player Guidelines/Rules and Contract

We are pleased to welcome you to the Illini Elite Volleyball Club. In past years, we have had separate Parent/Player contracts and Practice and Tournament Rules pages. A few seasons ago we elected to combine them into one document to ensure that all of us – parents, athletes and coaches – have an understanding of our rules and guidelines here at Illini Elite. Our experience has shown us that by covering all of our expectations at the start of the season, we can avoid any unnecessary incidents during the season. The goal of the following pages is to make everyone aware of those rules, guidelines and expectations. Some of the rules and guidelines are not applicable to all programs/age groups since we have a number of different programs and varying age groups, but most of the information applies to all players and parents. This year especially some things may be adjusted for the unique circumstances. The Parent and Player Guidelines/Rules and Contract is intended to be an all-encompassing document for all programs. The athlete and parent will be required to sign a separate signature page to indicate that you have received, read and will abide by the following document. Thanks for being a part of Illini Elite. We are sure to have another fantastic season.

General Policies for All Athletes (and Parents)

1. All Athletes and Parents will demonstrate proper and exemplary sportsmanship at all times.

2. All Athletes are expected to attend all events scheduled for their teams. There are very few valid excuses for missing a tournament. If an athlete must miss any event, you must contact us through email at illinielitevbc@aol.com or joe@illinielite.com at least two weeks prior to the date. For the Elite teams – there are even fewer valid excuses for missing an event. If the cost of a team event has already been issued or a plane ticket has already been purchased, you will be responsible for that payment regardless if you inform us prior to the two week requirement since our plans may have been set before that time and the cost is figured by the number of players.

3. All Athletes are responsible for taking care of their uniforms and team warm-up gear (for Elite teams). All replacement costs will be your responsibility.

4. All Athletes and Parents will abide by all facility rules at the Illini Elite Training Center and at all other facilities that we may play at during the course of the season. Facility rules may include: No Gum on the courts, No Parents or spectators on the playing surface, No food or drinks at scorer’s tables or on the courts, etc. This also includes #5 below.

5. All Athletes and Parents are to understand that ALL Great Lakes Region facilities have a “No Outside Food Policy”. Most facilities that our teams play in have the same “No Outside Food” policy just as we do here at the Illini Elite facility. Facility directors have every right to ask you not to bring in outside food and can/will ask you to leave the facility if you choose to ignore this rule.

 

Practice Rules and Guidelines

1. All practices are MANDATORY (unless otherwise specified). Attendance will be taken at all practices for all teams. If you cannot attend a practice, you must call the office (309) 829-3671 or email illinielitevbc@aol.com or joe@illinielite.com to inform us of the absence. Understand that missing practice can and will affect playing time unless those practices are made up at a different time or a player is playing in another school sport. If you do miss a practice, be sure to get any and all information that may have been handed out regarding the next practice and/or competition.

2. Practice is the key learning and training time for players and is extremely important. Learn how to budget your time wisely and be prepared. Look ahead to upcoming assignments and exams. “Having a lot of homework” or “I have to study” are not valid excuses for missing practice. Those players playing other school sports are expected to attend all practices possible and/or make-up practices when and if possible.

3. Athletes must know that if you miss the practice before any tournament, your playing time could be affected unless you are participating in a school sport.

4. We want to be on “Lombardi” time here at Illini Elite. This means that everyone – players and coaches alike – should be here no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled time. We have a lot to do in practice and need to start on time. Note: if players need to be taped or need some other pre-practice treatment, they should arrive prior to those 15 minutes. The only exceptions to this rule is for those players participating in a school sport where there are practice conflicts or players who are driving a long way to attend practice and cannot make it on time as a result.

5. Players are asked to call the ball before every contact, count when appropriate, hand balls to coaches during all drills and shag when they are not in a drill. We strive to make the best training environment possible and keeping the gym loud, active and fast paced is a big part of that. Shagging is extremely important, not only to keep drills running at a good tempo, but for safety reasons. 

6. Bring a water bottle or drink container to every practice. You can use the water fountain to fill your bottle before practice, but do not plan to use the fountain during practice. There are too many players to all use it. Put your name on your bottle so you do not lose it and do not leave it after practice.

7. At practice we will break for water as a group. Breaks are short in duration as to not take up valuable practice time. Do not stop at the drinking fountain when switching stations and drills between the gyms.

8. Cell phones will be turned OFF during practice.

9. No gum is allowed in the gym. No gum means exactly that – NO GUM.

10. Jewelry is not permitted at practice. You cannot, under any circumstances, wear jewelry when you play and we do not allow it at practice either. Athletes should not put on make-up, nail polish, etc. for practice. We want you to be respected for what you are, how you conduct yourself and your work ethic in practice and on the court, not how you look.

11. DO NOT wear your volleyball shoes outside and NEVER wear them outside in the winter before coming into the gym (snow, slush, salt, crud, etc. make for dirty courts and sometimes unsafe playing surfaces). Keep your volleyball shoes for the gym only. 

12. Players will be asked to dry mop and/or wet mop/towel the courts before each practice.

13. You must wear Illini Elite shirts at practice (once they have been received). Players receive practice shirts for this reason. Players will tuck in their shirts at practice and during tournament play.

14. Keep your gear in your bags and your bags zipped up and placed neatly in the assigned areas.

15. Clean up after yourself after practice. Make sure you have all of your clothes, shoes, pants, jackets before you leave. Do not leave your water bottles lying around. We should not have to clean up after you.

6. Give the coaches your full attention during practice. Respect all of the coaches and what they are telling you, because at some point all of the coaches may be working with you. They only want to try to make you a better player and they deserve your attention and respect.

17. For the Elite players – strength training and conditioning will be part of practice and should be treated accordingly. This is not the time to stand/sit around and chit-chat. This is a time to work hard, get stronger and get in better physical condition. Players must understand that strength training and conditioning is very important in today’s game.

Tournament Rules and Guidelines

1. All tournaments are mandatory. You are part of a team. When players do not show up for tournaments, it can severely affect the entire team. There are very few acceptable excuses for missing tournaments. Those players that are involved in high school sports may need to miss from time to time so be sure to look at your schedules and inform us as soon as possible of any potential conflicts. Major religious conflicts and/or family tragedies/emergencies are viable reasons for missing, but concerts, school dances/school festivities are not.

2. There is no such thing as “equal” playing time in volleyball. At Illini Elite, the coaches will strive to give all athletes “fair” playing time based on numerous factors such as (but not limited to) player position on a team, absences from practices, illness, injury, player progress, player attitude and work ethic in practice. We strive to give all athletes the necessary training time in practice needed to accomplish their playing time goals.

3. Tournaments are a time to be with your team – not your boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, pets, etc. Use that time together to learn about each other, talk to each other, watch/scout your opponents and support other Illini Elite teams playing at the same event.

4. Players are not allowed to leave the tournament site without previous permission from the head coach. This also means that during break times and team work duties, all team members must stay at the facility unless discussed with the head coach in advance.

5. Be on time! Be on time! Be on time! Typically the following arrival times are what we tell the players:

For Expansion/Youth Teams/Players:

If you are playing the 1st match – be there 45 minutes before the scheduled pool start time.

If you are officiating the 1st match – be there 30 minutes before the scheduled pool start time.

If you are off the 1st match – be there at the scheduled pool start time.

For Elite Teams/Players:

If you are playing the 1st match – be there 1 hour before the scheduled pool start time to be ready and on the court warming up no later than 45 minutes before the match start time.

If you are officiating the 1st match – be there 30 minutes before the scheduled pool start time and be sure to check-in with the head official at least 20 minutes before the match start time.

If you are off the 1st match – be there at the scheduled pool start time.

6. Players are not allowed to leave a tournament site until all officiating responsibilities are completed. There may be circumstances where you need to talk with the head coach to receive special permission to leave before your officiating duties are done and those will be dealt with on a case by case basis at the discretion of the head coach.

7. All teams and players will obey ALL facility rules. This includes the rules of our own facility. All Great Lakes Region facilities have a no outside food policy as previously addressed in the General Policies section.

8. Illini Elite players and teams will strive to be the best officiating teams in the Region. There are several rules that ALL Illini Elite teams will abide by when officiating:

• PAY ATTENTION! We all know how important it is for line judges to be watching at all times, for scorekeepers to be paying attention to the officials and the match and score flippers to be timely and attentive
• NO MUSIC. Illini Elite officiating teams will not have I-Pods, MP3 players, or anything that you would plug into a set of headphones into, on during their officiating duties. No exceptions.
• NO CELL PHONES. Illini Elite officiating teams will not be allowed to use cell phones while officiating. No exceptions. This means that players are not only prohibited from talking on their cell phones, but are also not allowed to use them to text message either while they are on officiating duty.
• All GL Region facilities do not allow food at the scorer’s tables. No food means No food! We all know what food is…you cannot have it at the scorer’s table. No exceptions.
• All players should learn how to do all officiating duties. All players should learn how to do the scorebook so that everyone on the team can share in the duties.
• All players need to have their own whistle. Keep your own whistle in your volleyball bag so that you have it at all tournaments. We want to avoid having players share whistles and/or borrowing or using “community” whistles when officiating. 

9. CLEAN your team bench after your match. This means picking up water bottles, tape, papers, clothes, other people’s water bottles, etc.

10. No parents are allowed on or near benches of the teams or on the playing surface. Most facilities do not allow parents anywhere on the playing surface for safety and insurance purposes. Sometimes parents are asked to help shag during warm-ups, but should only be done if the parents can shag without stepping on the playing surface.

11. At the tournament sites, all teams should organize team bags and gear in an orderly and neat fashion. We want our teams to set the example. Elite teams will line their bags up in a designated area at facilities and keep their area neat. They will also keep their warm-ups, clothes and anything else on their bench folded and presentable. Please set the example for other clubs and teams.

12. All Illini Elite teams will do their best to help support other Illini Elite teams during tournaments. We are a program and we all want our teams to have success. Teams should shag for each other in warm-ups when possible, watch and cheer for each other. Players may sit on other teams’ benches if given permission by the team's coach.

13. The Elite high school teams must wear the Illini Elite warm-up gear that they receive with their uniform package (warm-ups, shirts, shoes, etc.) at all events before, during and after matches. We want to present ourselves as a team AND as a program, not just a collection of players. 

14. SHAG YOUR VOLLEYBALLS! This applies to ALL TEAMS AND ALL PLAYERS! For Expansion/Youth players, this means shagging the balls in our gym after you use them for warm-ups. We provide ball carts for all the courts and you must shag and put the balls back in the carts. No exceptions. For Elite players, this is even more important because we have to take balls on the road with us. If you take 10 Illini Elite balls with you, be sure to bring 10 Illini Elite balls home. Do not, under any circumstances, take another clubs’ volleyballs because you lost one. To do so is stealing. Volleyballs do not magically vanish. If you brought them to the gym, they are there, so find them. You might actually have to go to several courts and look under, in and around things to find them!

 

Elite Team Travel Rules and Guidelines

This section applies to the Elite teams when traveling to events outside of the state of Illinois. (Typically, those events include the JVA events in Wisconsin, Indiana, the JVA Mid-Year event, as well as AAU’s in Florida).

1. We will travel to and from the tournament sites together as a team. We will sit and eat meals together and any social/outside of the tournament activities will be done as a team. Players may go home with their parents if arranged and appropriate once the team’s playing and officiating duties are done.

2. Coaches will assign rooms at the hotel or whichever lodging we might use (i.e. condo or house).

3. At no time will a player be allowed to leave the hotel or lodging without the permission of their coach or chaperone.

4. At no time are boys permitted in the rooms or hallways of the players’ lodging.

5. All teams and players will have a curfew in place. Coaches will give each team a set time to be in their own rooms and a set time for lights to be out. Coaches will do room checks to make sure this is followed. Understand what our purpose is at these events.

6. Understand that you are representing Illini Elite, your team and your family at all times when we are traveling at these events. This means conducting yourself in a professional manner at all times. Be courteous, be polite and follow all the rules at the tournament facilities, at the hotel, at restaurants and in public in general. How you act is a direct reflection on this program and you as an individual.

7. When packing for these trips, understand that you will be sharing rooms with other players. You all do not need to bring the same things. You can share. Often we are traveling in vans and space is tight. You do not need to bring 27 pairs of shoes and 14 outfits. The coaches will be able to tell you well in advance if we will have time to do outside activities.

8. When we are flying to National events, always pack your volleyball gear (uniforms, shoes, spandex, socks, warm-ups) in your carry-on baggage. NEVER put these items in your checked-in luggage on the airplane.

Athlete and Parent Conduct Rules and Guidelines

It is the goal of Illini Elite to set the example and be a leader in the volleyball community in regard to our athletes and their parents’ behavior. This means both the athlete and parents of the athlete need to lead by example. These rules and guidelines are set to protect the safety and integrity of the athletes, their parents, the club and coaches. Each year it seems that, across the youth sports landscape, there are more and more issues with regard to parent behavior and parent actions. As an organization, our club will continue to look for ways to encourage our parents to act, communicate and behave in the proper sportsmanlike and ethical manner.

1. First and foremost, if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say it. This is a simple rule of life to live by and it especially applies to youth athletics.

2. All Parents and Athletes will strive to demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship at all times.

3. Parents are to be supportive of the entire team at all times.

4. Parents are not to engage in any behavior in cheering that would reflect negatively on Illini Elite, their team or their daughter. Athletes are expected to also abide by this guideline.

5. Parents and Athletes should NEVER talk negatively or engage in negative conversations about their teammates, other players in the club or opposing players. Adults need to realize that we are involved with youth sports and young athletes trying their best. Negative things that are said and/or heard have the potential to spin out of control and in some cases, can be taken out of context and directly affect the well being and future of these young people. We rarely have problems and issues with the players themselves. In almost EVERY incident, the issues arise from something a parent said. Parents are not, in any way, “entitled” to say what they want to say about other athletes. Negative comments and behavior should NEVER be accepted by any parent of an athlete. There is no place for it in youth sports and it will not be tolerated at Illini Elite. As stated in Rule #1 – If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say it. 

6. Parents should NEVER coach from the stands at practice or at tournaments. The athletes need to be focused on what the coaches have to say and need to concentrate on accomplishing the goals set out. Volleyball is a game of mistakes and the last thing the players need is to have parents in the stands pointing out each error and telling them what to do. More often than not, what the parents might be telling the players is different from what the coaches are saying.

7. Parents and spectators are NEVER allowed to approach a line judge, official or scorekeeper before, during or after a match. Failure to abide by this rule will result in the immediate removal from the playing facility and a suspension from future tournaments. Parents and supporters of Illini Elite are an extension of the club and represent the club and the teams. 

8. Parents – remember what our goals are and what our mission is. We, as a volleyball club, are trying to train young athletes to be the best volleyball players they can be and at the same time help educate them on being young adults. You – the parents – have the ability to help us in that endeavor and make being part of Illini Elite and club volleyball a great experience, but at the same time, you – the parents – have the ability to make it a miserable experience with any negative actions and/or behavior.

9. Finally, remember that we are all involved in youth athletics whether coaches, players or parents. YOUTH athletics. The athletes that participate and compete, whether at Illini Elite or opponents of Illini Elite, are young aspiring athletes and volleyball players. Parents should always remember who the adults are. Parents should always think of how what they say to their daughters and to other parents, whether in public or in private, may affect the individual athlete in regard to her attitude towards her teammates and coaches, her morale, her team’s morale, her mindset and most importantly, her well-being in general.

Grievance Procedures and Guidelines

The procedure outlined below is in place to address any and all issues that may arise over the course of the season. While it is not the intent of Illini Elite to suggest there will or could be problems, we understand that at times, some issues need to be addressed. The procedure is designed to help all athletes and parents address their questions, concerns or problems in the most professional way possible. All athletes and parents will abide by the following guidelines:

1. We agree to handle any and all problems, issues and/or complaints in a professional, adult-like manner and will observe the 24-hour rule at all times.

2. The 24-hour rule states that any and all problems or issues will be addressed to Andy Erins or Joe Sanders at the Illini Elite office (309) 829-3671 or illinielitevbc@aol.com or joe@illinielite.com AFTER a 24-hour “cooling” period has passed from the time of the issue. This rule applies to ALL playing time issues, coaching decisions, team placements, player/coach issues, tournament day decisions, etc. The only exception to this rule is if an athlete’s safety and well-being is in jeopardy. 

3. Once the 24-hour period has passed, if the issue is still a concern, parents may contact Andy or Joe via phone or email. The club directors will then gather all necessary information by talking to all parties involved including the athletes, coaches and/or parents. If the club directors cannot address and solve the issue after gathering all information, the parents may then, and only then, ask the club directors for a meeting. If a meeting is required, we will discuss the issue and come to a resolution. At such a meeting, we will discuss your daughter and the issue at hand with your daughter, but we will not, under any circumstances talk about other players.

4. We understand that at NO TIME are any parents allowed to approach an individual team coach on the day of a tournament with issues in regard to playing time.

5. We understand that all Illini Elite coaches are instructed not to engage in any confrontational conversations with parents, including playing time issues on the day of a tournament. Illini Elite coaches are instructed to calmly and politely remind parents of the 24-hour policy and to tell parents to contact Andy or Joe after that 24-hour period has passed. 

6. We understand that if a parent chooses to ignore this rule and persist with being confrontational, that serious consequences may result including removal from the tournament site and possible removal from the program.

7. If the Athlete has an individual question, concern or an issue with a coach, they should first talk to their coach before involving their parents. They may need to set up a time before or after practice to properly address the concern. All too often, questions and issues can be addressed, answered and solved between the individual athlete and coach without any parent or club director involvement. This also encourages the individual athletes to be mature and responsible and to take an active role in their development as a player and young adult.

Financial Agreement

By signing the Illini Elite VBC Parent and Player Guidelines/Rules and Contract we agree to the following:

1. Parents should realize that Illini Elite is an excellence program and you are committing your financial support for the entire club volleyball season even if our athlete chooses to leave the program. You may still be financially responsible for all outstanding fees.

2. Fees paid to the club are non-refundable except cases of a season ending injury, illness or relocation out of the area. In this instance, refunds may be granted with a written request to the club director. After practice has started, refunds will be pro-rated based on length of participation.

3. Club fees are due in accordance with the provided payment schedule as outlined in the Informational Meeting packet and the General Accounting Information forms.

4. In the case of an individual payment plan or payment schedule, any club fee schedule agreed to in writing must be adhered to. An athlete may not be allowed to participate until fees are paid as per the agreement.

5. Understand that any returned check will be charged an additional $15.00 NSF fee.

6. We understand that if our account is not paid prior to the end of the season, the athlete’s name will be turned in to the Great Lakes Region club directors’ outstanding debtor list that is kept by the region’s club directors. That athlete will not be permitted to tryout for or play for another club the following season until the balance is paid in full as per an agreement among all clubs in this region.

7. We understand that all athletes who are seniors must have account balances paid in full prior to the end of the season. If a balance has not been paid, the athlete may not be allowed to participate in the year end tournaments.

8. We understand that all Elite teams will have additional travel fees for out of state tournaments when we travel as a team. Those tournaments are outlined and estimated in the Informational Meeting packet and competition schedule.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address: 2229 Valley View Drive, Bloomington, Illinois 61705

Website: www.illinielite.com

Office Phone: (309) 829-3671

Office Face: (309) 823-9815

Email Addresses:

illinielitevbc@aol.com - Andy Erins – Club Director and All General Club Information

joe@illinielite.com – Joe Sanders – Local Director

kyle@illinielite.com – Kyle Caldwell – Associate Club Director

 

This form must be signed by the parent/guardian of the athlete and by the athlete and returned at the Parent/Player meeting. Keep the Guidelines/Rules and Contract sheets for your records and reference.

Athlete Name: {athleteName}

Athlete Age Division: {athleteAge}

 

We, the parents/guardians of {athleteName}, have read the Illini Elite VBC Parent and Player Guidelines/Rules and Contract concerning the policies and practices of Illini Elite VBC. We have read the information provided and understand the time and commitment involved in the practice and competition schedule. We have reviewed the fee schedule and agree to pay all fees regardless of the duration of participation. Understanding these rules and guidelines and having discussed them with our athlete, we agree and support her participation in Illini Elite.

 

I, {athleteName}, the Illini Elite athlete, have read the aforementioned information concerning the rules, guidelines, policies and practices of Illini Elite and agree to follow these policies. I understand the commitment I am making to Illini Elite and that if I should choose not to follow the policies as expressed above, consequences such as having my playing time restricted may be a result. I understand that I risk suspension and/or expulsion from Illini Elite for violations of the most extreme nature.

 

I, {parentguardianName}, the parent/guardian of an Illini Elite athlete, have read the aforementioned information concerning the rules, guidelines, policies and practices of Illini Elite and agree to follow these policies. I understand the commitment I am making to Illini Elite and that if I should choose not to follow the policies as expressed above, I may be asked to leave the Illini Elite program. This signed agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the previous document titled the “Illini Elite VBC Parent and Player Guidelines/Rules and Contract”.

Knowing that eliminating all risk is impossible, Illini Elite VBC is committed to providing an environment that is as safe and healthy as reasonably possible for all coaches, athletes and families. To that end, we have developed the following Safety Procedures and Preparedness Plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will continually monitor the COVID-19 pandemic; and as it evolves the below policies and procedures will be modified.  Any changes to the policies and procedures will be sent in writing to all coaches and families.

Facility Layout for Social Distancing

1)     The Illini Elite facility will be physically divided into separate zones or pods for each group/team.  Once in the facility, individuals will not be permitted into other zones/pods. 

2)     The Illini Elite facility will NOT be open for public use during practices.  No parents, siblings, spectators, or any additional individuals will be allowed in the building.  Exceptions may be made for college coaches if/when they are able to attend practices.

3)     There will be an “entry” door and an “exit” door and players will be asked to enter and exit one at a time to alleviate any congestion in the entrance/exit.  Be aware of the other players around you and give them proper space when entering and exiting. 

4)     After each practice, each team/group will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting all of the equipment, floors, restrooms and touched surfaces of their court/zone.  Disinfectant, spray bottles, mops, etc. will be provided.

5)     Restroom use will be limited to one player at a time and each team/group, during their practice time, will be limited to using their assigned restroom stalls and assigned sink.

Procedure for Pre-Arrival, Arrival and During and After Practice

PRE-ARRIVAL/ARRIVAL

1)     Stay home if you are sick or do not feel well or have any symptoms of a cold or flu.

2)     In order to maintain as much integrity as possible with keeping each teams/groups separated from each other, we ask that each player arrive independently or only carpool with members of their own team/pod group.  Carpooling with multiple players from multiple teams/pod groups also could negate our efforts to distance each team from one another while in the facility and exponentially complicate contact tracing in the event of a positive community spread case.

3)     We will now start temperature checks upon entering the facility.  This may take a little extra time to please prepare accordingly while respecting the spacing of players around you.  Please arrive to the facility and put your gear on before entering as the restroom will only allow for one player at a time.

DURING

4)     Please bring full water bottles to practice to eliminate/limit movement to, and use of, the drinking fountains.  If necessary, only use the touchless bottle fill portion of the drinking fountain and disinfect any surfaces you touch after use. 

5)     Each court will have their own labeled ball carts that will be used only for that court.  It is very important to immediately shag any balls that exit your pod over the dividers.

6)     Hand sanitizer stations have been installed at several locations throughout the building.  These include the entrance and exit, near each court, near the drinking fountain/restrooms, office and training room.  Players will sanitize their hands upon entering the facility as well as before and after each water break, etc. 

7)     Attendance will be taken at every practice in the event contact tracing is needed.   

AFTER

8)     After each practice, each team/group will be responsible for cleaning and disinfecting all the equipment, floors, restrooms and touched surfaces of their court/zone.  Disinfectant, spray bottles, mops, etc. will be provided.

Face Masks

Players should wear their masks as required by the state to and from the practice courts.  This means wearing their masks while entering and exiting the building as walking to and from their assigned courts.  We understand that wearing a mask during practice may not be possible, however, if a player is of higher risk or has higher risk family members, they may wish to wear a face mask throughout the practice.    

 

Contact Tracing/Potential Positive Cases

While there have been no confirmed cases of transmission within our gym since we were able to reopen at the start of Phase 3, we have had players/family members contract COVID-19 from community spread outside the gym.  To maintain the health and safety of all players and their families, the procedure we will follow in the event of any positive case is listed below.  

1. We need to be informed immediately if a player is identified as a close contact to a positive case so that we can determine if that player was in the gym or not after being exposed.
2. If a player or a member of their family living in the same house tests positive, we need to be informed immediately to determine if that player was in the gym or not after being exposed.
   
   1. We will contact the entire group/pod via email that there was a positive case in their group.  Please make sure the email requested below is an active email that you might check every day.
   2. The affected group/pod may be shut down until all contact tracing can be done and we can confirm whether an infected player was in the gym or not.  The affected player would be quarantined by the health department (since a family member in their house tested positive) and as a result, would not be allowed to attend practices until the quarantine time is over. 
   3. If an infected player was in the gym at a practice, then that group/pod may shut down until we are confident there was no transmission in our gym.   
      1. If an infected player was in the gym at practice and had close contact with any other players from different groups/pods, those groups/pods may also be shut down until all tracing can be done and we can confirm it is safe for those players to return to the gym.  This is the primary reason we ask that carpools remain in their group/pod only. 
3. We understand that any positive case is a serious issue and ask that you and your families inform us of any potential exposure so it can be addressed immediately.  

Please be safe.  Please follow all local guidelines regarding wearing masks and social distancing. 

Please understand that what each player does and what their family members do affects that player’s entire group/pod.   We will continue to do everything we can to keep the players/groups/pods safe and healthy as well as isolated from one another inside the gym, but only you and your players can control what happens outside our doors.  This is a safety issue for all our players and their families.   We all want youth sports to continue and move forward, but this can only happen if all players and parents follow the proper guidelines regardless of personal/political opinions.  We thank you for helping us help you and your players stay safe during this unprecedented time.