1. Introduction

Welcome to Alpha Performance.  We are excited to have you as a part of our program this year.  We hope you are looking forward this season as much as we are. We put this handbook together to tell you about our club, its policies, and to answer some of the most commonly asked questions we get from athletes and their parents.

Alpha Performance Volleyball is a 501c-3.  Becca Just and Rhonda Morris are the Directors. The Alpha Performance Volleyball club logo is the exclusive right of APV.  Their names and logos are not to be used without the expressed, written consent of the respective company. This includes apparel.

 

2. Alpha Performance’ Mission Statement

Alpha Performance works to provide the best volleyball training in Central Kentucky.  We set out to teach the skills of the game of volleyball and the personal attributes of leadership, strong work ethic, responsibility, discipline, and commitment.  We promise to treat all of our athletes like young women not professional athletes. We expect volleyball to be a priority behind both family and school.

 

3. Website

Our website address is alphaperformancevb.com.  Each team will have a page for their roster, schedule, photos, etc. Each athlete will have a profile page on the website. It is the athlete’s responsibility to contact APV with changes, additions, and corrections to their profile page.  For any website questions or changes, please contact director@alphaperformancevb.com.

 

4. Accomplishments

Our coaches have accomplished several amazing feats. We are excited to have our coaches guiding your athlete and team to accomplish their goals. Our club's goal is to help every athlete achieve their individual goals. Please see coaches bios on the "Our Staff" page of the website.

 

5. Facility Rules & Regulations

APV has the privilege of using the Alpha Training Center, The Yard, and Scott County Schools as a home.  In order to keep our facility clean, comfortable and safe for everyone the following rules will be in place:

1. Profanity, derogatory remarks, or threats will not be tolerated at any time in the facility or parking lot.  Patrons using such language will be asked to not return to the facility.
2. Graffiti of any kind will not be tolerated; those who choose to damage our facilities will be charged janitorial fees and possibly be asked not to return to the facility.
3. Following each training session the athletes are responsible to pick up the facility.  Teams will be assigned a week for chores in which they are expected to perform before leaving practice.
4. Gum and food are not permitted while on the sport court. 
5. Family and friends are permitted to watch training sessions in the lobby.
6. Court rental includes the use of sport court and net systems only.  Patrons caught stealing equipment from the facility will be charged to replace the items taken and asked not to return to the facility.
7. Paper towels and feminine products should never be flushed down the toilets.

NOTE:  Those players, parents, or spectators who continuously violate the above rules shall be removed from the club without refund or relief from financial responsibility.

 

6. Social Activity Online & Offline

Athletes, coaches, and parents are encouraged to always exercise the utmost caution when participating in any form of social media or online communications, both within the APV community and beyond.  Participation in online interactions reflect on the entire APV community, and may not be used to publish disparaging or harassing remarks about APV members, other clubs, etc. All members of the APV community are expected to act in a respectable fashion on and off the internet.  Those athletes who conduct themselves otherwise will be removed from the club without relief from financial responsibility.  

Likewise, athletes are expected to use good judgement when participating in social events. Any player caught participating in illegal or inappropriate activities will be dismissed without financial relief.

 

7. Training Expectations

The following are the expectations for each and every practice with APV.  APV reserves the right to release any athlete from the program, without refund or relief from financial responsibility, should violations of these expectations become habit or a hindrance to the club or her team.

1. Each athlete is expected to be ready for practice at their designated start time.  Athletes who arrive 15-30 minutes early generally have enough time to prepare for practice.  Players who are consistently late will risk losing play time and potentially their spot on the team.
   Each athlete is expected to be properly equipped in their practice uniform (see uniforms).  
2. Athletes are expected to attend every training session.  If an athlete has to miss a training session, the athlete is expected to notify the staff as soon as possible.  Excused absences include family emergency, illness followed by a doctor’s note, mandatory school or church functions. All other absences need pre-approved by a director. Players who have more than 5 absences will risk losing playing time.  It is expected that all national team members will not miss practices or tournaments during qualifying season.
3. Practice makeups are usually offered up until President’s Day weekend, after that practices will not be able to be made up.
4. Parents are not expected to stay and watch training.  If they choose to do so, they must stay outside of the court space.  At NO time should a parent be on the court and/or disrupt training.  At NO time should parents walk into the coaches’ offices. Parents are not to approach a coach or staff member during a training session.  If an athlete has an issue or question, she may talk to her coach.
5. Each team and tier will have a specific responsibility regarding keeping the facility clean.  (Pick up trash, put equipment away, wash dry erase boards, etc…) Athletes are not permitted to leave before their responsibilities are completed.  Should a team not fulfill their chore duties, they will have those chores the next week as well.
6. Schedule changes or cancellations will be on the website as soon as possible.  If the weather is poor or school has been cancelled, check the website or with your parent representative before coming to practice.  We also use our social networks and email to communicate these changes.

*Please note:  At no time should a player train at another club, individually or in a group setting, while under contract with Alpha Performance.  This includes summer commits.*

 

8. Tournament Expectations

The following are the expectations for each and every tournament.  APV reserves the right to release any athlete from the program, without refund or relief from financial responsibility, should violations of these expectations become a habit or a hindrance to the club or her team.

1. Athletes are expected to be on the court, dressed in uniform ready to play, at the time designated by the club. (We encourage athletes to bring all of their jerseys each day of a tournament.)  It is inexcusable for athletes to arrive late. Players who are consistently late or miss will potentially risk their playing time or spots on the team.
2. When athletes are not playing in matches, warming up, officiating, or scouting with their team, they are expected to be supporting the club at their assigned court.  Athletes can get food, and then report to support their club as a team. At NO time during a tournament is an athlete to leave their team until their coach releases them at the end of the day.  Athletes, who need to leave the court, must notify their coach of where they are going and take at least one teammate with them.  
3. Phones are NOT permitted during a tournament.  Parent representatives will either collect phones prior to the start of the day and return them at the end, OR request that all phones stay in the car or hotel.  If a player needs to use a phone to contact a parent, then they can ask to briefly use the phone.
4. Parents, players, friends, and family members are NOT permitted to approach a coach, director, or staff member during a tournament to discuss coaching decisions, including playing time, in person or electronically.  Proper protocol for concerns is below.  Those that break this rule will be given a warning.  If it happens a 2nd time, then APV reserves the right to remove an athlete from the tournament and/or program without relief from financial responsibilities or refund.
5. Parents, friends, and family members are expected to cheer for the team and club in a positive manner.  Those who direct negative language or derogatory remarks towards athletes, coaches, officials, or spectators will be asked to leave the tournament venue.  At all times, adults are expected to serve as positive role models. APV reserves the right to remove an athlete from the program if her parent, or likewise, demonstrates inappropriate behavior and/or unsportsmanlike conduct.
6. Sightseeing: Sightseeing is acceptable after the tournament has completed for the athlete or her team.  Players should not plan visits to amusement parks, or long walking activities the day prior to or during the days of play.  We expect the players to be fully rested for their tournament.
    

9. Team Travel Policy

Alpha Performance has some teams that travel regularly, some teams where travel is a few events per season, and some teams where there is only local travel. APV prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Volleyball SafeSport Handbook. APV has established policies to guide our travel, minimize one-on-one interactions and reduce the risk of abuse or misconduct. Adherence to these travel guidelines will increase player safety and improve the player’s experience while keeping travel a fun and enjoyable experience.

 

1. Local Travel occurs when APV does not sponsor, coordinate or arrange for travel.
   1. Parents/guardians are responsible for making all arrangements for local travel. It is the sole responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure the person transporting the minor player maintains the proper safety and legal requirements, including but not limited to: a valid driver’s license, automobile liability insurance, a vehicle in safe working order, and compliance with applicable state laws.
   2. The employees, coaches and/or volunteers of APV or one of its teams, who are not also acting as a parent, should not drive alone with an unrelated minor player unless they have written permission from the parent/guardian.
2. Team Travel is overnight travel that occurs when APV or one of its teams or designees  sponsors, coordinates or arranges for travel so that our team can compete locally, regionally or nationally. Because of the greater distances, staff may travel with the players.
   1. APV will provide reasonable advance notice before team travel, including designated team hotels for overnight stays. Parent representatives will help with lodging details.  All players are required to stay with the club.  All players must arrive at the club hotel and check-in the night before play (for any tournament that is a 4+ hours away) no later than 11pm regardless of wave.  
   2. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for the transportation of their player(s).  If a parent/guardian cannot accompany a player, he/she is responsible for finding a teammate or family member  in which the player can travel with and stay.
   3. Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangements with a minor player (unless the coach is the parent, guardian or sibling of the player).
   4. APV families will conduct themselves in a respectable manner while staying at hotels.  We will treat ourselves as guests of the hotel, and we will respect all employees and other guests.  The Alpha community will be expected to follow the hotel curfew for the lounge areas, and all players will be in their rooms no later than 11pm regardless of wave (coaches may set an earlier curfew).  Any player, parent, or likewise that demonstrates unacceptable behavior at the hotel may be removed from the club without release of financial responsibility or refund.
   5. Individual meetings between a coach and a player may not occur in hotel sleeping rooms and must be held in public settings or with additional adults present, with at least one of those adults being the same gender as the player.
   6. No coach or chaperone shall at any time be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing their coaching and/or chaperoning duties.
   7. If disciplinary action against a player is required while the player is traveling without his/her parents, then except where immediate action is necessary, parents will be notified before any action is taken, or immediately after.
   8. While staying at hotels (or likewise), athletes will not use the swimming pools or hot tubs for any reason the day before or during a tournament.  All swimming or sunbathing can be done following the final match of the tournament. 
       

10. Uniforms

Items in the Club Package are included in club dues.  The uniform package is different for each level.  

2024 Player’s Packages 

Will be listed on Team Pages after Parent Meeting

1. Athletes may purchase additional items from the Spirit Wear Store on the website.
2. All athletes in each tier will wear the same practice shirt on the same day of training.  Athletes are required to wear blue or black spandex/leggings, and blue, black, or white socks. If athletes would like to wear a long sleeve, they must wear it under their assigned training shirt and it must be a long sleeve Alpha top or blank - no high school or college apparel.  
3. For tournaments, we require that each athlete wear the club issued uniform.  Soft ankle supports are encouraged but not required. No certain shoe is required.  During tournaments, athletes are required to have on their club warm-up and match their teammates if not playing.
4. Athletes who lose or damage part of their uniform will be charged a fee to replace the lost or damaged item.  Practice t-shirts are considered damaged if they are cut or ripped in any way.
    

11. Alpha Performance Logo/Brand Use

Use of the Alpha Performance logo is strictly prohibited, unless approved by Becca Just. This includes, but is not limited to, apparel, water bottles, car stickers, photographs, printed materials and websites. 

Only items made and sold through Alpha Performance are permitted. If Alpha Performance sees unapproved items with our logo, we have the right to confiscate the item with no reimbursement. Anyone who sells Alpha branded items without written approval is subject to legal action and fines. 

If you would like to use theAlpha logo, please email director@alphaperformancevb.com.

 

12. Club Dues

Club dues include facility fees for practice, club uniform packages, registration fees for coaches, coaches’ salaries, tournament entry fees, administrative fees, coaches’ uniforms, and some of the coaches’ travel expenses.  Club dues do not guarantee tournament playing time.

1. Club dues can be paid with cash or check or online (additional processing fees will be applied to all online payments).  Payments should not be given to coaches; they should be done online or mailed.  Checks should be made payable to: Alpha Performance Volleyball and sent to:
   Alpha Performance Volleyball
   PO Box 1082
   Georgetown, KY 40324
    
2. The payment schedule is posted on team pages.  The first payment is due by December 1.  Additional payments will be due the last day of January and February.  Payment plans can be arranged with Becca Just, please email director@alphaperformancevb.com. Those who set up and follow their payment plan will not be fined the late fees outlined below in section "c".
3. Payments are due today and on the last day of January and February. If payments are not received by the 10th, they will be considered past due. Once past due, the athlete will sit out of practice and there will be a $50 late fee. The $50 fee will be added for each month the payment(s) are past due. 
   If you need an alternate payment plan, email director@alphaperformancevb.com to discuss. Once that plan is agreed upon by both parties, the payments must be paid on time according to the alternate schedule. If the schedule is not followed it will be considered past due. Once past due, the athlete will sit out of practice and there will be a $50 late fee. The $50 fee will be added for each month your payments are past due. 

If you haven't paid your deposit or have an outstanding balance you'll sit out of practice and won't receive your uniforms. Athletes can begin practicing and receive uniforms once payments have been submitted. 

Athletes will receive no compensation for travel reservation expenses to tournaments during the time they are suspended.  Payments that go unpaid for more than 60 days will be reported to a collections agency. According to Pioneer Region policy, no athlete may sign a contract and play with any club until all past club dues have been paid in full.

1. Fees will not be refunded or reduced for athletes who leave the club before the end of the season.  We operate on a very tight budget; therefore, we cannot refund or reduce fees when athletes decide not to play or is unable to play. Signing a contract commits the athlete and their family to full financial responsibility regardless of their participation with the club.
2. There is  a convenience/processing fee for paying dues online.  If you’d like to avoid the fee, please mail your payment to the address listed above.
    

13. Due Process/Grievance Procedures

1. Concerns regarding playing time or coaching decisions
   
   1. It is NOT permitted to approach a coach, director, or staff member during a tournament to discuss coaching decisions, including playing time, in person or electronically.  This includes the evening in between days of a tournament. The time of a tournament begins from the morning of the 1st day of the tournament and ends 24 hours after the end of the last match of the tournament. 
   2. Proper protocol for these concerns:
      • Athlete may request a meeting with the coach before or after a practice.
      • If unresolved, a parent may request a meeting with the player and coach before or after a practice.
      • If still unresolved, a parent may request a meeting with all parties and a director when convenient.
        • If proper protocol is not followed, the player or parent will be given a warning.  If it occurs a 2nd time, the player may be sent home from the tournament. If it occurs again, the player may be released from the program without relief from financial responsibility or refund.
2. Sensitive Concerns involving other players or families: Parents and/or players should request a meeting with an administrator as soon as it is convenient for all parties.   If there is a concern for safety, the parent should address the situation with the coach as soon as possible, and inform an administrator.
3. Concerns regarding a coach (that does not involve playing time or coaching decisions): Parents and/or players should request a meeting with an administrator as soon as it is convenient for all parties.   If there is a concern for safety, the parent and/or player should address the situation with an administrator as soon as possible.

 

14. Playing Time Philosophy

We, as a club, strive to teach our athletes how to reach their full potential.  We believe our training is of the highest quality and standards in order to help our teams be successful on and off the court.  We believe playing time is something that is earned. We do not have a philosophy of equal playing time at any level; however, we do expect all of our developmental teams to have fair playing time.  We want every player to have a good experience.  

If you have any concerns regarding playing time, please review the due process procedures.

 

15. Training Time Philosophy

We, as a club, strive to be the best training in Kentucky.  We believe our training is most important to each individual, and it is the true value of our club.  We believe all players should receive as much training as possible. No player should ever sit out of the majority of the practice.  We want all athletes to receive opportunities in practice that will allow them to grow as a player, and that allows them to earn playing time at tournaments.  We expect players to hop on the court when making switches. Sometimes the staff will not place players into drills, and it is just as much as their responsibility to make sure they are getting on the floor as well as the coaches.  Players will get as much out of practice as they are willing to work during practice. We want every player to have a good experience.  

If you have any concerns regarding practices, please review the due process procedures.

 

16. Giving Back

As a club, we ask our older teams to give back to the younger teams by assisting in practices throughout the season.  Each player will be asked to come in on a weekend practice, at least once per month, to help run drills and coach the younger players.  This is to help build relationships as a club, practice mentorship, and to increase the quality of our younger tiers’ practices.

Athlete Statement of Understanding As an Alpha Performance athlete, I the athlete named above, have read and understand the Alpha Performance Athlete Agreement. I understand that I am responsible for my conduct while participating with Alpha Performance. I understand that I risk being removed from the club without refund if I violate any part of the

Parent/Guardian Statement of Understanding As the parent or guardian of the above-referenced Alpha Performance athlete, I the parent/guardian named above, have read and understand the Alpha Performance Athlete Agreement. I understand that the athlete is responsible for her conduct while participating with Alpha Performance. I understand that I am responsible for my own conduct while the athlete is participating with Alpha Performance as well as the conduct of the friends and family members that attend tournaments, training sessions, and other Alpha Performance events.I understand that I risk having the athlete removed from the club if I, or she, violates and part of the agreement.I understand that if the athlete is removed from or quits the club for any reason, I am still obligated to full financial responsibilities.