UPDATED: 11/16/24
Do want to join our volleyball club? There are the steps on how to do so.
Want to join our volleyball club? Here’s how.
- Complete the Survey – Take a few minutes to answer this survey. We want to know how many players may join. Click here to start the survey.
- Check the Tournament Schedule – Review the AZ Region tournament schedule. Our season runs from January to May, so make sure the dates work for you. Click here to look at the schedule. BasicallyPlayers ages 11-16 play in the “Club” division, and those ages 17-18 play in the “Championship” division.
- Review the Calendar – Check the website calendar for any schedule conflicts, especially if your daughter plays other sports like basketball, softball, or track.
Teamlinkt app – We will use the Teamlinkt app for our schedule updates and communication throughout the season. - Attend the Parent Meeting – Join us at one of our two parent meetings to learn more about our club and ask questions. Check the calendar for times and dates. Meetings will start and end on time to respect everyone’s schedule.
- Understand Blackout Dates – If your daughter is in middle school, we can start discussions in early November. High school players (ages 14+) have to wait until after the blackout period to start.
- Know Age Divisions – Your daughter will play against teams in her age group: 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, or 17-18. Click here to see the calculator.
- Review High School Rules – AIA Rule 14.4.1 says students can’t play for both a school team and a club team in the same sport during the school season. We’ll cover this rule at the parent meeting.
- Startup Fee – A $200 startup fee is due on December 1st. This fee covers jerseys and other initial costs.
- Player Fee – Each player has a $500 club fee to cover administrative and registration costs for the region. We’ll discuss fees in more detail at the parent meeting.
- Understand the Commitment – Players often say, “I want to play club,” but guardians should consider both the financial and time commitment involved in club volleyball.
- Practice Schedule – Practices are held twice a week, usually on Sundays (3-5PM), Mondays, and Wednesdays (6-8PM). Players should try to attend every practice to stay prepared for games. The schedule might change a little during tournament weeks.
- Travel Expectation – Tournaments will be in the Phoenix metro area, which may require overnight stays. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation and hotel stays for their player. We’ll go over the full travel schedule at the Parent Meeting and post updates in the Teamlinkt app.”
- Uniforms and Gear
- “Each player will get a jersey as part of the startup fee, but they need to bring their own volleyball shoes, knee pads, and other personal equipment. We also recommend bringing a water bottle and, if possible, a volleyball to practice.”
- Parent Involvement
- “Our club needs the help of parents to have a great season! Parents can volunteer at tournaments, help with fundraising, and assist with team activities. If you’re interested, please let us know at the Parent Meeting!”
- Refund Policy
- “If a player has to leave the club, our refund policy is: the $200 startup fee is non-refundable since it covers uniform costs. The $500 club fee may be partially refunded depending on how much of the season is left. Contact us if you need more details.”
- These statements are straightforward and give parents the information they need without overwhelming detail.
Tournament Info
- TOURNAMENT WEEKENDS. All members will be placed on teams that will play in the Saturday Tournaments in the Phoenix area. Every time we go play, we will play 3 games. There are 6 game days and 1 regional tournament.
- TOURNAMENT ATTENDANCE. The Monday before we play, I have to let the AZ Region office know if our team will travel and play. So Monday at 12PM, I will need all parents to use the Teamlinkt app to respond if they are going or not. If we show up at the gym with 5 or less players, the Region will not allow us to play and forfeit our games.
- TEAM CAMPS. When your daughter’s team travels to the tournaments, we like all parents to pitch in towards a team camp. We’ll need a canopy, table, food, and snack donations for all the players and family members that go.
- BACK TO BACK TRAVEL. Be ready, there is a chance that we may travel to Phoenix two or three weekends in a row. Look at the Arizona Region Schedule.
- NATIONALS. There is a big Starlings National Tournament in Irvine, California in June 2025. Usually around the Father’s Day Weekend. We want everyone to go. We will calculate the cost and divide the cost amongst the players attending. It’s a great time to make a playcation for your family.
Register with USA Volleyball
- USA VOLLEYBALL REGISTRATION. All participants, including coaches, must register. Even for tryouts. The registration process covers our club and your daughter legally for insurance purposes. Registration costs around $60.
- STARLINGS FOUR CORNERS REGISTRATION. We are attempting to move forward with an online registration process using League Apps. Once we’re ready, I’ll include a link on this page.
- SAFE SPORT & IMPACT TRAINING. All of the adults involved with our club are required to complete training on how to provide a safe environment for all participants which includes a background check.
- CHAPERONES. If a parent wishes to “help out” once and a while…they would need to complete #1, #2, and #3 above.
Tryouts
- DATE. The first step was the survey. That gave us an idea on how many players could potentially join by age group. You’ll see first hand what we’re about and get to know the other players who could join. Tryouts is not necessary but highly encouraged. This gives you and your daughter a chance to see what we’re about. Bring a copy of your USA Volleyball Registration card to the gym. There is a $10 tryout fee.
- BIRTH CERTIFICATE. If this is your first time in club volleyball, we will need a copy of your birth certificate. Please bring a copy to the tryout. The certificate is forwarded on to the AZ Region Office for their records.
- FORMING TEAMS. During the tryouts, the coaches will evaluate the players and start placing the players on the appropriate teams. Please understand and trust our evaluations when placing your daughter on a particular team. We want all players and teams to be as successful as possible.
Practices
- PRACTICE LOCATIONS. We have to find gyms to use. We could practice somewhere between Pinon and Gallup.
- PRACTICE DAYS. We are not school related so our practices revolve around school events. Our practices could be any day of the week…even on Sundays. We aim to have at least two practices a week. The coaches will devise a practice schedule which will be sent out via the Teamlinkt app. We work to set a schedule at least two weeks out.
Preparing for the Season
- REFEREE CLINICS. All players will be required to attend referee training. Everyone will have to learn how to be the R2, Libero Tracker, Scorekeeper, and Line Judge because the players are the one who referee during our tournaments.
- REGISTERING TEAMS. The coaches will meet and place the players on a team. We use the Club Fee to pay the contract with the AZ Region.
- PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENTS. If the players and parents want to join some “extra” tournaments…there are some in December. Players and Coaches that are going can split the cost.
- TEAMLINKT. We will use the TeamLinkt app to schedule practices and meetings. Be ready to download the app on your smart phone. This service will notify you when any changes are made. You’ll be able to respond to practice attendance also. Use Join Code RWLD-V8F9 to connect to our calendar.
If you have any questions, you can contact us by clicking here.