the preferred choice for team volleyball supplies & apparel
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NORTH 11759 Groat Road, Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 p: 780-415-1703 f: 780-415-1700 SOUTH Unit #6, 135 Commercial Drive, Calgary AB, T3Z 2A7 p: 403-202-6541 2019
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Transcript of the preferred choice for team volleyball supplies & apparel
NORTH 11759 Groat Road, Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 p: 780-415-1703 f: 780-415-1700SOUTH Unit #6, 135 Commercial Drive, Calgary AB, T3Z 2A7 p: 403-202-6541
2019
ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTFACTOR.NET
THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR TEAM VOLLEYBALL SUPPLIES & APPAREL
EXCLUSIVE
OFFERCLUB VOLLEYBALL
10% OFFALL REGULAR PRICED VOLLEYBALLEQUIPMENT AND TRAINER SUPPLIES*
*MINIMUM ORDER OF $75.00
COUPON CODE: VA2019VALID ONLINE OR BY PHONE ONLY. OFFER EXPIRES JANUARY 25, 2019
ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.SPORTFACTOR.NET
THE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR TEAM VOLLEYBALL SUPPLIES & APPAREL
EXCLUSIVE
OFFERCLUB VOLLEYBALL
10% OFFALL REGULAR PRICED VOLLEYBALLEQUIPMENT AND TRAINER SUPPLIES*
*MINIMUM ORDER OF $75.00
COUPON CODE: VA2019VALID ONLINE OR BY PHONE ONLY. OFFER EXPIRES JANUARY 25, 2019
2019 Indoor Season Planner
& Competition Regulations
Version 4: Released November 27, 2018
www.volleyballalberta.ca
www.volleyballalberta.ca
2
Table of Contents
A. About Us
B. Contact Information
C. 2019 Tournament Schedule
D. Club Volleyball Eligibility, Signing Policy & Tryouts
Eligibility
Signing Policy
Tryout Period Policies
E. Membership & Registration
Membership Benefits
Registration & Membership Terminology
Tournament Fees, Schedule & Travel Information
Membership Fees
F. Competition Regulations
Individuals
Teams
Coaches
Competition Rules (All Age Classes)
Competition Structure
13U Age Class
14U Age Class
15U Age Class
16U Age Class
17U & 18U Age Class
www.volleyballalberta.ca
3
G. Awards & Nominations
H. Processes & Policies
Power Pool Seeding Draw- Sample Draw for 16
Serpentine Seeding Draw- Sample Draw for 16
13U Tripleball
14U Tripleball (Premier 1)
Premier 1 Girls- North vs. South Divisional Map
Official Competition Balls
Inclement Weather Guidelines
Overage Athlete Exemption
Volleyball Alberta Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk
Volleyball Alberta Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement
Volleyball Alberta Policy Acknowledgement Form
Pre-Season Concussion Education Sheet
Early Signing Form
Tryout Signing Form
Spectator Code of Conduct
Scouting & Recruiting Policy
Screening Process
Concussion Protocol
Medical Assessment Letter
Medical Clearance Letter
Concussion Pathway
Behavior Policy
www.volleyballalberta.ca
4
A. About Us
Who We Are: Incorporated in 1974, Volleyball Alberta (VA) is the official governing body and provides the
organizational structure for the sport of volleyball in the province of Alberta. Volleyball Alberta is involved in
every facet of the sport by running programs at all levels for indoor and beach volleyball. We provide all Alberta
residents with fair and equal access to participation and personal growth through recreational, competitive, elite,
instructional, administrative, coaching and officiating programs. VA programs and volunteer activities are
funded and supported by the Alberta Sport Connection, membership fees, user fees, corporate sponsors and
fundraising activities.
Mission Statement: To provide quality opportunities for the growth, development and enjoyment of volleyball in
Alberta.
Vision Statement: To be the Premier Volleyball Association in Canada.
Programs
• Competition opportunities through Indoor Premier Tournaments.
• Beach Summer Tournament Series and Beach Summer Leagues.
• Jasper & Sylvan Lake Summer Volleyball Camp for athletes and coaches.
• House Leagues, Go Sports, Play Sports Alberta, Atomic & Early Stages programs.
• Provincials for male & female teams (beach & indoor).
• Talent identification and development camps.
• Team Alberta Programs for beach & indoor.
• Coaching clinics and symposiums for coach development.
• Referee training and certification from local to international levels through the Volleyball Alberta
Officials.
Services
• Sales of volleyball resource materials.
• Accident and liability insurance for all registered teams and individuals.
• Website and on-line registration.
• Volleyball equipment and clothing sales.
Affiliations
• Affiliated with Volleyball Canada & Support of Team Canada Volleyball.
• Support of high school, college and university volleyball programs.
Structure
The volunteer Board of Directors of VA consists of 5 Executive Committee plus 7 Board members. The Board of
Directors represent the various stakeholders including referees, beach & indoor programs. The professional
staff, in consultation with the VA Board of Directors, conducts the affairs of the organization and delivers its
programs and services to the membership and the volleyball community.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
5
B. Contact Information Mailing Addresses
Volleyball Alberta North Office Volleyball Alberta South Office
11759 Groat Road
Edmonton, Alberta. T5M 3K6
Phone: 780-415-1703
Fax: 780-415-1700
E-Mail: [email protected]
Unit #6, 135 Commercial Drive
Calgary, Alberta T3Z 2A7
Phone: 403-202-6541
E-Mail: [email protected]
Volleyball Alberta Staff Directory
Title Name Areas of Responsibility Contact
Office
Administrator
Julie Noel Online Registration (VRS), Financials,
Membership, General Info
780-415-1703 ext. 1
Technical
Director
Jim Plakas Coaching, Long Term Athlete
Development, Technical advisor for all
programs
780-415-1703 ext. 2
Program
Director
Ryan Bunyan Referees Administration, Development,
Recruitment & Retention
780-415-1703 ext. 3
Program
Director
Derek
Hemsley
13U/14U, Summer Camps, Alberta
Winter Games,
780-415-1703 ext. 4
Program
Director
Kiruthika
Rathanaswami
Early Stages Programs, Saville Go
Sports, Marketing, Media, &
Sponsorship
780-415-1703 ext. 5
Program
Director
Diane Bugler 17U/18U Age Class, Team AB Indoor [email protected]
403-202-6540
Program
Director
Ray Sewell 15U/16U Age Class, Beach Volleyball,
Alberta Summer Games
403-202-6541
Executive
Director
Terry Gagnon Business Development Committee,
Management of Association
587-273-1513
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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Volleyball Alberta Executive Committee
Title Name Areas of Responsibility Email
President Leigh Goldie Leadership Committee Chair [email protected]
Vice President Ken Briggs High Performance Committee Chair [email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer David
Johnson
Awards & History Committee Chair [email protected]
Director at Large Michelle
Whyte
Athlete Development Committee [email protected]
Director at Large Jeff
Anderson
Athlete Development Committee Chair [email protected]
Volleyball Alberta Board of Directors
Title Name Areas of
Responsibility
Board of Directors Jim Merrick VAO Regional Officials
Chair
Board of Directors Stephanie Shostak Officials- VAO
President
Board of Directors Jonathan Goldie Indoor & Beach [email protected]
Board of Directors Bruce Edwards Indoor & Beach [email protected]
Board of Directors Raynell Prince Indoor & Beach [email protected]
Board of Directors Travis Rott Indoor & Beach [email protected]
Board of Directors Aaron Heinemann Indoor & Beach [email protected]
www.volleyballalberta.ca
7
Volleyball Alberta Officials
The Volleyball Alberta Officials (VAO) is an organization of all registered volleyball referees in the province of
Alberta. It is the recognized provincial body for volleyball referees within Alberta and works closely with
Volleyball Alberta, a registered society under the laws of the province of Alberta. For more information, please
visit our website at: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/referees-general-information.
Zone Name Email
Regional Officials Chair Jim Merrick [email protected]
VAO President Stephanie Shostak [email protected]
Zone 1 - Lethbridge Jordon Wong [email protected]
Zone 2- Big Country
(surrounding Calgary)
Dawn Mosondz [email protected]
Zone 3 - Calgary Kyle Fraser [email protected]
Zone 4 - Red Deer Tim McLenahan [email protected]
Zone 5 - Medicine Hat Lyle Woodward [email protected]
Zone 6 - Edmonton Shawn Shepherd [email protected]
Zone 7 - North East Don Shepert [email protected]
Zone 8 - Grande Prairie Pam Rintoul [email protected]
Zone 9 - Fort McMurray Kim Boehme [email protected]
VA Liaison Ryan Bunyan [email protected]
www.volleyballalberta.ca
8
C. 2019 Volleyball Alberta Indoor Tournament Schedule The most up to date version of the Premier & Provincial Tournament schedule (with entry deadlines, roster
locks, etc.), can be found on our website at: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/clubgeneralinformation.
January Registration Opens Volleyball Canada Nationals: Events fill quickly! Register early!
February 9-10 17U/18U Premier #1
February 16-17 No VA Tournaments FAMILY DAY LONG WEEKEND
February 23-24 15U/16U Premier #1
March 2-3 13U/14U Premier #1
March 9-10 17U/18U Premier #2
March 16-17 15U/16U Premier #2
March 23-24 13U/14U Premier #2
March 25 ALL PROVINCIAL T-SHIRT ORDER DEADLINE
March 30 15U/16U TEAM ALBERTA IDENTIFICATION CAMP
March 30-31 17U/18U Premier #3
April 5 @ 3 PM ALL FINAL ROSTER LOCK DATE FOR VOLLEYBALL ALBERTA
April 6-7 15U/16U Premier #3
April 13-14 13U/14U Provincials
April 20-21 No VA Tournaments EASTER LONG WEEKEND
April 27-28 17U/18U Provincials
May 4-5 15U/16U Provincials
May 9-12 14U Girls Volleyball Canada Nationals - Richmond, BC
May 9-12 14U Boys & 15U Girls, Volleyball Canada Nationals – Edmonton, AB
May 8–14 17U, 18U, 16U Boys Volleyball Canada Nationals – Toronto, ON
May 17-20 15U Boys & 16U Girls Volleyball Canada Nationals – Regina, SK
www.volleyballalberta.ca
9
D. Club Volleyball: Eligibility, Signing Policy & Tryouts Eligibility for Club Volleyball
a. All participants must become Recreational members of Volleyball Alberta prior to participating in
club tryouts or training. A step-by-step guide to the Volleyball Registration System (VRS) is found on
our website at http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/registration-how-to-register.
b. Age Categories for the 2019 Volleyball Canada Nationals. The expansion of age categories from 12
months to 16 months is due to the research provided in the LTAD 2.0 document published by the
Canadian Sport for Life group. The paper lists the 10 Key Factors influencing Long Term Athlete
Development, of which "Developmental Age" is listed as point #3. Pages 28-30 provides generic
information about Developmental Age and demonstrates the flaws of lumping athletes into their birth
year for participation in sports. In short, the large physical discrepancies that can occur between youth
within the same birth year create significant disadvantages for late developing male athletes and to a
lesser degree, early developing females. Therefore, increasing the range of months within a competitive
division gives athletes greater flexibility to choose a level that best suits their needs.
Some athletes born from Sept-Dec will benefit from choosing a younger division, while other athletes
who play at an advanced level would benefit from the challenge of playing up an age category. Athletes,
parents and coaches should consider the short-term and long-term benefits of playing up or down an
age category. If playing up provides the needed challenge for improvement, and there exists no
significant social/emotional drawbacks in the older age category, the benefits of playing up far outweigh
the drawbacks.
• 13U: Athletes born from September 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2006 (16 months).
• 14U: Athletes born from September 1, 2004 to Dec 31, 2005 (16 months).
• 15U: Athletes born from September 1, 2003 to Dec 31, 2004 (16 months).
• 16U: Athletes born from September 1, 2002 to Dec 31, 2003 (16 months).
• 17U: Athletes born from September 1, 2001 to Dec 31, 2002 (16 months).
• 18U: Athletes born from September 1, 2000 to Dec 31, 2001 (16 months).
* Please note: Athletes born in 2000 who are outside this window but are in their FIRST YEAR
of Grade 12 may APPLY for an exemption.
c. Volleyball Alberta supports the recommendations in Creating Inclusive Environments for Trans
Participants in Canadian Sport with our Transgender Inclusion Policy.
d. All members must be residents of Alberta. Any exception to this must have the approval of Volleyball
Alberta, Volleyball Canada, and the provincial/territorial governing body where the individual or team
resides. Note: The following members/clubs have been granted this permission and are considered
Volleyball Alberta Members: Northern British Columbia Volleyball Club (Fort St. John), East Kootenay
Volleyball Club (EKVC), Dawson Creek Volleyball Club, High Altitude (Elkford, BC) and the Fernie
Volleyball Club (Fernie, BC).
www.volleyballalberta.ca
10
e. Volleyball Alberta tournaments are only for fully registered Alberta club teams and may utilize only
registered VA members of that club. Exceptions to this rule will be reviewed by the Executive Council on
a case-by-case basis following a written application to Volleyball Alberta.
Note: Teams from Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon may be approved to compete in Premier
Events and Provincials. However, they will not be permitted to win the Provincials banner (they may be
awarded the Gold Medal). Interested teams will be subject to a $100 Affiliation fee per tournament and
are asked to request permission to enter events via the VA Registrar prior to January 8 at:
[email protected]. If tournaments are overcapacity, permission to register for an event may
not be granted.
f. Any individual, team and/or club having outstanding debts with Volleyball Alberta at the end of their
competitive season will be deemed members not in good standing and will be ineligible for all VA
programs, until such debts are paid.
Volleyball Alberta Signing Policy (New for 2019)
a. Volleyball Alberta (VA) has adopted an official Signing Policy using an offer & commitment process for
the 2019 season. The following reasons outline the decision to adopt the new policy:
• To create transparency for athletes, families, and clubs.
• To alleviate stress on athletes, families, and clubs.
• To provide clubs sufficient time to assess team needs & organize tryouts accordingly.
• To provide athletes & families an opportunity to explore & gather information.
• To provide time for athletes & families to make an informed decision.
b. Clubs must adhere to the Volleyball Alberta Scouting & Recruiting Policy
c. Definitions:
• Indoor Season of Play: The period between the start of the Tryout Period and end of the indoor
season (November 26, 2018 to May 31, 2019).
• Beach Season of Play: The period after the Indoor Season of Play until the end of the beach season
(June 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019).
• Open Period: Starts June 1, 2018 which is the date when athletes (16U, 17U & 18U Age Categories)
and parents can seek out information about clubs & coaches, and when clubs can communicate with
athletes and families about the upcoming season.
• Offer Period: Starts July 1, 2018 which is the date clubs can provide formal written offers to athletes
in the 16U, 17U, & 18U age categories. Offers can be made July 1-Sept 3 for the first Early Signing
Period, and Sept 9-Oct 7 for the second Early Signing Period.
• Early Signing Period: The period of time when athletes (16U, 17U & 18U Age Categories) are eligible
to sign offers (September 4 – 8, 2018 & October 8 – 12, 2018).
• Tryout Period: The period of time after the first day of tryouts (Monday, November 26, unless
otherwise specified).
www.volleyballalberta.ca
11
• Offer: The act of a formal written offer for a team position from a club to an athlete using the
Volleyball Alberta Early Signing form. Offers are specific to each Early Signing Period & expire at
11:59pm on the last day of that signing period. Tryout Period offers expire at 11:59pm, 3 days
after the offer is given. (Ex. Athlete receives an offer on November 26 during the Tryout Period.
The offer expires at 11:59pm on November 29.)
d. Commitment: The act of signing a Volleyball Alberta Signing form (either the Early Signing form or the
Tryout Signing form). Important note: Verbal commitments are not recognized by Volleyball Alberta.
Teams are only eligible to make written offers to a maximum of 12 athletes during the Offer periods.
e. Please refer to our infographic to help navigate through the Early Signing/Tryout Policies at:
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/sites/default/files/sites/Indoor/Club/General_Info/2019/2019%20Signing
%20Policy%20Infographic%20-%20v4.pdf
Early Signing Policies
f. Information for Athletes & Parents:
• June 1, 2018 is the beginning of the Open Period, the date when athletes (16U, 17U, & 18U Age
Categories ONLY) and parents can seek out information about clubs & coaches, and when clubs can
communicate with athletes and families about the upcoming season.
• Volleyball Alberta Signing Forms are the ONLY formal offers/contracts recognized by Volleyball
Alberta.
• July 1, 2018, is the beginning of the Offer Period when clubs can make formal written offers via the
Volleyball Alberta Early Signing form. Offers can be made July 1-Sept 3 for the first Early Signing
Period and Sept 9-Oct 7 for the second Early Signing Period. The Early Signing Period is for
ATHLETES competing in the 16U, 17U & 18U age categories. Athletes competing in the 13U, 14U &
15U Age Categories will use the Tryout Period process. Athletes are eligible to receive offers from
multiple clubs during the Offer Period. Athletes should decline offers (using the preferred Declined
Offer Notification section at the bottom of the Signing Form) from a club they are not able to play
with as soon as possible, so the club can make an offer to another athlete. Athletes & their families
are not obligated to sign offers presented to them & still retain the ability to try out for other club
teams during the Tryout Period.
• Athletes competing in the 16U, 17U & 18U age categories can sign an offer during the Early Signing
Periods:
o 1st Early Signing Period: September 4, 2018 – September 8, 2018
o 2nd Early Signing Period: October 8, 2018 – October 12, 2018
o Offers expire at 11:59p.m. on the last day of the Early Signing Period (Sept. 8 & Oct. 12)
• No formal offers may be made during the Early Signing Periods (September 4-8 & October 8-12).
• Clubs are required to post updated rosters (full name and position) for all signed athletes on their
website (or social media site) by September 12, 2018 & October 16, 2018. Clubs signing athletes
must have either a website or social media page.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
12
• No formal offers may be made to athletes between October 12 and the start of the Tryout Period
(November 26, 2018).
• Athletes choosing not to sign an offer during either of the Early Signing Periods will enter the Tryout
Period. These athletes can try out for other club teams during this time.
• For all athletes entering the Tryout Period, please review the below Tryout Period Policies.
• Clubs and athletes are not obligated to use the Early Signing Period and may continue to use
the tryout period to explore all options.
• No further communication or contact from other clubs can be made with an athlete once they have
signed.
• Clubs may not collect any deposits for club fees until the signing date (or later) excluding a tryout
fee. Clubs can collect deposits at the early signing period for 16, 17 and 18U athletes (September 8
and October 12).
• Clubs are prohibited from accepting a payment for a club volleyball expense through a 3rd party.
g. Information for Clubs
• Clubs must be registered with Volleyball Alberta for the current club year PRIOR to distributing offers
to athletes.
• The Open Period starts June 1, 2018, clubs can begin to speak with athletes in the 16U, 17U, 18U age
categories and parents about their programs for the upcoming season.
• Formal written offers using the Volleyball Alberta Early Signing form can be made beginning July 1,
2018. Offers can be made to athletes competing in the 16U, 17U & 18U age categories ONLY.
Athletes competing in the 13U, 14U & 15U Age Categories must wait for the Tryout Period.
• Athletes can ONLY sign an offer during the Early Signing Periods:
o 1st Early Signing Period: September 4, 2018 – September 8, 2018.
o 2nd Early Signing Period: October 8, 2018 – October 12, 2018.
o Offers expire at 11:59p.m. on the last day of the Open Signing Period (Sept. 8 & Oct. 12)
• No formal offers may be made during the Early Signing Periods.
• Once the athlete accepts an offer, they must sign the Volleyball Alberta Early Signing form. Teams
are only allowed to sign a maximum of 12 athletes prior to the Tryout Period.
• The athlete is required to sign the Volleyball Alberta Volleyball Alberta Informed Consent and
Assumption of Risk and Policy Acknowledgement Form & submit it to the club.
• Athletes and clubs are required to keep a copy of ALL forms (Volleyball Alberta Early Signing form,
Volleyball Alberta Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk & Policy Acknowledgement Form).
• Clubs need to ensure signed athletes are registered in the Volleyball Registration System (VRS-
Goalline) using the 2019 Club Early Signed Athlete Form between September 9-12, 2018 &
October 13-16, 2018.
• Clubs are required to post updated rosters for all signed athletes on their website (or social media
site) by September 12, 2018 & October 16, 2018. Clubs signing athletes must have either a website
or social media page.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
13
• Any club failing to adhere to this request is subject to an investigation by Volleyball Alberta. Please
review the Adherence Policy below to understand the potential sanctions.
• No formal offers may be made to any athletes between October 12 and the start of the Tryout Period
(November 26, 2018). Formal offers made during the Tryout Period expire at 11:59pm 3 days after
the offer is given. (Ex. Athlete receives an offer on November 26 during the Tryout Period. The offer
expires at 11:59pm on November 29.)
• Clubs and athletes are not obligated to utilize the Early Signing Period and may continue to use the
tryout period to explore all options.
• No further communication or contact from other clubs can be made with an athlete once they have
signed.
h. Important Dates: Volleyball Alberta has outlined important dates related to our Signing Policy:
• Open Period starts June 1, 2018: The date when athletes (16U, 17U, & 18U Age Categories) and
parents can seek out information about clubs & coaches, and when clubs can communicate with
athletes and families about the upcoming season.
• Offer Period starts July 1, 2018: Formal written offers can be made July 1-Sept 3 for the first Early
Signing Period, and Sept 9-Oct 7 for the second Early Signing Period.
• Early Signing Periods for 16U, 17U & 18U age categories are:
o 1st Early Signing Period: September 4, 2018 – September 8, 2018
o 2nd Early Signing Period: October 8, 2018 – October 12, 2018
o Offers expire at 11:59p.m. on the last day of the Early Signing Period (Sept. 8 & Oct. 12)
• Athletes may not sign with clubs between October 12, 2018 and the start of the Tryout Period.
• The Tryout Period starts the 1st Monday after ASAA Provincials (November 26, 2018)
• Season of Play ends May 31, 2019.
Tryout Period Policies
a. Volleyball Alberta strongly recommends: Clubs DO NOT facilitate any programs during the school
season to prevent athlete participation overlapping between the two volleyball seasons.
b. The Volleyball Alberta season of play begins on the Monday after the Alberta Schools’ Athletic
Association (ASAA) Provincial Championship (November 26, 2018) and ends on May 31, 2019.
c. The Tryout Period may not begin until the Indoor Season of Play begins (November 26) except in areas
that have a City or Regional Junior High School Championship after this start date may start their
13U/14U/15U tryout period on the Sunday following the event.
• Edmonton Public Schools Athletics will complete their 2018 City Championships on December
1. Due to this later date, the 13U-15U club tryout period starts on Sunday, December 2.
• Edmonton’s surrounding area will include Ardrossan, Beaumont, Calmar, Devon, Fort
Saskatchewan, Leduc, Morinville, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain
d. All participants trying out for club volleyball must become Recreational members of Volleyball
Alberta prior to participating in club tryouts or training. A step-by-step guide to the Volleyball
www.volleyballalberta.ca
14
Registration System (VRS) is found on our website at http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/registration-how-
to-register.
e. Prior to attending tryouts, athletes and parents are encouraged to seek out information about different
club programs. Frequently asked questions include: club philosophy, coaching philosophy, coaching
certification, tryouts, team fees (and an outline of what’s included), practice times/locations, tournament
schedules, travel arrangements, club refund policy and extra fees.
f. Volleyball Alberta recommends athletes participate in more than one club tryout, to evaluate other
opportunities and ensure the best fit.
g. Athletes are free to tryout for any team until they have officially signed with a club. Athletes are
committed on a yearly basis only (Signing Date until May 31) and are free to play with another club or
team the following season. No further communication or contact from other clubs can be made with an
athlete once they have signed.
h. To sign with a club, the athlete and parent/guardian need to:
• Receive a formal offer from a club via the Volleyball Alberta Tryout Period Signing Form,
• Review and accept the agreement. Signing a Volleyball Alberta Tryout Signing Form is the ONLY
binding contract recognized by Volleyball Alberta for this time period.
o Formal offers made after the Tryout Period begins will expire at 11:59pm, 3 days after the offer is
given. Example: Athlete receives an offer on November 26 during the Tryout Period and the
offer expires at 11:59pm on November 29.
o Athletes may choose to accept or decline the offer sheet immediately or take 1-3 days to return
the signed offer sheet back to the coach.
o Teams can make offers up to the maximum number of positions that will compose their team for
the upcoming season. If an athlete declines an offer, a new offer can be provided to a different
athlete.
i. Teams that select more than 12 athletes on their roster need to be aware of the regulations:
• A team may include 15 players, but only 12 players will be registered on the score sheet, and only
these 12 players may participate in the match.
• Coaches and teams should understand the 13U-15U Developmental Substitution Rules prior to
selecting their teams.
• 13U–15U age class teams that have more than twelve players at a tournament must submit
the Extended Roster Development Plan form.
j. It is recommended that clubs reserve additional gym time for tryouts, to have availability for extra tryout
sessions if required to fill-out their remaining team rosters.
k. Teams/Clubs that are unable to accept players are encouraged to direct those athletes to other clubs and
programs and communicate with other clubs and programs so that as many athletes as possible have a
place to play.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
15
l. To change clubs during the season, a player must request a release from their club administration prior
to competing for another team/club. The release must be emailed immediately to Volleyball Alberta
at [email protected] so the athlete’s transfer can be completed.
m. Clubs may not collect any deposits for club fees until the signing date (or later) excluding a tryout fee.
E. Membership & Registration
Membership Benefits
Volleyball Alberta (VA) provides its membership with administrative, instructional and professional services to
assist in the development of volleyball in Alberta. Volleyball Alberta membership benefits include:
• Indoor tournaments and Provincials; qualification through the Provincials to compete at Nationals,
• Access to publications including texts and manuals,
• Accident and liability insurance coverage while traveling to and participating in Volleyball Alberta events,
• Skill development clinics (indoor and beach),
• National Coaching Certification Programs (NCCP) and clinics,
• Referee certification clinics (indoor and beach),
• Access to Volleyball Alberta Certified Officials,
• Discounts from VA sponsors,
• Access to Athlete Development programs, including Alberta Summer & Winter Games,
• Access to the Team Alberta Program (indoor and beach),
• Information and access to the Mini, Atomic & early stages volleyball programs for children,
• Promotional material to increase the awareness of volleyball in Alberta,
• Instructional material on volleyball skills and drills,
• Option to receive Volleyball Alberta’s e-Newsletter.
Registration & Membership Terminology
a. Team: A team must be composed of a minimum of 8 players up to a maximum of 15 players. A
minimum of 6 players must be present in uniform during competition in order to be eligible to
participate.
b. Club: Team or teams grouped together by a common administrative structure.
c. Player: Any person playing volleyball who registers with a team. New for 2019: The minimum age for
athletes on the roster is 10 years of age.
d. Coach: Any person listed as so on the team registration - the coach must be certified through a
sanctioned VA clinic. New for 2019: The minimum age for coaches and team staff on the roster is 11
years of age.
e. Team Staff: Any person listed as a team member who does not compete in a match as a player, such as
an assistant coach, team manager or trainer. New for 2019: The minimum age for coaches and team
staff on the roster is 11 years of age.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
16
f. Club Staff: Members of clubs who are directly involved in the operation/administration of their Club,
such as executive personnel, directors, club contacts and team contacts.
g. Referee: Any person certified through any sanctioned Volleyball Alberta Officials (VAO) or Volleyball
Canada clinic.
h. Registration: Club, team, player and tournament online registration needed to be eligible to play in
Volleyball Alberta events
Tournament Fees, Schedule, and Travel Information:
a. The Volleyball Alberta Tournament Entry Fee (Indoor) is $575.00 per tournament. The 2019 Volleyball
Alberta Indoor Tournament Schedule can be found on our website at:
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/clubgeneralinformation. The 2019 Volleyball Canada Nationals
schedule may be found at: https://volleyball.ca/en/competitions/national-women or
https://volleyball.ca/en/competitions/national-men
b. Volleyball Alberta will consider late entries into a tournament at the sole discretion of the Program
Director for that age category. Program Directors will consider the impact of adding a team to the draw
using factors such as facility space, timing of the request, and other tournament logistics. If a late entry
request is granted, a $100 late fee will be charged in addition to the entry fee. There are no guarantees
that Late Entries will be accepted!
c. Early Bird Registration Deadline – 3 pm on Monday January 7, 2019: Register your club and team
online for all Premier Events & Provincials by the deadline to automatically be entered into the Early Bird
Registration Draw. Three teams will be drawn from all entrants!
• First Place wins 6 new Mikasa balls and a Mikasa ball cart.
• Second Place wins 3 Mikasa balls and a Mikasa ball cart.
• Third Place wins a Mikasa ball cart.
d. Refund & Cancellation Policy: Our refund & cancellation policy can be found at:
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/registration-fees-and-benefits
e. Our Inclement Weather Guidelines should be read prior to registering for tournaments.
f. Accommodations during Volleyball Alberta Tournaments: Volleyball Alberta’s Housing Partner is HTG
Sports Services. They have arranged host hotels with room blocks and competitive rates for our events.
Please visit their website to secure your hotel booking at
https://secure.htgsports.com/HRMS.nsf/VolleyballAlberta?OpenPage or call 1-800-668-5596.
g. Rental Vehicle Discount for VA members: Volleyball Alberta has a preferred rate program with
Enterprise Rent-a-Car and National Car rental. For more information, please visit
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/Benefits.
h. Travel Outside of Canada: A letter of good standing is required by other national volleyball federations
when you participate in their sanctioned events. Example: A club located in Alberta travels to participate
in a USA Volleyball sanctioned event. Registered teams and individuals within the same club qualify to
receive a letter in good standing, the letter will be valid until August 31. Applications should be
completed as soon as possible to process the letter in time for the tournament’s deadline (an
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administration fee may be charged for rush requests), applications will only be accepted for clubs
registered prior to May 31 of that season. The application may be found on our Club page at
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/clubgeneralinformation. Volleyball Alberta’s insurance does not include
international competitions or events. Clubs/teams will need to purchase their own additional insurance
to ensure their members are covered.
i. Team Travel Guidelines: Parents and/or guardians are not covered under Volleyball Alberta’s insurance
policy, including automobile/accident insurance. Coaches or managers are covered – but they are only
covered by liability insurance for acts that occur within the scope of their duties as a coach or manager.
This does not include coaches or managers acting as drivers for athletes. For all parties to be properly
informed, Volleyball Alberta recommends the following:
• Teams travelling to and from tournaments should consider enlisting the services of a professional
transportation company to avoid the possibility of personal liability in the event of an accident.
• Parents and/or guardians who are transporting other athletes to and from tournaments should check
with their auto insurance provider to ensure this transportation is covered under their insurance
policy.
• Parents and/or guardians who are transporting other athletes across an international border (even
the Canada-USA border) are required to have a notarized consent letter from the athletes’ parents
and/or guardians giving the driver permission to transport the athletes. See the Government of
Canada’s information page for more details and a sample consent letter:
http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter.
• VA coaches and managers should not offer to take personal responsibility for driving athletes at any
time.
• Parents and/or guardians who permit another parent and/or guardian to transport their athlete
should equip the athlete with: medical contact information including health card, emergency phone
contacts, appropriate amount of food/money/clothing for the trip, and a passport (if required).
• Parents and/or guardians who permit another parent and/or guardian to transport their athlete should
obtain from the driver: proof of a clean driving record, the license plate number and make/model of the
vehicle, and emergency contact information.
• Parents and/or guardians who are transporting other athletes retain personal responsibility for the safety
and conduct of those athletes for the duration of the trip – including responsibility for getting the
athletes to all games, team events, or practices – or until the athletes’ parents and/or guardians arrive to
take personal responsibility for the athlete.
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Membership Fees
Membership fees include a Volleyball Alberta (VA) and Volleyball Canada (VC) component. Memberships are
good from September 1 until August 31 of the following year.
Membership Type Overall Fees
(GST Included)
VA Fees
(GST
incl.)
VC Fees
(GST
incl.)
PLAYERS
Recreational Player $8.25 $5.25 $3.00
Indoor Player - 12U & Atomic $8.25 $5.25 $3.00
Indoor Player - 13U & 14U $63.65 $34.65 $29.00
Indoor Player - 15U, 16U, 17U, 18U $79.40 $50.40 $29.00
Indoor Player - Adult $8.25 $5.25 $3.00
Sitting Player $8.25 $5.25 $3.00
ADMINISTRATION
Coaches & Team Staff (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager,
Trainer) $63.65 $34.65 $29.00
Club President $63.65 $34.65 $29.00
Club Volunteers (Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Director,
Technical Director, Team Contact) Free Free Free
REFEREES
Indoor Referee - Novice (First Year Referee) $8.25 $5.00 $3.00
Indoor Referee - Level 1 (Local) $50.00 $21.00 $29.00
Indoor Referee - Level 2 (Provincial) $55.25 $26.25 $29.00
Indoor Referee - Level 3 (Regional) $95.50 $31.50 $64.00
Indoor Referee - Level 4 (National) $110.75 $36.75 $74.00
Indoor Referee - Level 5 (International) $121.00 $42.00 $79.00
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F. Competition Regulations
The objective of the regulations is to ensure equitable treatment of all Volleyball Alberta (VA) members in
competitions. Even though regulations are in place to govern competitions, every situation and circumstance
cannot be foreseen. Therefore, the Volleyball Alberta Executive Director and the Executive Committee will make
interpretations as to how the regulations apply in a specific situation or circumstance, when the need arises.
Volleyball Alberta may make adjustments and implement changes during the season if new circumstances arise.
The Executive Committee may penalize any club, team, coach, referee, or player by way of default, suspension,
fine or other suitable penalty, for contravention of any rule or regulation.
Individuals
a. All clubs, players, coaches, and club staff must become members of Volleyball Alberta prior to participating
in club tryouts or training. A step-by-step guide to the Volleyball Registration System (VRS) is found on our
website at http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/registration-how-to-register. All the required fields of on-line
registration must be completed in full, and each individual member must have a valid e-mail address.
b. All athletes, club and team staff must fill in and sign the Volleyball Alberta Informed Consent and
Assumption of Risk and Policy Acknowledgement Form and return it to the club or team contact responsible
for on-line registration. Clubs and teams will be required to keep all waiver forms on file in case Volleyball
Alberta requests them. All athletes under the age of 18 will be required to have a parent or guardian sign the
waiver form.
c. Athletes playing in their current age class are eligible to play up on an older team within the same club;
athletes would need to be registered on both rosters by the roster lock date to be eligible for Provincials &
Nationals. Volleyball Alberta recognizes the benefits for some athletes to play up at a higher level of
competition, but recommends the club and coaches read about LTAD and carefully plan their season to
avoid athlete burnout and injury while meeting the appropriate Training to Competition ratios. An athlete
may only play on one team during a VA tournament weekend.
d. Athletes will be limited to registering a maximum of one age class higher than their chronological age.
Exemptions to this rule may be requested from Jim Plakas (Volleyball Alberta’s Technical Director) at
Teams
a. A Club Director/Contact must register the club prior to a Team Contact registering the team roster (players).
A Club Director/Contact can also register as a Team Contact. The VA registrar must be notified in writing
[email protected] if there is a change of Club Director/Contact.
b. Clubs and teams will be required to keep all Volleyball Alberta Waiver and Code of Conduct forms on file for
all athletes, coaches, parents and team staff in case Volleyball Alberta requests them. All athletes under the
age of 18 will be required to have a parent or guardian sign the waiver form.
c. A registered team may have up to fifteen players, but only use twelve in a match. The twelve names must
be listed on the score sheet before each match.
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d. Teams should register in the most appropriate age class for their development level. Team composition
should be primarily of athletes within the same age class (consult Volleyball Alberta’s Technical Director for
further information). Teams can only select one class to compete in. Once an age class has been selected,
teams must compete in the same age class for the entire season (including Nationals).
e. Roster changes must be made via the online registration system (VRS). The deadline (Roster Lock) to add
or delete players from a team roster is April 5th @ 3 pm. After April 5th @ 3 pm rosters cannot be
changed and must be adhered to for Provincials & Nationals.
f. Prior to the April 5th @ 3 pm Roster Lock deadline, rosters will lock at 3 pm on the Friday, eight days
prior to the event. Players and coaches who are not on the team roster at that time will not be allowed to
participate in the event.
g. Coaches will pick-up Official Tournament Rosters from Venue Coordinators prior to their first match at each
tournament. Only athletes & team staff who appear on the Official Roster will be allowed to compete in the
tournament.
h. Teams/Clubs are responsible for ensuring that team and tournament registration is completed by the
deadline(s).
i. To provide clubs with a greater ability to place players onto the most appropriate team, Volleyball Alberta
allows lateral movement within a club for teams in the same age-category. Athletes must be registered on
the appropriate team roster but they can play for either team at Premiers 1 and 2, however they must play
for the same team throughout the tournament. Final rosters are locked on April 5th @ 3 pm, and it is the
Team Contact’s responsibility to ensure rosters are finalized in the VRS prior to this deadline (both Volleyball
Alberta roster and National championship roster).
j. Teams must be registered on-line prior to the tournament deadline to be included in the draw for that
event. Draws will be posted online only and it’s the coach or team contacts responsibility to ensure they
have the up to date tournament schedule.
Coaches
a. *New for 2019: Club Directors, Screening Designates, and Team Staff are responsible for ensuring they
follow the 2018-2019 Screening Process & Policy
b. Head Coaches must follow the NCCP certification requirements. Even certified coaches may not have some
of the training required, so read through the policy carefully. The standards are posted at:
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-general-info and must be met by Friday April 5, 2019.
Competition Rules (All Age Classes)
a. The rules listed in the current edition of the Volleyball Canada Rule Book are in effect unless otherwise
noted. It is the duty and responsibility of all players and coaches to know the rules of the game and
abide by them. The Volleyball Canada 2018-2019 Official Volleyball Rules can be found at:
http://www.volleyball.ca/en/development/referee/rules-amp-guidelines.
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b. Playoff draws will be arranged to best maximize the number of entries in each tournament and to ensure
a minimum of 5 scheduled matches per weekend (changes made due to last-minute withdrawals do not
apply).
c. Volleyball Alberta reserves the right to adjust the seeding to avoid teams from the same club playing in
the same pool in the preliminary draw. We will NOT adjust seeding for Power Pools.
d. Teams without enough players to field a team due to a Volleyball Alberta (i.e. Arctic Winter Games) or
Volleyball Canada event may apply for an exemption to our Technical Director Jim Plakas at:
[email protected]. If a team is granted an exemption, the team will maintain their ranking
heading into the next event.
e. Volleyball Canada adopted the following Age Categories for the 2019 Volleyball Canada Nationals.
f. For a match in which a team is participating, they will be responsible for the provision of one (1) Line
Judge.
• This individual must be a team player not registered as a starting member of the line-up,
• This individual must be a team player not registered as the acting Libero (if applicable),
• If a team does not have enough athletes to provide a Line Judge, the referee shall:
i. Inquire to the opposition coach if they are willing to provide two (2) athletes to act as Line
Judges.
ii. Inquire to the opposition coach if they are open to a volunteer representative.
iii. Inquire to the opposition coach if they would prefer the match to commence with no Line
Judges and the sole discretion of the First Referee.
g. For a match in which a team is participating, they will be responsible for the provision of one (1)
Scorer/Assistant Scorer.
• This individual may be a team volunteer whether that be a parent, athlete or drawn from an
alternative source,
• The supplied individual must be familiar with the responsibilities associated with both roles and
open to functioning in either capacity.
h. A First Referee will be used for all matches for round-robin and playoff matches. A First Referee and
Second Referee will officiate all semi-finals, finals and bronze medal matches if there are sufficient
referees available.
i. Volleyball Alberta strongly recommends teams use score sheet labels for their roster. You can download
a template from: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/clubgeneralinformation.
j. Updated for 2019- Volleyball Alberta recognizes that concussions are a significant public health issue
and have developed our Concussion Protocol. Of specific note are the expectations surrounding the
team warm-up process to help prevent concussions.
k. New for 2019: For the 2018 – 19 Season of Play, the timing of the official warm-up protocol will be
adjusted to a 2–4–4 model.
• 2 minutes of shared court time for ball warm-up (E.g. dig-set, setter warm-up, etc.). Note: Shared
court time will start when the court is available to both teams
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• 4 minutes official warm-up at the net – Serving Team
• 4 minutes official warm-up at the net – Receiving Team
l. We recommend that teams use discretion when changing from warm-up shirts to uniforms in ALL
Volleyball Alberta Premier Events and Provincials.
m. End of match protocol: After the match, teams must immediately go to their respective end line, then
shake hands with the other team & official(s) PRIOR to moving off court for team meetings/debriefs.
n. Personal lunches and snacks that are contained within sports bags will be the only food allowed in any of
the venues. No coolers, large containers, or appliances. No food preparation.
o. Music may only be played for personal use with headphones during our events. Our venues are family
friendly and the content of music may be inappropriate or distracting to our members and other
patrons.
p. Video Cameras
• Video cameras in the warm-up area are not permitted (for athletes, parents, or spectators).
• If handheld, a video camera may be operated by a team member sitting on the bench.
• Attaching video cameras to the post, scorer table, referee stand, etc. will not be allowed.
• If there is a vacant court next to the playing court that is not being utilized as a designated warm-
up court or competition court for the event, cameras and tripods may be set-up in that space
provided:
i. There is no infringement on the participants of the playing court,
ii. Cameras and spectators are not encroaching on the team bench, warm-up area, scorer’s
table, referee location, etc.,
• For facilities with 5+ meters of space behind the service zone (Genesis Centre in Calgary),
cameras will be permitted on the playing surface behind the court, provided they are against the
facility wall.
a. Updated for 2019: Uniforms- Each registered team shall be dressed for competition as per the
Volleyball Canada rulebook. Clubs are highly recommended to Request Uniform Approval PRIOR to
ordering uniforms by submitting proofs. Once approval is granted, clubs would be sheltered from
any potential costs associated with bringing uniforms up to standards during the club season.
• Uniform guidelines can be found on our website at: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/referees-
forms-and-resources.
• Volleyball Alberta club teams may NOT use their athletes’ school team jerseys for club play.
Please note that the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association (ASAA) season of play for Volleyball is
June 1 to the fourth Saturday in November. High school teams that continue to function as
school teams after the completion of the ASAA playoffs are in violation of the ASAA season of
play policy and may be subject to penalties at the discretion of the ASAA Executive Committee.
Please contact the ASAA at 780-427-8182 if you have any questions about this matter.
q. Volleyball Alberta reserves the right to control all merchandise and services for sale during Volleyball
Alberta Premier tournaments and Provincials. Food and beverage concessions are also under the control
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of Volleyball Alberta in facilities that do not offer these services as part of their facility offerings.
Requests of any kind to sell or advertise any products or services must be applied for in writing 30 days
in advance of the event. All requests may be directed to [email protected]
r. Refuse & Responsibility Policy- All bottles, garbage, and personal items must be removed from the
team bench after each game. It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure this is completed after every
match. The referee will remind coaches at the end of the match to ensure their bench is clean. If not, the
referee will make note on the game sheet and a $50 fine will be applied to each offense. Repeat
offenders will not be permitted to participate in future Volleyball Alberta tournaments.
s. Tie-Breaking Procedures for Competitions.
o Two-way Tie:
• “Head-to-Head”: The team who won the match played between the tied teams will be
ranked higher.
o Three-way (or more) Tie:
• The results from ALL TEAMS INVOLVED in the tie are used for the ENTIRE process until ALL
rankings are determined.
o If there is a tie among teams X, Y and Z and criteria “b“ can determine X as first, Y as
second and Z as third, then no further criteria are to be used. The tie is broken.
o However, if criteria “b“ determines the seeding/ranking of any of the tied teams, then
the remaining teams, which are still tied, will use criteria “c“ and so on to determine
their seeding/ranking. Do not start at “a“ again. Continue through the sequence of
criteria using the results of teams X, Y and Z for criteria “d“.
• Criteria
a. Matches won/lost between the Tied Teams: The team having the best ratio1 of
won/lost matches will be ranked higher;
b. Sets won/lost between the Tied Teams: The team having the best ratio1 of won/lost
sets will be ranked higher;
c. Sets won/lost considering all matches played: The team having the best ratio1 of
won/lost sets will be ranked higher;
d. Points for/against between all the originally Tied Teams: The team having the best
ratio2 of points for/against will be ranked higher;
e. Points for/against considering all matches played: The team having the best ratio2
of points, for/against will be ranked higher;
f. As determined by the Organizing Committee (e.g. extra set, toss of coin, etc.). _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 A Ratio is calculated as follows: Team A is 3/2 = 1.5, Team B is 2/2= 1.0. Therefore, Team A is ranked higher.
2 A Ratio is calculated as follows: Team A is160/137 = 1.17, Team B is 135/125= 1.08. Therefore, Team A is ranked higher.
Note: A plus/minus is NOT equivalent to a Ratio and should not be used.
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t. Volleyball Alberta Protest Policy: A captain may only lodge a protest in the following circumstances
(otherwise it is not a valid protest): an error in applying a rule or rule interpretation, an improper decision
of the Scorer who made a mistake on the rotational order or on the score.
• The captain lodges the protest to the First Referee.
• The coach of the team lodging the protest must place a $100.00 cash bond (or a signed cheque
payable to Volleyball Alberta) on the score table as the captain lodges the protest (if the money
is not on the table immediately the game will resume and the protest will not be heard).
• The first referee will confirm with the Scorer that a protest has been lodged, and that the money
is on the score table before calling the Referee Supervisor and/or Tournament Staff.
• The Tournament Staff will collect the $100.00 bond upon arrival at the court.
• The Referee Supervisor and/or Tournament Staff will determine whether or not the request to
protest is valid (they may choose to consult with VA Staff or a Referee Supervisor).
• If the protest is not valid, the $100.00 bond will be forfeited in whole and the match will
resume.
• If the protest is valid, the bond will be returned, and a jury will be assembled to accept or refuse
the protest prior to the resumption of play.
All Volleyball Alberta tournaments have a Jury in place that will decide the outcome of each protest. A
Jury will consist of three individuals from the following list:
i. Venue Coordinator,
ii. Referee Supervisor,
iii. Referee Evaluator,
iv. Volleyball Alberta Representative,
v. Alternates assigned by Volleyball Alberta staff.
Important Notes: A) The protest will be handled immediately so that play can resume following the
jury’s decision. B) The jury may discuss the protest by phone and do not have to be present to make a
ruling. C) The jury’s decision is final. D) Sanctions may be put in place if a team is abusing the protest
procedures.
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Competition Structure
a. Competition Structure: 14U/15U/16U/17U/18U
i. Updated for 2019: Premier #1 (female categories only)- Teams from north of Red Deer will register
in Premier #1 North while teams from Red Deer and south will register for Premier #1 South (Please
refer to the Division Map for further clarification). Please note: this division line is an approximation &
Volleyball Alberta reserves the right to switch teams into the appropriate location based on
registration numbers.
ii. The Premier 1 tournament will be an open format utilizing the results from the previous year’s
Provincials (one age class younger) as a basic template to place teams into pools. An age class
seeding committee will adjust the basic template (if necessary) based on current team rosters and
preseason exhibition play. Any team mergers must be communicated to the Tournament Director
prior to the Premier #1 tournament deadline so that tournament seeding can be done appropriately.
A serpentine seeding system will be utilized in the preliminary round (Please see Process & Policies
section for a serpentine seeding example and playoff draw).
o New for 2019: For 17U & 18U Age Categories: Premier 1 will use a ratio of 2:1 to place the
18U and 17U teams into the serpentine. Please note: The Program Director has the right to
adjust this pattern based on the overall makeup of the pool.
o Teams/Clubs running exhibition tournaments are encouraged to send the full results to the
Program Director responsible for the age class.
iii. New for 2019: Following Premier #1, the three highest finishers in the Blue playoff bracket will
switch ranking with the bottom three finishers in the Black playoff bracket.
iv. The results from Premier #1 will be used to seed teams for Premier #2. Those teams that did not
participate in Premier #1 will be seeded afterwards based on the results from the previous year’s
Provincials (one age class younger).
v. Premier #2 (female categories only) - Premier #2 will be based on a 50/50 split alternating between
teams that competed in the Premier 1 North & South events (1st- 1 South, 2nd- 1 North, 3rd- 2
South, 4th- 2 North, etc.) and then be filled by remaining teams. In odd years, South teams will be
ranked 1st. In even years, North teams will be ranked 1st. Those teams that did not participate in
Premier #1 Tournaments will be seeded afterwards based on the results from the previous year’s
Provincials (one age class younger).
i. For Premier #2, Premier #3, and Provincials:
o If there are 23 teams or less: all teams will compete in Division 1.
o If there are 24-39 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, with Division 2
containing the remainder.
o If there are 40-55 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, and Division 3 will contain the remainder.
o If there are 56-71 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, Division 3 will contain teams 33- 48, and Division 4 will contain the remainder.
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o If there are 72-87 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, Division 3 will contain teams 33- 48, and Division 4 will contain 49-64, Division 5 will
contain the remainder.
o If there are 88-103 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, Division 3 will contain teams 33- 48, and Division 4 will contain 49-64, Division 5 will
contain 65-80, Division 6 will contain the remainder.
vi. 15U/16U/17U/18U: A Power Pool Draw format will be used for Divisions 1 & 2 at Premier #2, Premier
#3 and Provincials (Please see the Processes & Policies section for a Power Pool seeding example for
Division 1 & 2). Divisions 3, 4, & 5 will use a serpentine seeding system.
14U: All Divisions will use a serpentine seeding system.
vii. Following Premier #2 & #3, the three highest finishers in each division will move up a division. The
bottom three finishers will move into the lower division for the following tournament (Premier #3 &
Provincials).
viii. Premier #2 results will be used to seed teams for Premier #3. Teams participating in Premier #3 who
did not participate in Premier #2, will be placed after all seeded teams. Among these teams, rankings
will be based upon the results of teams who participated in Premier #1. New teams will be placed
after these teams at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
ii. Premier #3 results will be used to seed teams for the Provincials. Teams participating in Provincials
who did not participate in Premier #3, will be placed after all seeded teams. Among these teams,
rankings will be based upon the results of teams who participated in Premier #2, then teams who
participated in Premier #1. New teams will be placed after these teams at the discretion of the
Tournament Director.
iii. Teams are not required to participate in Premier events to be eligible for Provincials. Team must
compete at Provincials to be eligible for Nationals.
iv. All ties in rankings will be decided based on the highest finish from the last tournament, then the
tournaments prior to that. If teams are still tied then results from the last tournament will be used -
matches for/against, sets for/against and finally points for/against. In case of two teams still tied
after this criterion is followed a coin toss will decide the final outcome.
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13U Age Class - Athletes born from September 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2006 (or later)
13U is the youngest age class that VA runs. It is designed with a focus on skill development and having lots of
fun. This category leads to a Provincial Championship. Long Term Athlete Development guidelines in the Train
to Train stage suggest 70% of time is spent training and 30% in competition. For more information, please visit:
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-resources. In addition to the Competitions Rules, the following rules
apply:
• Registered teams can compete in two Premier events followed by Provincials. 13U teams are not eligible
to participate in 14U, 15U and 16U events.
• The 13U category will employ a Tripleball format for all Premier tournaments and Provincials. The goal of
Tripleball is to promote better skill development, participation, meaningful competition, and fun. Please
see the Process & Policies section for the Tripleball format and rules (Please review as there have been
modifications).
• A minimum of five (5) registered teams will be required before Volleyball Alberta can run a separate
tournament for the 13U category. If five (5) teams are not registered by the tournament deadline date,
those teams will be offered the option to either: a) Play in the pool play portion of the 14U event
(employing all 14U rules), with a separate playoff for 13U teams, or b) Receive a refund of their
registration fee.
• The Mikasa MVA-LITE will be the official competition ball. The only exception will be in the case of
insufficient entries to run a tournament. In this case the 13U teams will be combined with 14U teams,
and the Mikasa VQ 2000 ball will be used.
• Net heights for 13U: Girls- 2.15 m, Boys- 2.20 m. Note: when 13U boys are combined with 14U boys,
2.24 m will be used.
• Time-Outs: Coaches will be allowed to call 3 time-outs in sets 1 and 2 as there are no substitutions
permitted. The option of a 3rd time-out may help coaches to manage and alleviate stress in athletes. As
set three allows substitutions, only 2 time-outs will be permitted.
• The Gold Medalists in Division 1 at Provincials will have their Provincials entry fee reimbursed by
Volleyball Alberta.
Tournament Structure:
a. A serpentine seeding system will be utilized to place teams into pools in the preliminary round. (Please see
the Processes & Policies section for a serpentine seeding example and playoff draw).
b. Premier #1 will be an open format utilizing the results from the previous year’s 13U Provincials as a basic
template to place teams into pools. An age class seeding committee will adjust the basic template (if
necessary) based on current team rosters and preseason exhibition play.
i. Teams/Clubs running exhibition tournaments are encouraged to send the full results to the Program
Director responsible for the age class.
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c. Following Premier #1, the three highest finishers in the Blue playoff bracket will switch ranking with the
bottom three finishers in the Black playoff bracket.
d. The results from Premier #1 will be used to seed teams for Premier #2. Those teams that did not participate
in Premier #1 will be seeded afterwards (in the lowest division) based on the results from the previous year’s
13U Provincials.
e. Following Premier #2, the three highest finishers in each division will move up a division. The bottom three
finishers will move into the lower division for the following tournament (Provincials).
f. Updated for 2019: Due to increasing registration numbers, for Premier #2, and Provincials:
o If there are 23 teams or less: all teams will compete in Division 1.
o If there are 24-39 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, with Division 2
containing the remainder.
o If there are 40-55 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, and Division 3 will contain the remainder.
o If there are 56-71 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, Division 3 will contain teams 33- 48, and Division 4 will contain the remainder.
o If there are 72-87 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, Division 3 will contain teams 33- 48, and Division 4 will contain 49-64, Division 5 will
contain the remainder.
o If there are 88-103 teams: Division 1 will be comprised of the top 16 teams, Division 2 will contain
teams 17-32, Division 3 will contain teams 33- 48, and Division 4 will contain 49-64, Division 5 will
contain 65-80, Division 6 will contain the remainder.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
29
14U Age Class - Athletes born from September 1, 2004 to December 31, 2005 (or later)
14U is designed with a focus on skill development and having lots of fun. This category leads to Volleyball
Alberta Provincials and Volleyball Canada Nationals. Long Term Athlete Development guidelines for the Train to
Train stage suggest 70% of time is spent training and 30% in competition. For more information, please visit:
http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-resources. In addition to the Competitions Rules, the following rules
apply for the 14U Age Class:
• Registered teams can compete in two Premier events followed by the Provincials. To be eligible to
compete at Volleyball Canada Nationals, teams must compete in the Provincials.
• 14U teams are not eligible to participate in VA 15U & 16U events.
• 14U will utilize the 12 LIMITED substitutions rule with no libero. However, the following Developmental
Substitution rules will apply (changed to align with Volleyball Canada Nationals):
i. All players listed on the score sheet must start the first or second set.
ii. Substitutions are not permitted in the first or second set. In the case of injury, an Exceptional
Substitution may be made. The injured/ill player may not return to the same set but may return
to play in subsequent sets.
iii. Any line up can be used at the start of the third set. Teams are strongly encouraged to distribute
playing time among all players on the team.
iv. Coaches will be allowed to call 3 time-outs in sets 1 and 2 as there are no substitutions, the
option of a 3rd timeout may help coaches to manage and alleviate stress in athletes. As set three
allows substitutions, only 2 time-outs will be permitted. Note: A third time-out will not be
permitted at VC Nationals.
v. Note: Coaches that do not roster athletes on the score sheet, or misrepresent an athlete’s playing
status to avoid compliance with the Developmental Substitution rule, will be subject to sanctions.
Injured athletes must be noted in the remarks area prior to the coach signing the score sheet.
Teams that have more than twelve players at a tournament must submit the Extended Roster
Development Plan form. Sanctions will follow the Volleyball Alberta Discipline policy, and may
include written warning, fine, probation, or suspension from Volleyball Alberta.
• Teams must use offensive systems that utilize multiple setters (NO 5-1 systems). Teams using 4-2, 6-3, or
6-2 offensive systems encourage greater skill development of all players. Please note: this does not apply
at Nationals).
• 14U will have a separate division in Premier tournaments and Provincials provided there are sufficient
entries.
• The Gold Medalists in Division 1 at Provincials will have their Provincials entry fee reimbursed by
Volleyball Alberta.
• The Mikasa VQ 2000 will be the official competition ball.
• Net heights for 14U: Girls- 2.15 m, Boys- 2.24 m (Please note: the net height at Volleyball Canada
Nationals will remain at 2.20m).
www.volleyballalberta.ca
30
14U Tournament Structure:
1. For Premier #1 the Tripleball format will be used (please see the Process & Policies section for an overview of
the 14U Tripleball format and rules).
2. Premier #2 and Provincials will use the standard format for the game of volleyball.
15U Age Class- Athletes born from September 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004 (or later)
15U is the first level in Alberta’s elite development system, which leads to Volleyball Canada Nationals. This
category of play also leads to the Team Alberta Program for outstanding individual athletes. The Long-Term
Athlete Development guidelines for the Train to Train stage suggest 70% of time is spent training and 30% in
competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-resources. In addition
to the Competitions Rules, the following rules apply for the 15U Age Class:
• 15U teams are not eligible to participate in VA 16U, 17U or 18U events.
• To be eligible to compete in the Volleyball Canada Nationals, teams must take part in Provincials for
their age category.
• 15U will utilize the 12 LIMITED substitutions rule with no libero. However, the following Developmental
Substitution rules will apply:
i. All players listed on the score sheet must start the first or second set.
ii. In the first two sets no substitutions may take place before one team has scored 15 points. An
athlete may be substituted out of a set due to injury.
iii. If a third set is necessary, any line up can be used.
iv. Note: Coaches that do not roster athletes on the score sheet, or misrepresent an athlete’s playing
status to avoid compliance with the Developmental Substitution rule, will be subject to sanctions.
Injured athletes must be noted in the remarks area prior to the coach signing the score sheet.
Teams that have more than twelve players at a tournament must submit the Extended Roster
Development Plan form. Sanctions will follow the Volleyball Alberta Discipline policy, and may
include written warning, fine, probation, or suspension from Volleyball Alberta.
Note: The Developmental Substitution rules do not apply at Nationals.
• The Gold Medalists in Division 1 at the Provincials will have their Provincials entry fee reimbursed by
Volleyball Alberta.
• The Mikasa VQ 2000 will be the official competition ball.
• Teams are strongly encouraged to use offensive systems that utilize multiple setters (not 5-1 systems). 5-
1 systems do not train enough setters, and we need to ensure clubs and coaches address this gap in our
system.
• Net heights for 15U: Girls- 2.20 m, Boys- 2.35 m.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
31
16U Age Class- Athletes born from September 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 (or later)
16U is the second level in Alberta’s elite development system, which leads to the Volleyball Canada Nationals.
This category of play also leads to the Team Alberta Program for outstanding individual athletes. 16U Girls: Long
Term Athlete Development guidelines for the Learn to Compete stage suggest 60% of time is spent training and
40% in competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-resources. 16U
Boys: Long Term Athlete Development guidelines for the Train to Train stage suggest 70% of time is spent
training and 30% in competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-
resources. In addition to the Competitions Rules, the following rules apply for the 16U Age Class:
• 16U teams are not eligible to participate in VA 17U & 18U events.
• To be eligible to compete in the Volleyball Canada Nationals, teams must take part in Provincials for
their age category.
• Women: The libero position and 6 limited substitutions will be used. Men: 16U will utilize the 12 limited
substitutions rule with no libero.
• Teams are strongly encouraged to continue to use Developmental Substitution principles for the entire
season as it is important for all athletes in the age class to get an opportunity to apply their skills and
tactics in a competition environment.
• Teams are strongly encouraged to use offensive systems that train multiple setters in these age classes
(not 5-1 systems). 5-1 systems do not train enough setters, and we need to ensure clubs and coaches
address this gap in our system.
• The Gold Medalists in Division 1 at Provincials will have their Provincials entry fee reimbursed by
Volleyball Alberta.
• The Mikasa VQ 2000 will be the official competition ball.
• Net heights for 16U: Girls- 2.24 m, Boys- 2.35 m.
• For Volleyball Alberta & Volleyball Canada 16U competitions: Athletes ARE PERMITTED to receive serve
with an overhand motion using the fingers (volleying/setting the serve).
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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17U Age Class- Athletes born from September 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002 (or later) AND 18U Age Class - Athletes born from September 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001 (or later)
17U is the third level in Alberta’s elite development system that leads to the Volleyball Canada Nationals. 18U is
the fourth level in Alberta’s elite development system that leads to the Volleyball Canada Nationals. The 17U
category of play also leads to the Team Alberta Program for outstanding individual athletes. Long Term Athlete
Development guidelines for the Learn to Compete stage suggest 60% of time is spent training and 40% in
competition. For more information, please visit: http://www.volleyballalberta.ca/coaches-resources
In addition to the Competition Regulations, the following rules apply for the 17U/18U Age Class:
• To be eligible to compete in Volleyball Canada Nationals, teams must take part in Volleyball Alberta
Provincials for their age category.
• The libero position and 6 limited substitutions will be used for Premier events and the Provincials.
• The Gold Medalists in Division 1 at Provincials will have their Provincials entry fee reimbursed by
Volleyball Alberta.
• The Mikasa MVA 200 will be the official competition ball.
• Net heights for 17/18U: Women- 2.24 m, Men- 2.43 m.
• The 17U category will combine with the 18U category for every Premier tournament. There will be
separate 17U and 18U Provincials provided there are sufficient teams entered in each category.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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G. Awards & Nominations
The Mikasa Achievement Awards are presented to athletes, coaches, referees and volunteers who have made an
outstanding contribution to volleyball in Alberta for the indoor club season. Award nominations are based on
the following criteria:
• Indoor Athlete (4): An athlete in the 15U/16U and 17U/18U category who has shown a combination of
performance, positive attitude, and leadership for his/her team both on and off the court. A total of 4
Athlete Awards will presented:
o 1 Female in the 15U/16U age division,
o 1 Male in the 15U/16U age division,
o 1 Female in the 17U/18U age division*,
o 1 Male in the 17U/18U age division*.
* The 17U/18U Mikasa Achievement Award winners (one female/one male) will be awarded a $500 scholarship
each towards their university or college education if attending a Post-Secondary institution in Alberta.
• Performance Coach (2): A coach in the 16U, 17U or 18U category who has led their team to a
consistently high level of performance during the season while modeling the principles of fair play and
sportsmanship. A total of 2 Coach Awards will be presented:
o 1 Coach who coaches in a Female division,
o 1 Coach who coaches in a Male division.
• Development Coach (2): A coach in the 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, 18U category who demonstrates they
are a great role model and leader who teaches character and life lessons in addition to volleyball skills
and tactics. They go beyond expectations to ensure every athlete, and the team, reaches their full
potential. A total of 2 Development Coach Awards will be presented.
• Volunteer (1): A volunteer (all categories) who has shown a consistently high level of dedication and
service to the club or organization over a period of years.
• Referee (2): A referee in the Development (1) and Performance (1) category as selected by the
Volleyball Alberta Officials criteria.
• Beach Athlete (2): One male and one female youth beach athlete will be selected based on performance
and their commitment to beach throughout the summer.
All nominations must be received by May 22, 2019. To nominate a candidate, please visit our website at:
www.volleyballalberta.ca/awards-mikasa-achievement-awards.
The Volleyball Alberta Hall of Fame Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in
the following 5 categories: Athlete, Team, Coach, Referee, and Builder. For nomination criteria, please visit our
website at: www.volleyballalberta.ca/awards-hall-of-fame.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
34
H. Processes & Policies Volleyball Alberta has established Policies, Process, and forms to provide a basis for smooth and transparent
operations.
Processes
• Power Pool Seeding – Sample Draw for 16 teams
• Serpentine Seeding – Sample Draw for 16 teams
• 13U Tripleball
• 14U Tripleball – Premier 1 Only
• Premier 1 Girls: North vs. South Divisional Map
• 2019 Official Competition Balls
• Inclement Weather Guidelines
• 2019 Overage Athletes Exemption Request
• Social Media Guidelines for Athletes, Coaches and Club
Policies include:
• Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Volleyball Alberta Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk
• Volleyball Alberta Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity Agreement
• Volleyball Alberta Policy Acknowledgement Form
• Pre-Season Concussion Education Sheet
• Early Signing Form
• Tryout Signing Form
• Scouting & Recruiting
• Discipline and Complaints
• Grievances and Appeals
• Transgender Inclusion Policy
• Privacy Policy: Use of Personal Information 2018, Privacy Policy 2018, Web Privacy Policy 2018, Refund &
Cancellation Policy
• Screening Process & Policy
• Concussion Policy & Protocol
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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Power Pool Seeding – Sample Draw for 16 teams Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D Note: Following Pool Play the first-place finishers from pools B, C, & D
switch seeds with the fourth-place finishers from pools A, B, & C
respectfully (seed numbers in playoff grid below).
1. Seed 1 1. Seed 5 1. Seed 9 1. Seed 13
2. Seed 2 2. Seed 6 2. Seed 10 2. Seed 14
3. Seed 3 3. Seed 7 3. Seed 11 3. Seed 15
4. Seed 4 4. Seed 8 4. Seed 12 4. Seed 16
Sample Playoff Grid
1A (1)
M1
4D (16)
M13 M9
1C (8)
M2
4B (9)
M19 M17
4A (5)
M3
1D (12)
M14 M10
1B (4)
M4
4C (13)
M26 M28
9th 2A (2) 1st
M5
3D (15)
M15 M11
3B (7)
M6
2C (10)
M20 M18
2B (6) LM17
M7 M27
3C (11) LM18 3rd
M16 M12
LM13 3A (3) LM9
M23 M8 M21
LM14 2D (14) LM10 5th
M25
13th LM15 LM11
M24 M22
LM16 LM12 5th
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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Serpentine Seeding – Sample Draw for 16 teams
Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D Note: Teams are seeded using a modified serpentine system as Seeds 5-6,
7-8, 13-14, and 15-16 are switched. This is done to alleviate teams from the
same pool meeting in the first or second round of playoffs while
maintaining a proper playoff seeding (i.e. 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc.). These
switches may not need to happen with other sizes of draws.
1. Seed 1 1. Seed 2 1. Seed 3 1. Seed 4
2. Seed 7 2. Seed 8 2. Seed 5 2. Seed 6
3. Seed 9 3. Seed 10 3. Seed 11 3. Seed 12
4. Seed 15 4. Seed 16 4. Seed 13 4. Seed 14
SAMPLE PLAYOFF GRID 1A (1)
M1
4B (16)
M13 M9
2B (8)
M2
3A (9)
M19 M17
2C (5)
M3
3D (12)
M14 M10
1D (4)
M4
4C (13)
M26 M28
9TH 1B (2) 1ST
M5
4A (15)
M15 M11
2A (7)
M6
3B (10)
M20 M18
2D (6) LM17
M7 M27
3C (11) LM18 3RD
M16 M12
LM13 1C (3) LM9
M23 M8 M21
LM14 4D (14) LM10 5TH
M25
13TH LM15 LM11
M24 M22
LM16 LM12 5TH
www.volleyballalberta.ca
37
13U Tripleball
Tripleball is the official competition format for Canadian regions offering 13U age competitions. The goal
of Tripleball is to promote better skill development, participation, meaningful competition, and fun.
Overview of the Tripleball Sequence:
a) The game follows a sequence of three rallies (service, tossed ball 1, tossed ball 2).
* 1st rally – introduced by the server,
* 2nd rally – tossed ball given to the receiving team,
* 3rd rally – tossed ball given to the serving team.
b) The service rotates between teams after each three-ball sequence.
c) A team must rotate and introduce a new server when it is their turn to serve.
d) Every ball introduced is worth one point.
Ball Retriever A
Ball Retriever B
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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13U Tripleball Rules:
a) No player specialization; each rotation will have a different setter. The player in position #3 or #2 will be
the designated setter for that rotation. The setting position will be noted on the score sheet by the coach
prior to each set. Switching positions is NOT ALLOWED.
b) Athletes must play the tossed ball with a forearm pass, otherwise a replay will occur.
c) The following developmental playing rules applies:
i. All players listed on the score sheet must start the first or second set.
ii. Substitutions are not permitted in the first or second set. In case of an injury, an exceptional substitution
may be made. The injured player may not return to play in the same set but may return in subsequent sets.
iii. Any line up can be used at the start of the third set. Teams are strongly encouraged to distribute playing
time among all players on the team. Substitution requests can only occur between a three-ball sequences.
d) Teams switch sides in the third set once a team reaches 8 points. If this occurs during a three-ball
sequence, then the switch will be made after the sequence is complete
e) Time-outs cannot occur during a three-ball sequence. Three time-outs are available for sets 1 & 2. In
the third set, only two time-outs are available.
f) All three sets in POOL PLAY MATCHES will be played. This will not apply for teams placed in a pool of 5.
Note: Third set results will only be included in tie-breaking procedures when the third set was necessary
(different teams won the first two sets of the match).
g) All PLAYOFF MATCHES are best 2 of 3.
h) All other standard volleyball rules not listed above continue to apply.
To improve the flow of the game, each team must provide a ball retriever who collects the balls from athletes at
the end of a rally. Please remain a safe distance from the court during play.
Guidelines for Ball Tossers:
a) The Head Coach, Assistant Coach or a competent volunteer may be the Ball Tosser and introduce balls to
their own team.
b) Balls are tossed underhand with two hands, with little to no spin and above the height of the antennae
to allow athletes time to play the ball.
c) The Ball Tosser can step into the court to introduce the ball but must immediately move a safe distance
away from the court after the toss.
d) The free ball must be introduced directly to the athlete in the centre-back position (rotationally position
6), otherwise a replay will occur.
e) The free ball will be introduced when the front row players are at the net and ready to transition; the
Tosser verbally cues the athletes by calling “Free Ball”. Ball Tossers must encourage a fast-paced
transition between the end of a rally and the next toss.
Note: Coaches that do not roster athletes on the score sheet or misrepresent an athlete’s playing status to avoid compliance with the
Developmental Substitution rule, will be subject to sanctions. Injured athletes must be noted in the remarks area prior to the coach signing
the score sheet. Teams that have more than twelve players at a tournament must submit the Extended Roster Development Plan form.
Sanctions will follow the Volleyball Alberta Discipline policy, and may include written warning, fine, probation, or suspension from Volleyball
Alberta.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
39
14U Tripleball - Premier 1 Only
The goal of Tripleball is to promote better skill development, participation, meaningful competition, and fun.
Overview of the Tripleball Sequence:
a) The game follows a sequence of three rallies (service, tossed ball 1, tossed ball 2).
* 1st rally – introduced by the server,
* 2nd rally – tossed ball given to the receiving team,
* 3rd rally – tossed ball given to the serving team.
b) The service rotates between teams after each three-ball sequence.
c) A team must rotate and introduce a new server when it is their turn to serve.
d) Every ball introduced is worth one point.
Ball Retriever A
Ball Retriever B
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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14U Tripleball Rules:
a) Teams CAN SPECIALIZE, players do not have to return to their original rotation prior to the tossed ball.
b) Players can switch positions and teams can specialize with any offensive system that uses multiple setters
(NO 5-1 system). Teams using 4-2, 6-3, or 6-2 offensive systems encourage greater skill development of
all players.
c) Athletes must play the tossed ball with a forearm pass, otherwise a replay will occur. The following
developmental substitution rule applies:
o All players listed on the score sheet must start the first or second set.
o Substitutions are not permitted in the first or second set unless an injury occurs.
o Any line up can be used at the start of the third set. Teams are strongly encouraged to distribute playing
time among all players on the team. Substitution requests can only occur between a three-ball sequences.
d) Teams switch sides in the third set once a team reaches 8 points. If this occurs during a three-ball
sequence then the switch will be made after the sequence is complete
e) Time-outs cannot occur during a three-ball sequence. Three time-outs are available for sets 1 & 2. In
the third set, only two time-outs are available.
f) All three sets in POOL PLAY MATCHES will be played. This will not apply for teams placed in a pool of 5.
Note: Third set results will only be included in tie-breaking procedures when the third set was necessary
(different teams won the first two sets of the match).
g) All PLAYOFF MATCHES are best 2 of 3.
h) All other standard volleyball rules not listed above continue to apply.
• To improve the flow of the game, each team must provide a ball retriever who collects the balls from
athletes at the end of a rally. Please remain a safe distance from the court during play.
Guidelines for Ball Tossers:
a) The Head Coach, Assistant Coach or a competent volunteer may be the Ball Tosser and introduce balls to
their own team.
b) Balls are tossed underhand with two hands, with little to no spin and above the height of the antennae
to allow athletes time to play the ball.
c) The Ball Tosser can step into the court to introduce the ball but must immediately move a safe distance
away from the court after the toss.
d) The free ball must be introduced directly to the athlete in the centre-back position (rotationally position
6), otherwise a replay will occur.
e) The free ball will be introduced when the front row players are at the net and ready to transition; the
Tosser verbally cues the athletes by calling “Free Ball”. Ball Tossers must encourage a fast-paced
transition between the end of a rally and the next toss.
Note: Coaches that do not roster athletes on the score sheet or misrepresent an athlete’s playing status to avoid compliance with the
Developmental Substitution rule, will be subject to sanctions. Injured athletes must be noted in the remarks area prior to the coach signing
the score sheet. Teams that have more than twelve players at a tournament must submit the Extended Roster Development Plan form.
Sanctions will follow the Volleyball Alberta Discipline policy, and may include written warning, fine, probation, or suspension from Volleyball
Alberta.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
41
Premier 1 Girls - North vs. South Divisional Map
Association/Zone/Region
Region 1 – Sunny South
Region 2 – Big Country
(Surrounding Calgary)
Region 3 – Calgary
Region 4- Parkland
Region 5 – Black Gold/Yellowhead
(surrounding Edmonton)
Region 6 – Edmonton
Region 7 – North Eastern Alberta
Region 8 – Peace Country
NORTH: LACOMBE, PROVOST
SOUTH: RED DEER, STETTLER, CASTOR, CONSORT, SYLVAN LAKE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE
www.volleyballalberta.ca
42
2019 Volleyball Alberta- Official Competition Ball
Sportfactor 2018/2019 Preferred Pricing
Volleyball Alberta Members will receive a 10% discount off all regular price volleyball equipment and trainer
supplies* at www.sportfactor.net. Offer valid through January 25, 2019.
Valid Online or by Phone only using coupon code VA2019
Offer Expires January 25, 2019
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-989-9090
#10 – 3250 51st Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6P 0E1
*With a minimum order of $75.00 + Shipping & tax
13U – Mikasa MVA-LITE
The only exception will be in the case of insufficient entries to run a
tournament.
In this case the 13U teams will be combined with the 14U teams and the
Mikasa VQ 2000 ball will be used.
17U, 18U – Mikasa MVA 200
14U, 15U, 16U – Mikasa VQ 2000
www.volleyballalberta.ca
43
Inclement Weather Guidelines
Volleyball Alberta (VA) understands that extreme weather conditions/events may impact our events. It is
Volleyball Alberta’s strategy that:
1. VA events will be held regardless of the weather.
2. VA will not cancel an event during a snowstorm or any inclement weather (snow, freezing rain, or any other
acts of nature), except for the following scenarios:
a. If a rental facility is closed due to inclement weather and there is no further gym space available,
Volleyball Alberta may cancel the event.
b. If all transportation access to facilities are closed.
3. If an event is cancelled before it starts:
a. Volleyball Alberta will communicate with teams via our website, social media, and through email.
b. Teams will be fully refunded, and all efforts will be made to reschedule the event if it did not
commence.
Choosing Not to Attend an Event
4. Teams must be prepared to travel through inclement weather and should always plan alternate travel
arrangements when necessary (substitute routes, charter bus, rental vehicles, etc.).
5. If a team decides not to attend an event due to weather conditions and Volleyball Alberta has
not cancelled the event, the team will forfeit their matches and no refund will be given.
a. Failure to notify Volleyball Alberta immediately upon deciding to not attend, may lead to sanctions in
accordance with VA’s policies (as a team withdrawing from a tournament affects all teams in the
tournament as well as competition and refereeing responsibilities).
Game Time Adjustment
6. Game times may be adjusted in the event of inclement weather. Teams should contact the VA Tournament
Staff to inquire if changes can be facilitated. All changes will be at the discretion of the VA Staff Member.
During a multi-day event
7. During a multi-day event in progress, if deteriorating weather conditions or an extreme event lead to
Volleyball Alberta cancelling the tournament, a partial refund may be issued to all participating teams.
a. In the event of deteriorating conditions overnight, every effort will be made to communicate
decisions to teams and all event personnel by 8:00 a.m.
8. If VA has not cancelled the event and a team chooses to depart early citing deteriorating road conditions,
they will forfeit their matches and may be subject to further sanctions in accordance with VA’s policies
If a team misses an event due to weather-related circumstances beyond their control (i.e. highway closure
in remote areas with one egress), they may request a review by Volleyball Alberta.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
44
2019 Club Season - Overage Athlete Exemption
Athletes born from September 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001 are age eligible to play 18U club volleyball. Volleyball Alberta will
consider granting an exemption for 18U overage athletes to compete in the 18U Volleyball Alberta Premier Series and
Provincial Championships under the following circumstances: • Athletes must be born in 2000
• Athletes must be currently attending their first year of grade 12 in the 2018 -2019 academic year
If accepted, Volleyball Alberta will forward this approval to Volleyball Canada for their consideration at the National
Championships.
Athlete Full Name:
Email:
Phone Number:
Date of Birth:
Club Team:
Club Coach:
Email:
Phone Number:
Athlete’s Current School: Grade:
City:
High School Coach:
Email:
Phone Number:
By signing this application, I am confirming that the athlete named above is in his or her FIRST year of grade 12 and
therefore eligible to apply for the Volleyball Alberta Overage Athlete Exemption.
Principal’s Signature Principal’s Email Address
Principal’s Name (please print) Phone Number:
PLEASE COMPLETE FORM IN FULL AND SUBMIT TO [email protected].
www.volleyballalberta.ca
45
Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk Agreement (To be executed by Individuals under the age of Majority)
WARNING! By signing this document you will assume certain risks and responsibilities. Please read carefully
Individual’s Name: ________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name: ________________________________
(for individual’s 17 and under)
1. This is a binding legal agreement; therefore clarify any questions or concerns before signing. As an Individual member in
the sport of volleyball and/or the events, programs, competitions, travel, and activities organized, operated or conducted
and/or sanctioned by Volleyball Alberta (collectively the “Activities”), the undersigned acknowledges and agrees to the
following terms.
Disclaimer
2. Volleyball Alberta, member clubs, and all the respective, directors, officers, committee members, members, employees,
coaches, volunteers, referees, participants, agents, sponsors, and representatives, and owners/operators of the event
facilities (collectively the “Organization“) are not responsible for any injury, property damage, death, expense, loss of
income, damage or loss of any kind suffered by the Individual during, or as a result of, the Activities.
We have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 1 and 2
Description of Risks
3. The Parties understand and acknowledge that:
a) The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care,
caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent
disability, paralysis and loss of life; and
b) The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety but it is not infallible. The Organization may be unaware of the
Individual’s fitness or abilities, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might
malfunction.
4. In consideration of the Individual’s involvement in the Activities, the Parties hereby acknowledge that they are aware of
the risks, dangers and hazards and may be exposed to such risks, dangers and hazards. The risks, dangers and hazards
include, but are not limited to:
a) The sport of volleyball;
b) Executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques;
c) The failure to properly use any piece of equipment or from the mechanical failure of any piece of equipment;
d) Physical contact with other Individuals, participants, spectators, equipment and hazards;
e) Contact with, colliding with, or being struck by the volleyball, net, poles, benches, equipment, or other Individuals,
participants, or spectators
f) Spinal cord injuries which may render the Individual permanently paralyzed;
g) Serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and other aspects of the Individual’s body or
to the Individual’s general health and well-being;
h) Abrasions, sprains, strains, fractures, or dislocations;
i) Concussion or other head injuries, including but not limited to, closed head injury or blunt head trauma;
j) Failure to act safely or within the Individual’s own ability or within designated areas;
k) Negligence of other persons, including other Individuals, spectators, participants, or employees; and
l) Travel to and from the event which is an integral part of the Organization’s Activities.
We have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 3 and 4
www.volleyballalberta.ca
46
Terms
5. In consideration of the Individual’s involvement in the Activities, the Parties agree:
a) That the Individual’s mental and physical condition is appropriate and the Parties assume all risks related to the
Individual’s mental or physical condition;
b) To comply with the rules of the facility and equipment;
c) That if the Individual observes an unusual significant hazard or risk, the Individual will remove himself/herself from
the area and bring such to the attention of an Organization representative immediately;
d) That the Organization may not provide full health, accident, disability, hospitalization, personal property or other
insurance for the Individual and the Parties affirm that they have ascertained appropriate insurance to protect the
Individual; and
e) The risks associated with the Activities are increased when the Individual is impaired and the Individual agrees not to
become involved if impaired in any way.
Release of Liability
f. In consideration of the Individual’s involvement in the Activities, the Parties agree:
a) That the Parties are not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or their agents, whether
in brochure or advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to be involved in the Activities; and
b) To freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and possibility of personal injury, death,
property damage, expense and related loss, including loss of income, resulting from the Individual’s involvement in
the Activities and travel to and from the Activities.
We have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 5 and 6
General
g. The Parties agree that in the event that they file a lawsuit against the Organization, they agree to do so solely in the
province of Alberta, Canada and they further agree that the substantive law of Alberta will apply without regard to
conflict of law rules.
h. The Parties expressly agree that this Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law and
that if any of its provisions are held to be invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and
effect.
Acknowledgement
i. The Parties acknowledge that they have read this agreement and understand it, that they have executed this
agreement voluntarily, and that this Agreement is to be binding upon themselves, their heirs, their spouses, parents,
guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators and legal or personal representatives. The Parties further
acknowledge by signing this agreement they have waived the right to maintain a lawsuit against the Organization
on the basis of any claims from which they have released herein.
____________________________ _____________________________ _____________
Name of Individual (print) Signature of Individual Date of Birth
____________________________ _____________________________ _______________
Name of Parent or Guardian (print) Signature of Parent or Guardian Date
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims and Indemnity (To be executed by Individuals over the Age of Majority)
WARNING! By signing this document you will waive certain legal rights. Please read carefully
1. This is a binding legal agreement; therefore clarify any questions or concerns before signing. As an Individual member in
the sport of volleyball and/or the events, programs, competitions, travel, and activities organized, operated or conducted
and/or sanctioned by Volleyball Alberta (collectively the “Activities”), the undersigned acknowledges and agrees to the
following terms:
Disclaimer
2. Volleyball Alberta, member clubs, and all the respective, directors, officers, committee members, members, employees,
coaches, volunteers, referees, participants, agents, sponsors, and representatives, and owners/operators of the event
facilities (collectively the “Organization”) are not responsible for any injury, personal injury, damage, property damage,
expense, loss of income or loss of any kind suffered by the Individual during, or as a result of, the Activities, caused in
any manner whatsoever including, but not limited to, the negligence of the Organization.
I have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 1 and 2
Description and Acknowledgement of Risks
3. I understand and acknowledge that
a) The Activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care,
caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, permanent
disability, paralysis and loss of life; and
b) The Organization has a difficult task to ensure safety but it is not infallible. The Organization may be unaware of my
fitness or abilities, may give incomplete warnings or instructions, and the equipment being used might malfunction.
4. In consideration of my involvement with the Activities, I hereby acknowledge that I am aware of the risks, dangers and
hazards associated with or related to the Activities. The risks, dangers and hazards include, but are not limited to:
a) The sport of volleyball;
b) Executing strenuous and demanding physical techniques;
c) The failure to properly use any piece of equipment or from the mechanical failure of any piece of equipment;
d) Physical contact with other Individuals, participants, spectators, equipment and hazards;
e) Contact with, colliding with, or being struck by the volleyball, net, poles, benches, equipment, or other Individuals,
participants, or spectators
f) Spinal cord injuries which may render me permanently paralyzed;
g) Serious injury to virtually all bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons and other aspects of my body or to my
general health and well-being;
h) Abrasions, sprains, strains, fractures, or dislocations;
i) Concussion or other head injuries, including but not limited to, closed head injury or blunt head trauma;
j) Failure to act safely or within my own ability or within designated areas;
k) Negligence of other persons, including other Individuals, spectators, participants, or employees;
l) Travel to and from the event which is an integral part of the Organization’s Activities; and
m) Negligence on the part of the Organization, including failure on the part of the Organization to take reasonable steps
to safeguard or protect me from the risks, dangers and hazards associated with my involvement in the Activities.
I have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 3 and 4
www.volleyballalberta.ca
48
Terms
5. In consideration of my involvement in the Activities, I agree:
a) That my mental and physical condition is appropriate and I assume all risks related to my mental or physical condition;
b) To comply with the rules of the facility and equipment;
c) That if I observe an unusual significant hazard or risk, I will remove myself from the area and bring such to the attention of an
Organization representative immediately;
d) That the Organization may not provide full health, accident, disability, hospitalization, personal property or other insurance for
me and I affirm that I have ascertained appropriate insurance to protect myself; and
e) The risks associated with the Activities are increased when I am impaired and I agree not to become involved if impaired in any
way.
Release of Liability and Disclaimer
6. In consideration of my involvement in the Activities, I agree:
a) That the sole responsibility for my safety remains with me;
b) To ASSUME all risks arising out of, associated with or related to my involvement;
c) That I am not relying on any oral or written statements made by the Organization or its agents, whether in a brochure or
advertisement or in individual conversations, to agree to be involved in the Activities;
d) To WAIVE any and all claims that I may have now or in the future against the Organization;
e) To freely ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME all such risks and possibility of personal injury, death, property damage, expense and
related loss, including loss of income, resulting from my involvement in the activities, events and programs of the
Organization; and
f) To FOREVER RELEASE the Organization from any and all liability for any and all claims, demands, actions, damages (including
direct, indirect, special and/or consequential), losses, actions, judgments, and costs (including legal fees) (collectively, the
“Claims”) which I have or may have in the future, that might arise out of, result from, or relate to my involvement in the
Activities, even though such Claims may have been caused by any manner whatsoever, including but not limited to, the
negligence, gross negligence, negligent rescue, omissions, carelessness, breach of contract and/or breach of any statutory
duty of care of the Organization;
g) That negligence includes failure on the part of the Organization to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect me from the
risks, dangers and hazards associated with the Activities; and
h) This release, waiver and indemnity is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law of the Province of Alberta
and if any portion thereof is held invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
Jurisdiction
7. I agree that in the event that I file a lawsuit against the Organization, I agree to do so solely in the province of Alberta, Canada
and further agree that the substantive law of Alberta will apply without regard to conflict of law rules. I further agree that if any
portion of this agreement is found to be void or unenforceable, the remaining document shall remain in full force and effect.
I have read and agree to be bound by paragraphs 5-7
Acknowledgement
8. I acknowledge that I have read and understand this agreement, that I have executed this agreement voluntarily, and that this
agreement is to be binding upon myself, my heirs, spouse, children, parents, guardians, next of kin, executors, administrators
and legal or personal representatives. I further acknowledge by signing this agreement I have waived my right to maintain a
lawsuit against the Organization on the basis of any claims from which I have released them herein.
_______________________________ ______________________________ _____________________
Name of Individual (print) Signature of Individual Date
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Volleyball Alberta Policy Acknowledgement Form
As an individual affiliated with Volleyball Alberta for the 2018-2019 Season (September 1, 2018 – August 31,
2019), I agree to adhere to and abide by Volleyball Alberta’s policies and procedures, which include:
Code of Conduct and Ethics Refund and Cancellation Policy Social Media Guidelines
Discipline and Complaints Policy Screening Policy Appeal Policy
Scouting and Recruiting Policy Concussion Policy and Protocol Transgender Inclusion Policy
Privacy Policy Use of Personal Information
I have the following role(s) with Volleyball Alberta (circle as many as apply):
Coach Director / Volunteer Athlete Committee Member
I also recognize that I must adhere to additional standards particular to my role(s), which are described in the
Code of Conduct and Ethics.
_______________ ________________ _________________
Name of Individual Signature Date
_______________ ________________ _________________
Parent/Guardian Name (If Individual is 17 or under) Parent/Guardian Signature Date
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent’s/Guardians of Athlete’s who are younger than 18:
Parents/Guardians must agree on behalf of their minor as well as accept the policies on their own behalf in their
role as a parent/guardian.
As a parent/guardian affiliated with Volleyball Alberta for the 2018-2019 Season (September 1, 2018 – August
31, 2019), I agree to adhere to and abide by Volleyball Alberta’s policies and procedures listed above. I also
recognize that I must adhere to additional standards particular to my role(s), which are described in the Code of
Conduct and Ethics.
_______________ ________________ _________________
Parent/Guardian #1 Name Parent/Guardian #1 Signature Date
_______________ ________________ _________________
Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian #2 Signature Date
www.volleyballalberta.ca
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Pre-Season Concussion Education Sheet
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION? A concussion is a brain injury that can’t be seen on x-rays, CT or MRI scans. It affects
the way an athlete thinks and can cause a variety of symptoms.
WHAT CAUSES A CONCUSSION? Any blow to the head, face or neck, or somewhere else on the body that
causes a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion. Examples include getting body-checked in hockey
or hitting one’s head on the floor in gym class.
WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT A CONCUSSION? A concussion should be suspected in any athlete who sustains a
significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body and reports ANY symptoms or demonstrates ANY visual signs
of a concussion. A concussion should also be suspected if an athlete reports ANY concussion symptoms to one
of their peers, parents, teachers, or coaches or if anyone witnesses an athlete exhibiting ANY of the visual signs
of concussion. Some athletes will develop symptoms immediately while others will develop delayed symptoms
(beginning 24-48 hours after the injury).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION? A person does not need to be knocked out (lose
consciousness) to have had a concussion. Common symptoms include:
‣ Headaches or head pressure ‣ Feeling slowed down ‣ Difficulty reading
‣ Dizziness ‣ Easily upset or angered ‣ Difficulty learning new information
‣ Nausea and vomiting ‣ Sadness ‣ Not thinking clearly
‣ Blurred or fuzzy vision ‣ Nervousness or anxiety ‣ Difficulty working on a computer
‣ Sensitivity to light or sound ‣ Feeling more emotional ‣ Having a hard time falling asleep
‣ Balance problems ‣ Sleeping more or sleeping less ‣ Feeling tired or having no energy
WHAT ARE THE VISUAL SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION? Visual signs of a concussion may include:
‣ Lying motionless on the playing surface ‣ Blank or vacant stare
‣ Slow to get up after a direct or indirect hit to the head ‣ Clutching head
‣ Balance, gait difficulties, motor incoordination, stumbling, slow labored movements ‣ Facial injury after head trauma
‣ Disorientation or confusion or inability to respond appropriately to questions
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT A CONCUSSION? If any athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion
during sports they should be immediately removed from play. Any athlete who is suspected of having sustained
a concussion during sports must not be allowed to return to the same game or practice. It is important that
ALL athletes with a suspected concussion undergo medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse
practitioner, as soon as possible. It is also important that ALL athletes with a suspected concussion receive
written medical clearance from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to sport activities.
WHEN CAN THE ATHLETE RETURN TO SCHOOL AND SPORTS? It is important that all athletes diagnosed with
a concussion follow a step-wise return to school and sports-related activities that includes the following Return-
to-School and Return-to-Sport Strategies. It is important that youth and adult student-athletes return to full-
time school activities before progressing to stage 5 and 6 of the Return-to-Sport Strategy.
Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport | Pre-Season Concussion Education Sheet www.parachutecanada.org/concussion
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51
Return-to-School Strategy1
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Daily activities at home that
do not give the student-
athlete symptoms
Typical activities during the day as long as they do not
increase symptoms (i.e. reading, texting, screen time). Start
at 5-15 minutes at a time and gradually build up.
Gradual return to typical activities
2 School activities Homework, reading or other cognitive activities outside of
the classroom.
Increase tolerance to cognitive work
3 Return to school part-time Gradual introduction of schoolwork. May need to start with
a partial school day or with increased breaks during the day.
Increase academic activities
4 Return to school full-time Gradually progress Return to full academic activities and
catch up on missed school work
Volleyball-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy1
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Symptom-limiting
activity
Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms
Gradual re-introduction of work/school
activities
2 Light aerobic activity
Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No
resistance training
Increase heart rate
3 Sport-specific exercise Running drills. No head impact activities Add movement
4 Non-contact training
drills
Harder training drills, i.e. attacking drills. May start progressive
resistance training
Exercise, coordination and increased
thinking
5 Full contact practice Following medical clearance and complete return to school. Restore confidence and assess
functional skills by coaching staff
6 Return to sport Normal game play
1 Source: McCrory et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport – the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October
2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838-847. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE ATHLETE TO RECOVER? Most athletes who sustain a concussion will make
a complete recovery within 1-2 weeks while most youth athletes will recover within 1-4 weeks. Approximately
15-30% of patients will experience persistent symptoms (>2 weeks for adults; >4 weeks for youth) that may
require additional medical assessment and management.
HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT CONCUSSIONS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES? Concussion prevention,
recognition and management require athletes to follow the rules and regulations of their sport, respect their
opponents, avoid head contact, and report suspected concussions. To learn more about concussions, please
visit: www.parachutecanada.org/concussion
The following signatures certify that the athlete and his/her parent or legal guardian have reviewed the above
information related to concussion.
___________________________________ ____________________________ ______________
Printed name of Individual Signature of Individual Date
___________________________________ ____________________________ ______________
Printed name of parent (If Individual is 17 or under) Signature of parent Date
Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport | Pre-Season Concussion Education Sheet www.parachutecanada.org/concussion
www.volleyballalberta.ca
52
2018 - 2019 Club Season: Early Signing Form (Page 1 of 2)
Name of Athlete: _____________________________________ Date: ______________________
Club Name: ___________________________________________ (required)
Team Name: __________________________________________ (required)
Age Category/Gender: ________________________________ (required)
Name of Coach: _______________________________________ (required)
This is a formal offer to commit to the above noted club for the indoor competition season. This form may
only be signed between the checked off Early Signing Period:
Offer Period 1: July 1/18 – Sept. 3/18 Offer Period 2: Sept. 9/18 – Oct. 7/18
o 1st Early Signing Period o September 4 – 8, 2018
o 2nd Early Signing Period o October 8 – 12, 2018
By signing this form, the athlete and the club are committing to each other for a minimum of one season from
the Early Signing Period until the end of the season (May 31). Athletes choosing to decline an offer provided by
a team/club should notify teams and clubs with an email declining the offer as soon as their decision has been made.
Athletes are under no obligation to accept the above offer & still have the ability to try out for other club teams.
This offer expires on the last day of the checked off Early Signing Period at 11:59p.m (September 8 OR
October 12). Please take this time to review all of your options and make the decision that is best for you.
Clubs are permitted to collect deposits at this time.
Athletes are required to register and complete the Volleyball Alberta Membership Waiver form and Athlete
Code of Conduct form at the time of signing the offer and submit these documents to the club.
Verification of Age: By signing this document, the club representative is verifying that he/she has seen this
individual’s government issued identification and that the individual’s birth date and year are correctly listed
below. (Volleyball Alberta may request proof of registration and a copy of the individual’s birth certificate at any
time).
____________________________________
Athlete’s Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Club Representative’s Name Club Representative Signature
Athletes and clubs are required to keep a copy of ALL forms (Volleyball Alberta Early Signing Form,
Volleyball Alberta Membership Waiver Form & Athlete Code of Conduct).
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2018 - 2019 Club Season: Early Signing Form (Page 2 of 2)
Club Fees Total (a range is acceptable): __________________________________________________________________________
Club Fees include the following:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Club Fees exclude:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Deposit Amount: ______________ (Refundable prior to the Tryout Period if the contract is voided)
Club Fee Payment Schedule (Outline any expectation for payment due dates):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This agreement may be voided if there is a significant change to the above terms and/or extenuating
circumstances. Athletes and/or Clubs would have to apply to Volleyball Alberta ([email protected]) to
request the agreement be voided and therefore be released from the club. In addition to the above terms, we
strongly recommend a Club Contract be signed outlining information such as: practice schedule and locations,
tournament dates, travel arrangements, code of conduct and any conflicts the athlete may have with team
commitments, club philosophy, coaching philosophy, and club refund policy.
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Athlete’s Name Athlete’s Signature Date
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Parent/Guardian Name (If Athlete is 17 or under) Parent/Guardian Signature Date
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Club Representative’s Name Club Representative Signature
Declined Offer Notification:
The athlete noted below has chosen to decline the offer provided by the team/club:
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Athlete’s Name Athlete’s Signature Date
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date
(If Athlete is 17 or under)
www.volleyballalberta.ca
54
2018 - 2019 Club Season: Tryout Signing Form - (Page 1 of 2)
Date: ______________________
Name of Athlete: _________________________________________ (required) Club Name: ___________________________________ (required)
Team Name: ______________________________________________ (required) Age Category/Gender: ________________________ (required)
Name of Coach: ____________________________________________ (required)
This is a formal offer to commit to the above noted club for the indoor competition season. This form may only be signed
during the Tryout Period & thereafter:
Tryout Period:
Starts - November 26
13U – 15U Edmonton & Surrounding Area Tryout Period:
Starts - December 2
Formal offers made once the Tryout Period begins expire at 11:59pm, 3 days after the offer is given. Example: Athlete
receives an offer on November 26 during the Tryout Period and the offer expires at 11:59pm on November 29.
Athletes are under no obligation to accept the above offer & still have the ability to try out for other club teams. Please take
this time to review all of your options and make the decision that is best for you. Clubs are permitted to collect deposits at
this time.
Athletes may choose to accept or decline the offer sheet immediately or take 1-3 days to return the signed offer sheet back
to the coach. (Volleyball Alberta recommends athletes participate in more than one club tryout, to evaluate other
opportunities and ensure the best fit).
By signing this form, the athlete and the club are committing to each other for a minimum of one season from the date the
agreement is signed until the end of the season (May 31). Athletes choosing to decline an offer provided by a
team/club should notify teams and clubs with an email declining the offer as soon as their decision has been made.
Athletes are required to register and complete the Volleyball Alberta Membership Waiver form and Athlete Code of Conduct
form at the time of signing the offer and submit these documents to the club.
Verification of Age: By signing this document, the club representative is verifying that he/she has seen this individual’s
government issued identification and that the individual’s birth date and year are correctly listed below. (Volleyball Alberta
may request proof of registration and a copy of the individual’s birth certificate at any time).
____________________________________
Athlete’s Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Club Representative’s Name Club Representative Signature
Athletes and clubs are required to keep a copy of ALL forms (Volleyball Alberta Tryout Signing Form, Volleyball
Alberta Membership Waiver Form & Athlete Code of Conduct).
www.volleyballalberta.ca
55
Tryout Signing Form - 2018-2019 Club Season (Page 2 of 2)
Team Roster Size: _______________________ (required) A team may include 15 players, but only 12 players can
be registered on the scoresheet and only these 12 may participate in the match.
Club Fees Total (a range is acceptable): __________________________________________________________________________
Club Fees include the following:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Club Fees exclude:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Deposit Amount: ______________ (Refundable prior to the Tryout Period if the contract is voided)
Club Fee Payment Schedule (Outline any expectation for payment due dates):
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This agreement may be voided if there is a significant change to the above terms and/or extenuating
circumstances. Athletes and/or Clubs would have to apply to Volleyball Alberta ([email protected]) to
request the agreement be voided and therefore be released from the club. In addition to the above terms, we
strongly recommend a Club Contract be signed outlining information such as: practice schedule and locations,
tournament dates, travel arrangements, code of conduct and any conflicts the athlete may have with team
commitments, club philosophy, coaching philosophy, and club refund policy.
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Athlete’s Name Athlete’s Signature Date
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date
(If Applicant is 17 or under)
___________________________________ ____________________________________
Club Representative’s Name Club Representative Signature
Declined Offer Notification:
This can be emailed to the team/club. The athlete noted below has chosen to decline the offer provided by the
team/club:
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Athlete’s Name Athlete’s Signature Date
_______________________________ ________________________________ ________________
Parent/Guardian Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date
(If Applicant is 17 or under)
www.volleyballalberta.ca
56
Spectator Code of Conduct
We encourage spectators to:
• Help keep the facility clean by throwing their garbage in refuse bins.
• Cheer in a positive manner and applaud good plays by both teams.
• Respect the decisions of referees & coaches.
• Respect the rules and regulations of the facility.
• Have a positive attitude towards volleyball and emphasize the cooperative nature of the sport.
• Express their disapproval in an appropriate manner and time to the coaches, club or Volleyball Alberta
staff.
• Be courteous and respectful to all athletes, referees, coaches, spectators, volunteers, & staff.
Unacceptable behaviours:
• Verbal or physical abuse of any kind.
• Questioning any referees, line-judges, coach’s decisions or honesty in public.
• Harassing players, coaches, referees, staff, volunteers, or other spectators.
• Profane or foul language.
• Interfering with the game or tournament competition.
• Applauding errors by opponents or faults called against them.
Spectators will be asked to leave the facility if they do not follow this code of conduct.
Please Note: Spectators need to be aware that during Volleyball Alberta events, volleyballs may leave the
playing surface at any time. Please stay alert! You enter a facility at your own risk – Volleyball Alberta is not
responsible for injury!
www.volleyballalberta.ca
57
Scouting & Recruiting Policy
School Season
Volleyball Alberta strongly encourages the volleyball community to work cooperatively to ensure all volleyball
participants have a positive experience by following these principles and rules.
1. Athletes, parents, club and team representatives are free to communicate with athletes after July 1, 2018. A
parent and/or a school coach should be present during any information exchange between a club and
athlete.
2. Volleyball Alberta club or team representatives may not contact an athlete during school hours, practices,
tournaments or league/exhibition games. They may do so after these activities but must have the permission
of the athlete’s school coach and/or parent(s) first before approaching the athlete.
3. Occasionally a player may initiate contact with a club coach. If this is done during school hours,
practices, tournaments or league/exhibition games; then it is the club coach’s responsibility to inform the
athlete they can have a conversation after the activity and once they have received the school coach and/or
parents’ permission.
4. Scouting and recruiting for the 2018-2019 season can begin on June 1.
• No communication or recruiting of club athletes can occur from the end of the Nationals until May 31.
• Clubs are strongly encouraged NOT to facilitate any programs during the school season to prevent
athlete burnout, overtraining, and/or overuse injuries.
Club Season
Volleyball Alberta strongly encourages the volleyball community to work cooperatively to ensure all volleyball
participants have a positive experience by following these principles and rules.
1. Recruiters, coaches or scouting agency representatives are NOT allowed to contact an athlete while their
team is still participating in a tournament.
2. Recruiters can speak with an athlete once their competition is over but must have consent from their coach
and/or parent(s).
3. Recruiters must introduce themselves and the institution/organization they represent to tournament staff
upon arrival; ideally recruiters will email Volleyball Alberta in advance with their information at
4. Tournament staff has the right to ask a recruiter/coach to leave the gymnasium or venue if recruiting
practices are not respected.
5. Occasionally a player may initiate contact with a recruiter/post-secondary coach. If this is done during
school hours, practices, tournaments or league/exhibition games; then it is the recruiter’s responsibility to
inform the athlete they can have a conversation after the activity and once they have received the coach
and/or parents’ permission.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
58
6. Volleyball Alberta is responsible for reporting all infractions to the appropriate association, athletic
conference(s) and/or member institution. Violation of these rules, or the spirit of these rules, may result in
sanctioning of a recruiter/coach.
7. All club coaches are obligated to report any recruiting practices they feel do not meet the above regulations.
Club coaches should be aware that casual interaction between post-secondary coaches/recruiters and
athletes during a tournament is acceptable, so long as conversations and contact do not involve recruitment.
Team Alberta
1. The Provincial Team Program will not be used as a vehicle for recruitment by clubs, colleges, universities
and/or private agencies. Recruitment of any sort during Team Alberta training and competition periods by
anybody, including the Provincial Team staff, will not be permitted and are grounds for dismissal.
2. Provincial team coaches will identify athletes at Volleyball Alberta events. Athletes will be notified after a
tournament or near the end of the indoor season.
3. Provincial team coaches are not permitted to contact and recruit athletes during their participation in a
competition.
Scouting & Recruiting Adherence Policy
Volleyball Alberta reserves the right to investigate any possible tryout infractions regardless of how VA learns
about the incident. This is a self-policing policy and all VA members are obligated to report any infractions and
cooperate fully with the investigation. If Volleyball Alberta determines an offense has occurred, any one or a
combination of the following sanctions will be taken, depending on the severity of the offense:
• Letter of reprimand.
• Fine of up to $1000.
• Suspension for up to one year from all Volleyball Alberta events, beginning from the date when the
investigation concluded to the individual, team or club.
• Indefinite suspension from Volleyball Alberta events, beginning from the date when the investigation
concluded to the individual, team or club.
• Individuals, teams, or clubs suspended for more than one year must apply in writing for reinstatement as a
member in good standing. Approval for reinstatement will be contingent upon a full review of the
application by Volleyball Alberta.
When reporting a possible infraction please include the following information:
• Date of infraction.
• Offending club.
• Any type of non-subjective documentation that supports a violation to the policy, which includes but is
not limited to: a) Website links, b) Emails and or texts, c) Publications (newspaper ads, flyers etc.), d) Receipts,
e) Contact information for the person reporting the incident.
All complaints can be forwarded to Jim Plakas at [email protected]. An individual, team or club may
appeal a sanction through the Volleyball Alberta Appeals Policy.
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2018 - 2019 Volleyball Alberta Screening Process
Screening of personnel and volunteers is an important part of providing a safe sporting environment. Volleyball
Alberta is responsible by law, to do everything reasonable to provide a safe and secure environment for
participants in its programs, activities and events. Volleyball Alberta is committed to fulfilling the duty of care it
owes to its members. Police Information Checks should be completed PRIOR to an individual working with
a club, athletes, or for Volleyball Alberta.
Volleyball Alberta REQUIRES mandatory Enhanced Police Information Checks (E-PIC) & Screening Disclosure
forms (SDF) for all rostered Team Staff (Coaches, Managers, Team Contacts, Trainers) at Volleyball Alberta
tournaments. Volleyball Alberta will be collecting the completion dates for these forms from club
representatives.
NEW FOR 2019: Volleyball Alberta REQUIRES mandatory Enhanced Police Information Checks (E-PIC) &
Screening Disclosure forms (SDF) for all Club Directors. These forms will be collected by Volleyball Alberta.
Please note: If a Club designate other than the Club Director will be responsible for checking and submitting the
screening document information for their club to Volleyball Alberta, the Club Designate will REQUIRE an E-PIC
and SDF.
Volleyball Alberta REQUIRES mandatory Enhanced Police Information Checks (E-PIC) & Screening Disclosure
forms (SDF) for all Referees. These forms will be collected by Volleyball Alberta.
Volleyball Alberta STRONGLY RECOMMENDS Enhanced Police Information Checks (E-PIC) & Screening
Disclosure forms (SDF) for all individuals in leadership roles who work with athletes. This includes all Board
Members, Administrators, Chaperones and Persons who manage finances (these individuals have access to
personal information). Police Information Checks for these personnel would be managed by their respective
volleyball club as per their organization’s policy.
If there are any disclosures, inconclusive, or positive results, the Club Director or Designate is to blank out
the person's name and forward the SDF/E-PIC to the Volleyball Alberta Executive Director
([email protected]). The Executive Director will forward the information to the Screening
Committee for review. The Screening Committee will use the Volleyball Alberta Screening Policy to
determine if the Coach is allowed to participate within Volleyball Alberta. This decision will be then
returned to the Executive Director and Club Director or Designate.
Volleyball Alberta’s policy states that Enhanced Police Information Checks are valid for three (3) years from the
date of completion. The Volleyball Alberta Screening Disclosure form must be completed and submitted on a
yearly basis.
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Referees
Volleyball Alberta REQUIRES Referees to submit their E-PIC and SDF directly to Volleyball Alberta via:
https://volleyballalberta.formstack.com/forms/2019_referee_screening
Club Directors (and Screening Designates)- NEW FOR 2019:
Volleyball Alberta REQUIRES Club Directors to submit their E-PIC and SDF directly to Volleyball Alberta via:
https://volleyballalberta.formstack.com/forms/2019_club_director_screening BY DECEMBER 1.
Please note: If a Club Designate other than the Director will be responsible for checking and submitting the
Screening document information for their club to Volleyball Alberta, the Club Designate will ALSO need to
submit their documentation directly to Volleyball Alberta:
https://volleyballalberta.formstack.com/forms/2019_club_director_screening
Team Staff
The Club Director/Designate will need to submit the screening document information for all rostered Team
Staff by the tournament PIC Deadline (same as Roster Lock). Information is submitted via the online form found
at: https://volleyballalberta.formstack.com/forms/2019_pic_sdf_club_sign_off_sheet
Team Staff without valid E-PIC’s/SDF’s submitted by their club prior to the respective Tournament PIC deadline
will be removed from the roster and will not be able to sit on the bench. Information submitted after the
respective Tournament Roster Lock deadline will only be processed for the subsequent Tournament.
Online Service Provider
Beginning in the 2017- 2018 season, Volleyball Alberta joined our counterparts at the Coaching Association of
Canada to partner with Sterling Talent Solutions. Sterling Talent Solutions provides an online, secure, and
convenient way to obtain an Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC). Their results are forgery-proof which
gives confidence to the organization that results have not been tampered with. The results are back in one
business day, allowing people to be placed almost immediately. Additionally, people can share their results
securely with other organizations where they work or volunteer with 24/7/365 access through their software.
The cost per check is $25. While some police services may charge less we believe the benefits outweigh the
additional cost (reduced travel costs, less time off work required, speed, security).
Applicants can initiate and pay for their own checks online through:
https://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/volleyball-alberta/. If you do not see your club name listed, please
contact Julie Noel at [email protected] For larger clubs wishing to setup an account for your Club (to
enable clubs to directly pay for the E-PIC’s), please contact Benjamin Lumbuan at [email protected]
for assistance.
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How it works:
The Criminal Record Check process would be as follows:
1. Coach/Volunteers are directed to a landing page (https://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/volleyball-
alberta/)
2. Coach/Volunteer clicks the link, provides information on our site securely, verifies ID
3. 90% of candidates verify their ID online successfully. The 10% that are unsuccessful will be asked to
proceed with traditional ID verification at any Canada Post office. This process is the same as they
would do at a police station, but should be more convenient since there are many more locations.
4. That’s it! Results will be returned to your club/association and the individual, guaranteed within one (1)
business day.
Please note: Police information checks dated September 2018 onwards will only be accepted via
Sterling Talent Solutions.
Questions? Please see our Police Check FAQ for details on the E-PIC process.
Police Checks Frequently Asked Questions
Sterling Talent Solutions has collected a list of frequently asked question on their website at:
https://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/landing-pages/c/cac_faqs/
I am a teacher and sign a declaration each year for my school board, do I still need to get a police record
check done? Yes! Teachers are only required to get one police check done at the start of their teaching careers;
they then sign offence declarations every year thereafter. Under Volleyball Alberta policy a police check is only
valid for 3 years. Any teacher who has taught for more than three years must get a new police check completed
to coach/officiate with us.
We also require new police checks be completed for police officers, military personnel and government
employees who have not had a check done in 3 years.
I had a police check and completed for another organization, will Volleyball Alberta accept this check?
Starting in the 2018-2019 Season, new police checks (Completed in September 2018 onwards)
will only be accepted via Sterling Talent Solutions. If your check was completed prior to September, and
within the past 3 years, we will accept a copy for the 2018-2019 season. If it meets our requirements, no new
check will need to be completed until 3 years from the date the last check was done.
What happens if there is a positive result on an E-PIC? If there are any disclosures, inconclusive, or positive
results, the Club Director or Designate is to blank out the person's name and forward the SDF/E-PIC to the
Volleyball Alberta Executive Director ([email protected]). The Executive Director will forward
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the information to the Screening Committee for review. The Screening Committee will use the Volleyball
Alberta Screening Policy to determine if the Coach is allowed to participate within Volleyball Alberta. This
decision will be then returned to the Executive Director and Club Director or Designate.
If I have someone on my coaching roster that is 18 years of age or younger, do they need to complete an
E-PIC & SDF and do they need to be included on my Club sign-off-sheet? Yes, police involvement and
criminal charges can be laid as young as 12 years of age (Team Staff need to be at least 12 years old). We want
to ensure that there is no pattern of behavior that could put the vulnerable, the organization or the public at risk
for violent offences. More information can be found at:
https://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/blog/2017/07/criminal-record-checks-applicants-18-years-age-u18/.
Police Information Checks for Youth under 18 must be completed through local police services.
Why did you remove the requirement of a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)?
As you know, a Vulnerable Sector Check is the term traditionally used as the equivalent of a Sex Offender
Registry Search. This search includes the following three components:
1. Standard Criminal Record Check: This name-based check is a search of adult convictions held within the
RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records. This is used for most employment situations and includes all
offences in the Criminal Code, including those of a sexual nature and with children.
2. Local Police Information: This search includes the Standard Criminal Record Check above, as well as
additional conviction and selected non-conviction information which may be relevant within both national
and local police data sources. Additional information that may be discovered through this in-depth search
including: Outstanding charges, Warrants, Peace bonds and restraining orders, Prohibitions, Probation
orders, Interim release conditions, Recent convictions not yet listed in the National Repository.
3. Pardoned Offences: This piece queries for any pardoned offences of a sexual nature only.
The Sterling Enhanced Check includes the Standard Criminal Record Check (#1) but also all the local police
information contained in #2. As the Parole Board of Canada was taking over three months to return results, the
service was discontinued.
Many sports organizations, along with Scouts Canada, Girl Guides of Canada, Red Cross, and many others
(http://www.sterlingtalentsolutions.ca/landing-pages/c/cac/coaching-association-of-canada/) have made a
decision that receiving the first two pieces outweighs the risks and frustration of receiving all three pieces from
the local police. This may seem a bit odd at first glance, but the decision was made due to some of the
challenges they faced:
1. When an applicant visits a police station, they are handed a piece of paper with the results of their check,
and asked to supply that to the requesting organization. Unfortunately, many of these organizations have
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caught people offering forged police certificates to their organization. This happens more frequently than
we’d like to think.
2. Results from the police can take weeks, which often results in volunteers abandoning the process, or being
placed without being screened.
3. Vulnerable Sector Searches at the local police require male applicants to be fingerprinted approximately 30%
of the time. This results in additional costs and delays of 3 months+, which turned away up to 50% of their
volunteers purely due to the inconvenience and indignity of proving their innocence. From various Access to
Information Requests from the RCMP, we have learned that approximately 250,000 individuals were asked to
provide fingerprints to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check each year, and only 100,000 proceeded with this
request. That’s a lot of people who are placed without screening, or abandoned the process.
In addition, it is important to note that organizations do not need to inconvenience every candidate with a
Vulnerable Sector Check, as the Pardoned Sexual Offence Search would not be required for many individuals.
1. Returning staff/volunteers: Due to current legislation regarding waiting periods for pardons/record
suspensions of 10 years for indictable offences, any person that has recently completed a Vulnerable Sector
Check with a ‘clear’ result within the past few years would not have to complete a search for pardoned sex
offences once again, as any new convictions for sexual offences would be uncovered during a standard
Criminal Record Check before 10 years elapses and a pardon/record suspension could be obtained.
2. Individuals Under 31: We have obtained an Access to Information Request from the RCMP which tells us that
the date of birth belonging to the youngest person with a pardoned sexual offence is February 28, 1986.
Therefore, any search for pardoned sexual offences on a candidate born after February 28, 1986 would be
fruitless. More on this here: http://sterlingbackcheck.ca/Resources/OurBlog/2016/May/Vulnerable-Sector-
Verifications-and-Persons-Under-30.aspx#.V0WlOWiUioU.linkedin
Moreover, the federal government passed legislation in 2012 preventing anyone from obtaining a record
suspension (pardon) for any sexual offences going forward. This means the list of pardoned sexual offenders is
not growing. This means an Enhanced Police Information Check comprising sections one and two above
(everything but the pardoned sexual offence search) offers the exact same level of information for any returning
coaches/officials with a clear VSS, or anyone under 31 years of age.
If you have any further questions regarding police screening/checks, please contact Julie at
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Volleyball Alberta Concussion Protocol
Volleyball Alberta has developed our Concussion Protocol to help guide the management of athletes who may
have a suspected concussion. This Protocol was adapted from Parachute Canada’s Canadian Harmonized Sport
Concussion Template (section 2 has been added).
Purpose
This protocol covers the recognition, medical diagnosis, and management of ATHLETES & TEAM STAFF who
may sustain a suspected concussion during a sport activity. It aims to ensure that athletes & team staff with a
suspected concussion receive timely and appropriate care and proper management to allow them to return back
to their sport safely. This protocol may not address every possible clinical scenario that can occur during sport-
related activities but includes critical elements based on the latest evidence and current expert consensus.
Who should use this protocol?
This protocol is intended for use by all individuals who interact with athletes inside and outside the context of
school and non-school based organized sports activity, including athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers,
trainers, and licensed healthcare professionals.
For a summary of the Volleyball Alberta Concussion Protocol please refer to the Volleyball Alberta Sport
Concussion Pathway figure at the end of this document.
1. Pre-Season Education
Despite recent increased attention focusing on concussion there is a continued need to improve concussion
education and awareness. Optimizing the prevention and management of concussion depends highly on annual
education of all sport stakeholders (athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers, trainers, licensed healthcare
professionals) on current evidence-informed approaches that can prevent concussion and more serious forms of
head injury and help identify and manage an athlete with a suspected concussion. Concussion education should
include information on:
• the definition of concussion,
• possible mechanisms of injury,
• common signs and symptoms,
• steps that can be taken to prevent concussions and other injuries from occurring in sport.
• what to do when an athlete has suffered a suspected concussion or more serious head injury,
• what measures should be taken to ensure proper medical assessment,
• Return-to-School and Return-to-Sport Strategies, and
• Return to sport medical clearance requirements
‣ Who: Athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers, and trainers, licensed healthcare professionals
‣ How: Pre-season Concussion Education Sheet
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All parents and athletes are required to review and submit a signed copy of the Pre-season Concussion
Education Sheet to their coach prior to the first practice of the season. In addition to reviewing information on
concussion, it is also important that all sport stakeholders have a clear understanding of the Volleyball Alberta
Concussion Protocol. For example, this can be accomplished through pre-season in-person orientation sessions
for athletes, parents, coaches and other sport stakeholders.
2. Prevention
Meeuwisse DW, MacDonald K, Meeuwisse WH, et al. (Concussion incidence and mechanism among youth
volleyball players Br J Sports Med 2017; 51: A62-A63) found that the ball impacting the head is the mechanism
of injury in 57.1% of all concussions in volleyball. Practice environment accounted for 46.5% of all concussions
while 38.4% occurred in game play. The remaining 15.1% occurred in warm-up. The authors concluded that
there is a significant margin for injury prevention as a substantial proportion (61.6%) of concussions happening
in a noncompetitive, controlled environment that may be amenable to change that would reduce the potential
for such injury. Considering this research, teams will have to use one of the following warm-up processes at
Volleyball Alberta events. If athletes/team members are moving through the high impact areas of the court, the
referee will make note of it on the scoresheet and Volleyball Alberta staff will follow up with the teams.
OPTION 1:
• Athletes hit in waves whereby all athletes of a similar position attack the ball while their teammates remain on
the other side of the net (facing towards the attackers, at the end-line) to shag the balls. Athletes would then
switch roles at specific intervals through the warm-up.
• After attacking the ball, athletes will stay on their side of the net (they do not go under the net) and return to
the back of the hitting line. This will prevent an athlete from walking through a high impact area with their
back to the net.
• If team members introduce balls to the attacking side, they must be located outside the court prior to the
athletes hitting. Ball retrievers will be situated in this location to collect balls safely from the ball retrievers at
the back of the line.
OPTION 2:
• A ball retriever (parents or players) should start on the opposite side of the net as the attackers. They may
stand on or behind the baseline and face towards the attackers.
• After attacking the ball, athletes should land properly on their own side of the net and WALK AROUND THE
POST. The athlete would then either remain outside of the court to either a) collect the ball prior to returning it
to the coach or b) become a ball retriever for the next attacker.
• If team members introduce balls to the attacking side, they must be located outside the court prior to the
athletes hitting. Ball retrievers will be situated in this location to collect balls safely from the ball retrievers at
the back of the line.
OPTION 3:
• During the official warm-up at the net, if a team chooses to utilize a warm-up using both sides of the court (E.g.
wash drill), that team must provide volunteers to prevent balls from impacting the opposition team at the back
of the court.
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3. Head Injury Recognition
Although the formal diagnosis of concussion should be made following a medical assessment, all sport
stakeholders including athletes, parents, teachers, coaches, teachers, officials, and licensed healthcare
professionals are responsible for the recognition and reporting of athletes who may demonstrate visual signs of
a head injury or who report concussion-related symptoms. This is particularly important because many sport and
recreation venues will not have access to on-site licensed healthcare professionals. A concussion should be
suspected:
• in any athlete who sustains a significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body and demonstrates ANY
of the visual signs of a suspected concussion or reports ANY symptoms of a suspected concussion as
detailed in the Concussion Recognition Tool 5.
• if a player reports ANY concussion symptoms to one of their peers, parents, teachers, or coaches or if
anyone witnesses an athlete exhibiting any of the visual signs of concussion.
In some cases, an athlete may demonstrate signs or symptoms of a more severe head or spine injury including
convulsions, worsening headaches, vomiting or neck pain. If an athlete demonstrates any of the ‘Red Flags’
indicated by the Concussion Recognition Tool 5, a more severe head or spine injury should be suspected.
Tournament Staff should be immediately informed and will initiate the Emergency Action Plan. ONLY
TOURNAMENT STAFF SHOULD CALL 911.
‣ Who: Athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers, trainers, and licensed healthcare professionals
‣ How: Concussion Recognition Tool 5
4. Onsite Medical Assessment
Depending on the suspected severity of the injury, an initial assessment may be completed by emergency
medical professionals or by an on-site licensed healthcare professional where available. In cases where an
athlete loses consciousness, or it is suspected an athlete might have a more severe head or spine injury,
Emergency Medical Assessment by emergency medical professionals should take place (see 5a below). If a more
severe injury is not suspected, the athlete should undergo Sideline Medical Assessment or Medical Assessment,
depending on if there is a licensed healthcare professional present (see 5b below).
5a. Emergency Medical Assessment
If an athlete is suspected of sustaining a more severe head or spine injury during a game or practice, an
ambulance should be called immediately to transfer the patient to the nearest emergency department for
further Medical Assessment.
Coaches, parents, teachers, trainers and officials should not make any effort to remove equipment or move the
athlete until an ambulance has arrived and the athlete should not be left alone until the ambulance arrives. After
the emergency medical services staff has completed the Emergency Medical Assessment, the athlete should be
transferred to the nearest hospital for Medical Assessment. In the case of youth (under 18 years of age), the
athlete’s parents should be contacted immediately to inform them of the athlete’s injury. For athletes over 18
years of age, their emergency contact person should be contacted if one has been provided
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‣ Who: Emergency medical professionals
5b. Sideline Medical Assessment
If an athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion and there is no concern for a more serious head or spine
injury, the player should be immediately removed from the field of play.
Scenario 1: If a licensed healthcare professional is present
The athlete should be taken to a quiet area and undergo Sideline Medical Assessment using the Sport
Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) or the Child SCAT5. All athletes under 18 must be accompanied by an
adult during the Sideline Medical Assessment. The SCAT5 and Child SCAT5 are clinical tools that should only be
used by a licensed healthcare professional that has experience using these tools. It is important to note that the
results of SCAT5 and Child SCAT5 testing can be normal in the setting of acute concussion. As such, these tools
can be used by licensed healthcare professionals to document initial neurological status but should not be used
to make sideline return-to-sport decisions in youth athletes. Any youth athlete who is suspected of having
sustained a concussion must not return to the game or practice and must be referred for Medical Assessment.
If a youth athlete is removed from play following a significant impact and has undergone assessment by a
licensed healthcare professional, but there are NO visual signs of a concussion and the athlete reports NO
concussion symptoms then the athlete can be returned to play but should be monitored for delayed
symptoms.
Scenario 2: If there is no licensed healthcare professional present
The athlete should be referred immediately for medical assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner,
and the athlete must not return to play until receiving medical clearance.
‣ Who: Athletic therapists, physiotherapists, medical doctor
‣ How: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5), Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (Child
SCAT5)
6. Medical Assessment
In order to provide comprehensive evaluation of athletes with a suspected concussion, the medical assessment
must rule out more serious forms of traumatic brain and spine injuries, must rule out medical and neurological
conditions that can present with concussion-like symptoms, and must make the diagnosis of concussion based
on findings of the clinical history and physical examination and the evidence-based use of adjunctive tests as
indicated (i.e CT scan). In addition to nurse practitioners, medical doctors1 that are qualified to evaluate patients
with a suspected concussion include: pediatricians; family medicine, sports medicine, emergency department,
internal medicine, and rehabilitation (physiatrists) physicians; neurologists; and neurosurgeons.
In geographic regions of Canada with limited access to medical doctors (i.e. rural or northern communities), a
licensed healthcare professional (i.e. nurse) with pre-arranged access to a medical doctor or nurse practitioner
can facilitate this role. The medical assessment is responsible for determining whether the athlete has been
1 Medical doctors and nurse practitioners are the only healthcare professionals in Canada with licensed training and expertise to
meet these needs; therefore all athletes with a suspected concussion should undergo evaluation by one of these professionals.
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diagnosed with a concussion or not. Athletes with a diagnosed concussion should be provided with a Medical
Assessment Letter indicating a concussion has been diagnosed. Athletes that are determined to have not
sustained a concussion must be provided with a Medical Assessment Letter indicating a concussion has not
been diagnosed and the athlete can return to school, work and sports activities without restriction.
‣ Who: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse
‣ How: Medical Assessment Letter
7. Concussion Management
When an athlete has been diagnosed with a concussion, it is important that the athlete’s parent/legal guardian
is informed. All athletes diagnosed with a concussion must be provided with a standardized Medical Assessment
Letter that notifies the athlete and their parents/legal guardians/spouse that they have been diagnosed with a
concussion and may not return to any activities with a risk of concussion until medically cleared to do so by a
medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Because the Medical Assessment Letter contains personal health
information, it is the responsibility of the athlete or their parent/legal guardian to provide this documentation to
the athlete’s coaches, teachers, or employers. It is also important for the athlete to provide this information to
sport organization officials that are responsible for injury reporting and concussion surveillance where
applicable.
Athletes diagnosed with a concussion should be provided with education about the signs and symptoms of
concussion, strategies about how to manage their symptoms, the risks of returning to sport without medical
clearance and recommendations regarding a gradual return to school and sport activities. Athletes diagnosed
with a concussion are to be managed according to their Return-to-School and Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport
Strategy under the supervision of a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. When available, athletes should be
encouraged to work with the team athletic therapist or physiotherapist to optimize progression through their
Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. Once the athlete has completed their Return-to-School and Sport-
Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy and are deemed to be clinically recovered from their concussion, the medical
doctor or nurse practitioner can consider the athlete for a return to full sports activities and issue a Medical
Clearance Letter.
The stepwise progressions for Return-to-School and Return-to-Sport Strategies are outlined below. As indicated
in stage 1 of the Return-to-Sport Strategy, reintroduction of daily, school, and work activities using the Return-
to-School Strategy must precede return to sport participation.
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Return-to-School Strategy The following is an outline of the Return-to-School Strategy that should be used to help student-athletes, parents, and teachers to
collaborate in allowing the athlete to make a gradual return to school activities. Depending on the severity and type of the symptoms
present student-athletes will progress through the following stages at different rates. If the student-athlete experiences new symptoms or
worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the previous stage. Athletes should also be encouraged to ask their school if they
have a school-specific Return-to-Learn Program in place to help student-athletes make a gradual return to school.
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Daily activities at home
that do not give the
student-athlete symptoms
Typical activities during the day as long as they do not
increase symptoms (i.e. reading, texting, screen time). Start at
5-15 minutes at a time and gradually build up.
Gradual return to typical activities
2 School activities Homework, reading or other cognitive activities outside of
the classroom.
Increase tolerance to cognitive work
3 Return to school part-time Gradual introduction of schoolwork. May need to start with a
partial school day or with increased breaks during the day.
Increase academic activities
4 Return to school full-time Gradually progress Return to full academic activities and
catch up on missed school work
Volleyball-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy The following is an outline of the Return-to-Sport Strategy that should be used to help athletes, coaches, trainers, and medical professionals
to partner in allowing the athlete to make a gradual return to sport activities. An initial period of 24-48 hours of rest is recommended before
starting the Volleyball-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. If the athlete experiences new symptoms or worsening symptoms at any stage,
they should go back to the previous stage. It is important that youth and adult student-athletes return to full-time school activities before
progressing to stage 5 and 6 of the Volleyball-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. It is also important that all athletes provide their coach with
a Medical Clearance Letter prior to returning to full contact sport activities.
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Symptom-
limiting activity
Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms
Gradual re-introduction of
work/school activities
2 Light aerobic
activity
Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training
-Light intensity jogging or stationary cycling for 15-20 minutes at sub-symptom
threshold intensity.
-Volleyball specific warm-up and cool-down
Increase heart rate
3 Sport-specific
exercise
Running drills. No head impact activities
- Moderate intensity jogging for 30-60 minutes at sub-symptom threshold intensity
- Low to moderate impact passing, standing serves, setting, and agility drills
(minimal or no jumping)
Add movement
4 Non-contact
training drills
Harder training drills, i.e. attacking drills. May start progressive resistance training
- Participation in high intensity running and drills
- High intensity practice without risk of receiving hard driven spikes to the head
- Participation in resistance training work-outs
Exercise, coordination and
increased thinking
5 Full contact
practice
Following medical clearance
- Participation in full practice without activity restriction
Restore confidence and
assess functional skills by
coaching staff
6 Return to sport Normal game play
‣ Who: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner and team athletic therapist or physiotherapist (where available)
‣ How: Return-to-Learn Strategy, Sport-Specific Return-to Sport Strategy, Medical Assessment Letter
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8. Multidisciplinary Concussion Care
Most athletes who sustain a concussion while participating in sport will make a complete recovery and be able
to return to full school and sport activities within 1-4 weeks of injury. However, approximately 15-30% of
individuals will experience symptoms that persist beyond this time frame. If available, individuals who experience
persistent post-concussion symptoms (>4 weeks for youth athletes, >2 weeks for adult athletes) may benefit
from referral to a medically supervised multidisciplinary concussion clinic that has access to professionals with
licensed training in traumatic brain injury that may include experts in sport medicine, neuropsychology,
physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neurology, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine.
Referral to a multidisciplinary clinic for assessment should be made on an individualized basis at the discretion
of an athlete’s medical doctor or nurse practitioner. If access to a multidisciplinary concussion clinic is not
available, a referral to a medical doctor with clinical training and experience in concussion (e.g. a sport medicine
physician, neurologist, or rehabilitation medicine physician) should be considered for the purposes of
developing an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the clinical presentation of the individual, this
treatment plan may involve a variety of health care professionals with areas of expertise that address the specific
needs of the athlete based on the assessment findings.
‣ Who: Multidisciplinary medical team, medical doctor with clinical training and experience in concussion (e.g. a sports medicine
physician, neurologist, or rehabilitation medicine physician), licensed healthcare professionals
9. Return to Sport
Athletes who have been determined to have not sustained a concussion and those that have been diagnosed
with a concussion and have successfully completed their Return-to-School and Volleyball-Specific Return-to-
Sport Strategy can be considered for return to full sports activities. The final decision to medically clear an
athlete to return to full game activity should be based on the clinical judgment of the medical doctor or nurse
practitioner taking into account the athlete’s past medical history, clinical history, physical examination findings
and the results of other tests and clinical consultations where indicated (i.e. neuropsychological testing,
diagnostic imaging). Prior to returning to full contact practice and game play, each athlete that has been
diagnosed with a concussion must provide their coach with a standardized Medical Clearance Letter that
specifies that a medical doctor or nurse practitioner has personally evaluated the patient and has cleared the
athlete to return to sports. In geographic regions of Canada with limited access to medical doctors (i.e. rural or
northern communities), a licensed healthcare professional (such as a nurse) with pre-arranged access to a
medical doctor or nurse practitioner can provide this documentation. A copy of the Medical Clearance Letter
should also be submitted to sports organization officials that have injury reporting and surveillance programs
where applicable. Athletes who have been provided with a Medical Clearance Letter may return to full sport
activities as tolerated. If the athlete experiences any new concussion-like symptoms while returning to play, they
should be instructed to stop playing immediately, notify their parents, coaches, trainer or teachers, and undergo
follow-up Medical Assessment. In the event that the athlete sustains a new suspected concussion, the Volleyball
Alberta Concussion Protocol should be followed as outlined here.
‣ Who: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner
‣ Document: Medical Clearance Letter
www.volleyballalberta.ca
71
Medical Assessment Letter (page 1 of 2)
Athlete’s Name:______________________________________________________________________ Club/Team Name: __________________________
To whom it may concern (M.D/N.P.),
Athletes who sustain a suspected concussion should be managed according to the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in
Sport. This athlete was involved in an incident on _______________________ in which a head injury is suspected.
This athlete has not undergone a Sideline Assessment
This athlete HAS UNDERGONE A SIDELINE ASSESSMENT by an ATHLETIC THERAPIST. The Athletic Therapist SUSPECTS
A CONCUSSION therefore, the athlete has been removed from competition pending a Medical Assessment. Please refer
to the completed SCAT5/Child SCAT 5 to assist in your evaluation of this athlete. Please initial to verify you have
seen the SCAT5/Child SCAT 5 ______________________.
To ensure appropriate communication between the athlete, their family, and the sporting organization, we ask that you
complete the below assessment.
Results of Medical Assessment (to be completed by M.D/N.P)
This patient has not been diagnosed with a concussion and can resume full participation in school, work, and sport
activities without restriction.
This patient has not been diagnosed with a concussion but the assessment led to the following diagnosis and
recommendations:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This patient has been diagnosed with a concussion. The goal of concussion management is to allow complete recovery
of the patient’s concussion by promoting a safe and gradual return to school and sport activities. The patient has been
instructed to avoid all recreational and organized sports or activities that could potentially place them at risk of another
concussion or head injury. Starting on ___________________(date), I would ask that the patient be allowed to participate in
school and low-risk physical activities as tolerated and only at a level that does not bring on or worsen their concussion
symptoms. The above patient should not return to any full contact practices or games until the coach has been provided
with a Medical Clearance Letter provided by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner in accordance with the Canadian
Guideline on Concussion in Sport.
Other comments: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank-you very much in advance for your understanding.
Yours Sincerely,
Print & Sign _______________________________________________________________ M.D. / N.P. (circle appropriate designation) *
Date: _____________________________
*In rural or northern regions, the Medical Assessment Letter may be completed by a nurse with pre-arranged access to a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Forms completed by other licensed healthcare professionals should not otherwise be accepted.
We recommend that this document be provided to the athlete without charge.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
72
Medical Assessment Letter (page 2 of 2)
Return-to-School Strategy1
The following is an outline of the Return-to-School Strategy that should be used to help student-athletes, parents, and teachers to
collaborate in allowing the athlete to make a gradual return to school activities. Depending on the severity and type of the symptoms
present student-athletes will progress through the following stages at different rates. If the student-athlete experiences new symptoms or
worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the previous stage.
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Daily activities at home that
do not give the student-
athlete symptoms
Typical activities during the day as long as they do not
increase symptoms (i.e. reading, texting, screen time).
Start at 5-15 minutes at a time and gradually build up.
Gradual return to typical activities
2 School activities Homework, reading or other cognitive activities
outside of the classroom.
Increase tolerance to cognitive work
3 Return to school part-time Gradual introduction of schoolwork. May need to start
with a partial school day or with increased breaks
during the day.
Increase academic activities
4 Return to school full-time Gradually progress Return to full academic activities and
catch up on missed school work
Volleyball-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy1
The following is an outline of the Return-to-Sport Strategy that should be used to help athletes, coaches, trainers, and medical professionals
to partner in allowing the athlete to make a gradual return to sport activities. Activities should be tailored to create a sport-specific strategy
that helps the athlete return to their respective sport. An initial period of 24-48 hours of rest is recommended before starting their Sport-
Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. If the athlete experiences new symptoms or worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the
previous stage. It is important that youth and adult student-athletes return to full-time school activities before progressing to stage 5 and 6
of the Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. It is also important that all athletes provide their coach with a Medical Clearance Letter prior
to returning to full contact sport activities. An initial period of 24-48 hours of rest is recommended before starting their Sport-Specific
Return-to-Sport Strategy. If the athlete experiences new symptoms or worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the
previous stage. It is important that youth and adult student-athletes return to full-time school activities before progressing to stage 5 and 6
of the Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. It is also important that all athletes provide their coach with a Medical Clearance Letter prior
to returning to full contact sport activities.
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Symptom-limiting
activity
Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms
Gradual re-introduction of work/school
activities
2 Light aerobic activity Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No
resistance training
Increase heart rate
3 Sport-specific
exercise
Running drills. No head impact activities Add movement
4 Non-contact training
drills
Harder training drills, i.e. attacking drills. May start
progressive resistance training
Exercise, coordination and increased
thinking
5 Full contact practice Following medical clearance Restore confidence and assess
functional skills by coaching staff
6 Return to sport Normal game play
1 Source: McCrory et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport – the 5th international conference on concussion in sport
held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838-847. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-
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73
Medical Clearance Letter (page 1 of 2)
Date: _____________________________ Athlete’s Name:_______________________________________________________________
To whom it may concern,
Athletes who are diagnosed with a concussion should be managed according to the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in
Sport including the Return-to-School and Return-to-Sport Strategies (see page 2 of this letter). Accordingly, the above
athlete has been medically cleared to participate in the following activities as tolerated effective the date stated above
(please check all that apply):
Symptom-limiting activity (cognitive and physical activities that don’t provoke symptoms)
Light aerobic activity (Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training)
Sport-specific exercise (Running or skating drills. No head impact activities)
Non-contact practice (Harder training drills, e.g. passing drills. May start progressive resistance training. Including
gym class activities without a risk of contact, e.g. tennis, running, swimming)
Full-contact practice (Including gym class activities with risk of contact and head impact, e.g. soccer, dodgeball,
basketball)
Full game play
What if symptoms recur? Any athlete who has been cleared for physical activities, gym class or non-contact practice, and
who has a recurrence of symptoms, should immediately remove himself or herself from the activity and inform the teacher or
coach. If the symptoms subside, the athlete may continue to participate in these activities as tolerated.
Athletes who have been cleared for full contact practice or game play must be able to participate in full-time school (or
normal cognitive activity) as well as high intensity resistance and endurance exercise (including non-contact practice) without
symptom recurrence. Any athlete who has been cleared for full-contact practice or full game play and has a recurrence of
symptoms, should immediately remove himself or herself from play, inform their teacher or coach, and undergo medical
assessment by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner before returning to full-contact practice or games.
Any athlete who returns to practices or games and sustains a new suspected concussion should be managed according to
the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport.
Other comments: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank-you very much in advance for your understanding.
Yours Sincerely,
Signature/print_____________________________________________ M.D. / N.P. (circle appropriate designation) *
*In rural or northern regions, the Medical Clearance Letter may be completed by a nurse with pre-arranged access to a medical doctor or
nurse practitioner. Forms completed by other licensed healthcare professionals should not otherwise be accepted.
We recommend that this document be provided to the athlete without charge.
www.volleyballalberta.ca
74
Medical Clearance Letter (page 2 of 2)
Return-to-School Strategy1
The following is an outline of the Return-to-School Strategy that should be used to help student-athletes, parents, and teachers to
collaborate in allowing the athlete to make a gradual return to school activities. Depending on the severity and type of the symptoms
present student-athletes will progress through the following stages at different rates. If the student-athlete experiences new symptoms or
worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the previous stage.
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Daily activities at home that
do not give the student-
athlete symptoms
Typical activities during the day as long as they do not
increase symptoms (i.e. reading, texting, screen time).
Start at 5-15 minutes at a time and gradually build up.
Gradual return to typical activities
2 School activities Homework, reading or other cognitive activities
outside of the classroom.
Increase tolerance to cognitive work
3 Return to school part-time Gradual introduction of schoolwork. May need to start
with a partial school day or with increased breaks
during the day.
Increase academic activities
4 Return to school full-time Gradually progress Return to full academic activities and
catch up on missed school work
Volleyball-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy1
The following is an outline of the Return-to-Sport Strategy that should be used to help athletes, coaches, trainers, and medical professionals
to partner in allowing the athlete to make a gradual return to sport activities. Activities should be tailored to create a sport-specific strategy
that helps the athlete return to their respective sport. An initial period of 24-48 hours of rest is recommended before starting their Sport-
Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. If the athlete experiences new symptoms or worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the
previous stage. It is important that youth and adult student-athletes return to full-time school activities before progressing to stage 5 and 6
of the Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. It is also important that all athletes provide their coach with a Medical Clearance Letter prior
to returning to full contact sport activities. An initial period of 24-48 hours of rest is recommended before starting their Sport-Specific
Return-to-Sport Strategy. If the athlete experiences new symptoms or worsening symptoms at any stage, they should go back to the
previous stage. It is important that youth and adult student-athletes return to full-time school activities before progressing to stage 5 and 6
of the Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy. It is also important that all athletes provide their coach with a Medical Clearance Letter prior
to returning to full contact sport activities.
Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Symptom-limiting
activity
Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms
Gradual re-introduction of work/school
activities
2 Light aerobic activity Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No
resistance training
Increase heart rate
3 Sport-specific
exercise
Running drills. No head impact activities Add movement
4 Non-contact training
drills
Harder training drills, i.e. attacking drills. May start
progressive resistance training
Exercise, coordination and increased
thinking
5 Full contact practice Following medical clearance Restore confidence and assess
functional skills by coaching staff
6 Return to sport Normal game play
1 Source: McCrory et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport – the 5th international conference on concussion in sport
held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838-847. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-
www.volleyballalberta.ca
75
Volleyball Alberta Concussion Pathway
1. Pre-Season Education
‣ Who: Athletes, parents, coaches, officials, trainers, teachers, healthcare professionals
‣ How: Pre-season Education Sheet
Is a concussion suspected?
Impact to the head, face, neck or body
Is a licensed healthcare professional present?
Was a concussion diagnosed?
Does the athlete have persistent symptoms?*
Return to Sport
Remove from play
Is a more serious head or spine injury suspected?
Head injury is suspected
2. Head Injury Recognition ‣ Who: Athletes, parents, coaches, officials, trainers, teachers, healthcare professionals
‣ How: Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (CRT5)
*Persistent symptoms: lasting > 4 weeks in children & youth or > 2 weeks in adults
3B. Sideline Assessment Who: Athletic therapist, physiotherapist, medical doctor
‣ How: SCAT5, Child SCAT5
5. Concussion Management
‣ Who: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner, and team athletic therapist or physiotherapist
‣ How: Return-to-School Strategy, Sport-Specific Return-to-Sport Strategy
4. Medical Assessment
‣ Who: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner
‣ How: Medical Assessment Letter
NO YES
3A. Emergency Medical Assessment. Tournament Staff will call 911
‣ Who: Emergency medical personnel
YES
YES
YES
6. Multidisciplinary Concussion Care
‣ Who: Multidisciplinary medical team, medical doctor with clinical training and experience in concussion, licensed healthcare professionals
YES
NO
NO
NO
7. Return to Sport Medical Clearance
‣ Who: Medical doctor, nurse practitioner
‣ How: Medical Clearance Letter
NO
www.volleyballalberta.ca
76
Behavior Policy
This policy is meant to serve as a reminder of the Code of Ethics for Referees, the Code of Conduct for
Participants, as well as guide to the officials in the appropriate measures for applying sanctions (Rules 20, 21 and
Misconduct Sanction Scale as presented in the Rulebook for the current year).
Participants should recognize that individual referees have a varying perspective on what degree of conduct may
or may not be considered within a normal emotional reaction. The following scenarios are examples of actions
that must be addressed appropriately by the first referee through sanctioning.
• Verbal comments or gestures by participants directed at any member of the referee corps regarding a
decision.
• The use of profane or foul language: Should the referee(s) hear profane or foul language used by a
participant that is loud enough to be heard by spectators, regardless of where the language is directed.
• A team member either sitting on the bench or staying in the warm-up area, protesting or contesting the
referees’ decision.
• When a ball (or object) is thrown, kicked or deflected in anger by any participant.
The match referee does have the ability to determine the extent of the offence. If considered minor misconduct,
the 1st referee may limit the sanctioning to a stage 1 (verbal) or stage 2 warning (yellow card). A stage 2
warning, while issued to a specific member of a team, serves notice that the entire team (by extension) has
reached the sanctioning phase and any additional forms of misconduct will be addressed with at minimum, a
penalty (red card).
Repetition of minor offences by the same team/individual in the same match must be sanctioned progressively.
Incorrect conduct by a team member towards officials, opponents, teammates or spectators is classified in three
categories according to the seriousness of the offence. Sanctions are applied based on the following:
• Rude Conduct: actions contrary to good manners or moral principles
• Offensive Conduct: defamatory or insulting words or gestures or any action expressing contempt
• Aggression: actual physical attack or aggressive or threatening behavior
Note: There does not have to be a stage 1 or 2 warning issued to an individual or team before the official
applies an appropriate sanction.
Note: In the instance of an expulsion or disqualification, the first referee must submit a separate report to
his/her ROC and the Volleyball Alberta staff member responsible for officials. An expulsion or disqualification
may result in further sanctioning at the discretion of the Volleyball Alberta Executive.
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77
Minor Misconduct Scale
• Stage 1 Warning: Verbal warning issued through the game captain
• Stage 2 Warning: By use of a yellow card to the team member(s) concerned. This formal warning is not
in itself a sanction but a symbol that the team member (and by extension the team) has reached the
sanctioning level for the match. It is recorded on the score sheet but has no immediate consequences.
Sanctions Scale
• Penalty (Rude Conduct): By use of a red card to the team member(s) concerned. The application of a
penalty results in a point and service to the opponent
• Expulsion (Offensive Conduct): By use of a red and yellow card (jointly) to the team member(s)
concerned
o A team member who is sanctioned by expulsion shall not play for the rest of the set, must be
substituted legally and immediately if on court and must remain seated in the penalty area with no
other consequence
o An expelled coach loses his/her right to intervene in the set and must remain seated in the penalty
area
• Disqualification (Aggression): By use of a red and yellow card (separately) to the team member(s)
concerned. A team member who is sanctioned by disqualification must be substituted legally and
immediately if on court and must leave the Competition Control Area for the rest of the match with no
other consequences.
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