Coronado High School

Team Rules and Policy

Coaching Philosophy: We want players to be better people when they walk out of here, not necessarily better
volleyball players. High school athletics provide our student-athletes with excellent real-life situations and guidance
without real-life consequences. We believe this is a fundamental element of participation on the Coronado Thunderbirds
Volleyball program. The competitive athletic experience can enhance social development, contribute to mental and
physical health, as well as teach the values of teamwork, goal setting, responsibility, self-discipline, work ethic,
coachability and self-motivation.
In the volleyball program, each player must understand and appreciate their role on the team and in the program,
the value of discipline, accountability, sacrifice, selflessness, determination, competitive spirit, commitment, teamwork,
and pride. One of our main goals is to empower the players to think and react on their own in practice and competition.
We want players to know how important is to assume leadership within their role and to think, instead of having a coach
always telling them what to do. In this system if you cannot think, you will fail!
The result of this thought process allows players to have a certain level of freedom within the team system. This
freedom promotes creativity. There is no such thing as restricting creativity, if you restrict it-you no longer have it.

1. Practice Expectations
A. No missed practices unless prior approval is received from the coach. (Do not tell a teammate; they can’t give
you approval). Consequences may include the following:
 For one unexcused practice, you do not play in the next match.
 For two unexcused practices, you’re off the team.
B. No tardiness. This means you are dressed, taped, and ready to play at your coach’s designated starting time.
C. No cell phones on during practice. Parents can contact coach in case of an emergency.
D. Players will be expected to work hard. Always come to the gym ready to learn and train.
E. Practice attitude. We expect athletes to bring a great attitude. You must allow yourself to make mistakes to get
better. SUPPORT your teammates at all times.

2. Player Expectations and Conduct

You are always a representative of the Coronado Thunderbird Volleyball program and the school-whether you are on or off
the court. Remember that you have made a commitment to yourself and your teammates.
A. No swearing or verbal abuse of opponents, teammates, coaches, or family.
B. While sitting on the bench, there should be a supportive atmosphere for your fellow teammates.
C. We are a classy team and we expect your conduct to reflect that.
D. All team members will ride to and from games on the bus unless prior approval is given to ride with parent only.
(Infractions will result in same penalty as missed practices).
E. No Social Media postings regarding Coronado Volleyball (pictures, tweets, Instagram, etc).
F. Classroom behavior. A sub-par attitude in any class may result in a reduction of playing time.

3. Playing time Philosophy

The prevailing rule when dealing with playing time is that the team comes first. This means that everyone will be
working towards the same goal and private agendas have to be set aside when they interfere with it. Every coach is looking
to get the most out of the team so the attitude we are looking from our players is “What can I do to help the team?” This
philosophy is based upon the fact that no team reaches its potential without every player making a contribution. Therefore,
each player must be aware of her importance to the team. Playing time standards will vary depending on the program’s
philosophy for each team (varsity, junior varsity, and freshman).

 Every player has a role. All team members are vital parts of a team’s success.
 Every player gets opportunities. The opportunity to earn a starting spot is always there. The coach is responsible
for identifying the strongest line-up, which means constant reevaluation at practices and games. No starting line-up
is ever permanent!

4. Parental Expectations
A. Please support the coaches at all times. It is very important that parents are not critical of coaches in front of their
daughters. If any conflict(s) arise during the season, please seek out the coach in a non-confrontational environment
and at the appropriate time.
 B. All parents will be expected to demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship. Please cheer for all the team’s
members and respect the other team’s players. Keep comments in the stands positive; remember, you are sitting
among other parents.
C. Practice sessions are generally closed. However, if parents wish to attend, they must follow the behavior
guidelines below:
 Let the players practice. Come to watch-not to evaluate others.
 Do not talk to the players during drills and breaks (this includes cheering).

5. Grades
The success of the volleyball program depends on the success of each athlete in the classroom. Players must maintain an
acceptable grade point average and attendance record and demonstrate positive classroom behavior at all times.
A. All UIL regulations will be enforced. If you are struggling in a subject, please notify your coach, and appropriate
tutoring will be made available.
B. Athletes will be required to regularly submit a Grade Check to the coaching staff.

6. Game day
 A player must be in attendance at school or have an excused absence. An unexcused absence may result in
not being allowed to participate in the match.
 Each player will use the same uniform. Example: top, shorts, socks, laces, warm-up, t-shirt and warm-up
jackets. No club apparel please. No Exemptions!
 Sub-varsity teams must help during the warm-up and support the varsity team.

7. Problems (Coaches will not discuss playing time on the court; that is up to the coaches discretion)
If a problem arises, please follow the procedures below, as most can be solved in the first or second level.
 First: Player should talk to the coach.
 Second: Parents and player should make an appointment to talk to the coach, but not on game day. JV or
9th player and parents should talk to the head varsity coach before moving the next level.
 Third: Player and parents should make an appointment to talk to the principal.

8. Out -of –season Commitment

Staying in shape in the off-season is vital to the success of any high school program. The volleyball program highly
recommend players to enroll in the volleyball off-season conditioning class in the spring semester, unless they are
participating in another school sport. In addition, the volleyball program also offers other off-season activities such as
conditioning, open gyms and summer league games. Training out of season is an opportunity and privilege (as it requires
several hours of volunteer time by coaches). Participation in the volleyball off-season program will only guarantee that if
players work hard, they will improve!

The penalty for not following these rules and policies will be the removal of the player from the team.

Remember, it is a privilege, not a right, to play sports.

Players and parent/guardian(s) signatures are required, signifying that they understand and agree to abide by the rules.

Parents/Guardians will sign at the Parent Orientation: Acknowledgement of the volleyball programs policy.