Fort McMurray Thunder Volleyball Club: Playing Time Policy
At the Fort McMurray Thunder Volleyball Club, we are committed to fostering a competitive, high-performance environment that supports the development of each athlete. One of the key components of this development is playing time, and it’s important to understand that playing time is ultimately at the discretion of the coaches. This decision is made with the team’s success, individual player growth, and overall club values in mind.
Coaches' Discretion on Playing Time
Playing time is not guaranteed, and it is not based on equal distribution across all players. The amount of playing time a player receives can depend on various factors such as performance in practice, attitude, commitment, and tactical considerations during matches. Coaches are responsible for making decisions that best serve the team’s objectives, and they may adjust lineups depending on the specific needs of each game, competition, or opponent.
If Players Have Concerns About Playing Time
We encourage players to take ownership of their athletic experience. If a player feels they have concerns about their playing time, they are encouraged to have a respectful conversation with their coach after the game or at a scheduled time. This provides an opportunity for open communication, and it allows the player to gain insights into their development and areas for improvement.
If Parents Have Concerns About Playing Time
We recognize that parents play an important role in supporting their athletes, but it is crucial that the focus remains on developing the player’s growth and understanding of the game. If a parent has concerns about their child’s playing time, we ask that they first speak directly with their player. This helps to foster communication between the athlete and their family. If the issue still remains unresolved, the parent may contact the coach for a more in-depth discussion. However, we request that parents do not approach coaches during tournaments or in the heat of competition. This is a time for players to focus on the game, and discussing playing time during a tournament can be disruptive to both the team’s focus and the coach’s ability to make effective decisions.
Handling Concerns After Tournaments
It’s important to respect the flow of a tournament or competition. Coaches need to make real-time decisions, and discussing playing time in the middle of a busy tournament environment is not productive. Therefore, we ask that players bring up concerns about playing time after the tournament weekend. This ensures that all parties can approach the conversation with a level head and in a constructive manner.
Commitment to Development
Our primary goal at the Thunder Volleyball Club is player development. Playing time is not just about winning games; it’s about helping players grow in their skills, mental toughness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Each athlete is encouraged to continue working hard at practices and to stay positive. Every player’s development is valuable to the team, and every player will have an opportunity to grow within the program.
We appreciate the understanding and support from both players and parents in this matter. The Thunder Volleyball Club is dedicated to creating an environment where players can reach their full potential. We believe that by working together - athletes, coaches, and parents - we can help each player succeed, not just on the court, but in their overall athletic journey. Thank you for your commitment to the club and to your individual growth.