Pathfinder Volleyball Club Handbook 2026 – 2027

Pathfinder Volleyball’s goal is to help athletes reach their potential through personalized coaching, skill development, and competitive play. We focus on building strong technical fundamentals and a growth mindset that allows athletes to compete with confidence.

The lessons learned through volleyball—discipline, perseverance, collaboration, and problem-solving—extend well beyond the court. #FindYourPath

Practice

Arrival:

 “If you are on time, you are late”. Players should arrive to practice 15-30 minutes before the start of practice to properly start the warm-up process; mind and body!  If teams ahead are still practicing, please do not become a distraction.  Have the respect for your clubmates.

 Dress Appropriately:

At every practice Pathfinder T-shirts, spandex, knee pads and volleyball shoes are required. Take pride in our club/your club.  No other club gear is permitted in the gym or for traveling to tournaments. Teams can coordinate t-shirts for practice or tournaments. 

 USAV does permit jewelry while practicing and competing~ we will abide by their policy as long as athletes have all jewelry covered, taped, and/or not exposed. 

 Players should not change shirts or spandex in public, either at practice or during tournaments.  Players should wear cover up shorts or joggers (sweatpants) when not on the court.

 Players are required to bring all uniform sets to tournaments (every day of play) and wear club approved gear. Since everyone receives the same gear, please label all your sweatshirts, jackets, pants, etc.

 Respectfulness:

 Players should address adults in respectful manner.  Coaches are to be called Coach “Sally” or simply “Coach.”  Parents/Guardians are to be addressed as Mr. “Bob” or Ms. “Smith”.  Parents/Guardians are tasked with the responsibility of helping us maintain the level of respect across the club.

 Facilities:

 Please respect all the facilities and equipment that we use.  If there is a school team practicing (school event), please do not enter the gym until they are done.  Please clean up after yourself.  Please leave everything as it was and/or return items to where they were found.

**Leave the facility in a better condition than in which it is found.

 Cell Phones:

 All cell phones are to be off during practice.

 Attendance Guidelines:

 Volleyball may not be your top priority; however, it is a priority to some teammates and all coaches while we are in the gym.  Please respect your coaches and those teammates’ priority by being at practice and being on time (early).  If you are to miss a practice, you must inform club director as soon as possible. 

Pathfinder Volleyball values consistent attendance and commitment to your team. The following guidelines apply to all athletes:

1. Practice time is guaranteed; playing time is earned.
   Every athlete is guaranteed practice opportunities. Playing time is determined by an athlete's effort, attendance, attitude, and performance in practice, as well as the needs of the team. While we strive to provide meaningful playing opportunities for all athletes, our priority is to field the most competitive lineup possible. If you have questions about your role or playing time, please schedule a meeting with the Club Director to discuss areas for growth and improvement.

2. Make up missed practices whenever possible.
   Athletes who miss a practice may be permitted to attend another team's practice as a make-up opportunity with prior approval from the Club Director.

3. Excused absences.
   Absences for school activities, family obligations, or religious observances are considered excused. Athletes are encouraged to make up missed practice time whenever possible.

Safety

·       If you will be absent from practice or running late, you must notify the Club Director as soon as you become aware of the situation. Prompt communication is appreciated. Please save the Club Director's contact information in your phone:

Gary Lee, Club Director
470-330-5796

• At the conclusion of practice, athletes should remain inside the facility until their parent, guardian, or designated transportation arrives. If transportation has not arrived by the end of practice, the athlete will remain with the Coaches until picked up.

• Parents and guardians are expected to pick up athletes promptly at the end of practice. While we do not mind waiting with your athlete, our coaches and staff also have personal and family commitments. Your cooperation and timely arrival are appreciated.

Team Selection:

 All teams will consist of 12 max players.

 Pathfinder does not prohibit players from participating in school sports or other school pride activities; we encourage you to do so.  However, players that miss practices are also missing the opportunity to improve and will create issues with cohesion.  Please respect your decision and your teammates priorities.  Please get to practices and arrive on time (early).  When conflicts present, make up practices as possible.

 *Pathfinder Volleyball reserves the right to dismiss any player at any time following a full review. Reasons for dismissal include but are not limited to: Parents’ and/or players’ inappropriate and/or abusive actions towards other players, coaches, fans, or officials; non-payment; excessive unexcused absences, etc.

 Conflict Resolution

To promote effective communication, the following guidelines apply:

Player to Player
Athletes are encouraged to resolve conflicts within the team whenever possible. If assistance is needed, the Club Director may serve as a mediator, allowing each athlete the opportunity to share their perspective. Discussions should take place after emotions have settled, not in the heat of the moment.

Parents/Guardians to Coaches
Playing time is determined by the Club Director and implemented by the coaching staff. Coaches will direct all playing time concerns to the Club Director. Playing time will not be discussed during tournaments or immediately following practices or matches. Respectful communication is expected. Aggressive, confrontational, or inappropriate behavior toward coaches, officials, athletes, or staff will not be tolerated and may result in a warning or dismissal from club activities at the discretion of the Club Director.

Players to Coaches
Athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their development by asking coaches what they can do to improve and earn additional playing time. These conversations should occur during practice or another scheduled time—not during tournaments or immediately before or after competition. Parents may assist in arranging these conversations, but athletes are expected to take the lead.

Team Representative:

 The Club Director selects a team representative.  This person is, by observation, respected by most parents/guardians on the team.  The team representative is instructed to be non-bias in presenting club director with issues arising with respected team. Additionally, team representatives communicate regularly with each other without the club director to share comments, concerns and criticisms.  Team representatives will have regular meetings with club director to discuss issues without any names, age groups, etc. as to not single out any one person and/or group.  This level of communication should in theory prevent major issues within club and teams.  However, if additional mediation is necessary, all parties will submit a written statement to the Club Director.  Club Director may solicit team representatives to help resolve the issue(s).

 Interactions and Training Environment

Medical Care

Pathfinder Volleyball coaches and staff do not provide medical or mental health services. Coaches may administer basic first aid or CPR when necessary and within the scope of their training while awaiting appropriate medical care.

 Practices and Training Sessions:

All Pathfinder Volleyball practices and training sessions are conducted at facilities under the jurisdiction of Pathfinder Volleyball and/or the Southern Region Volleyball Association (SRVA) of USA Volleyball.

All Pathfinder coaches are USA Volleyball-certified and have successfully completed the required background screening.

To provide a safe and focused training environment, only athletes, authorized coaches, and approved Pathfinder personnel may participate in practices and training sessions. Only the parents or legal guardians of participating athletes are permitted in the facility during these training sessions. All other visitors must receive prior approval from the Club Director before entering the facility or interacting with athletes.

 Travel Policy

 Pathfinder Volleyball Club does not sponsor, coordinate or arrange for travel to and from tournament(s).

·       Players and/or their parents/guardian are responsible for making all arrangements for local and team travel. The team and its coaches, managers or administrators will avoid responsibility for arranging or coordinating local travel. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure the person transporting the minor player maintains the proper safety and legal requirements, including but not limited to: a valid driver’s license, automobile liability insurance, a vehicle in safe working order, and compliance with applicable state laws.

·       The employees, coaches and/or volunteers of PVC or one of its teams, who are not also acting as a parent, shall not drive alone with an unrelated minor player.

·       Players are expected to always remain with the team during tournament day(s) until the end of play/work team assignment. Players are not to leave the competition venue without the permission/knowledge of the coach or club director.

·       Cell phone usage only during down time – when team is not competing or working.

·       Use of cell phone or other devices for social media – No negative discussions about team, sub group(s) from team, individual from team, and self-degradation.

·       Use appropriate behavior in public facilities, including language.

·       Night before competition, athletes will be in a quiet room by 9:30PM and in bed by 10:00 PM.

Parents/Guardians:

We promote positive sportsmanship

1)     Please cheer for our players. 

2)     Please do not cheer against any other club. 

3)     Please do not yell or speak to the referee. Only the Head Coach and the team captain have any reason to question a referee. 

4)     Please do not attempt to coach your child.

5)     Please act in a manner that you want your child to imitate.

6)     Please do not approach coaches during a tournament with issues concerning the performance of your child or any other player on the team. Please refer to Conflict Resolution for guidelines.

 Tournaments:

All tournament schedules are determined once teams are formed. Most teams will attend between 4-6 tournaments; unless otherwise agreed between club and team(s).

 Tournaments will be selected based on skill and competitive level, and number of teams entering.

Each player is required to attend and complete refereeing/score-keeping clinic.  At tournaments, each player is required to work; equally. This means that each player will remain with the team until all work assignments are completed. Early departure from tournaments is not an option, nor permitted.  Penalty will be at the discretion of club director.

 Support your teammates on or off the bench.

 Uniforms:

Please bring all uniforms to all tournaments. Do not change out of uniforms in public. Wear cover-up shorts or joggers while not on the court.

 Nutrition:

Fuel your performance!  During Club season, please limit simple carbohydrates (candy, sugar, sodas, white bread, etc). Also, players should consume plenty of protein (milk, fish, beef, chicken, soy, etc) and complex carbohydrates (whole wheat, grains, fruits, and other vegetables). On the day before a tournament, please drink plenty of water. While water is preferred, use sports drinks (Gatorade, PowerAde, etc) more as a supplement to hydration at the end of a match or tournament for replenishment.

Rest:

Sleep deprivation affects your ability to perform.  Naps interrupt your energy cycle.  The night before competition, be in bed by 10:00 PM and absolute lights out at 11:00 pm.

 Code of Conduct / Honor Code:

·       Team members will display proper respect and sportsmanship toward coaches, officials, administrator, teammates, fellow competitors and the public at all times.

·       Team members and staff will refrain from any illegal or inappropriate behavior that would detract from a positive image of the team or be detrimental to its performance objectives.

·       The possession or use of alcohol or tobacco products by any athlete is prohibited.

·       The possession, use or sale/distribution of any controlled or illegal substance or any form of weapon is strictly forbidden.

·       Team members are reminded that when competing in tournaments, traveling on trips and attending other club-related functions, they are representing both themselves, their respected family, and PVC.  Athletes’ behavior must positively reflect the high standards of respected family and our club.

Failure to comply with the Honor Code as set forth in this document may result in disciplinary action. Such discipline may include, but may not be limited to:

·       Dismissal from team activities

·       Disqualification from future tournaments

·       Dismissal from Club

 Electronic Communication Policies:

PURPOSE

Pathfinder Volleyball recognizes the prevalence of electronic communication and social media in today’s world. Many young athletes use these means as their primary method of communication. While the Club acknowledges the value of these methods of communication, the Club also realizes that there are associated risks when using these methods to communicate with minors. Our policies are set forth to be transparent, appropriate and professional.  We understand the policies may add delay to communication specifically to the athlete.  It is our best solution to maintain safety and transparency in our communication.

POLICIES

All Pathfinder Volleyball communications will be between coaches/Club Director to Parents/Guardians.  Should an athlete reach out to coach(es), we will respond to athlete along with Parents/Guardian to establish transparency and accessibility.  All communication will be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities. The content and intent of all electronic communications must adhere to the USA Volleyball Code of Conduct regarding Athlete Protection.  Any electronic communication with an athlete and parent/guardian should not contain or relate to any of the following:

·       Drugs or alcohol use

·       Sexually-oriented conversation; sexually explicit language, sexual activity

·       Personal life - social activities, relationship or family issues, or personal problems; and inappropriate or sexually explicit pictures

Pathfinder Coaches may have personal Facebook/Instagram/TikTok (or other social media site) pages, but they are not permitted to have any athlete member of the Club join their personal page as a “friend.” Please remind your athlete of that policy.  Our preferred methods of communication will be Email for most general information.  For Game day communication and reminders, we will use the App GroupMe (athletes should not be added to GroupMe).  In both forms, parent/guardian will be our main focus.  Please pass on information to your athlete(s).

Pathfinder Volleyball has an official Facebook page and Instagram page. Athletes and their parents are encouraged to “like” or “follow” for information and updates on team-related matters. We encourage you to repost and share our content and tag Pathfinder Volleyball when appropriate. 

MISCONDUCT

Social media and electronic communications can be used to commit misconduct (e.g. emotional, sexual, bullying, harassment and hazing). Such communications by coaches, parents/guardians or athletes will not be tolerated and are considered violations of our code of conduct.  A USA Volleyball participant or parent/guardian of a participant who violates this policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to: suspension, permanent suspension and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

 Pathfinder Branding Guidelines and Logo Usage

Any use of the Pathfinder logo, name, image, etc. must be approved by club director.  Please respect our brand and rights to our brand. We work with a local printing/embroidery company you may use to produce approved fan wear.  This is the only place you may use to print or embroider our logo, name, image, etc. 

By electronically signing and initialing, you agree that you have read and understand the Pathfinder Club Handbook in its entirety.