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Austin Sports Center

Austin Junior Volleyball

About AJV: FAQs

Below are a few frequently asked questions for you to browse through.
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General

What is Club volleyball?

Club volleyball is an opportunity for girls and boys ages 10-18 of varying abilities to develop their skills through training and competition. It is a select sport where you must attend a scheduled tryout and be chosen for a team based upon skill, athletic level, and potential. Club volleyball is more competitive than league volleyball where anyone can sign up and play with others recreationally and socially depending on age requirements.

Austin Junior volleyball is an elite junior volleyball club sanctioned through USA Volleyball and through the Lone Star Region. 

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Tryouts

How much is it to tryout?

The tryout fee is $50. If you register after the early registration period, the fee is $100. Th early registration period typically ends 2 weeks prior to the first day of the tryout. The fee covers court time and evaluations. There are no refunds once registered.  If you do not show up or if you try out for another club and choose to stay with them, you forfeit your registration fee.

What age group should I tryout for?

Austin Juniors requires that everyone tryout in their predetermined age groups. Some players do play up, but at the request of Austin Junior Volleyball only. If you are unsure, sign up for the age group that you are supposed to and contact Michael Garcia at [email protected].

Age Classification for the 2018-2019 Season

  • 11 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2007, Jan. - Aug. 2008
  • 12 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2006, Jan. - Aug. 2007
  • 13 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2005, Jan. - Aug. 2006
  • 14 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2004, Jan. - Aug. 2005
  • 15 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2003, Jan. - Aug. 2004
  • 16 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2002, Jan. - Aug. 2003
  • 17 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2001, Jan. - Aug. 2002
  • 18 & UNDERS: If born Sept. - Dec. 2000, Jan. - Aug. 2001
Where are the tryouts?

The first day of the tryouts is held at the Austin Sports Center Cedar Park. The second day of the tryout is held at the Austin Sports Center South.

 

What if I cannot attend one day of the tryout?

If you are unable to attend one or both of the tryout days, you can still be considered for a team, however this limits the opportunity to be seen. The more the evaluators see you, the more accurate your evaluation will be. 


If you are going to miss, you must e-mail prior to June 1, 2018 Michael Garcia to discuss the options to make up the days.

When will I know if I made a team and which one that is?
Every athlete will have a tryout number.  We will post who was selected at the end of the second day of tryouts by their tryout number.  If selected, you will then meet with your team and start to fill out paperwork and contracts.
How many players are placed on a team?

We typically place 9-12 players on a team.  There are numerous factors that make this determination such as the level of talent and the needs of that particular team.

What does it mean if I was named as an alternate?
We name some players as alternates. We currently do not have a position available for you.  However, if someone were to decline their offer, we may have a position available.
If I was named an alternate, how long should I wait before I make other plans?
We require the athletes chosen to make their decision the 2nd night of tryouts.  If someone declines at that time, we will call the alternates to fill the open position.  If you have not heard within 72 hours, we have typically filled the any open positions.
Do I have to wait until I am at least 12 to tryout?

We offer age groups from 11 & under to 18 & under. You can start at any age. You do not have to wait until you are 10. Any athlete under the age of 10 can tryout for the 11 & under division. 

What to bring to tryouts?
  1. Parent or legal guardian must accompany player to the tryout sessions, (especially on day 2 to sign paperwork and submit initial deposit).
  2. Water bottle
  3. Wear appropriate volleyball attire

Parents are not allowed in the gym area or hallway during the tryout process.  There is an upstairs viewing area at both locations.  Please do not try to get the player's attention for any reason during the tryout, this only hinders the players from having their full focus on what we are asking them to accomplish. In some circumstances, an AJV staff person may want to discuss options for your player.  Please make yourself available so that these types of conversations will not lengthen the tryout time.  We understand that this is a stressful time for players and families, we will always try our best to help make this experience enjoyable and educational.
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Fees/Payments

What are the fees for club volleyball?

The 2019-2020 Club fees will be posted here.


The fees cover the cost of gym rental, equipment, uniforms (including shoes) for the 13's to 18's (shoes will be available at a discounted price to the 10s-12s), practice gear, USAV registration, tournament entry fees, coaches salaries, administrative fees, and printing costs. All AJV players will have access to two, full-time college recruiting coordinators.

Fees do not include: airfare, hotels, food, any ground transportation to and from practice sessions and out-of-town tournaments, or shopping. Hotels for teams will not be included in your club fees.

**Additional equipment will be provided for teams scheduled to practice 3 nights a week.

A non-refundable $600 deposit is due immediately following tryouts for those selected to a 13s through 18s team and a non-refundable $500 deposit is due for those selected to a 10s through 12s team. The remaining balance is spread out in monthly payments. Once accepting a spot on a team, the remaining balance of the dues is non-refundable.

AJV Scholarship Grant

Please reference the Financial Assistance section of our website for more information.

http://ref.austinsportscenter.com/ajv/fap-details

Work Program Rewards

Please reference the Financial Assistance section of our website for more information.

http://ref.austinsportscenter.com/ajv/fap-details

 

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Travel

Travel Information

All of our teams 10s-17s (unless specified) will have one travel tournament to Dallas, Tx to participate in the Lone Star Classic Junior National Qualifier.  10s-11s age season will begin in November and end in mid-April.  12s age group will begin in November and end at the beginning of May (except 12 Mizuno).

The 10-12s will play mostly in the Austin area besides Lone Star. The 12 Mizuno team will continue all the way through the summer (either USA Junior Nationals or AAUs).

The 13s Mizuno, 13 Molten Navy, and Cedar Park teams will travel to Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. All other 13 & under teams will play mostly in the Austin area besides Lone Star.  13 Mizuno and 13 Molten will also have an additional out of state qualifier and will continue all the way through the summer (either USA Junior Nationals or AAUs). This is included in all the fees.

The 15s-17s Mizuno, Molten, Navy, and Cedar Park teams will have two out of state tournament which flights will be required. 14 Navy, and Cedar Park teams will have one out of state tournament which flights will be required and their season ends at Regionals unless they qualify for Nationals. 14s -17s Mizuno, 14s-17s Molten, 15s - 17s Navy, and 15s-17s Cedar Park teams will also continue all the way through the summer (either USA Junior Nationals or AAUs). This is included in all the fees.

The 18s Mizuno, Molten, Navy, and Cedar Park teams will have will have a shorter season than the 14s-17s.  The 18s Mizuno, Molten, Navy, and Cedar Park teams will continue all the way through the May to USA Junior Nationals.

What if I am unable to go with my athlete on a trip?

If you are unable to travel, you have the option of putting them on the same flight as your coach and they will make sure they get where they need to go.  Please make sure to notify your coach that they are your athlete's travel companion.

Another option is to ask a teammates parent to help in the travel process.

Where do I find my teams' travel plans?
You will need to log in to your profile and you will see the travel plans as they are made.
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Time Commitments - Missing School/Practices

Will I miss any school?

All teams attending any National Qualifiers (Lone Star, Crossroads, PNQ, MEQ, NEQ, Show Me, or Big South) will miss one day of school to participate. Depending on what time you fly out, you may miss another day for travel.

All of our teams attend the Lone Star National qualifier in April.

What if I am unable to make a practice?

We understand that not everyone is able to commit to all the practices. However, it is highly recommended that you make all efforts to attend all practices and SAQ. Problems arise when players and parents do not look ahead and preplan their schedule based upon other siblings, school assignments, and tests. Missing practices not only affects your child but also everyone else on your team.

What if I play multiple sports?

At Austin Junior Volleyball, we encourage multiple sport athletes. We believe that helps you become a better all around athlete. It is your responsibility to communicate any conflicts with your coach. We suggest a two week notice for all missed practices and a minimum of a month notice for any missed tournament. 

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Issues

Playing Time

Playing time is very important to us. It is important to apply the skills and fundamentals taught in practice in a match situation. Only then can a coach and player truly realize which skills the player is proficient at and which skills require more training. Nearly every tournament the Austin Junior Volleyball teams play in are of high significance - whether they are in-region (where finish determines overall seed within the region) or out of region (typically national qualifiers, or tournaments with a lot of recruiters present). Your club membership fees go toward practice time and instruction by qualified experienced coaches, NOT playing time in tournaments. We will guarantee a "fair" amount of playing time for every player, not an "equal" amount. When assessing the amount of playing time, make sure that the comparison is being made among players that play the same position. For example, there may be only two middle hitters on a team and three outside hitters. One outside hitter must sit out, since only two outside hitters are in the game at a time. Yet the two middle hitters play all the time. More playing time is earned by being at practice and working hard to improve, as well as, executing the skills when given the opportunity to play. Coaches are advised to give everyone an opportunity to contribute their individual skills and abilities to the team during pool play matches. Those skills and abilities may include being a hitter in the front row, serving and playing defense in the back row, or playing "all the way around". When teams advance past pool play, this is the time to reward those players that have excelled when given opportunities earlier in the day. Amount of playing time for all players is at the coach's discretion and may not be equal for all players.

Process on how to handle a conflict

Throughout the season, a conflict may occur. If you have an issue, the first step is for you to encourage your child to communicate with their coach. If this does not resolve the issue, the 2nd step is for a meeting with the coach, player, and parent. The final step is to set up a meeting with the club director, coach, player, and parent. There will not be any meetings without the player present. There will not be any meeting with the club director until step one and step two has occured.

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Uniforms/Equipment

What if I have missing or damaged equipment?

If you are missing equipment or have damaged equipment, you need to contact your coach. They will then contact the club director. Please do not contact the club director unless notified.

Do I have to wear the gear that Austin Junior Volleyball provided?
Yes.  Austin Junior Volleyball is one of the few clubs in the entire nation that is sponsored.  Our sponsors go to great efforts to outfit and provide quality equipment to our club.  We take this very seriously so no competitor logos during any team activities (practices and tournaments).