2005 JO TRYOUT INFORMATION
SUBJECT: GREASED LIGHTNING JUNIOR OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL MEETING
DATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, AT 6:30PM in Room D-122
at Waconia High School
Since the varsity season lasted a week longer this season and basketball games starting next week, we are really crunched for time for a JO meeting before Thanksgiving break—which I didn’t realize until today. I know that there is church on Wednesday nights, but I couldn’t find another date to conduct a meeting (I can’t make it on Mondays) until December . . .
Junior Olympic Volleyball is a non-profit organization that has been constructed to develop an athlete’s volleyball skills outside of the normal season (similar to AAU basketball). SCHOOL SPORTS TAKE PRIORITY OVER JO’S.
Practices are conducted AFTER other high school sports (example: 7:00-9:00pm) usually once a week (if gym space is available) and on Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00 (if there isn’t a tournament scheduled). Competition dates are usually twice a month (Saturday OR Sunday) and will be located in the twin cities area. The season would start in January and run through the end of April or beginning of May (please refer to proposed attached schedules). During the Northern Lights League season, the girls play on only one date per weekend. For example, the 14’s would play on January 8th OR January 8th from 8:00am-2:30pm OR 2:30pm to 9:00pm. More tournaments can be added.
An ideal number for a team is 10 athletes. If another team would like to start after basketball season is completed, at least seven girls would need to make a DEFINITE commitment and find another coach (please refer to the club rules). In any event, Sunday, December 5th is TENTATIVELY scheduled to be the first practice for the 14’s and 16’s.
Equal playing time is NOT guaranteed; FAIR playing is guaranteed which concerns an athlete’s experience, age, abilities, attitude, attendance, etc. JO’s is NOT viewed as a “participation-community-education” organization. The competition level is definitely higher than the high school or junior high programs.
Cost would be approximately $330- $500 depending on the number of girls on the team. $150 would be needed by December 8th while the remaining amount would be due January 19th. Extra expenses ($15) would include buying two jerseys for athletes who did purchase them last year (the 14’s and 12’s teams from last year already have them; the rest of the athletes must purchase them this season). Checks are made out to GREASED LIGHTNING JO’S.
Looking at numbers and following last year’s pattern of starting a 17’s team after bb and a 16’s from December, I have quickly constructed a very tentative budget and schedule. The volleyball region’s registration prices have went up slightly, too.
Tentatively, one 12’s team, one 14’s team, one 16’s team, and one 17’s team is foreseen this year. Heidi Paulson will lead the 12’s team. Mr. Lee can only coach 8th grade and younger. Therefore, Rochelle Williams will coach a 17's team that would start towards the end of basketball. She will also be conducting the weight training sessions again this year beginning in January. 16’s coach which will start from the beginning of the season will be Dawn Genz.
12’s: I’m scheduling you to begin practice after President’s Day. Heidi will be coaching you again.
14’s: I didn’t expect to have many 7th or 8th graders participate this year since we didn’t have many on the team last year, but more and more 7th and 8th grade junior high players are asking me for JO information. New 14’s parents and players: playing time will not be equal; the attitude is not win-at-all-costs; this will be much more intense with higher expectations and more quality opponents than a junior high season—but by the end of the season, you will notice a distinguishable difference in the athlete’s skills.
16’s: Last year, the league was full by the time we decided to enter it, so we entered different tournaments instead. I have included both options on the attached sheet. Rochelle Williams will be conducting weight training sessions for your athletes beginning in January.
17’s: Those of you who are thinking about starting after basketball, remember that playing time may be hard to obtain on this team due to a higher level of competition and the caliber of players who are your teammates. Rochelle Williams will be conducting weight training sessions for your athletes in January.
The next step is to attend the meeting this Wednesday, November 17th at 6:30pm in Room D-122 with questions or concerns. When you attend the meeting, please bring the athlete’s social security number and a copy of the athlete’s birth certificate.
CLUB RULES:
1. There are NO refunds after an athlete participates in one match.
2. Athletes from other schools are welcome to tryout for a position on a team IF THERE ARE OPENINGS—this will be decided by the coach. It does not look like there will be any openings at any level this season.
3. Athletes who aren’t part of the Junior Olympic Program may practice with the team as long as the coach knows ahead of time; there is room in practice; and the privilege is not abused.
4. Athletes must begin the season from December thereafter. No one can start the season half-way through unless an opening arises—this will be decided by the coach.
5. No athlete will be added after the first tournament has been complete—unless mitigating circumstances arise.
6. A team may begin after basketball season is complete as long as they have at least seven athletes and one coach.
7. Scholarships are available if the budget allows. Information will be provided at the initial meeting each season. Participants who would not be able to participate without financial help should apply for a scholarship.
A mandatory reffing clinic will be scheduled in the future.
I need input! Any further suggestions or questions, please email them to me: jlee@waconia.k12.mn.us
All updates will be on: https://www.angelfire.com/ultra/vb/trial.html
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Email: jlee@waconia.k12.mn.us
