About Us

Code of Conduct

Parent & Athlete Expectations

At Athens Elite Volleyball Club, we believe in fostering a positive, supportive, and respectful environment for all athletes, coaches, and families while ensuring players develop their volleyball skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

Volleyball is a game of errors, and athletes must learn to move on from mistakes quickly to reach their full potential. Parents and spectators should also avoid dwelling on errors, as negative comments can hinder a player’s growth and confidence. Young athletes are still developing their skills, and a supportive environment is essential for their progress. Coaches are not only focused on building technical volleyball skills but also on strengthening players’ mental toughness. Encouragement, positivity, and kindness are key to fostering their development and love for the game.

Parent Expectations

  1. Focus on supporting your child’s mastery of volleyball skills, strategy, and self-development. Competitive ranking focuses on winning and losing, which is outside of an individual athlete’s control. Volleyball is a TEAM sport and allows your athlete to develop life-long values and self-respect.
  2. Try to stay positive and keep negative emotions away. No one wants to perform poorly. If you react negatively, it can add to the pressure and make it harder for the athlete to shake off mistakes. Try to avoid negative talks after a bad practice or an off day at a tournament. Athletes are typically hard enough on themselves, without parents adding their thoughts. If you wish to discuss their performance, wait 24-48 hours, when the emotion is gone. Try not to confuse support with constantly reminding the athlete that they need to focus, practice more, and condition.
  3. Show respect and kindness towards other players, coaches, parents, opponents, officials, and the program. Please keep in mind these young athletes have feelings and when hearing negativity from another adult, it can be devastating. The same goes for parents. Please consider how you would feel if parents were talking about your child. Good sportsmanship does not only apply to your child on the court, parents should be setting an example as well. Please refrain from arguing or questioning an official. It is their job to use their best judgment when making a call. As a coach, if we do not agree, we will handle the situation appropriately. You are representing your daughter and our club at these events and we will not tolerate any kind of disrespect.
  4. Understand and respect the differences in roles between parents and coaches. Please avoid coaching “over the shoulder” of the coach and publicly questioning coaching decisions. In most situations, the parent will perceive something completely different than what has actually happened on the court. Be supportive of the coaching staff. Regardless of the coach’s decision, be positive and enthusiastic. Let the coaching staff correct player mistakes. Support the coach and refrain from talking negatively about the coach as it has real, negative effects on the player/coach dynamic. 
  5. Do not contact the head coach about playing time. Please encourage your child to speak directly with the head coach about playing time or ways that they can improve their technique. Encouraging them to speak with their coach will help them to develop their social skills as well as build their confidence to advocate for themselves.
  6. If a problem arises, please notify the Head Coach. Please wait a minimum of 24 hours after an incident before contacting the coach to express your concerns, unless it is an emergency.

Athlete expectations:

  1. Be a team player. Always show respect for your teammates and coaches.
  2. Be coachable and accept feedback from the coaches.
  3. Try to always have a positive attitude.
  4. Understand playing time will not be equal and is earned by hard work, performance, and attitude.
  5. Work hard at every practice.
  6. Be ON TIME to practices and tournaments and remain for the duration of all events.
  7. Communicate with your coaches ahead of time about absences, expected tardiness, concerns, or anything that will affect your teams practice plans.
  8. Be on your best behavior at all times. Inappropriate language and disrespect for others will not be tolerated.*
  9. Only positive and supportive comments should be made about the club, team, or other teams..
  10. Understand that club volleyball is a big commitment; make practices and tournaments a priority.
  11. Always focus on effort, team, and attitude. Celebrate every great play and brush off lost points.
  12. Support your teammates! If you are not on the court, you are positive and supportive from the sidelines. You are not rivals, you are teammates!
  13. Have FUN and enjoy the game.

    *Disciplinary action will be taken when a team member does not meet the rules and expectations. The penalty assigned will be determined by the head coach and be handled on a case by case basis.

    Grievance Policy

    Athens Elite Volleyball Club fosters a positive and competitive environment where athletes can develop their skills and grow as players. However, we understand that concerns may arise throughout the season. To ensure productive communication, we have established a grievance procedure that prioritizes respect, professionalism, and proper channels of discussion.

    Communication Expectations

    • Athletes First: Players are encouraged to take responsibility for their participation. If they have concerns about playing time or expectations, they should first speak with their coach.
    • Parent Involvement: If a concern remains unresolved, parents should schedule a meeting with the head coach at an appropriate time (not during tournaments or games).
    • Escalation Process: If further resolution is needed, the matter can be brought to the Club Director. In some cases, a committee review may be conducted.

    Club Policies on Grievances

    • Respect & Sportsmanship: Hostile or aggressive confrontations with coaches, players, officials, or other parents will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the club.
    • Proper Channels: Concerns should be addressed directly with the parties involved rather than through uninvolved members.
    • Confidentiality & Club Culture: Spreading complaints or misinformation can harm team morale. If you have concerns, please contact the club director directly.

    Our goal is to provide a supportive and competitive atmosphere for all athletes. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a respectful and professional environment for our teams.