1. sports

YMCA of Arlington
Volleyball Coaches
Manual
Purpose of YMCA Sports
The sports program is designed to be an aid and tool in the development and growth of the
participants. The YMCA is not a building, athletic fields or just sports. It is an association of
people, a fellowship of people united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of
developing Christian personalities and building a Christian society. The YMCA is not just a
sports association; however, the YMCA does use sports as one of its programs to foster
physical, mental, and spiritual growth. The attainments of exceptional athletic skills and the
winning of games, though important, are secondary- the molding of future men and women is
the goal.
YMCA of Arlington Mission Statement
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy, spirit,
mind and body for all.
Purpose of YMCA Volleyball
The activities around volleyball are merely a vehicle by which we as concerned adults utilize
Christian models to work with young people. The program purpose is:
1. Develop and build self-esteem;
2. Develop and teach physical skills, fitness, and health;
3. Develop social skills and relationships among participants;
4. Support and strengthen family life;
5. Develop responsibility, decision making, and leadership;
6. Create a unique and enjoyable leisure family activity.
YMCA Pledge and Procedures
Teams may warm up prior to the start of the game. Before each game, the referee will blow the
whistle signaling for the teams to line up at mid-field. Each team to line up shoulder-toshoulder and will face the opposing team. The referee will then ask the teams to repeat the
YMCA pledge after reciting one line at a time.
Win or lose, I pledge before God,
To play the game as well as I know how,
To obey the rules,
To be a good sport at all times,
And to improve myself
In spirit, mind and body.
The referee will then thank the teams, give them any pre-game instructions, and be able to
inform the coaches of any necessary information. When this is done, the teams may move to
their bench area and take their position on the court.
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Now You’re a Coach
For your players, you, the coaches are the single most important adult leader. You will help the
players have fun, learn skills, develop sportsmanship, and discuss values in a meaningful way.
You Will:
Contact parents and players
Conduct parent/players meeting
Look at yourself and explore your own motivations, values and goals
Listen to and share with other adult leaders
Recruit players through your children to complete your roster, if needed
Set practice days with start and finish times, plus location
Explain your discipline procedures for behavior problems, missed practices, etc., (nothing
too severe, unless cleared with Sports Director)
Stress parental and player conduct while at the game
Inform parents about volleyball equipment: knee pads, water, ball, good fitting shoes.
Players are responsible for their own equipment.
Require clean uniforms for every game
Stress the need for players to maintain good school grades
Get parents involved: at practice, linejudge, team mom, etc.
Verify your roster, making sure all player information is correct; pass on any corrections
to the YMCA Sports Department
Question and answer period
Conduct Practice Sessions:
Get to know your players personally
Help them set goals and work towards them
Lead discussions by asking questions and introducing problems and situations for players
to deal with
Teach volleyball skills and physical fitness
Build teamwork
Enjoy yourself and let your players know it.
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Game Responsibilities:
See that your players are present and ready to play
Pre-game warm ups
Introduce yourself to the game official and the opposing teams coach
Control yourself, players and parent behavior during and after the game.
Coach and encourage your team during the game. DO NOT try and officiate the game
from the bench!! If you would like to officiate, please call the Sports Department.
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YMCA Coaching Philosophy
As the coach, forget the professional and college coach models and the win at all cost approach.
Do not try to get your feeling of self-worth from your team’s win-lost record. Coaching youth
sports calls for teaching the fundamentals properly, developing the basic team concepts,
working on fair play values and encouraging all players to participate and enjoy the sport. The
most important element is the relationship between the coach and the team. The coach is a
leader, role model, teacher and friend. This relationship is far more significant than runs scored
or the games won. The quality of the coach-team relationship is the ultimate measure of
success for youth sports coaches.
 Keep it simple: Most sports are relatively simple to play and can be enjoyed by all ages.
Overcomplicated formations, plays and strategies tend to confuse and frustrate youth. By
keeping it simple, it will build self-esteem and confidence.
 Work on basic skills: Younger teams especially should concentrate on fundamentals.
Teach skills and concentrate on the basic. Help players become conscious of the
importance of proper execution. Stop the action often to help individual players improve,
but don’t interfere excessively.
 Work with every player on your team: The most highly skilled and least skilled players
on your team should be given equal attention. Every player should be helped to improve
in ability and to enjoy the game. It is important that every player participates and has
fun, rather than just a few good players dominating the action.
 Teach ‘Fair Play’: Playing fair is an essential part of youth sports. Respect for oneself,
teammates, the other team, the rules and the officials who uphold them.
 Help players set and evaluate individual goals: Competing against oneself is perhaps the
best way to improve skills, help players measure their skills, set goals for the future and
work to reach those goals. What is important is not so much how players measure up
against each other, but how much each player learns and reaches new levels of skills and
enjoyment.
 Keep winning in perspective: Winning games is only one of the many goals that are
important in sports. Help players and their parents become aware of other important
goals: learning skills, becoming better physically fit, being a good leader and a good
follower, dealing with the emotions of sports and having fun.
Coaching Objectives
Players learn through playing the game. In all practice or learning situations, every player
should be exposed to the demands made by the game. Every player should be confronted by
enjoyable challenges he/she is able to cope with. They should experience success in coping
with these challenges and only then should they be exposed to more challenging and more
stressful situations. Everyone can play, but not everyone is talented enough to learn advanced
techniques and skills. More naturally gifted players need to be exposed to more challenging
situations than the less gifted players.
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Parents Need to be Good Sports!
YMCA of Arlington Spectator’s Code
1. Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun. They are not there to
entertain you, and they are not miniature pro athletes.
2. Be on your best behavior. Do not use profane language or harass players, coaches or
officials.
3. Applaud good plays by your own team and the opposing team.
4. Show respect for your team’s opponents, without them, there would be no game.
5. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.
6. Respect the official’s decision.
7. Condemn the use of violence in all forms.
8. Encourage players to always play according to the rules.
Professional athletes are not always good role models for our children. The good sportsmanship
and healthy lifestyles gained in our gymnasiums and playing fields can make our children good
role models for each other, for us and for future generations. But first, adults have to let them
play and send them the right messages.
Fair Play
Playing sports can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. But the feeling of excitement and
fun are closely tied to your attitude, what you think and feel about the game, the other team and
yourself. Quality athletics have a set of attitudes about these things that they call “Fair Play.”
But what exactly is fair play? Here are some of the key points:
 Respect the other team – You need the other team. Without them, you cannot play. So you
need to show respect for the other players by treating them as partners, not as enemies.
When you play against a good, strong team that you respect, you will usually play a better
game.
 Respect yourself – If you think of yourself as a good sports player, as an important part of
the team, you are likely to act like one. Fair play means that you believe in yourself and
see yourself as an important part of the game.
 Cooperate with the officials – The rules of the game help you play the game better. Fair
play means that you obey the rules and cooperate with the officials. They are there for one
main purpose – to make sure the game is played fairly. If you are honest with yourself and
with the officials, it usually turns out that you get more out of the game.
 Help others play – To be a good team member, you need to get to know your team
members. We are all different in abilities and skills. Fair play is listening to each other,
learning from each other, sharing ideas and feelings and helping each other increase
playing abilities and knowledge of the sport.
 Stick up for what you believe – If you believe in fair play, then stick up for it; you will be a
respected athlete. It means taking a stand in favor of the things listed above. It means
letting others know that you value your teammates, the other team and yourself as well as
the rules of the game. We all like to win, but not at the cost of giving up what we believe.
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Coaches Information
Players
Players will be organized on teams according to age and request
(whenever possible).
Returning players will be filled on a first come, first serve basis
during regular registration.
If a team does not have 6 players at the start of a set, they are only
permitted to borrow players from the opposing team.
Practice
At the coaches meeting, coaches will reserve a day, time and
location for their team to practice for the entire season. Coaches are
not allowed to sign up for more than one practice time per week at
the YMCA facilities. Teams may practice up to twice a week but the
second practice will be at a facility they have arranged.
Practice locations are usually at the YMCA or a local school or
church.
Games
Inclement
Weather Policy
Participant
Responsibilities
Games will be played on Saturdays with the understanding an
exception may be made if needed. Refer to your game schedule for
specific locations, dates and times.
Every attempt will be made to play games at their originally
scheduled time and location. If you are not notified by a YMCA staff
member, assume that games will be played as scheduled. Once the
game has started, the official or site coordinator will be in charge of
canceling the game. If one half is completed, it will be considered a
complete game. The YMCA will reschedule one game throughout
the season—rescheduled games may be played during the week due
to facility limitations. Coaches, please inform your parents about this
policy.
Every player must have registered and have paid the sports
registration fee at the YMCA or online to be eligible to play and be
on a team’s roster.
Players may be excused from practices for any legitimate reason if
parents communicate with the coach.
The YMCA will not be liable for injury to players incurred
during practices or games.
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Coaching Objectives
Players learn through playing the game. In all practice or learning situations, every player should be exposed
to the demands made by the game. Every player should be confronted by enjoyable challenges he/she is able
to cope with. They should experience success in coping with these challenges and only then should they be
exposed to more challenging and more stressful situations. Everyone can play, but not everyone is talented
enough to learn advanced techniques and skills. More naturally gifted players need to be exposed to more
challenging situations than the less gifted players.
8 YEAR OLDS
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This is a ball.
This is the net.
Put the ball over the net with three hits (by more than one person) or less.
Serve! Serve! Serve!
Pass! Pass! Pass!
Start to learn the basic concepts of the game.
Call the ball.
9/10 YEAR OLDS
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See 8 year olds section
Develop complete and proper technique for passing and setting the ball.
Ball control, passing the ball to teammates or an open area over the net.
All players should be able to serve the ball over the net and in bounds with consistency. Some will begin
working on their overhand serve.
Call the Ball, court coverage.
Full court volleyball!!
Work on the 3-hit concept.
Service line will be 23’.
11/12 YEAR OLDS
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See 9/10 year olds section
Bump, Set, Spike! Please teach your players the way volleyball was meant to be played. Practice hitting
(spike) and setting the ball so your players will be more comfortable doing it in a game.
Service line is regulation 30’, encourage overhand serve, but let’s put the ball in play. This is something
you can work on through out the season.
 “Start to teach offense and defensive strategies”. Make your players more aware of the rules of the
game.
 Teach Good Sportsmanship
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13-16 YEAR OLDS
Team commitment, we know how busy high schools girls can be but you are not asking for a lot of their
time. This is a Team Sport. Your team needs to be at practice and the games.
 We are trying to set and hit every ball.
 Overhand serve.
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GAME DAY WORKSHEET
This sheet can be used as a preliminary game day line-up. It is a great way to make sure that all
the children play two matches. List the players’ names for each match they are to play. This also
shows who the substitutes are for each rotation. This will also help you keep a record of how
much each child is playing throughout the season.
Date:
Name
Parents Name
First Match
Players Name
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Second Match
Game Date
Third Match
(if necessary)
Date:
Name
First Match
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Date:
Name
First Match
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Date:
Name
First Match
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Date:
Name
First Match
10
Date:
Name
First Match
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Date:
Name
First Match
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Date:
Name
First Match
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
Name
First Match
Second Match
Third Match
(if necessary)
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First Parent Meeting
A. Welcome
1. Introduction
2. Coaches/Assistants
3. Player Information
B. YMCA Philosophy
1. Manual pages 4 & 6
C. Practice Schedule
1. Parent involvement at practice
2. Time and location – work together as a team
3. Equipment – Knee Pads, ball, water, etc.
D. Games
1. Location – please handout schedule with map, if necessary
2. Length of games
3. Rules
4. Referees
E. Game Day
1. Arrive early for warm-ups
2. Drinks – team parent
3. Inclement Weather Policy
4. Website (Sideline)
5. Assign Scoring duties if you are listed as the home team
6. Each Team shall provide one volunteer to act as a linesman for the entire contest
F. Picture Day
1. Have team ready at schedule time
2. Stay together as a team
3. Parents complete order forms
4. Don’t be late for your game!
G. Season Ending Party
1. Handled by each team individually, medals are provided by the YMCA, make a plan
now whether to have a ‘party’ or hand out after last game. Plan Ahead!
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Disciplinary Actions
The YMCA understands the necessity of a coach being permitted to discipline a player. The
YMCA will allow this in regards to disruptive behavior at practice or games and practice
absences. If the coach elects to utilize this disciplinary option as a teaching method, he/she
must abide by the following procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Clearance with the Sports Director at the YMCA.
Discuss the situation with the parents.
Notify the opposing coach prior to the start of the game.
Clearance is for one game only; each offense must be processed.
NOTE: This action is to deter a habitual action, not a single unavoidable circumstance.
Any player arriving late for the game may lose their right to play at least half the game. This is
the coach’s decision.
Ejected
If a player, coach, or fan is ejected from a game, the head coach must notify the
Sports Director within 48 hours. Failure to report an ejection may result in
further action taken against the head coach. The player, coach, or fan will be
placed on probation for the remainder of the season and will receive a one
game suspension to be served at the next game. If the same player, coach, or
fan endures a second ejection during the season he/she could face the
possibility of being suspended for the remainder of the season depending on
the nature of the offense. The YMCA of Arlington will not issue refunds to any
player, coach, or fan ejected from a game or any one involved in a suspended
game or season.
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Volleyball Rules
8 Division:
9-10 Division:
11-12 Division:
13-16 Division:
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
Players on court
8 Division:
9-10 Division:
11-12 Division:
13-16 Division:
6v6
6v6
6v6
6v6
Ball
8 Division:
9-10 Division:
11-12 Division:
13-16 Division:
Volley-Lite Ball
Volley-Lite Ball
Volley-Lite Ball
Regulation Ball
Court size
8 Division:
9-10 Division:
11-12 Division:
13-16 Division:
20 x 30
30 x 30
30 x 30
30 x 30
Net Height
8 Division:
9-10 Division:
11-12 Division:
13-16 Division:
6’ 6”
6’ 6”
7’ 0”
7’ 4”
Players on team
Length of Contest
8 Division:
Games to 25, 25 & 15; best of 3
9-10 Division: Games to 25, 25 & 15; best of 3
11-12 Division: Games to 25, 25 & 15; best of 3
13-16 Division: Games to 25, 25 & 15; best of 3
Or 50 minutes of play
Scoring system is rally. Teams must win by 2 points
(max 27 points for sets 1 and 2; max 18 point for set 3)
Teams are allowed (2) 30 second timeouts per set during
the season.
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Volleyball Rules
YMCA uniforms will be worn during games. Knee pads are
required for both practices and games. Court shoes are required
to play on the gym floors.
Equipment
Start of Game
Games will begin after…
 The YMCA pledge is read.
 A coin toss has determined the team to serve first. Visiting
team calls the coin toss. Loser of the coin toss chooses
which side of the court their team would like to receive from
first.
 Each team is required to have a minimum of 4 players to start
each set (if not, set is a forfeit).
Warming Up
Warming up will occur as follows:
 Teams will have 10 minutes between games to warm up on
the court.
 8-10 Year Olds—Warm up will consist of 6 minutes
passing and 4 minutes serving (shared).
 11-14 Year Olds—Warm up will consist of 4 minutes
passing and 4 minutes hitting, 2 minute serving (shared).
 It will be up to the referee’s discretion to increase or decrease
the warm up times to keep the games running on time as
much as possible.
 All players shall remove all jewelry prior to warm-ups.
Suggested
Serve-receive
Positions
6v6
LF
LB
MB
RB
Setter: player that is in the front middle portion of the court
(front court).
Left-front: player that is in the front left portion of the court
(front court).
Right-front: player that is in the front right portion of the court
(front court).
Right-back: player that is in the back right portion of the court
(Serving position).
Left-back: player that is in the back left portion of the court.
Middle-back: player that is in middle portion of the court.
S
RF
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Substitutions
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Rotation
8 Year Olds
In an effort for players to have as close as possible to equal
amount of playing time, after a set is complete, the players must
start the next set in the same positions they left off from in the
previous set.
Player substitution will occur using the “rotation” method.
Players will enter the court at the same position following a
change of possession and the player previously at that position
will rotate out. Substitutions must be made at the Middle Back
position.
The lineup at the end of a game must be the same at the start of
the succeeding game.
The player may not enter the court until the YMCA official
signals him/her to come in.
9/10 - 13/14 Year Olds
The position of the substitute shall be that of the player replaced
without changing the serving order.
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The lineup at the beginning of the game determines the service
order throughout the game. Players of both teams must be in their
correct rotational order at the time of the service by either team.
After the serve, front row players may move to any front row
position and back row players to any back row position. Players
must switch back to stay in service order. Players rotate one
position clockwise when their team obtains the serve.
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The first serve of the game will be determined by a coin toss;
Game three, if necessary, will also be determined by a coin toss.
The serving area is behind the end line. In the 8 year old age
division, players may step no more than 10’ into the court as
needed for player success. When the serving team wins the rally,
the player who served on that point serves again. If the server
wins 5 points in row, the opposing team rotates one position and
gains the serve.
Serving
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The 9/10 year olds may serve from the 23’ line.
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The official will blow the whistle to indicate when to serve.
After the whistle, the server has 5 seconds to serve. A player is
allowed one service tossing error (letting the ball bounce without
hitting it after tossing it up for a serve) per serve.
Serve faults happen when the ball…
Touches a player of the serving team, fails to pass over the net,
lands out of bounds, or passes over a screen—any player
action that hides the server as the ball is being served.
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Contacting the Ball
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During Play
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Each team may have three successive contacts to return the ball
to the opponent’s area. If the first touch is on a block, the team
may have three additional contacts to return the ball.
The ball may contact any part of the body and any number body
parts as long as it does so simultaneously.
When the ball comes to rest momentarily in the hands or arms
of a player, it is considered a lift. This is a violation.
Double contact occurs when a player hits the ball more than
once with no other player touching it in between these contacts.
A player who blocks the ball may touch it a second time without an intervening touch by another player.
If two players on the same team contact the ball simultaneously,
it is considered as being one contact for their team.
A player who places any part of the body above the height of
the net is considered to have the intention to block; only frontline players may block.
Scoring
Rally Scoring:
A point is scored on every serve, no matter which team served.
The team who wins the point gets to serve the next point.
For example, “Team A” serves the ball out of bounds, so “Team B”
gets the point and the next serve.
Rule Modifications
All rules will be enforced by the YMCA officials. All calls will be
up to the official’s discretion. Please remember that this is a
recreational league and we are all here for the players to learn
skills in a fun and motivating atmosphere.
Playing the NET
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The players may not touch the net when playing the ball. Insignificant contact with the net by a player not involved in the act
of playing the ball will be allowed.
Players are permitted to penetrate the opponent’s court beyond
the centerline with the hand as well as the foot provided some
part of the penetrating hand or foot remains either in contact
with or directly above the centerline.
The ball may touch the net. Only when defending their own
court (blocking) may players reach over the net. If the ball
touches one or more players forming the block, it will not be
counted as a hit for the blocking team.
If two opponents touch the ball simultaneously above the net,
the receiving team has the right to three hits.
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Conduct
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Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of the team members,
coaches, or spectators will not be tolerated (i.e. arguing with
official).
Coaches are responsible for their spectators.
No actions deemed unsportsmanlike shall be permitted at any
time, as determined by the game official or YMCA representative. Unsportsmanlike acts include but are not limited to intentionally distracting the server or any player attempting to make
a play on the ball, as well as repeated violations of the same
rule. Unsportsmanlike acts will result in a loss of serve. Repeated unsportsmanlike acts may result in an ejection. Failure
to leave the court may result in forfeiture of game.
Teams are required to line up on the end lines at the end of each
set until the referee signals for them to come to the net and
change sides or shake hands.
Rules not covered above will default to NFHS Rules.
First Aid
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Coaches and parents are responsible for providing first aid to
their own team and child however a staff member trained in
First Aid will be on hand to assist you.
Cover open sores/lesions prior to game.
A team member who has an open wound is prohibited from
participating further in the game until appropriate treatment has
been administered.
If medical care or treatment can be administered in a reasonable
amount of time, the individual would not have to leave the
game. The length of time that is considered reasonable is
judged by the official.
Suggested guidelines for providing first aid:
Wear gloves when contact with blood or other body fluid is
anticipated.
Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces with soap and
water if in contact with blood or body fluids.
The bloodied portion of the uniform must be properly
disinfected or the uniform changed before the individual may
participate.
Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment with a
solution of 1:10 bleach water or other disinfectant.
Articles contaminated with blood or body fluids should be
properly disinfected of disposed as soon as possible.
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