Q: Explain the tryout procedure for EVBA.
A: Edina residents in 4th-12th grades attending Edina public and private schools can tryout. Tryouts will be held in early-November. Registration for tryouts and the season should be completed online prior to the tryout date. Tryout fees: $20 early bird, $30 after 10/31, $40 at the door. Tryout fee is non-refundable after 11/11. See season fee question below.
Q: When is there an opportunity for players to hone their skills before tryouts?
A: EVBA offers Fall League to players that are interested in working on skills and team play. EVBA coaches will run the clinics in Sept and October. See the Fall League section for details. Register early as numbers will be limited!
Q: How will players know if they make a team?
A: Players will be evaluated at tryouts by EVBA coaches. The coaches will discuss the status of each player and select those who have the ability to make contributions to their respective teams. Younger players may be moved up an age group if they are skilled enough. There may be a case where a team can be formed by combining age groups, as well. For example 13U and 14U players can be combined to make a 14U team. Players can check the club website if they made a team shortly after tryouts. Players not selected can still participate in volleyball on other area JO clubs or in the EGAA house league.
Q: When does the season begin and end?
A: Practice starts the first week of December, and the competition season begins shortly after the New Year, with the season ending late March/early April. A practice and playing calendar will be published after teams have been formed.
Q: How many practices per week?
A: Practices will be held twice a week at Edina High School or Valley View Middle School. In general, practice is 1.5 hours long. Length can very to shorter for the younger teams (1 hr 15 min) and longer for the older teams (2 hours). Attendance at practice is required, and can impact playing time.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: Youth Development Program $500, Advance Youth $650, 7th/8th Graders $850-$900, 9th and up $900-$950
Fee includes:
Gym rental for practice, tournament entry fees, official volleyball membership fees, equipment, coaching fees (Head Coach and Assistant Coach (YDT Head Coach only)), apparel item, year end party, administrative fees and misc items.
Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: A player may decline their roster placement up to 24 hours after rosters have been posted and receive a partial season fee refund. The player/parent must send their request to edinavb@gmail.com and EVBA will keep $50 for administration costs. No refunds will be offered 24 hours after the roster has been posted. No refunds are given 1 week prior to tryouts, fall clinics or summer camp.
Players not selected to a roster at tryouts will automatically receive a full refund, not including the tryout fee.
Q: Do you offer payment plans and/or financial aid?
A: A payment plan will be offered through registration. Late payments can result in loss of playing time, loss of roster spot, or collections. Additional payment plans and scholarships are available. See the Financial Aid tab for details.
Q: How many players on each team?
A: 9-12 players per team.
Q: How many coaches per team?
A: One paid Head Coach and one paid Assistant Coach for all teams, except YDT will have 1 Head Coach only. We are looking for parents, college students, and community members with volleyball playing or coaching experience and would like to serve in these capacities. If you know of such people, let a member of the EVBA Board know! All coaches have a background check completed.
Q: How often/how many competitions are there?
A: Typically teams will play twice a month, starting in January. Competition dates will be a mix of full day tournaments (1-2 per team) and Power League playdates (5-6 per team). Playdates are 6 hours and schedule for 8 am - 2 pm or 3 pm - 9 pm on Saturday or Sunday. Youth Development Teams will play in a 3 hour playdate scheduled to start anywhere from 8 am to 6 pm. The weekend schedules are sent to coaches the Wednesday prior to the weekend.
Q: Can a player play in school sports and other athletic club sports?
A: Yes, school sports always have a priority over EVBA events and the other athletic clubs. Players can also play in other club sports. With enough notice, coaches of all activities should be able to work around scheduling conflicts. EVBA coaches will work with players, parents and other coaches to ensure that fairness is achieved for all involved. We will ask that players on a Green team be commitment to most practices and tournaments. If there are major conflicts with EVBA activities, players will be moved to a lower team.
Q: Are the competitions local or out of town/state?
A: In general, competition will be within the metro area. 7th and up teams will possibly attend 1 out of town, overnight tourney.
Q: What is the club's philosophy?
A: Edina Volleyball Association believes in promoting the sport of volleyball, and promoting life skills through the sport of volleyball.
Among the many life skills learned through sports, and in participating with our club, are learning the values of prioritizing schedules, working together toward common goals, working hard for group and individual success, along with respect, honesty, and integrity toward others and themselves.
Participation in Junior Olympic volleyball requires a high level of commitment of time, body, and mind. We believe that this commitment has its place among priorities. Family, faith, and school (including school sports) come first, followed by volleyball. Players and parents will be expected to make every effort to schedule their priorities so that they avoid as much conflict with their volleyball practice and playing commitment as possible.
