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Post by volleytology on Sept 4, 2015 9:11:29 GMT -5
Some parents and coaches from our 'old club' went and watched 12, 13 and 14 yo teams at nationals two years ago as they played in 'center court' on the way to AAU and USAV national championships, the parents of all those teams were easy to talk to, and while quite a bit more 'enthusiastic' than our team parents (with an occasional loud 'BOOM' from one 14s TBVA dad that drew criticism from parents on the other side we spoke with, after a thundering hole in the floor from a TBVA attack), it was overall a positive environment. I obviously only saw the benefits, never saw the 'cost' of that level of play. Now that I have heard about this merger between TBVA and OVA, and started to ask more questions (that I probably should have asked before 'the move'), in addition to extra time and money, and more important quite a bit of extra work by the girls,with increased emotional and physical stress, with reported (sometimes season ending) injuries in adolescent bodies not designed to take the extra pounding, to gain an advantage at the Open level, relative to the lower levels of play, I have turned to this forum to gain more insight. To be honest, at our ' old (much smaller) club', in order to qualify for American/USA, our team spent time with 'extra' practices that were 'optional' (but 100% attendance) leading up to the qualifier, and we saw increased 'stress injuries' (and burnout) in several of the girls. However, it was at that time that our girls announced they liked (loved?) the benefits (winning) of that extra time, and we made the decision to move to the larger club (that is quite a bit further away, 30-60' commute vs 2-5') with the goal of competing at the open level, with a club that has shown they can do well at that level, (several national championships in the open division). One positive (that helped our decision to allow the girls to switch), the 'new larger club' (that competes at open level) has mandatory 2-3x a week strength and conditioning, which they told us (and a S&C coach friend confirmed) cuts the chance of stress injuries dramatically. All that said, I am just wondering if the expectations of the parents become much higher (as they spend more time and money), and (guessing) place more stress on the kids, wondering if the amount of stress on the kids is unhealthy. It is why I am hoping parents of kids that have 'been there/done that' weigh in, especially those with kids who have played at both levels. I guess one could argue I need to find out from the local parents (and I have done that), but it is not easy to track down parents of kids that have already left the local volleyball scene...2 local conversations of that nature in the past 6 months, neither of which had kids that played at both levels...I had just thought this forum may provide more insight to my question(s). Just a thought, for those getting a masters (or PhD) in exercise physiology (or other similar major), a good study: "what is the incidence of stress injuries/burnout in girls that play at open level vs lower levels of play". Until that study is done, I am left with asking questions like the ones I have posed above Simple question: why does your daughter play club volleyball ? What are her overall goals in volleyball ?
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Post by volleytology on Sept 4, 2015 9:41:29 GMT -5
Simple question: why does your daughter play club volleyball ? What are her overall goals in volleyball ? They love it...they are willing (actually look forward to) getting up early, giving up Friday nights, travelling hours and hours to away tournaments in a minivan with several team mates, to be with a bunch of girls that have a cheer before the game that involves rolling on the floor, and all scream "ACE, YOU KNOW!" after an ace by a floating ball that lands between two girls that could not decide whose ball it was. In other words, not pretty volleyball, but the kids have fun, and leave with a huge smile on their face, even if they lose, while the parents laugh and smile and cheer them on...goals? Perhaps my kids are an anomaly, but when asked a question like that they roll their eyes and say 'I dont know, I just like it' In that case, I would just do a local club and enjoy the experience. Doesn't sound like the stress of the "open level" experience is what your kids are looking for. Just stay local and enjoy playing the game and save some money on travel and club expenses
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2015 9:51:22 GMT -5
They love it...they are willing (actually look forward to) getting up early, giving up Friday nights, travelling hours and hours to away tournaments in a minivan with several team mates, to be with a bunch of girls that have a cheer before the game that involves rolling on the floor, and all scream "ACE, YOU KNOW!" after an ace by a floating ball that lands between two girls that could not decide whose ball it was. In other words, not pretty volleyball, but the kids have fun, and leave with a huge smile on their face, even if they lose, while the parents laugh and smile and cheer them on...goals? Perhaps my kids are an anomaly, but when asked a question like that they roll their eyes and say 'I dont know, I just like it' In that case, I would just do a local club and enjoy the experience. Doesn't sound like the stress of the "open level" experience is what your kids are looking for. Just stay local and enjoy playing the game and save some money on travel and club expenses I was about to say the same thing except caveat it with competing in a lower division. It has been a while since my kids went through open, but from what I see when I go to tournaments, it has become more intense at open, not less. You did not say how old they are but I assume 12-14. Let them play for a club that places them in American or maybe National when they have great group together. Push too hard and it is not fun. You want them to want to play and be happy as they win or lose. Let them find their own way with just enough guidance from you. And do not become too invested in it your self (I am not talking about money). I like to go watch the younger kids play at tournaments and see the excitement they have for the game. I do watch 17 and 18 open but the stress seems higher. And if you put yourself out there too much, it will add stress to your life as well. Think about this, do you really want to come on here 6 years from now and read some moron's comments on why your daughter chose to transfer? Or why she is overrated? Let them choose their intensity level and then support them. Do not let them think you have a strong opinion, one way or the other, of the path they should choose (or the decision will be made to please you (kids are not dumb and like parental approval)).
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