Player/Parent Handbook

At Madfrog, our mission is to develop well-rounded student-athletes. We focus on building fundamental volleyball skills and helping each player reach their maximum potential. The "total package" includes an athlete's academics, athleticism, self-esteem, and citizenship. We believe in teaching teamwork, discipline, and life skills that extend beyond the court.

We know that participating in club volleyball is a significant commitment of time and money. Our goal is to ensure every player gets the most out of this investment by fostering a sense of belonging and unity. We challenge our athletes to follow their dreams and create a supportive environment where they can grow and achieve their goals.

Madfrog Volleyball is a recognized and respected program in Texas. Our success is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our players, parents, and staff. We believe that success is more than just a win-loss record; it's about the journey and the growth that happens along the way.

Success for us means:

• Uniting a group of individuals to pursue a common goal.
• Overcoming individual differences for the team to achieve its potential.
• Helping athletes excel both on and off the court by being part of something bigger than themselves.

Being a part of a Madfrog team is a commitment to hard work and dedication. We select athletes who bring a special quality to the court and their team.

We believe that athletic competition should demonstrate high standards of ethics, sportsmanship, and character. We expect all parents and players to pursue victory with honor and act as positive role models.

Parent Code of Conduct:

• Respect: Always treat coaches, players, other parents, and officials with respect.
• Support, Don't Coach: Let the coaches do the coaching. Do not shout instructions to players from the stands or sidelines.
• Class: Live and cheer with class. Be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity.
• No Disrespectful Conduct: Do not engage in profanity, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, or trash-talking.
• Treat Officials and Coaches with Respect: Do not complain about or argue with official calls or decisions. Trust that our coaching staff, who have studied and played the game, will make decisions that are in the best interest of the team.
• Self-Control: Exercise self-control and avoid excessive displays of anger or frustration.

Consequences for Violating the Code of Conduct:

If you do not follow these rules, Madfrog has the right to take disciplinary action, including:

• Barring the parent(s) from attending practices or tournaments.
• Immediate dismissal of the player from the team for the season.

This is one of the most important areas of our program. Following this protocol ensures that concerns are resolved in a smooth and comfortable way.

• Player-Coach Communication: If a player has a concern, she should speak with the coach first.
• Parent-Coach Communication: If the player feels the issue has not been resolved after speaking with the coach, parents may send a documented concern via email to the coach. A meeting will then be arranged if necessary.
• Escalation: If concerns persist after meeting with the coach, a meeting may be arranged with the parent, athlete, coach, and a Madfrog Club Director. The player must be present at any meeting. The discussion will be about that player and the documented concern only.
• 24-Hour Rule: Parents and athletes must wait 24 hours after a specific incident or event (e.g., a change in position or playing time) before contacting a coach via email.
• Tournament Protocol: Do not approach coaches before or after practices or matches. Productive meetings require a calm, private setting. Meetings during a tournament will not happen.

Inappropriate Issues to Discuss with Coaches:

• Playing time
• Coaching decisions
• Other athletes

Practice Protocol

We want practice to mimic game conditions. Players are expected to be at all practices.

• Attendance: Notify your coach via call, email, or text in advance if you must miss practice.
• Arrival: Arrive 10 minutes early to be ready to start on time.
• Attire: Wear practice uniform (spandex shorts and team practice shirt), have shoes on, and bring a water bottle.
• Focus: Practice is team time; focus on the team and the tasks at hand.
• No Cell Phones: Cell phones are not allowed out during practices or games.
• No Gum or Jewelry: These are not allowed during practice.
• Cleanup: Players are responsible for cleaning up trash and equipment after practice.

Parent Practice Protocol

• Support: Be supportive and cheer for all players.
• Private Conversations: If you have concerns, speak with coaches privately and follow the communication guidelines.
• No Interference: Do not yell instructions or interfere with players and coaches.

Off-Limits Areas: Parents and siblings are NOT allowed on the courts at any time. In order to maintain our programs responsibly and with the professionalism that is required, we ask that you follow our rules regarding parents, siblings, or any other person not registered as an athlete or coach.

NO PARENTS OR CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED ON THE COURTS, COURT CHAIRS, REF STANDS, COURT NETS, HITTING BOXES, AND TRAINING APPARATUS AT ANY TIME.

This includes "warming up" with children before, during, or after practices. The courts are for coaches and athletes participating in the program only. This is not only a liability per insurance regulations but also a distraction from the practice. This is a business, not a playground, and our coaches need athletes to be focused on the task at hand.

Please keep your children supervised and with you at all times while in our facility. We also ask that they do not enter any storage room, coaches' lounge, office, or concession stand without specific permission. We allow you to bring items to keep your children entertained and have space upstairs for this purpose. Signs are posted around the gym stating, "ONLY ATHLETES AND COACHES PERMITTED ON THE COURTS."

Absence & Injury

An absence is excused if the player notifies the head coach in advance and the coach approves the absence. If an athlete is injured or ill, please notify the coaches before practice. If a player has an injury that prevents them from practicing, a doctor's note is required to clear them to participate again.

• Respect and support the coaches.
• If you have concerns or questions for any of the coaches, we ask that you speak with them privately about it and follow communication guidelines.
• Do not discuss players who are not your children with other players or other adults.
• No profanity or disruptive behavior.
• No alcohol in the gym.

Substance Use

The use of illegal substances, alcohol, or tobacco in any form is strictly prohibited. Engaging in such behavior, fighting, or other inappropriate actions will result in disciplinary action by the club.

Cell Phones & Social Media

• Restriction: Cell phone and social media use may be restricted during practices, tournaments, and team events to promote team unity.
• Positive Use: If used during team bonding activities, devices should be used to uplift the entire team, not to create separation.
• No Negative Posts: Players, parents, or coaches who use social media to voice negative comments or personal attacks about the club, coaches, teammates, or their families may be dismissed from the team.

Your Commitments:

• I will not post negative comments about Madfrog, coaches, or teammates.
• I will not post inappropriate pictures of myself or teammates.
• I will not encourage peer mistreatment through social media or any other means.

Academics

Schoolwork should be your highest priority after family. If you fail in school, you will likely fail in volleyball. Being successful means striving for above-average grades.

• Notify Coaches: Parents must notify coaches if an athlete is failing a class or having major difficulties in school.
• Responsibility: You are a student-athlete; manage your time effectively so neither school nor athletics suffers.
• Character: Always treat others with respect. Difficulties with authority or societal structure will lead to a lack of discipline on the court.

Club Season Payments

• Due Date: Payments are due on the 1st of the month, from September through April or June.
• Late Payments: Late payments will result in the athlete being unable to participate in sanctioned events or practices until payment is made.
• Autopay: All accounts are set to autopay via LeagueApps.
• Non-Refundable: All payments made are non-refundable.

Uniforms

Please be patient with uniform orders. Contact VB Rags at diana@vbrags.com with any issues regarding your order.

Player Expectations

• Arrival: Arrive at the tournament site at the time specified by your coach.
• Gear: Always bring your bag with ALL uniforms.
• Team Unity: The team will stay together without significant others. If you need to leave the site, notify your coach.
• Team Responsibilities: Each player is expected to share scorekeeping responsibilities. Every team member must stay until all work duties are complete.
• Cleanliness: Clean up the team's area before leaving the tournament site.

Player & Travel

• Arrival/Departure: Arrive in the tournament city before 10 PM the night before play. Do not schedule a return flight until after 6 PM on the last day of play.
• Carry-On: Players should always carry their uniform bag on the plane.
• Team Meals/Meetings: Players are required to attend all team meals and meetings. Parents are encouraged to attend as well.
• Curfew: Coaches will communicate curfews and "lights out" times.

Hotel Policies (For teams rooming together)

• Curfew & Lights Out: Players must be in their rooms and follow the "lights out" time specified by the coach.
• Proper Attire: Players must be properly dressed in the lobby and dining areas.
• Respect Others: Be quiet and respectful to other hotel guests. No running or loud behavior in hallways.
• No Opposite Gender: No members of the opposite gender are permitted in team rooms.
• Property Damage: Players who damage hotel property are personally responsible for the costs.

Greatness in volleyball and in life requires specific qualities. We expect our athletes to embody these traits:

• Self-Motivation: You must be a self-starter. Coaches will help, but the drive must come from you.
• Belief: Believe in yourself, your team, your program, and your coaches.
• Coachability: The worst thing to be called is "uncoachable." Be open to constructive criticism, and strive to improve without making excuses.
• Competition: Have a burning desire to win and compete with passion and intensity.
• Willingness to Practice: Give 100% every day, not just during matches. Work on your weaknesses, not just your strengths.
• Sacrifice: Conditioning and training are not always fun, but they are necessary. Make healthy choices regarding hydration, nutrition, and rest.
• Think Under Fire: Learn to stay focused in the moment, regardless of past mistakes or successes. Check your "personal baggage" at the door.
• Maturity: A positive attitude and a commitment to personal growth are essential.

1. Love Them Unconditionally: Your child should know that win or lose, you love them and appreciate their effort.
2. Be Honest: Be realistic about your child's athletic capabilities.
3. Don't Coach: Avoid giving advice to or from the gym. It's overwhelming for your child.
4. Teach Fun & Effort: Help them enjoy the thrill of competition and giving maximum effort.
5. Let Go of Your Past: Don't relive your own athletic career through your child, which can create unnecessary pressure.
6. Don't Compete with the Coach: The coach is an authority figure, and you should support their role.
7. No Comparisons: Do not compare your child to other players, especially within their hearing.
8. Know the Coaches: Get to know the coaches' philosophy and ethics to ensure you are happy with their leadership.
9. Investigate, Don't Over-react: Children often exaggerate. Before over-reacting to a story, investigate and find the truth.
10. Define Courage: Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.

Your support and effort are crucial to your child's success. We appreciate your partnership in making this a great season.