Conduct

As a reminder, Tennessee Elite Volleyball Association has had for many years a "24 hour" rule.  No parent or player may contact a coach regarding team issues until at least 24 hours has passed.  It is always inappropriate to approach a coach at any time during a tournament regarding team issues.  Tournaments are especially stressful periods of time for a coach, especially when the team is not performing as expected.  It is not appropriate to approach a coach to discuss items such as playing time, positions, team practices, drills, or any other matter involving the team or your child until the 24 hour rule is met. 

If you deem it necessary to discuss any of these issues in the context of the team or your player prior to the expiration of the mandatory 24 hour period, you should contact the Parent Representative, Ken Hale to discuss these issues.  CLICK HERE for Ken's e-mail address or you may call Ken at 423-335-9306. 

Violation of this rule will not be tolerated.

It is detrimental for the club, the team, the coach, other players or your own player to discuss their abilities or performances in a negative manner.  As a parent, your focus should be on the support of your player, the other players on the team, the coach, and the club.  As the old saying goes, if you can't say something good, don't say anything at all. 

For some good information, please see the following infomration from USAV and other quality sources:

Parents and Fans--Palmetto Region
The Agony of DeParent--USAV 


Ten Guidelines for Being a Positive Player-Parent: 
    Taken from the Palmetto Region's Guidelines for Parents

1. Cheer your daughter on, be supportive of her, console her, but do it without judging her, her coach, or her teammates.
2. Many things will aggravate you that do not even faze your daughter. Do not make something into an issue if it is not an issue.
3. Encourage your child to seek her own answers. Coaches respect players who come to them and privately question their playing time or role; it immediately indicates they want more.
4. Understand the rules of the game, and the coach's philosophy. Substituting in volleyball has consequences.
5. Do your physical part as a parent. Get your child to practice on time and pick her up promptly. Demonstrating responsibility and commitment can be incredibly effective.
6. Positions and talent sometimes do not match up. Coaches attempt to do what is best for the team, putting the best physical mix and the best "chemistry" on the floor. That may mean that sometimes your daughter may be playing out of position in an attempt to strengthen the "team." A positive spin by you can go a long way in helping her adjust to a new role. Stay positive, and maybe she will flourish.
7. If you have real concerns, and your daughter has unsuccessfully attempted to work things out with her coach on her own, schedule a meeting with the coach, and have your child attend with you (you may not be hearing the whole story - a common occurrence). If you are trying to resolve a problem, help your child by being a role model in the problem solving procedure.
8. Never approach a coach with complaints after a tough game. Wait, and schedule a visit after everyone cools off. Most coaches are highly competitive and, just like players, do not like to be confronted after tough games.
9. Please think before criticizing anyone connected with your daughter's club or team. Criticism is contagious and often hurtful. The damage you do could be irreversible.
10. Visibly show that you enjoy watching your daughter perform; this will make her feel better about her participation, no matter what her role is.

March 15 Club Dues
March dues are due on March 15.  Please get your March 15 payment to Chief or your coach to avoid late charges, or you can mail your payment to directly to Chief at:

Michael Robinson
917 Erwin Highway
Greeneville, TN  37745

Helpful Hints for Tournaments

Rest--Do your best to get a good night's rest before the tournament.  Start on Wednesday or Thursday night.  Very few of us are good early morning people, but it helps to be well rested. 

Food--Keep it healty, avoid fried foods.  No pizza, french fries, burgers, corn dogs, fried chips, etc.  Pasta, cheese, baked chips if you must, lean meats, baked potatoes, etc.  Red Bull, Vault, Monster, and other energy drinks are not helpful.

Uniforms--Bring all of your uniform gear to the actual tournament site each day.  You never know when one of your teammates will forget their spandex, socks, kneepads, etc., and who knows, it may be you next time!!  Also, there may be occasions that we need to or want to swap jerseys during the day.

Relaxing Time & Guarding Valuables--You may want to bring a blanket, sleeping bag, pillow for down times between matches.  If you bring cell phones, I-pods, or other electronic gear, MAKE SURE YOU GIVE IT TO AN ADULT FOR SAFE KEEPING during the match.  These items have a habit of walking off.  Same for purses and money.  I have seen teams that put one adult in charge of the electronics, and actually collect it from the players before the match in a large bag.  Not a bad idea.  Beats losing a $250 cell phone.


Congrats are in order!!!!!
Tennessee Elite is proud to have the following players named to the Tennessee All-State Volleyball Team by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association:

Ali Schwenke 18R--Unicoi County--First Team A/AA
Sydney Rice 18N--Science Hill--First Team AAA
Morgan Rutledge 18R--Dobbyns Bennett--Second Team AAA
Kelley Bumgarner 18R--Science Hill--Second Team AAA
Halie Vannoy 18N--Morristown  East--Second Team AAA   

Congratulations to Ali Stollings and Erin Hyde
Ali Stollings, setter for 18 Regional, has committed to King College.  
Erin Hyde, middle blocker/hitter for 18 National, has committed to Tusculum College.
Both young ladies are seniors at Tennessee High School in Bristol, and were named to the all-conference team in 2007.  We wish them both successful seasons at Tennessee Elite and college careers at King College and Tusculum College.



Congrats on a great weekend at the Southern Classic!  Way to represent!  VIVA LA TEVA!

18N - 1st in Silver
18R - 3rd in Copper
17N - 1st in Copper
17R - 1st in Bronze
15N - 1st in Copper
15 R - 3rd in Gold
14N - 3rd in Silver