2019 TEAM HANDBOOK

Coaching Staff

Varsity
Tiffany Pierson
schwanketiffany@gmail.com

Junior Varsity
Mariah Pietig
mariahpietig6@gmail.com

C-Squad
Darcy Hoyt
darcy.hoyt@springfield.mntm.org

8th Grade
Troy Hoyt
troy.hoyt@springfield.mntm.org

7th Grade
Sam Heiling
samantha.shoen@springfield.mntm.org

Activities Staff

Activities Director
Paul Arnoldi
paul.arnoldi@springfield.mntm.org

Our goal as a coaching staff is to help young athletes instill dedication into their
everyday life while demonstrating mental strength, leadership, respect, and
compassion. Abiding by these qualities will help these kids become better athletes,
but most importantly better individuals.

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 Team Placement & Playing Time
Varsity: At this level, we will strive to be as competitive as possible. Top players will start and
play the most, and no one is guaranteed playing time. A starting line-up will be decided on a
game-to-game basis. The MSHSL has a roster limit of 15 players for post-season competition.
This roster will consist of the 15 players that will give us the best competitive edge, regardless of
grade level.

Junior Varsity: These players, of any grade level, are preparing to become future Varsity
players or are not quite ready for Varsity level competition. We will strive to be very
competitive, but will provide opportunities for athletes to gain playing experience. A starting
line-up will be decided on a game-to-game basis, and playing time will NOT be guaranteed.

C-Squad: At this level, players are becoming more competitive and we are focusing on
developing the player’s skills. Coaches will provide opportunities for all to gain valuable playing
experience, but playing time will not necessarily be equal.

7th & 8th Grade: All players will have the opportunity to play equally, provided that they have
been at practice/team-related functions and have been following the coaching staff’s
expectations.

Playing Time: The amount of playing time is determined by the coaches, who see the players
every day in practice. As a coaching staff, we value a positive attitude, team work, respect,
personal and team motivation, coachability, skill/ability, and aggressiveness. These qualities all
play a part in determining playing time.

Player’s playing time will also be evaluated based on a number of items, including but not
limited to the following:
 Dedication, attitude, work ethic, timeliness, and preparation
 Volleyball IQ (ex. How well do you know the game? Do you understand how to move to
the ball? Do you know when to tip versus when to swing all-out?)
 How the coaches feel that a player will positively or negatively affect team chemistry
 Energy, enthusiasm, and communication ability both on and off the court
 Consistency and volleyball skill level, athleticism, physical condition, and physical
abilities
 Coachability, ability to listen, ability to focus on the task at hand, and leadership qualities

Young/Exceptional Athletes Participating on High School Teams Policy:

There may be times when the coaching staff believes that it would be productive to move a
younger player up to a higher level team than what the players of that age are typically on. An
example would be moving a 7th or 8th grade player up to 9th, JV, or Varsity. In these situations,
the Athletic Director will be consulted first to get approval based upon academics, emotional,
and physical qualifications, and then, if approval is given, the player and player’s parents will be
consulted. If the athlete and the athlete’s parents are comfortable with the idea, then the move
will be made. Athletes being promoted will be moved up with the assurance that they are going
to be a significant contributor. Otherwise, the athlete will not be promoted.
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 Player Code of Conduct
Springfield Tiger Volleyball will follow the MSHSL rules and the school policy. Make sure to
read and know these rules. Additionally, any athlete that wants to be part of the Tiger Volleyball
Program must agree to adhere to the following:
 I will do everything in my control to always be on time and communicate well in advance
if I know I will be late or gone.
 I understand that in order to meet expectations in important areas of my life such as
family, school, and athletic related obligations, while still fulfilling the requirements of
the Tiger Volleyball Program, there may be times that I need to make a sacrifice in other
areas, such as time with friends or other social engagements.
 I understand that it is a privilege to be part of this team and that my choices, behavior,
work ethic, and attitude will ultimately determine whether I have a positive or negative
experience with the team.
 If necessary, I will be willing to maintain a positive attitude and sacrifice what I want for
what my coach thinks is best for the team, even if I completely disagree with the coach’s
judgment, strategy, or opinions. I will remain 100% coachable.
 I understand that my coach alone will determine who plays and starts in competitions and
that those decisions may be based on many factors, including but not limited to: my
playing ability, my athleticism, my work ethic, my commitment to the team, my practice
habits, my willingness to communicate with my teammates on and off the court, the way
that I interact with my teammates in practice and in games, my leadership qualities, my
coachability, my energy, my physical condition, my ability to listen, and my attitude in
general.
 I understand that if my attitude, choices, behavior, work ethic, and commitment to the
team don’t meet my coach’s expectations, and if my coach believes that I am negatively
affecting the ability of the team or other players on the team to be successful, I will need
to make a change. Otherwise I may be taken out of a game, asked to leave a practice, or
in the worst case, asked to leave the team.

Attendance Policy
Athletes must be in school by 8:10 AM and in attendance all day in order to practice or
participate in a match. Athletes with excused absences will be allowed practice or participate. It
will ultimately be the school’s and coaches’ discretion to decide if an absence from school,
practice, or competition is excused or unexcused.

Excused Absences: Family emergency, funeral, school related functions, church

Unexcused Absences: Sick, medical (dentist or doctor appointments)*, vacation, work,
detention, senior pictures, football game, friends
*Medical appointments are an excused school absence, but please try to schedule medical
appointments around practice times. If an athlete must sit out of a game or practice due to an
injury a doctor’s note must be presented to the coach that day.

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 Athletic Lettering Guidelines
A recognition program to honor Varsity, Junior Varsity, C-Squad athletes, managers,
statisticians, and coaches will be held at the conclusion of the volleyball season. The coaches
will be in attendance and present the respective awards. All participants are strongly encouraged
to attend. Athletes not in attendance are responsible for making arrangements with the coaches to
receive their awards.

Varsity players who are dressing members at the conclusion of the season and in good athletic
and academic standing will earn a letter. Anyone found in violation of the Minnesota State High
School League Rules shall forfeit her right to letter.

Practice Guidelines & Expectations

Commitment is key. When any player misses practice or a game, it affects the whole team.
Your teammates and coaches are counting on your attendance.

Expectations:
 ALL practices are mandatory for every player unless coaches specifically state otherwise.
o If a player has doubts as to her ability to practice (such as injury or feeling ill) she
should still attend practice to watch her team to keep up with her team’s
mentality.
o Missing a regularly scheduled practice for an unexcused reason will result in loss
of playing time. The coaches will determine penalties for missed practices on a
case-by-case basis. (See Attendance Policy for unexcused vs excused absences.)
o 3 or more unexcused absences from practices or games are grounds for removal
from the team.
 If you must sit out of practice for an injury (unknown to the coaches) a
doctor’s note must be provided, or this will be considered unexcused.
 Players are expected to notify coaches well in advance if they will be late or absent.
o It is the player’s responsibly to communicate with their coach. It is not your friend
or teammates job to report to the coach for you.
 Get to practice early. Players should be dressed appropriately, shoes and kneepads on, be
taped, and be ready to practice by 3:30 PM sharp.
 Practice Attire is as follows:
o Spandex Shorts, Athletic Shirt, Athletic Tennis Shoes, and Knee Pads
 Players are expected to bring a water bottle and have it filled before practice begins.
 Cell phones & other electronics should be SILENT and put away unless specifically
stated otherwise.
 Players are expected to listen attentively, work hard, compete with intensity, support their
teammates, and strive for excellence in everything that they do.
 After practices and games, players should take sweaty gear and clothing OUT of their
bags and let things air out so that at the next practice or game, people can remain in the
players’ vicinity without being uncomfortable from the stench of sweaty clothing.

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 Game Night Guidelines & Expectations
Tentative Arrival Times: For home matches, C-Squad players should arrive no later than
3:45pm, JV and Varsity no later than 4:20pm.

Game Day Attire: Players are asked to dress appropriately by following the Springfield Student
Handbook and show pride in Tiger Volleyball. Look sharp!

Equipment: Have uniforms, knee-pads, shoes, socks, tape, water bottle, and anything else
needed for the competition. If games are away, please bring all necessary playing equipment to
school that day.

Prepare to Compete: Stretching, getting taped, and other physical or mental preparations should
be managed and arranged for by each player individually based on their own needs.

Mobile Devices: No electronic/mobile devices are allowed while on the bench, in the bleachers
during competitions, or in the locker room. Coaches will collect devices if problems arise.

Expectations:
 Players are expected to sit together as a team near the team benches during the C-Squad,
JV, and Varsity competitions to help take stats, videotape, cheer, and support the teams.
 After the C-Squad and JV matches are finished, athletes are encouraged to stay and watch
the Varsity match.
 Varsity players are to do book, line-judge, and officiate the C-Squad’s home matches.
 C-Squad is expected to line-judge the JV matches.
 C-Squad and JV players are to help shag balls during the Varsity warm-ups.
 C-Squad and JV players are expected to take stats & video the Varsity matches.
 Varsity players are to shag balls for the C-Squad and JV teams during their warm-ups.
 Varsity players will set up the net for home matches. C-Sqaud & JV are to take down the
net following home matches. A rotation for setting up and taking down will be provided.
The girls on the current net rotation cannot leave until checking in with their coach.
 Parents are expected to cheer for their daughter AND the team. Encourage them when
they struggle. Applaud them when they succeed. Remember, they have their own inner
mental dialogue happening, and it can be hard to overcome negative thoughts, especially
when they hear them from the crowd too. When you talk to your daughter about the
match, encourage her to believe in herself and in her teammates. If you tear her
teammates down, she will carry that attitude back to the team, and it won't help them.

Away Competition Expectations:

 Players should be ready to leave at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
 Players are expected to leave the hosting facility as clean and neat as it was when they
arrived. All bottles, wrappers, tape, etc. must be picked up and disposed of properly.
 Players are expected to make sure that any busses or vans are neat and clean after use.
 Players are expected to get to the bus within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the Varsity
match.

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 Travel Policy
Athletes are not allowed to drive themselves to any competitions. The district is responsible for
all members of the travel party from the time of departure until the time of return. Athletes,
managers, statisticians, etc. must ride to and from events in school provided transportation.
Riding the bus to and from games helps develop team unity and is highly recommended.
 An athlete will not be allowed to go to, or return from a competition with someone other
than her parents or guardians unless the following conditions exist and the following
arrangements are made well in advance:
o Special circumstances exist that would accommodate a need of the parent/student.
o Parents or guardians personally make the request to the coach or AD.
o Written request is received by the coach or AD the day before the event in
question, so that the authenticity of the request can be verified

Equipment
All players will be on a rotating schedule for equipment set-up and take-down for practices and
games. Varsity members are responsible for setting up on home game nights, and JV & C-Squad
members will take down.

Springfield Public High School & MSHSL Rules

Springfield Public High School is a member of the Minnesota High School League. All
participants are subject to the rules and regulations of the league.

Sportsmanship: Whenever Springfield High School is involved in an activity, students should

display good sportsmanship. Booing, mocking, rude gestures, and disrespectful behavior are not
a true representation of Springfield, nor will they be tolerated. At the beginning of the Varsity
contest, it is customary to play the National Anthem as an outward means of showing the pride
and respect we have for our country. Players are to be standing during the National Anthem.

Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Violations:
A student shall not use or possess alcohol, tobacco, substances mimicking tobacco or other
controlled substances at any time during the entire calendar year. This applies to all students
whether they are participants in an activity at the time or not. If the rule is violated during the
summer months or between seasons, the penalty will begin with the next activity in which the
student is a participant. If caught violating the chemical rule in school or at any school activities,
the penalty will apply plus five (5) day suspension.

First Violation Penalty: The student will lose eligibility for the next four consecutive
interscholastic contests or 3 weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater, of a season in which
the student is a participant. AS AN ALTERNATIVE: With the completion of a chemical
awareness class and 5 hours of community service, the student will lose eligibility for the next
two consecutive interscholastic contests for 2 weeks, 14 calendar days, whichever is greater, of a

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season in which the student is a participant. The alternative agreement must be signed by student,
parent/guardian and Activity Director within 10 days of the violation.

Second Violation Penalty: The student will lose eligibility for the next twelve consecutive
interscholastic contests or 4 weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater, of a season in which
the student is a participant. AS AN ALTERNATIVE: With the completion of a chemical
awareness class and 10 hours of community service, the student will lose eligibility for the next
six consecutive interscholastic contests or 3 weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater, of a
season in which the student is a participant. The alternative agreement must be signed by student,
parent/guardian and Activity Director within 10 days of the violation.

Third & Subsequent Violation Penalty: Loss of eligibility for the remainder of the student’s high
school career. AS AN ALTERNATIVE: A student who chooses to become a participant in a
treatment program may become eligible for participation after a minimum period of 6 weeks
after entering treatment if all of the following conditions are met:
a. The student is assessed as chemically dependent,
b. Enters treatment voluntarily,
c. The director of the treatment center certifies that the student successfully completed the
treatment program.
d. The treatment option cannot be used for the first or second violation. Successful
completion of a chemical dependency treatment program will satisfy only the most recent
violation. Any other violations for which the penalty has not been satisfied must still be
served in full.

Team Violation Rule - A player who commits a violation in this area must:
1. Apologize to the entire gym of players and coaches for letting their team down.
2. Turn in their uniform until the completion of their consequence.

Academic Eligibility Policy

Springfield High School students must be passing all courses in which they are enrolled to be
eligible to participate in extra-curricular games or contests. The student may continue to practice
their activity during the period of ineligibility. The Activity Administrator will restore eligibility.
The following rules govern academic eligibility:

The Springfield ineligibility period is for a set number of days, not a number of activities.
 Grades checks will take place every 3 weeks (approx.). These specific dates will be
determined by the principal.
 If a student is failing, incomplete, or not in good standing at the time of the grade check,
they will have one week to get all their classes passing, complete, and in good standing.
If, after the one week probationary period, a student is not passing, complete, and/or in
good standing, that student will be ineligible for all activities until the next grade check.
Lunch detention will be assigned to the student during the three-week ineligible period.
 If a student is on the 3 week ineligible list, student will be ineligible of all public
performances; including, but not limited to: Homecoming Court, Prom Grand March,
Singing of the National Anthem at home activities.

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  If a student was ineligible during the previous grade check, they will not be given the one
week probationary period, and they will be ineligible for the next three weeks.
 If a student fails Semester 1, they will be academically ineligible until the next grade
check. If a student fails Semester 2, they will be academically ineligible for the rest of
that school year’s activities.

Mid-terms for students who have not failed the previous grading period
If a student receives a failing grade at the mid-term grading period:
 They have one week of academic probation. If they bring their grades up to passing, they
will remain eligible. If they have an F, in any class after the week of academic probation,
they will be ineligible until the 3 week check.

During this ineligible period, the athlete will be able to practice, but will not be able to
participate in any organized MSHSL events.

Team Expectations:
 Academics come before volleyball.
 You are a student, then you are an athlete.
 Strive for excellence, and work hard to be an achiever in the classroom and on the court.
 Attend every class every day. BE PRESENT!
 Hold yourself accountable – don’t leave it up to your teachers, parents, or coaches.
 Let the coaching staff know if you are struggling in a class and we will assist you in a
plan for your success as a student-athlete.

Communication Policy
Communication is very important between our players, coaches, and parents and is instrumental
in the overall experience of our program. We welcome questions from players and parent, but do
have guidelines that must be followed. Coaching staff contact information, practice and game
schedules, results, and rosters are available at:
 www.springfield.mntm.org
 tigervb.weebly.com
 www.mshsl.org

Player and Parent Communication Expectations:

1. Players and parents should communicate with the coaching staff regarding any
scheduling conflicts well in advance.
2. Players and parents should follow the chain of command regarding playing time, game
strategy, and teammate issues. The chain starts with the player and coach, where most
issues can be solved. However, if it cannot be solved/understood, then the player,
parent(s), and coach will meet. If the problem still cannot be solved/understood, then the
player, parent(s), coach, and athletic director will meet.
a. Players: If you meet with any of us coaches, be prepared for honest answers.
b. Three Day Rule: When upset about someone or something, you must address the
issue and take action within three days. After the third day…drop it, let it go, and

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 move on. Grudges and negative energy will only end up negatively affecting your
performance.
c. The coaching staff requires that you follow the 24 hour no contact rule to
discuss a grievance.
i. We will not allow parents or players to contact coaches for 24 hours
following a contest.
ii. The 24 hour cushion after a game is time needed to reflect to be able to
calmly address any problems.
d. Make an appointment to talk with the coach in a meeting outside of practices and
games. The activities director will attend these meetings if requested by the coach.
e. Parents, if concerned with playing time, you should first have a discussion with
your daughter – they will most likely have an explanation for you.
f. Parents will NOT communicate with a coach regarding any member(s) of the
team other than their own child!

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 Important Dates
Monday, August 12th First Day of Practice

Saturday, August 17th Scrimmage at New Ulm Cathedral

Friday, August 23rd Scrimmage at Home vs. TMB

Tuesday, August 27th First Match vs. Red Rock Central

Saturday, September 7th Tournament at WWG (Varsity)

Saturday, September 14th Tournament at Home (C-Squad)

Varsity & JV are required to help with tournament.

Saturday, September 21nd Tournament at Sibley East (Varsity)

Thursday, October 3rd Parents Night (Match vs Cedar Mountain)

Friday, October 4th Tournament at SMSU (Varsity)

Saturday, October 5th Tournament at SMSU (Varsity)

Saturday, October 12th Tournament at Cedar Mountain (JV)

Tentative:
Sunday, November 10th Year End Awards Banquet
Community Center, 6 pm

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 Player & Parent Signature Page
I am a student-athlete that would like to participate on a 7th Grade, 8th Grade, C-Squad, Junior
Varsity, or Varsity team in the Springfield Tiger Volleyball Program. I have reviewed, I
understand, and I agree to adhere to the Tiger Volleyball Code of Conduct.

Additionally, I have reviewed the complete “Springfield Tiger Volleyball Team Handbook,” and
I understand the rules, expectations, guidelines, responsibilities, and obligations that come with
being part of the Tiger Volleyball Program. I accept these and pledge to make my best effort to
obey them. I understand that my attitude, my behaviors, my work ethic, and the choices that I
make will ultimately determine the amount of success that I have within the Tiger Volleyball
Program.

Athlete Printed Name: ______________________

Athlete Signature: _________________________
Date Signed: __________________

I am a parent and/or guardian of the student-athlete listed above that would like to participate on
a 7th Grade, 8th Grade, C-Squad, Junior Varsity, or Varsity team in the Tiger Volleyball
Program. I have received and reviewed the “Springfield Tiger Volleyball Team Handbook”. I
understand the rules, expectations, guidelines, responsibilities, and obligations that my daughter
will be expected to adhere to if she is a part of the Tiger Volleyball Program, and I plan to
support my daughter in this effort. I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the parent
communication guidelines. I will never question or confront coaches at a practice or competition.
I will remember that my daughter is participating for fun and that this experience is for her and
her teammates. I will focus on being a good parent to my daughter and leave the coaching to the
coaches. I will encourage my daughter to treat other players, coaches, officials, and spectators
with respect, and I will do the same. I will not encourage any behaviors that could endanger the
health and well-being of any student-athlete. I understand that the coach may not see things the
same way that I do when it comes to decisions on playing time, game-strategy, player positions,
practice habits, or other factors that may affect the level of success that the team has. However, I
understand that if I exhibit a negative attitude towards the coach or other players in front of my
daughter, it will only make her experience more negative and make it more difficult for her to
live up to the codes of conduct that she agreed to adhere to in order to be part of the Tiger
Volleyball Program.

Parent/Guardian Printed Name: ________________________

Signature: ____________________________
Date Signed: __________________

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