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NMHU Cowgirls VolleyballPlayer Manual
2011 Season
This player manual is for those dedicated to the sport of collegiate volleyball. Players, coaches and staff will be expected to adhere to these guidelines in a professional manner.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Philosophy 2
Player Rules 3-4
Coaches Rules 5
Motivation 6
Code of Conduct 7-8
Academic Expectations 9
Media Guidelines 10
Official Visits 11
Road Trip Etiquette 11
Equipment Guidelines 11
Philosophy-
The New Mexico Highlands University volleyball program believes in using volleyball as a tool to learn important life skills to better prepare athletes for the rigors of post collegiate life. We believe in building a team with highly motivated, competitive, mature student-athletes who love the sport of volleyball, set high goals and establish challenging standards for themselves in volleyball, the classroom, and life. NMHU volley believes in positive thinking and action and will encourage all student-athletes to feel confident about their choices, if made in a mature and thoughtful way. We believe competitive practices and drills are a strong character builder and all training will be done at a championship caliber. Learning to love competition and the desire to compete and feel comfortable in the most pressure packed situations will be the trademark of the NMHU Cowgirls volleyball program. Developing competitive winners, not afraid of pursuing a challenge and taking on all obstacles in pursuit of a team or personal goals, is what sets NMHU volleyball and its student-athletes apart from the rest.
Player Rules-
New Mexico Highlands University Volleyball gives our student-athletes freedom and respect since they are adults and should be treated as such. Therefore, the basic rules of this team are simple and straightforward. Unnecessary handholding and discipline is NOT what NMHU volleyball is about. Misuse of this trust and respect by team members may result in a more stringent set of rules and reversion to more adolescent style of discipline.
1. Be on time, early: Don’t ever be late, adjust to the circumstances that may arise. This means practices, matches, team travel, class, special team functions, etc.
2. Give 100% in the gym: There is never an excuse to go halfway in a practice, match or strength training. You only get to be collegiate athletes once in your life – don’t short change your opportunity.
3. Give 100% in the classroom: Graduate without any regrets about how you attacked academia at NMHU. Be a competitor in the classroom. You will be expected to maintain a 2.5 to compete.
4. Be Honest: Always be truthful in your dealing with the coaching staff, teammates, support staff, and teachers. Dishonest only leads to individual and team turmoil.
5. Be a team player: NMHU volleyball prides itself on the positive chemistry of the team and coaching staff. Be a part of that. Whining and complaining have absolutely no place in the program.
6. Keep it in the program: NMHU volleyball believes in handling any issues at the source. If an issue arises within a team or the program, the following chain should be followed to resolve the issue: (1) the individual with whom the issue is (2) your direct coach (3) the head coach (4) athletic director. Breaking this chain will not be tolerated and is a sure way to lose the coaching staff’s respect.
7. Be tough: Challenge yourself to get out of your present comfort zone and experience new heights of success. Meaningless diversions or issues that are inconsequential to success and achieving higher levels do not affect champions. If there is a problem, talk it out with your players and/or coaches.
8. Have fun: Enjoy collegiate life and especially the opportunity to play the sport you love. The four years you spend in college could be some of the most enjoyable years of your life; therefore play hard, stay relaxed and enjoy your teammates and coaches. This is what makes a team memorable.
Coaches Rules-
The coaches for the NMHU volleyball program are dedicated to the development of our student-athletes, the program itself and Eastern New Mexico University. Each coach has their own guidelines that they will adhere to and be extremely fair to all student-athletes.
1. Respect: Coaches will encourage NMHU student-athletes to be respectful and tolerant of other players, coaches, and officials.
2. Effort and Teamwork: Coaches will encourage student-athletes to pursue victory with honor, to think and play as a team, to do their best and continually improve through personal effort and discipline.
3. Positive coaching: Coaches will use positive coaching methods to make the experience enjoyable, increase self-esteem and foster a love and appreciation for the sport.
4. Competence: strive to improve coaching competence and acquire increasing proficiency in coaching principles and current strategies, character-building techniques, and first-aid and safety.
5. Caring environment: consistently demonstrate concern for student-athletes as individuals and encourage them to look out for one another and think and act as a team.
6. Athletic trainers: Coaches will seek and follow the advice of a team doctor or athletic trainer when determining whether an injured student-athlete is ready to play.
7. Integrity: Coaches will model high ideals of ethics and sportsmanship and always pursue victory with honor; teach, advocate and model the importance of honor and good character by doing the right thing even when it’s unpopular or personally costly.
Motivation-
I figure practice puts your brains in your muscles. ~Sam Snead
The more I practice, the luckier I get. ~Jerry Barber
Pain is nothing compared to what it feels like to quit. ~Author Unknown
Losers quit when they're tired. Winners quit when they've won. ~Author Unknown
It is not how big you are, it's how big you play. ~Author Unknown
You have to be able to center yourself, to let all of your emotions go. Don't ever forget that you play with your soul as well as your body. ~Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Code of Conduct-
NMHU VOLLEYBALL PLAYER EXPECTATIONS/CODE OF CONDUCT
Outlined below are the expectations and team rules that the coaching staff believes are critical to promoting excellence and having fun.
Commitment
Players are expected to attend all practices, matches, and team events. Although some absences are unavoidable, we ask that athletes alert a member of the coaching staff as soon as they become aware of a conflict.
Any tardiness or absences will likely affect playing time regardless of the reason.
The coaching staff is committed to running a disciplined and successful program and to improving every individual athlete’s volleyball skills. We aim to encourage and reward good work habits, instill a love of the sport, and create opportunities for every athlete to contribute to the team’s success in a healthy, competitive environment.
Playing Time and Position
The coaches will always present a lineup designed to give our team the best opportunity to defeat the opponent. At the same time, we will also work hard to put every player in a position where she can contribute to the team's success.
If an athlete needs clarification about playing time, position, or role on the team, she must contact the staff directly at a time apart from competition. If the athlete feels further discussion is needed, coaches will then meet with the athlete.
Code of Conduct
As a NMHU Volleyball player...
· I will be at all practices, team meetings, and matches at the time announced by the coaches.
· I understand that for practices and matches, “on time” means I have my kneepads on, braces on, shoes on, hair up, and other needs taken care of by the appointed start time.
· I will not ball-handle until the nets are up or a coach organizes a drill.
· I will not kick volleyballs, shoot baskets, or use non-volleyball equipment (basketballs, etc.) in the gym unless it is part of a supervised volleyball drill.
· I will help set up and put away all team equipment at practices and help keep track of the equipment at competition events.
· I will develop and follow a work ethic designed to produce success both on and off the court. This means expending maximum and positive effort in practices and matches and honoring my academic and family commitments.
· I will overcome the urge to complain, behave negatively, participate in cliques, pout, act selfishly, or engage in any other behavior that undermines team chemistry and morale.
· I will at all times treat my teammates, the managers, and coaching staff with respect.
· If I have an issue with a teammate, I will address her directly and try to resolve the problem. I will not criticize her behind her back.
· I will not bounce a ball, talk, or show any sign of disinterest or disrespect when a coach is speaking.
· I will not walk during drills, I will help shag balls when I am not actively involved in a drill, and I will help my teammates shag all balls up before water breaks and at the end of practice.
· I will always exhibit good sportsmanship when competing; this includes showing respect for the officials, the opponents, and the fans.
· I will handle and store equipment properly to prevent unnecessary damage.
· I will remove all jewelry before matches and practices.
· I will actively support my teammates; especially when I am not on the court.
· I will abide by additional reasonable rules and standards that are verbally conveyed to me by the coaching staff.
· I understand that breaking these rules may result in reduced playing time, extra duties, or (for repeated or serious violations) suspension from the team.
Academic Expectations-
One of the major components of NMHU volleyball is the academic segment. Expectations are high from a personal and team standpoint. NMHU volley expects student-athletes to reach their potential in the classroom; pushing themselves to become the absolute best student possible.
Guidelines:
1. Team GPA is always at or above 3.0
2. Personal GPA is always at or above 2.5
3. 100% attendance is mandatory.
4. Get involved in discussions in class.
5. Don’t procrastinate with assignments.
Ultimately the academic portion of your collegiate career is the most important. Attack academia with the same passion that you put forth in the gym and the end result will be very satisfying and your future secure.
Consequences:
1. Any time an individual teams GPA falls below 3.0, the team will have one week to raise the GPA. If the GPA is not raised within a week, the team will be required to run one gym loop for each tenth of a point below 3.0 until the grades come up.
2. Any time an individual athlete’s GPA falls below 2.5, the individual will have one week to raise the GPA. If the GPA is not raised within a week, the individual will be required to run one gym loop for each tenth of a point below 2.5 until the grades come up.
Media Guidelines-
You Are Representing NMHU. Anything you say publicly is a reflection of New Mexico Highlands University. Avoid making comments that could cause embarrassment to you, your team or NMHU. Phrases that may be acceptable on the playing field/court may not be acceptable on the air or in the newspaper
Public Media Public media refers to technologies used to communicate messages (dissemination of fact, opinion, and entertainment) and whose mission is to serve or engage a public. Public media domains include print outlets (such as newspapers, books, magazines, posters, flyers, etc.), traditional public and commercial broadcasts (such as TV, radio, film), digital (such as the Internet, e-mail, social networks, podcasting, chatrooms and blogging), and any new platforms and distribution mechanisms to expand reach and engage audiences (listeners, users). When utilizing any public media outlets, student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves responsibly as members of their respective team, the Athletics Department, the College and the community.
Social networks Social network sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedin, blogs, message boards, Flickr and other new digital platforms and distribution mechanisms facilitate students communicating with other students. Participation in such networks has both positive appeal and potentially negative consequences. It is important that NMHU student-athletes be aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate.
Student-Athletes are not restricted from using any on-line social network sites and digital platforms (such as the Internet, e-mail, podcasting, chatrooms, and blog sites). However, users must understand that any content they make public via on-line social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, state, NMHU, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules and regulations.
It is incumbent upon student-athletes to be aware of college regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse student-athletes from adhering to them.
Guidelines
The following guidelines are intended to provide the framework for student-athletes to conduct themselves safely and responsibly in an on-line environment. As a student-athlete at NMHU you should:
1. Be careful with how much and what kind of identifying information you post on on-line social network sites. Virtually anyone with an e-mail address can access your page. It is unwise to make available information such as full date of birth, social security number, address, residence hall room number, phone number, cell phone numbers, class schedules, bank account information, or details about your daily routine. All can facilitate identity theft or stalking. Facebook and other sites provide numerous privacy settings for information contained in its pages; use these settings to protect private information.
2. Be aware that potential current and future employers often access information you place on on-line social network sites. You should think about any information you post on Facebook or similar directories potentially providing an image of you to a prospective employer. The information posted is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of several years from now.
Official Visits-
Official visits by a recruit will be occurring throughout the year. The coaches will appoint the girl to an upperclassman whom they feel will be the best chaperon for the potential student-athlete. Current student-athletes are to be respectful, courteous, and polite to the recruit – remember: she could possibly be your teammate.