Family Resources

Navigating Tryouts, Choosing a Club, & Beyond

We strive to make each club volleyball experience a positive one, and parents play a key role in ensuring that. In order to support and educate our volleyball parents, we’ve developed the ERVA Parent Guide and provided links to some other helpful resources. Club volleyball can be the most fun parents and kids have together in middle and high school years, so focus on the time spent together. It’s their road, but you can enjoy the ride!

The Evergreen Region sets an allowable start date for tryouts, each club selects their own tryout schedule. We encourage you to contact each club directly to determine how their tryout process will work.

Watch the informational session designed to help families feel confident and prepared heading into club volleyball tryouts. Learn how to navigate the tryout process, evaluate club options, understand region policies and athlete rights, and know what questions to ask before committing to a club.

The session also featured mental preparation tips for athletes from our partner mental performance coach, Danielle Sattler, focused on confidence, managing pressure, and approaching tryouts with a healthy mindset.

Perfect for new or returning athletes and family members.
Watch the Recording: Passcode: 6WS8=i%q

View Meeting Presentation
Topics include:

  • Understanding Club Landscape
  • How to evaluate and select a club
  • Understanding the tryout and offer process
  • Athlete mental preparation strategies
  • Open Q&A with Evergreen Region staff

Each club and team determines its own tournament and travel schedule; some travel a great deal, while others stay more local. Selecting a club is a family decision and takes some research. Although clubs must abide by general ERVA and USA Volleyball rules, each club is different in the way they run their organization and train their athletes. It is important to know these differences when selecting the right club for your family.

Spending time researching your options will help you have the best season possible. If you need assistance in the process, the ERVA Office is happy to help. Please keep in mind we do not endorse any one club over another, but can help you in thinking about what goes into the decision and other questions you may want to ask clubs.

Explore our club directory here.

  • What is the club philosophy? To win? To improve? To have fun?
  • What is the tryout and commitment process at your club? Are you a no- cut club?
  • What is expected of coaches? What are the club coaches’ credentials?
  • Which age group teams are they fielding this season?
  • Can my son or daughter play other sports during the volleyball season?
  • When, where and how often are practices?
  • Are practices mandatory? What if my child misses a practice? Misses a tournament?
  • Will teams practice/play over the school holidays (Winter Break & Spring Break)?
  • How far will teams travel? How often will they travel?
  • How long is the season?
  • Cost? What will the expenses be for the season? Is it due up front? Is there an itemized report of dues? Is there a payment schedule?
  • How many players will be selected for each team?
  • What is expected of players in the club?
  • Will my son or daughter be expected to fundraise?

Parent Resource Guide

Club volleyball can feel overwhelming at times, especially if it’s your first season, but you’re not alone. Learn more about a wide range of tools and information to support you throughout the year.

Other Resources

Changing the game project

Resources on being a successful sports parent

Positive Coaching Alliance

Valuable resources for sports parenting

Parents Association for Youth Sports

Education and membership program

USAV Parent Resources

Helpful resources on parenting in the volleyball world

ON THE CALENDAR

Ready to Play?

If you’re new to ERVA, learn more about membership, tryouts, and finding the right club for you.