Boys Club Overview

2026-2027 Boys Club Handbook

Club Director: Mona Mbong
Assistant Director: Jimmy Martin
Email: bluehorsesvolleyball@gmail.com
Website: www.bluehorsesvolleyball.org

ABOUT BLUE HORSES VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Welcome to Blue Horses Volleyball Club! We are committed to providing athletes with a competitive, supportive, and positive environment where they can develop their volleyball skills, confidence, character, and love for the game.

Founded in 2023, Blue Horses Volleyball Club began with one team and a small group of athletes. Since then, the club has grown into a competitive volleyball program serving athletes throughout the region.

Our goal is to help athletes become better volleyball players while also developing confidence, discipline, teamwork, leadership, and a lifelong love for the game. Our coaches emphasize skill development, accountability, sportsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

MISSION STATEMENT

Blue Horses Volleyball Club is committed to developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the court by fostering a love for volleyball, promoting teamwork, and encouraging personal growth.

VISION

Our vision is to be recognized as a premier volleyball club in the region, developing athletes who demonstrate skill, sportsmanship, leadership, and character at every level of competition.

CORE VALUES

Commitment

We honor our word, our responsibilities, and our team.

Integrity

We compete with honesty, fairness, and accountability.

Respect

We value our teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, parents, and families.

Growth

We continuously work to improve ourselves as athletes, teammates, and people.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Blue Horses Volleyball Club offers competitive teams across multiple age divisions.
Teams and age classifications follow applicable USA Volleyball (USAV), Pioneer Region, AAU, and JVA guidelines.
Athletes must meet the applicable age requirements for their division.
Tryouts are held annually.
We evaluate athletes based on skill, athleticism, teamwork, coachability, and team needs.
The coaching staff determines team placement, and it is final.
Athletes are expected to commit to the full club season.
Practice days and times may vary by team and facility.
Families are responsible for reviewing team schedules and club communications.
Families are responsible for transportation to and from practices, tournaments, and other club activities.
Families are responsible for lodging for out-of-town tournaments unless the club communicates otherwise.

CLUB FEES & PAYMENT

Club fees help cover expenses such as:

Tournament entry fees
Coaching stipends
Facility rentals
Uniforms
Administrative expenses
Other club operating costs

18U SEASON FEES

Estimated Season Cost: $2,600

Initial Deposit: $250 — Due upon acceptance
Payment 1: $450 — Due by first practice
Payment 2: $475 — Due October 15
Payment 3: $475 — Due November 15
Payment 4: $475 — Due January 15
Final Payment: $475 — Due February 15

14U SEASON FEES

Estimated Season Cost: $1,700

Initial Deposit: $250 — Due upon acceptance
Payment 1: $375 — Due September 15
Payment 2: $375 — Due October 15
Payment 3: $350 — Due November 15
Payment 4: $350 — Due January 15

REFUND POLICY

Club fees are generally non-refundable. Exceptions may be considered.

FUNDRAISING

Blue Horses will offer fundraising opportunities to help families offset club expenses. Participation is voluntary unless the club communicates otherwise.

ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS

Athletes are expected to demonstrate commitment, accountability, respect, and sportsmanship throughout the season.

Athletes are expected to:

Give their best effort at every practice, tournament, and team activity.
Attend all scheduled practices, tournaments, and events whenever possible.
Notify their coach as soon as possible when they will be absent or late.
Arrive on time and prepared to participate.
Follow all club, team, tournament, and governing organization rules.
Treat teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, parents, and spectators with respect.
Always demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Be coachable and open to learning new skills and positions.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Take responsibility for their behavior and commitments.
Help keep practice and tournament spaces clean.
Represent Blue Horses Volleyball Club positively both on and off the court.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

Blue Horses Volleyball Club does not provide, use, or condone:

Alcohol
Tobacco products
Vaping products
Recreational or illegal drugs

Using illegal substances or engaging in serious misconduct may result in immediate removal from the club.

PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS

Parents and guardians play an important role in creating a positive club environment. Parents and guardians are expected to:

Encourage and support their athlete.
Support coaches and allow them to coach.
Demonstrate positive sportsmanship.
Treat athletes, coaches, officials, opponents, and other families with respect.
Avoid negative comments or criticism directed toward athletes, coaches, officials, or opponents.
Help their athlete meet attendance and team commitments.
Provide transportation to practices, tournaments, and other club activities.
Communicate concerns respectfully and through the appropriate communication process.
Support their athlete in resolving issues directly with their coach when appropriate.

Parents should let coaches coach and avoid giving athletes instructions that conflict with the coach's direction.

COACH EXPECTATIONS

Blue Horses coaches are expected to create a safe, positive, competitive, and supportive environment for all athletes.

Coaches are expected to:

Prioritize athlete safety and development.
Provide quality instruction and organized practices.
Communicate respectfully with athletes and families.
Model professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Make lineup and playing-time decisions based on athlete development and team needs.
Support athletes' physical, mental, and emotional development.
Follow applicable club, USAV, Pioneer Region, AAU, and JVA requirements.

ATTENDANCE & COMMITMENT

Athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practices, tournaments, and team activities.

14U PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Practice Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Practice Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Practice Start Date: September 15, 2026

18U PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Practice Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Practice Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Practice Start Date: September 1, 2026

Athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practices unless the coach approves an absence.

Practice schedules may change based on facility availability, tournaments, or team needs. We will communicate any schedule changes to families as soon as possible. If an athlete must miss a practice or tournament, the athlete/family should notify the coach as soon as possible. Communicate known conflicts well in advance whenever possible.

Athletes are expected to commit to the entire season unless the coaching staff approves an absence.

PLAYING TIME

Playing time is earned and is not guaranteed to be equal.

Coaches may consider factors including:

Effort
Attendance
Attitude
Coachability
Skill development
Performance
Team chemistry
Matchups
The needs of the team
The level and stage of competition

Playing time may vary between practices, pool play, and bracket/playoff competition. Coaches make lineup and playing-time decisions based on athlete development and the team's needs. Blue Horses supports athletes who participate in school activities and other extracurricular commitments. Athletes and families should communicate known conflicts to the coach as early as possible.

COMMUNICATION

Blue Horses Volleyball Club uses email and the club website for official communication.

Club Email: bluehorsesvolleyball@gmail.com
Website: www.bluehorsesvolleyball.org

Families are responsible for reviewing club communications and staying informed about:

Practice schedules
Tournament schedules
Payment deadlines
Club announcements
Team activities
Other important information

COMMUNICATION WITH COACHES

Parents may contact coaches regarding:

Practice schedules
Tournament information
Team logistics
Attendance or absences
Personal concerns regarding their athlete
Other necessary team-related information

Address concerns about playing time, positions, performance, or coaching decisions first between the athlete and coach. If additional discussion is needed after the athlete has spoken with the coach, parents may contact the Club Director.

THE 24-HOUR RULE

Blue Horses encourages families to allow 24 hours after a game, tournament, or emotionally charged situation before addressing concerns.

This allows athletes, parents, and coaches time to cool down and have a productive conversation.

Parents should not approach a coach during a competition or immediately following a match to discuss playing time, positions, or coaching decisions. Concerns should be addressed privately, respectfully, and through the appropriate communication process.

TOURNAMENT EXPECTATIONS

Athletes represent Blue Horses Volleyball Club throughout the entire tournament.

Athletes are expected to:

Stay with their team during tournament activities.
Follow coach instructions.
Demonstrate appropriate behavior at tournament facilities and hotels.
Respect teammates, coaches, officials, tournament staff, hotel staff, opponents, and facilities.
Keep shared spaces clean.
Get appropriate rest before competition.
Remain with the team when the team has officiating or other tournament responsibilities.
Participate appropriately in team activities.
Immediately notify a coach and parent/guardian of any safety concern or emergency.

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

When a team is assigned officiating or work-team responsibilities, athletes are expected to:

Know their assigned responsibilities.
Remain courtside and attentive.
Complete their assigned responsibilities professionally.
Support their teammates throughout the tournament.

Athletes should remain with their team during competition unless a parent/guardian or coach gives permission to leave.

TRAVEL & LODGING

For out-of-town tournaments:

Families are responsible for transportation unless otherwise communicated.
Families are responsible for lodging unless otherwise communicated.
Athletes are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly while traveling.
Athletes should behave appropriately in hotels and other public spaces.
Athletes should respect hotel property and other guests.
Athletes should get appropriate rest before competition.

Athletes represent Blue Horses Volleyball Club whenever they are participating in club travel or activities.

UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

Athletes are expected to take care of all club-issued uniforms and equipment.

Athletes should have appropriate volleyball equipment, including:

Volleyball shoes
Knee pads
Water bottle
Appropriate practice clothing

Care for uniforms properly throughout the season.

Uniform Care

Wash uniforms inside out.
Use cold water.
Hang dry whenever possible.

Uniforms will be distributed according to the club's payment and uniform schedule.

SAFETY & INJURY POLICY

The safety and well-being of our athletes is a priority.

Athletes must immediately report injuries, illness, or other conditions that may affect their ability to participate.

CONCUSSIONS

If a concussion is suspected:

The athlete will be removed from play.
The athlete will not return to play the same day.
Parents/guardians will be notified.
Medical evaluation and clearance will be required before return to play when appropriate.
The athlete must complete the applicable return-to-play process.

Blue Horses follows applicable concussion-management requirements.

INJURIES

Athletes injured during club activities will be evaluated as appropriate, and parents/guardians will be notified.

Written medical clearance may be required before an athlete returns to participation. The club may delay an athlete's return to play when necessary to protect the athlete's safety.

SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE BEHAVIOR

Athletes and families are expected to use social media and other online platforms responsibly.

Members should:

Represent themselves and Blue Horses positively.
Respect teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and families.
Protect private information about other athletes and club members.
Avoid posting inappropriate or offensive content related to the club or its members.

Social media should never be used to harass, threaten, bully, or publicly criticize another member of the Blue Horses community.

SPORTSMANSHIP & CLUB CULTURE

Every member of the Blue Horses Volleyball Club contributes to our program's culture.

We expect athletes, parents, and coaches to:

Encourage rather than criticize.
Compete with intensity while maintaining respect.
Support teammates regardless of playing time.
Respect officials and opponents.
Allow coaches to coach.
Communicate directly and respectfully.
Celebrate improvement and effort.
Represent Blue Horses positively on and off the court.

Unsportsmanlike behavior, disrespectful language, or conduct that negatively impacts the team or club may result in disciplinary action.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Blue Horses encourages families to address concerns early and respectfully.

When an issue arises:

Step 1: Athlete & Coach

Allow the athlete to speak directly with their coach when appropriate.

Step 2: Club Director

If the concern remains unresolved, the parent/guardian may contact the Club Director.

Step 3: Meeting

If necessary, the Club Director may arrange a meeting involving the athlete, parent/guardian, and coach.

The goal is to resolve concerns constructively while protecting the athlete's development and the team's integrity.

ACCOUNTABILITY & DISCIPLINE

Blue Horses expects all athletes, parents, and coaches to uphold the standards in this handbook.

When expectations are not met, the club may take appropriate action based on the situation.

Possible consequences may include:

Verbal or written warning
Meeting with the athlete, coach, and/or Club Director
Removal from a practice or team activity
Suspension from a tournament or other club activity
Parent/guardian meeting
Removal from the club

Serious misconduct may result in immediate suspension or removal.

The club reserves the right to determine the appropriate response based on the circumstances and severity of the situation.

GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONS

Blue Horses Volleyball Club operates in accordance with applicable policies and requirements of:

USA Volleyball (USAV)
Pioneer Region
Amateur Athletic Union (AAU)
Junior Volleyball Association (JVA)

Athletes, parents, and coaches are expected to follow all applicable rules and policies established by the organizations governing their team and competition.

OUR GOAL

Blue Horses Volleyball Club is more than a volleyball program. We want our athletes to leave the club as better volleyball players, teammates, leaders, and people.