2009 FAQ's
GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION
1. What are the differences between USAV High Performance Programs?
2. Why are USAV Camps different than other volleyball camps?
3. What does a typical day at camp look like?
4. What should I bring to camp?
5. Who are USAV Camp Coaches?
6. Are there any additional forms that my athlete needs to bring with him or her to camp?
7. How do I submit roommate requests?
8. Does my athlete have to stay in the housing facility during the duration of camp or can they stay off campus with family?
9. My athlete has a medical condition that I want the camp coaches and/or athletic trainer to know about- how should I let them know?
10. Can my athlete leave camp to go out to dinner with family or friends for one evening?
11. When will we camp receive evaluations?
REGISTRATION- A3 CAMPS AND BELOW
12. What information to I need to register for camp online?
13. What is the "Open" position?
14. Can I sign up for a position I didn't try out for?
15. Can my son or daughter move up a level if there are open positions?
16. Can I register for waitlists on more than one camp?
17. What happens if I am waitlisted on my first camp choice, sign up for another and then am accepted from the waitlist?
18. What should I expect after I register online?
AIRLINE INFORMATION
19. Can I book my flight immediately after I register? What airport should I fly into?
20. For what dates and times do I schedule my arrival to and departure from the USAV designated airport? If I am driving, what time should I arrive?
21. What does USAV consider an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) for flight arrangements?
TRANSFERS/CANCELLATIONS
22. What happens if a camp is cancelled?
23. What should I do if I want to transfer my registration to another camp?
24. What happens if I need to cancel my registration? Are there any refunds?
GENERAL CAMP INFORMATION
1. What are the differences between USAV High Performance Programs?
A1 Programs
This is the National level of the USA Volleyball High Performance Program. This level consists of Men's and Women's Junior National Teams (MJNT, WJNT), Boys' and Girls' Youth National Teams (BYNT, GYNT) and Boys' and Girls' Select A1 camps (BSA1, GSA1). Junior and Youth Teams include the top 19 athletes per gender and age group chosen from High Performance Tryouts.
The MJNT, WJNT, BYNT, and GYNT represent the USA at the NORCECA Zonal Championships (even years), and, upon qualifying, at the FIVB World Championships the following year (odd years). These 4 teams usually train leading up to the event in the U.S. and then the top 12 athletes travel outside of the country to participate in the Championship event. In 2008, all 4 of these teams qualified for the 2009 FIVB World Championships.
MJNT- 2009 FIVB Junior World Championships- India
Competition Dates: July 8-19
WJNT- 2009 FIVB Junior World Championships- Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico
Competition Dates: July 23- August 1
BYNT- 2009 FIVB Youth World Championships- Italy
Competition Dates: August 18-30
GYNT- 2009 FIVB Youth World Championships- Site TBD
Competition Dates: August 5-16
Select A1 programs consist of the top 30 - 50 athletes per gender and age group from HP Tryouts. GSA1 and BSA1 teams train and compete at HP Championships (HPC's).
BSA1/GSA1- 2009 HP Championships- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Training Dates: July 16-21, Competition Dates: July 22-26
A2 Programs
A2 Programs consist of the top 20-50 athletes per gender and age group who were not selected to their respective A1 Program. These groups all train together for a number of days and then typically participate in a competition experience. Most A2 Programs train in the city where US High Performance Championships are held and then compete in HP Championships. In 2009, HPC's will be held in Ft. Lauderdale. This is an international event with teams from outside the United States attending.
WJA2/GYA2- 2009 HP Championships- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Training Dates: July 16-21, Competition Dates: July 22-26
The MJA2, BSA2 and GSA2 programs do not attend HP Championships. This group is usually invited to attend a 6 day camp. In 2008, all three of these programs were held at the Colorado Springs OTC. In 2009, we will not be running a MJA2 program.
BSA2/GSA2- 2009 Camps- Site TBD
Dates: TBD
A3 Camps
A3 Programs (formerly Development Camps or Development A1 Camps) are the third tier of the HP Program. Currently, this is the final program-selection level for Boys' programs. In 2008, approximately 500 volleyball athletes attended camps at this level, which held across the country during the month of July.
Sites for the 2008 Boys' A3 (Development) Camp were Columbus, Long Beach, and Wisconsin Dells, while 2008 Girls' A3 (DA1) Camps were held in Austin, Colorado Springs, Kalamazoo, Lake Placid, San Francisco, and Wisconsin Dells.
Training Camps
Girls' Training Camps, formerly known as Development A2 Camps, are the fourth tier of program selection for Girls who participate in an HP Tryout. USA Volleyball partners with American Athlete to run these camps. In 2008, approximately 225 athletes attended Training Camps. In 2008, Training (DA2) Camps were held in Baltimore, Birmingham, Bozeman, Colorado Springs, Kalamazoo, Davidson, and St. Leo.
Development Camps
Girls' Development Camps are OPEN to athletes born in the years 1992, 1993, 1994, or 1995 who choose to attend or not to attend a USA Volleyball High Performance National Tryout and want to train under the guidance of a USA Volleyball High Performance coaching cadre. These camps spend most of their time on skill development. USA Volleyball partners with American Athlete to run these camps. In 2008, 40 athletes attended Development camps at Davidson and Gunnison.
2. Why are USAV Camps different than other volleyball camps?
- All levels of USA HP Programs except Development Camps are invitation only, based on HP tryout results and selection.
- Through the HP tryout process, athletes are placed in HP Programs at their highest evaluated level.
- Comparably-skilled athletes are assigned to each HP Program providing the optimal environment for learning and improvement.
- HP Programs for more experienced players are not diluted with beginning players.
- Camps are located throughout the US, at host sites to provide broad geographic coverage, ease of travel, family-vacation destinations, etc.
- Athletes attend camps from across the country, facilitating diverse friendships and volleyball-skill transfer.
- USA Volleyball High Performance tracks the progress and development of pipeline athletes throughout their HP careers. Likewise, athlete can use the evaluations to monitor their strengths and weaknesses from year to year.
- Coaches instruct based on the training systems and techniques of USA Volleyball National Teams.
- HP Coaches work multiple levels within the HP Program and are well versed in the specific needs required for athletes to advance up the Pipeline.
- HP Coaches, at all levels, are charged with not only training the players, but also to identify high-potential athletes for advancement consideration.
3. What does a typical day at camp look like?
6:15 AM - 7:15 AM Breakfast
7:30 AM - 9:30 AM Training Session
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Training Session
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Dinner
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Training Session
11:00 PM - 11:30 PM Athletes in rooms at 11 PM / Lights Out 11:30 PM
4. What should I bring to camp?
Click here.
High Performance Team and Camp coaches are selected and trained by USA Volleyball in a pipeline process similar to athletes. Most are current or former coaches (college, club, etc.); and many of these coaches have been involved with HP for a number of years. The criteria that we use for selecting, ranking and promoting HP Coaches can be found here.
6. Are there any additional forms that my athlete needs to bring with him or her to camp?
We ask that your son or daughter bring a copy of their medical release form to camp, as well as their USAV Membership card, if your region provides them. Click here to access forms.
7. How do I submit roommate requests?
We strongly ask that you don't request roommates. By allowing USAV to assign roommates, it gives athletes the opportunity to branch out and meet other volleyball players from across the country. Athletes will be able to meet up with their friends in the dorm, volleyball court, or during mealtimes if they want to.
8. Does my athlete have to stay in the housing facility during the duration of camp or can they stay off campus with family?
We believe that in order to get the entire camp experience, athletes need to stay in the provided housing facility (i.e. dorm/ hotel).
9. My athlete has a medical condition that I want the camp coaches and/or athletic trainer to know about- how should I let them know?
If there is additional medical information that you believe USAV Camp Staff Members need to know prior to your athlete arriving at camp, please contact USAV at indoorhp@usav.org for specific instructions on how to proceed.
10. Can my athlete leave camp to go out to dinner with family or friends for one evening?
Starting in 2009, athletes attending an HP Camp of six days or less will not be allowed to leave with others during the 4-5 days they are at camp. This allows them to become more connected to their fellow campers and concentrate on improving their volleyball skills. However, this option will still be available for longer programs (ex. High Performance Championships, Junior/Youth National Team Training)
11. When will we camp receive evaluations?
Evaluations will be emailed to athletes 1-3 weeks after camp has ended.
REGISTRATION- A3 CAMPS AND BELOW*
*A1 and A2 Athletes- Please follow the instructions on the registration page or the email you received inviting you to participate in the program.
12. What information to I need to register for camp online?
-Athlete's personal information (name, birth date, address, phone number, etc.)
-8 digit athlete code used for tryout notification-Credit Card Information (number, security code, we accept Mastercard and Visa)
-2009 USAV Member Number-Club Name, Team Name, and Club Coach's Contact Information (if any)
-High School Name, High School Coach's Contact Information (if any)
13. What is the "Open" position?
The "open" position is a wildcard for any position. It allows USAV to set aside a couple of extra spots for athletes who register after their specific position has already been filled. By doing this, USAV gives the opportunity for more athletes to register at already filled positions. When registering using the "open" position, please make sure that your tryout position has already been filled. During the registration process, you will be asked to indicate the specific position.
14. Can I sign up for a position I didn't try out for?
Considering the number of athletes who try out for USAV Camps and Programs, the competition between positions is VERY competitive. Generally, we invite a certain percentage of athletes at each age level and position based on skill level at the position he or she tried out at. Opportunities to attend camp at a different position are up to the Head Coach and are looked at on a camp-by-camp basis.
15. Can my son or daughter move up a level if there are open positions?
Athletes are invited to participate to the invited program level, based upon their performance at tryouts. Only when they have been identified as "alternates" to a higher program level will it be possible for them to be slotted up to that program. Families will be notified if this occurs and the registration system will be modified to allow them to register (with their tryout code) or, if the athlete is already registered for a camp, USAV HP Staff will transfer them to the higher level camp at the families' request.
16. Can I register for waitlists on more than one camp?
Yes.
17. What happens if I am waitlisted on my first camp choice, sign up for another and then am accepted from the waitlist?
We will transfer you to your first choice camp at no charge.
18. What should I expect after I register online?
You should receive 2 emails from the registration system within 30 minutes of registering. Both emails will be coming from no-reply@cminotification.com , make sure to check your spam/junk email folder and unblock this email address if you do not receive any emails within 30 minutes. This is the email address that will be used to send all camp information.
The first email will have all of your account information, including your username and email address. The second email will have your registration confirmation, receipt, and general camp information. Please DO NOT book flights until you have received a third email from USAV specifically stating to purchase flights (if needed). This third email should come approximately 3 days after registering. We are waiting until we have at least 24 athletes signed up for camps prior to determining that we will not cancel the camp.
AIRLINE INFORMATION
19. Can I book my flight immediately after I register? What airport should I fly into?
For the Girls' A2 and Continental Team Programs, please follow the instructions on the registration page or the email you received inviting you to participate in the program.
For Girls' A3 Camps and below, please wait until you receive an email from USAV that specifically states you should purchase your airline tickets. This email will come on May 12th for Girls' Camps. Although we have not had to cancel Training level and above camps in the past, we will wait until 24 athletes have signed up before sending out the travel email, thus confirming that the camp will run.
20. For what dates and times do I schedule my arrival to and departure from the USAV designated airport? If I am driving, what time should I arrive?
A. Flying
As you book your travel to/from your city, remember that the first day of camp is a training and travel day as well as the last day of camp, the arrival window should be 1-3pm and departure window should be 2-4pm on the last day of camp. Please do not schedule departure earlier than 2pm if possible.
B. Driving
If you will be driving, please plan to arrive at the camp housing site at approximately 2:00 pm on the first day of camp and depart between 12-2pm on the last day of camp.
21. What does USAV consider an Unaccompanied Minor (UM) for flight arrangements?
A child who is under the age of 18 is NOT automatically an unaccompanied minor. By designating your athlete as a UM, you are telling USAV that you have paid the airline an extra fee in order for the airline to accompany your child and have a designated USAV Camp Coach sign off for them at the end of their flight and escort them to their gate upon departing camp. Each airline has their own UM policy, so please check with your airline.
TRANSFERS/CANCELLATIONS
22. What happens if a camp is cancelled?
Although this has not happened for camps Training level and above, we are implementing a new rule that 24 athletes must be registered for a camp prior to being given the "green" light. If we do cancel a camp, we will give you the opportunity to register for any other open camps at the equivalent or lower level that still have openings.
23. What should I do if I want to transfer my registration to another camp?
If the position you would like to transfer to is open at that camp, we would be happy to transfer you. Please contact us via email (indoorhp@usav.org) and have the following information in the subject line of the email: "Name of Athlete", "Age Group", and "Transfer from (current camp) to (desired camp)".
24. What happens if I need to cancel my registration? Are there any refunds?
Please contact USA Volleyball at indoorhp@usav.org with a written request for the cancellation and refund.
Please include the following information in the subject line of the email: Cancellation/ Refund Request, Camp/Program attending (level and location), and Athlete's name.
Requests outside of 3 weeks:
If the cancellation and refund request is more than 3 weeks prior to the start date of camp, program payment less $100 (admin. fee) will be refunded. Ex: Program cost $600- $100= $500 refund
Requests inside of 3 weeks:
A. Able to Fill
If the cancellation and refund request is less than 3 weeks prior to the start of camp AND we are able to fill your spot, program payment less $100 (admin. fee) will be refunded. Ex: Program cost $600- $100= $500 refund
B. Unable to Fill
If the cancellation and refund request is less than 3 weeks prior to the start date of camp AND we are unable to fill your spot, program payment less $100 (admin. fee) will be refunded AND any additional expenses that we incur due to the cancellation (i.e. room and board, meals, coaches pay and travel, etc.). Ex: varies by camp
***Refunds will be sent via check as soon as possible, but may not take place until September depending on the specific circumstances surrounding each refund and its respective camp.***
