Club FAQs

Season & Key Dates

Q: When does the season start and end?
A: The most up-to-date start dates and practice times will always be posted on each athlete’s Team Page. Dates and times may be adjusted during the first few weeks of the season while we finalize the full schedule.

• Boys Club Season: Generally starts early September and runs until the first week of March.
• Girls Club Season: Generally starts in late November and runs until late May.
  • Girls PreSeason (if offered): Runs from mid-September until the regular girls season begins.

Q: When will I receive emails about membership, hotels, or uniforms?
A: There is no specific release date for these emails. When they are ready, they will include a step-by-step walk-through of instructions, and a reminder will also be sent through your athlete’s team chat. Information may start coming out by mid-September, and all information should be sent by mid-October.

Q: What happens if a practice gets canceled?
A: We do our best to hold every scheduled practice right up until we believe that traveling to or from the facility could put an athlete or their family in danger. If a cancellation is necessary, we will communicate as quickly as possible and will make every effort to schedule a make-up practice when feasible. However, tuition costs are set with the understanding that some practices may occasionally be canceled, so the season fees already account for this possibility.

Communication

Q: How will the club communicate with families?
A: 

• Club Email – All official notices and updates from the club.
• Team Page – Always contains the most current practice and tournament schedule
• Team Chat – A group messaging system (group text, WhatsApp, or GroupMe) for quick team updates and reminders.

Q: Will coaches send team-specific updates?
A: Yes. Coaches’ emails will be forwarded by the club and may be re-sent by the coach with additional team-specific details.

Q: When can parents speak with coaches about concerns?
A: Please follow the 24-hour rule - wait at least 24 hours after a tournament before discussing playing time or match decisions. In addition, we highly recommend that the athlete first reach out to their coach and/or assistant coach directly to express their concerns and explain the reasons why. This approach helps athletes develop communication skills, take responsibility for their own growth, and ensures the conversation begins with those most directly involved in their development before parents step in.

Practice Procedures

Q: When should my athlete arrive and leave practice?
A: Arrive 10–15 minutes early for warm-ups and pick up athletes promptly at the end of practice. Please note that athletes may require a few extra minutes after practice to wrap up with their team, speak briefly with their coach, and remove their gear before exiting.

Q: What should my athlete do if they will miss a practice?
A: Notify the coach as early as possible through the team chat or a direct message.

Q: May I, as a parent, watch practice?
A: At Sideout Sports, we have a closed practice policy, which means parents are not allowed in the court area while practice is being held. Occasionally, we will invite parents in toward the end of practice for gameplay and/or scrimmage days. Parents are always welcome to use our lobby during practice time.

Q: How many practices are included in the season?
A: The season’s practices were determined and adjusted appropriately to match your tuition for the year. We carefully calculate Regular Season, Preseason (if applicable), and Postseason (if applicable) practices while factoring in closings, holidays, and scheduled tournaments that may fall on practice days. Though the number of practices is not guaranteed, Sideout Sports coaches will make every effort to add extra practices or extend practice times when possible to benefit the team throughout the season.

Attire

Q: What should athletes wear to practice?
A: 

• Sideout practice shirt, when issued
• Athletic attire (shorts, leggings, or similar)
• Athletic sneakers (not Crocs, even in sport mode)
• Water bottle and hair ties
• Knee pads (optional)
• Coaches may occasionally announce a “theme day,” where athletes are asked to wear a specific shirt color or outfit to match the theme.
• Please refrain from wearing clothing or gear from competing local clubs to maintain team unity.

Q: What should athletes wear at tournaments?
A:

• Bring all jerseys to every tournament.
• At overnight tournaments, athletes should be in their warm-up gear during their wave at the venue.

Tournaments

Q: What types of tournaments will we attend?
A:

• One-Day Tournament: All matches are played in a single day and typically run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Athletes should plan to arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour before the first scheduled match for warm-ups and check-in.
  • Start and end times may vary, so please keep the entire day free of conflicts to accommodate potential schedule changes.
• Overnight Tournament: Matches span multiple days and typically require team lodging.
  • Playing times during the day are often posted in waves, meaning teams will generally be at the venue for half of the day.
  • Wave information is usually provided about one week prior to the event.
  • When the team is not scheduled at the venue, athletes will be engaging in team bonding activities with their teammates and coaches.
• Power League: Some teams will be chosen to compete in GEVA’s Power League Series, which features the top teams of a specific age group within the region playing against each other in a multi-event format.
  • To qualify for Power League, several steps must be completed:Club Selection & Application: The club must first choose the team as a competitor and submit an application.
  • Qualifying Events: The team must compete in at least one (and up to two) one-day qualifying events, generally held in December and January, to earn placement among the top 24 teams in the region.
  • Series Acceptance: Only teams ranked within the top 24 will be accepted into the Power League Series.
    • If a team tries out for Power League and is not accepted, the club will schedule their remaining one-day events in the regular club division instead.

Q: What happens if a tournament gets canceled?
A: Tournaments are run by third-party organizers, so Sideout Sports does not control whether the event itself will be held.

• Multi-Day Tournaments: These events almost always proceed regardless of most weather conditions, because significant time, staffing, and money go into securing venues and equipment. In rare cases of severe weather, the tournament director may adjust wave times or daily schedules rather than cancel the event. We will keep families updated in real time if any changes occur.
• One-Day Tournaments: These smaller events are more susceptible to cancellations or travel concerns. If unsafe weather or other conditions arise, Sideout Sports will decide whether our teams will attend, even if the tournament itself is still being held.
  • If a tournament is ultimately canceled by the organizer and no replacement event can be found, we will discuss options for refunds or credits after the event.

Q: When will the last match be on the final day, when can we start heading back, and when can we book our flight out?
A: The last match on the final day varies—there is no guaranteed end time. For example, if several matches on your court go to three sets, the day will be extended. If you are at a tournament that requires air travel, book your return flight as late as possible (within your financial means) to avoid the risk of missing it.

Q: What is a Stay-to-Play event?
A: A Stay-to-Play event is a tournament where families are required to book their hotel through the club’s assigned housing block. This is a condition of the event organizer.  If the club does not meet the minimum booking requirements, the team and the club will be penalized and may even be removed from the tournament.

Q: Are there “non–Stay-to-Play” overnight tournaments?
A: Yes. You will be notified which events are Stay-to-Play and which are non–Stay-to-Play. For non–Stay-to-Play tournaments, athletes and families are free to book any accommodations they wish for the event.

Q: What is the difference between a Play Date and a Stay Date?
A: A Play Date is the actual competition day when matches are played.

A Stay Date is the night the team is required to stay at the hotel.
At Sideout Sports, we strongly prefer that all athletes arrive at an overnight tournament the day prior to their Play Date. This allows athletes to settle in and get a full night’s rest so they are fully prepared for the first day of play.

Q: Will my athlete miss school for a tournament?
A: Most likely. Each season, the tournament list is different for each team; however, we do attend several three-day tournaments. These events take place either Friday–Sunday or Saturday–Monday, which means your athlete will be playing on Friday or Monday. Some tournaments will occur over holiday weekends, but others will not.

Q: For the travel day, what time do I need to arrive at the hotel/location?
A: For the arrival day (first stay date), we do not require athletes or parents to arrive at a specific time. We understand that some parents need to work or athletes may need to attend school that day and may leave later. If possible, we suggest athletes arrive early enough to settle in and get a good night’s rest before the first day of play.

Q: What must athletes bring to tournaments?
A:

• Personal Warm-Up Ball: Athletes MUST bring their own volleyball for warm-ups and clearly write their name on it.
• All jerseys and uniform pieces
• Warm-ups and practice gear
• Knee pads, shoes, water, snacks, and a backup jersey and socks

Q: When should we arrive and leave tournaments on play days?
A: Arrive 45–60 minutes before the first scheduled match or work assignment. Their coach will reach out with a specific time a few days prior to the event. Do not leave until all matches and assigned work duties are complete.

Q: What are “working matches”?
A: Tournaments require teams to provide officials (line judges, scorers, libero trackers) when they are not playing. All players share these responsibilities.

Q: Are players expected to stay with the team during tournaments?
A: Yes. Players must remain with their team for meetings, meals, and to support teammates throughout the event.

Q: Does my athlete stay with their teammates at tournaments?
A: No. Athletes stay with their parent or guardian during overnight tournaments. Sideout Sports does not offer team rooms at overnight events.

Memberships

Q: Is a membership required to play?
A: Yes. All athletes must hold valid USA Volleyball or AAU memberships before the first tournament.

Q: What type of memberships do I need for my athlete?
A: Your athlete needs two memberships:

• USAV Membership – United States Association of Volleyball
• AAU Membership – Amateur Athletic Union

Q: How do we register for membership?
A: Membership instructions will be provided in upcoming club emails with a step-by-step guide and deadlines.

Playing Time

Q: Is playing time guaranteed?
A: No. Playing time is earned through attendance, effort, attitude, and team needs.

Q: What should athletes do if they have questions about their playing time?
A: If an athlete has a question regarding his or her playing time, we strongly suggest that the athlete contact the coach first before a parent steps in. This helps athletes learn communication skills and take ownership of their role on the team.

Q: Will athletes receive feedback during the season?
A: Coaches will share expectations early in the season and may provide mid-season evaluations.

Parent Expectations

Q: What behavior is expected from parents and spectators at events?
A: Display good sportsmanship, be polite and respectful to everyone (players, coaches, officials, staff, and other spectators), and follow event and facility rules at all times.

Q: Can I coach from the stands or question officials?
A: No. Please cheer positively, but do not coach athletes from the bleachers and do not confront officials.

Q: What if I have a concern about playing time or a match decision?
A: Use the 24-hour rule: wait at least 24 hours after the event, and (as noted above) have the athlete speak to the coach first when appropriate.

Q: Are there items or actions that are strictly prohibited at youth events?
A: Yes. Alcohol at youth events, weapons, abusive/inappropriate language, and harassment are prohibited, and violators may be removed or banned from future events.

Q: Do we need to follow each venue’s unique rules?
A: Yes. Facilities often have their own policies (seating, food, entry/exit, parking, bag checks). Parents are expected to learn and follow the host and facility rules.

Q: How can I help the coach or team at a tournament?
A: At both one-day and overnight events, you can reach out to the coach or assistant in your team chat to ask if help is needed, or express interest in serving as a team parent for that event.

• One-Day Tournament: Assistance might simply include providing extra snacks or drinks for the team during downtime.
• Overnight Tournament: In addition to snacks, team parents can help coaches by making reservations for team meals and helping plan team bonding activities in the local area.
  • Team parents will ultimately be selected by the coaches to ensure responsibilities are shared fairly and everything runs smoothly.

Financial Policies

Q: What are Club Fees?
A: Each athlete’s club fee covers a portion of the team expenses.

• Club fees are not based on a monthly basis—the fee covers the season as a whole. Entering a payment plan should not be confused with a monthly membership (like a gym).
• Once the contract is signed, the full amount listed on the contract is owed, whether paying in full or through a payment plan.

Q: What happens if my child gets injured?
A: We have partnered with U.S. Sports Club Insurance (USSCI), which provides insurance to club families in the event that an athlete is injured while playing a club sport.

• The insurance costs approximately 3%–5% of the club fee.
• If your athlete is injured, the policy will either pay the remainder owed for the season directly to the club or, if you paid in full, reimburse you for the unused portion.
• This insurance helps protect both families and the club from the financial strain of an in-season injury.

Q: What happens if my child quits the team?
A: As described above, the full amount listed on your contract is to be paid in full. When an athlete leaves a team, their portion of the team expenses is still owed. By accepting a position, you agree both to play for the team and to cover the associated costs.

Q: What is included in my tuition?
A: Tuition covers practice costs, facility costs, coaches’ costs, coaches’ travel, administrative fees, and tournament fees.

Q: What is NOT included in my tuition?
A: Tuition does not include USAV membership, AAU membership, athlete travel costs, athlete hotel costs, or athlete food/meal expenses.

Q: How will payments work?
A: Payment schedules and due dates will be provided in your acceptance club email. Late payments may result in athletes being withheld from practices or tournaments until resolved.

Uniforms & Fan Gear

Q: How do we order uniforms?
A: Jerseys and official game gear will be ordered through 431 Sports. Ordering details and deadlines will be emailed before the first tournament.

Q: What if I have my jersey, warm-up apparel, and/or accessories from last season?
A: The answer varies depending on the season. Warm-up gear doesn’t change very often, but occasionally our vendors update or discontinue certain apparel. Jerseys may also remain the same from year to year; however, we must first address any duplicate jersey numbers before confirming whether an athlete can reuse their previous jersey.

Q: Will there be Sideout fan gear for parents and supporters?
A: Yes!

• Online Store (431 Sports): Open throughout the season with generic Sideout merchandise and Nike apparel.
• Pop-Up Store (Local Vendor): Offered periodically during the season with orders shipped directly to the Sideout facility. Details will be emailed quarterly.

Packing & Travel Tips

Q: What else should athletes bring to tournaments?
A: A personal warm-up ball (with their name), all jerseys, warm-ups, shoes, knee pads, snacks, water, and a backup jersey and socks.

Q: How will last-minute changes be communicated?
A: Updates will be posted on the Team Page and shared in the team chat.

What Makes Sideout Sports Different From Other Clubs?

A: In our opinion, what sets Sideout Sports apart includes:

• Coaching Staff: Experienced, committed coaches focused on athlete development—this is what we do as a full-time job. wIn addition, the majority of our coaches both full-time and part-time, still compete actively today, keeping their skills sharp and their teaching methods current.
• Competition & Schedule: Each year we review the new tournament calendar and hand-pick a tournament schedule along with the appropriate division that caters to the needs of each specific team.
• We try our best to avoid conflicts and location redundancy while ensuring athletes face the right level of competition.
• Full-Time Support: Utilizing our full-time staff to help all teams, ensuring consistent guidance and resources across the club.
• Transparency: Being open and honest about costs and intentions, so families know exactly what to expect.
• Family-Like Atmosphere: Most importantly, we work hard to create a family-like environment where both athletes and parents feel comfortable. When athletes feel supported and want to be here, they are more open-minded, eager to learn new things, and able to excel faster.