Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Regarding Tryouts and Club Season

What if I don't make a team?

Our Canuck philosophy is to give as many athletes as possible the opportunity to play. If you find you don't make one of the competitive teams at CSVC, we would encourage you to continue to tryout for our Dome Defenders Program. We are pleased to have Dome Club which is a recreational program that offers good coaching, practice time, and game play without the travel for players between grades 5 and 11 that has space for approximately 400 kids each session at the Volleydome GYM. There are also other clubs you could tryout for and we can often help point you in their direction as we are often approached to help other clubs who are short of players.

What exactly are the tryouts for?

Athletes come to our annual tryouts in an effort to make one of the competitive club teams with Canuck Stuff for the Alberta Volleyball Association club season. Athletes that do not make Competitive Canuck team are encouraged to continue to tryout for a Dome Defenders Team.

What does it cost to play club volleyball?

Club fees range from $2200.00 to $3000.00 depending on your age division and how many out of town tournaments your team is required to attend.

What does the $20.00 registration fee cover?

Your fee goes towards court rental for facilities, the cost of administering the online registration and promotional materials. The registration fee is not a fundraiser for the club.

Why does Canuck run Tryouts when so many other clubs pre-select athletes?

There are several reasons, but perhaps the most important one is that we want athletes be able to make an informed decision and choose where there want to play club volleyball. We want athletes that are here because they want to play for Canuck, and are happy to compete with other hard working players to earn that opportunity. Ultimately we are less worried about securing the "best players before someone else does", and more concerned with finding "athletes with good attitudes and a strong work ethic".
Canuck holds tryouts because we believe they are an important part of a competitive club program.

How long is club season?

Tryouts begin in late November for U14 to U18 athletes and the season continues through to the Nationals at the end of May

What exactly am I being evaluated on?

Athletes are evaluated in many different areas; Natural physical ability, current skill level acquired, natural size and strength, attitude, work ethic, position, communication skills, coachability, and ability to function within a team framework in a competitive setting are among the most important.

What do my club fees include?

Lots! In fact almost everything except food and transportation. Hotels, AVA tournament fees, AVA registration fees, Volleydome tournament fees, uniforms, club wear, gym rentals, coaching honorariums, equipment and team balls physical training, training aids, skills clinics are all included in the athletes fees. Athlete's fees are subsidized each year by Casino Funds. We receive 1 Casino to work every 20 months which is the only fundraising event Canuck participates in.

Who does the evaluations at Tryouts?

The evaluators are Canuck coaches who are experienced in all aspects of the game and are also the same coaches who will likely take a team in that age division. Many coaches have been involved in the tryout process for several seasons and will benefit from the assistance a Technical Committee to help make these important decisions. We are very fortunate to have the best coaches in Alberta involved in our program, including former CIS, National, and Olympic Team athletes.

When will I know if I make a team?

There will be 2-3 tryout sessions per age group. Some athletes will be notified that they are no longer being considered for a position on a Canuck team after the first session, while others will be invited back for the second session. In most cases, athletes who are selected will know by the end of the second session.

How are we told if we make a team or not?

The head coaches who are conducting the tryouts with feedback from all the other participating coaches, will approach athletes during and after the session and advise them of the evaluating coaches and Technical Committee's decisions.

What if I am a Multi-Sport Athlete?

Many Canuck athletes play more than just volleyball through the club season. We have national level gymnasts, basketball players, soccer players and other athletes in our club program. Depending on the team, a certain level of commitment is required which is generally worked out with the coach and the team member. Check the Provincial and National Championship dates for conflicts.

The success of each team depends upon the commitment of the players, coaches and parents. The club recognizes that the coaches and administration are responsible for the teams; however, your involvement with the team and the club will ensure a more exciting season for everyone involved.
 

It is expected that Club parents will always act in a positive and responsible manner as spectators and as volunteers. As parents you are role models for the team and our club.

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Where parents can help throughout the season:
 

• Assist the coach in communicating the team's activities to the other parents.

• Help with scorekeeping and lines at tournaments to free up players.

• Help chaperone the team at away tournaments. This may include checking rooms, enforcing curfews, and when a female team does not have a female coach, these duties are mandatory under club regulations. These duties can be shared among all parents/adults from the teams.

• Assist in ensuring that players are transported safely to and from tournaments. Parents who transport athletes must have a minimum of one million dollars liability insurance.

To read about our Developmental Philosophy Click Here

For our philosophy regarding coaching, athletes and teams, please see Club Philosophy.

For information regarding tryout procedures and guidelines CLICK HERE.

Canuck Stuff Volleyball Club Athlete Agreement/Code of Conduct available HERE.

Please give your feedback on the season Season Evaluation.