FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tryouts and Club Season
Our Canuck philosophy is to allow as many athletes as possible to play. Many of our athletes have come from the Volleydome Dome Defenders Program. If you find you don't make one of the competitive teams at CSVC, we encourage you to continue to try out for a Dome Defenders team. We are also 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, which has space for approximately 400 kids each session at the Volleydome GYM. There are also other clubs you could try out for, and we can often help point you in their direction, as we are often approached to help other clubs that are short of players.
How long is club season?
The season officially starts in early December and ends at Nationals at the end of May.
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 of 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.
What are players evaluated on?
Athletes are evaluated in a variety of different areas: natural physical ability, current skill level, natural size and strength, attitude, work ethic, position, communication skills, coachability, and ability to function within a team framework in a competitive setting.
What if I am a multi-sport athlete?
Many athletes, particularly at the younger age groups, continue to play multiple school and community sports while playing club volleyball. It can be a challenge to commit to the demands of multiple sports while balancing school work and family life.
Why are some players pre-selected?
Volleyball Alberta has encouraged clubs to re-sign athletes interested in returning to their previous club before the school season begins. Club athletes who are interested in seeking other potential opportunities usually attend "Open Gyms" held before the re-signing period so they can make an informed decision. Oftentimes, a few spots on each team are available after the early signing period; those spots can be filled at tryouts. Canuck has no formal recruiting process; players may join by expressing interest. We seek athletes who want to play for Canuck and are eager to compete for their spot. Canuck is very fortunate to have the Volleydome as our home. The Volleydome is an amazing, family-run building that has been growing the sport of volleyball in Calgary for 30+ years. Many Canuck athletes are past Mini Dome, Dome Club and Dome Defender athletes.
When will I know if I make a team?
Tryouts and Open ID Gyms vary by age category. Please contact us for age-specific information, and watch our News Page for Open Gym announcements.
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 the Technical Committee's decisions.
Club Fees
What does it cost to play club volleyball?
Club fees range from $2,800.00 to $3,400.00 depending on the specific costs for your age division, how often your age group practices and trains, how many out of town tournaments your team is required to attend.
What do my club fees include?
Canuck is a non-profit, and our goal is to keep fees as low as possible. Club Fees cover athlete hotels (our athletes' room together at away Volleyball Alberta (VA) and Volleyball Canada tournaments), VA tournament fees, uniforms, club gear, gym rentals, coaching honorariums, equipment, team balls, physical training and training aids. Athletes' fees are subsidized each year by Casino Funds.
How parents can help throughout the season
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Being a positive role model that supports their child's growth and love of the game
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Parents and guardians are responsible for scorekeeping at all tournaments
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Planning team meals, team bonding and team building activities
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Assist in ensuring that players are transported safely to and from tournaments. Parents who transport athletes must have a minimum of one million dollars of liability insurance.
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