Q: What makes your club different than other clubs?

A: Competitive Edge Volleyball is a complete club program with an experienced coaching staff and not just a collection of individual volleyball teams and coaches. We utilize a master coach who develops practice plans for each team and makes sure all of the basic skills are taught with the same techniques and methods. This ensures athletes can continue to develop and improve each year and build on what they learn each season instead of starting over again each year with a new coach. 

Competitive Edge also strives to develop each athlete in all areas of volleyball. This ongoing process is achieved through our elite technical training, attention to detail, and positive gym culture. That is why the majority of our training time is devoted to developing individual skills and techniques, not simply preparing the team for competition. For the younger ages we want to build a solid foundation of fundamental skill and a passion for the sport. For the experienced athetes, we want to open their eyes to a new understanding of the game and to help them to test their own limits.

Q: How much does Competitive Edge cost?

A: Competitive Edge Volleyball is one of the most affordable elite training clubs available in Illinois. We work very hard to keep all costs to a minimum in an effort to our make high-level training available for all athletes. While the overall price may be more expensive than other clubs in the area, several factors must be taken into consideration: length of season, number of training hours, quality of coaches, level of competition, etc. To help families afford the program fees are also divided into monthly payments.

Q. What do the fees include?

A: The overall cost is divided into two sections: program and travel. Program fees cover much of the fixed costs of playing. These costs include court rental, team equipment, uniform package, coaching salaries, administrative costs, insurance and USA Volleyball membership. Travel and competition fees vary depending on the tournament and how much your respective team travels. 

Q: How does Competitive Edge select players?

A: Teams will be selected during an open tryout, where athlete are not gauranteed placement prior to the event. During the selection process, there are several factors we consider: overall athleticism, attitude and desired position in relationship to the team needs. 

Q: How many teams will you have and at what age levels? How many players will a team consist of?

A: Competitive Edge will consist of 6 teams for the 2007-2008 club season: 3 teams at the high school level and 3 at the middle school level. Specific age divisions will be determined after each tryout. We strive for each team to carry 10 players. More than ten makes it difficult for coaches to give all players playing time and less than ten can result in teams being short players in case of injury and/or conflicts.

**Athletes not selected may be given an opportunity to remain with a team as a training player. In a training role, the athlete would participate in all practices and would only fill a roster spot at a tournament if the need arose.
**Training roles are also an option for athletes unable to commit to a full season due to schedule conflicts or cost. 

Q. How often do teams practice?

A: Teams train 2-3 times per week depending on the age level. Practices last for two hours. The number of practices could periodically increase the week of an important tournament.

Q. Where are the practices held?

A: Practices during the week will be held at Manteno Middle School and at Olivet Nazarene University for those teams practicing on Sundays.


Q. How long is the season?

A: Training for the high school age teams begins in early December, and the season runs until June. Training for the middle school age teams begins in late February and runs until June. 

Q: What is Competitive Edge's philosophy on playing time?

A: We strive to give all players “fair” playing time based on practice, ability, attendance, skills, positions, situations, etc. Playing time and related issues are encouraged to be resolved between the player and coach. After such meetings, if the issue still remains, a formal meeting with the player, coach and director will be held.

Q: When and where are tournaments held? How often do the teams compete? 

A: Competitive Edge competes in USAV and JVDA tournaments and events. Tournaments are held on Saturdays and/or Sundays around the Chicagoland area. Some teams will have also the option to compete in Power League at the Great Lakes Center and travel to Michigan, Wisconsin, or Indiana. Coaches will finalize their competition specific schedule when the team begins practice and those schedules will also be available online.

Q: Can my daughter play school sports and still play on a Competitive Edge travel team? 

A: Yes, athletes can participate in school athletics while playing for Competitive Edge. We ask that players inform us if they are participating in another sport so we can make the necessary arrangements for their team as a whole if there are going to be conflicts.  

Q: What is Competitive Edge's policy on parent involvement? Are parents asked to volunteer their time?

A: Competitive Edge prides itself on our relationship with our parents. We have an open door policy and always encourage them to communicate with our staff. The open door policy does not exist during competition or practices. A neutral time is always the best for staff/parent discussions. The only time Competitive Edge asks for parents to volunteer their time is as team chaperones on overnight trips or as the team mom. Team moms will be responsible for team communication and coordinating food for tournaments.
 
For more information on these duties, please e-mail ngriffin@olivet.edu.