Parents, Players & Coaches:

First, thanks to everyone - especially the dedicated coaches - for making our Spring 2010 season a great success.  I hope everyone had fun and learned a little about the sport of volleyball.  Thanks for your support.

VYI Investments
Over the Summer, VYI is investing in improved volleyball facilities are (7) schools in our area - Vienna ES, Louis Archer Es, Marshall Road ES, Cunningham Park ES, Wolftrap ES, Thoreau MS, and Cedar Lane School.  We will be investing approximately $30,000 into these schools, so that we can improve the quality and safety of equipment for VYI Volleyball and also the school's PE programs -- it is a win-win for our volleyball community.  It will relieve some of our gym constraints next Spring and allow us to offer limited programs in the Fall and Winter.

Summer Programs and Beyond
Many people have asked "What's next - I don't want to wait until next Spring to play more volleyball - I love this game!!!"  We are pleased that kids had a great season and want to encourage them to continue to develop their skills. 

As such, we have (2) section on our website where we will continue to publish (or update) Summer Camps, Skill Clinics, Private Lessons, and Volleyball Clubs in our area.  The first area is "Links" and the second area is "Documents".  Here is the general overview:

- High School - Local school run great Summer programs targeted for 4th-8th Graders (these programs fund their school expenses (uniforms, equipment, etc.) - due to budget cuts) - in our area Madison, South Lakes, and Centreville offer such programs. They are affordable, local and usually are coached by High School coaches, players, and alumni.

- Volleyball Clubs - We are fortunate to have in our area a number of VB clubs (VA Elite, NVVA, NV Premier, Metro, etc) who run a variety of programs over the Summer months and in the Fall, Winter and Spring.  Check the links to see the current list of options.  VYI and VA Elite work closely together.  VA Elite offer the best instruction on VBall skills development in our area (my opinion).  They are doing more for the younger ages (4th-8th) then they had in the past - good for our kids. They are located nearby at the Madiera School (in McLean/Great Falls).  Their High School tryout clinic (late July & early August) is top notch and strongly recommended for anyone planning to tryout for High School Teams (Freshmen, JV or Varsity). They are offering an interesting programs for Beginners (Elementary & Middle School ages) to improve & build skills and confidence.  Their Intermediate programs are targeted for rising Freshmen & JV players. The Advanced programs are targeted for High School kids who are targeting Varsity (or JV) teams.  The VA Elite registrations are a little lower than in prior years which results in better coach:player ratios.

- Universities - Universities run more advanced programs targeted at 7th-12th Graders - in our area Marymount, George Mason, and American Universities offer a variety of programs - some "all skills", and then some more specific skills (setters, hitters, defensive specialists).  The costs range greatly and some offer overnight/boarding - great for those who may be trying out for High School teams.  I think the player:coach ratio at Marymount will be the most "personalized" instruction and they have been a VYI partner.

- Private Lessons - Our Summer Nanny, Alyson McComas, happens to also be a volleyball player and coach.  She coaches with a fantastic club - Orlando Volleyball Academy (OVA) - and is offering private lessons.  Her flyer is on the documents section of our site.  Her lessons would occur at Thoreau on Tuesday or Thursday nights between 7 and 9pm.  She would use video feedback - which the kids love and helps them see what they just did (basically real-time video feedback).

In summary, whatever you do - just keep playing volleyball and play it with a smile!!!
 
Bob Bell
VYI Volleyball Founder & Commisisoner

by posted 05/01/2010
 
Dear Parents and Coaches,

VYI has received some complaints concerning the behavior of some parents, coaches and/or children using area sports facilities. While many of these complaints are eventually discovered to be related to other sports that are not related to VYI, we want to ensure our members continue to be respectful of the neighborhoods, schools, and parks that host our practices and events. Some of the specific complaints we’ve received include:

• Parking in front of neighborhood houses and obstructing resident access
• Walking through private property
• Generally disturbing the peace and quiet of the people living around the fields and gyms

As stated previously, we don’t know if any of the incidents reported involve VYI parents, coaches or children but it is appropriate that we establish guidelines so that everyone knows what is expected of them. Anything a parent, coach or player does while attending a VYI activity reflects on VYI and all of us individually.

Use of area gyms and fields is a privilege not a right. VYI has an excellent reputation in the community and because of that we enjoy certain privileges. It is imperative that we maintain this reputation. We are guests in these neighborhoods and must conduct ourselves accordingly.

We will be amending the parents Code of Conduct rules to spell out specific expectations but here are some rules that we must all follow:

• Parking on residential side streets is only permitted when all lots adjacent to a facility are full.
• Do not park in the designated SACC (School Age Child Care) parking areas in school parking lots
• When it is necessary to park on a neighborhood street we must be quiet and respectful of the residents and their property. This means there should be no yelling, littering or trespassing on private property.
• Never park in such a way as to block a driveway or otherwise obstruct the resident from leaving their home or parking in front of it.
• Make sure we leave each facility clean and free of trash.
• Be a leader. If you witness inappropriate behavior intervene and report to a coach or commissioner as appropriate.

We appreciate your support in ensuring that we have continued access to the facilities that are vital to our sports programs.

Vienna Youth Incorporated