Frequently Asked Questions

What is JO volleyball?

JO stands for Junior Olympic. Club volleyball is sometimes referred to as JO Volleyball.

 

What is club volleyball?

Much like club soccer or AAU basketball, club volleyball is an extended season of volleyball competition that follows the traditional volleyball season of middle and high schools.

 

How are teams selected?

Each club will hold organized tryouts before the start of the November season. This procedure can be a one-day session or consist of multiple days of workouts. Jammers VBC attempts to complete tryouts for each age group during a two-session tryout procedure. Jammers VBC uses its experienced coaching staff to make its team selections and assist with all player evaluations.

 

How are team rosters determined?

Volleyball is a sport played with multiple players forming a team. A successful team must consist of (2) important things…players with comparable skills and a full roster of position players. Unfortunately, competitive teams cannot be formed based on player friendships, carpooling, or school teammates.

 

What are position players?

Like many sports, the players on the floor all have a specific job. Unlike recreation sports, club volleyball is a higher level of competition, and clubs are expected to assemble the best unit of players available. Each roster must consist of a certain number of middle hitters, outside hitters, setters, defensive players, etc. At the club level, most players are position players and they are proficient in their assigned position.

 

How many players are on a team?

Typically the ultimate number is between 8 and 10. Less than 8 and you risk not having enough players in the event of an injury or absent player. We strive to have 10 on a team, but no more than 12. More than 12 could result in too many players standing around or sitting on the bench. Too many players will create stress on a coach with parents and players expecting equal playing time. This will lead to a decrease in team morale or resentment between the players. This is also unfair to the extra players who could be rostered on another team and see extended playing time.

 

How are returning players handled?

It is the policy of Jammers VBC that every player must try out each season. This is to prevent any allegation of favoritism towards returning players and more importantly to assess the skill level of every player. VB skills can improve or deteriorate during the time in between club seasons. Additionally, many players may develop faster than others. For example, whereas two players (teammates) were comparable during the previous season’s tryouts, are now playing at different levels. Because of this, when a team is selected, certain players may become the core of a team, and the tryout procedure will be the tool for adding players of like ability to the missing positions of that team.

 

How many nights do teams practice?

Teams will practice one weeknight and on Sunday afternoon/evening. Practice sessions are scheduled for two hours. Our regular weeknights are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 6:00 - 9:00 pm, depending on the team and their practice location. Sunday practices are between 1:00 - 9:00 pm, with younger teams taking the earlier practice times. Players will be expected to attend all practices.

 

Where are practices held?

Jammers VBC is currently utilizing several practice facilities.  Weeknight practices will be scheduled in 3-4 additional gyms and will be announced after tryouts and once facilities have been secured. We have facilities in West, South and North Durham, and are looking to obtain space in the Chapel Hill area as well.

 

How many teams will JVC have for the upcoming season?

We are predicting 7-12 teams for the upcoming season. The final number of teams we field will depend on the number of available qualified coaches, available facilities, and several players accepting positions on teams. It has always been our policy to offer as many opportunities as possible each season, but we are limited to the previously mentioned elements.

 

What are the fees for club volleyball?

Currently, our club dues range from $1200 to $4500 per player. This varies based on the specific age group and whether it is a Junior Jammers, Regional, Junior Regional, Regional Plus, Semi-National, or National team.

 

Are there any other costs?

Yes, there is a Uniform Fee each season. All players will be required to purchase a uniform package shortly after committing to Jammers. Packages must be paid for at the time of purchase. This package will consist of two Jerseys, two pairs of spandex, and an equipment backpack. The approximate cost is less than $350. Two practice T-shirts and one Jammers hoodie are included in the dues. We attempt to utilize our uniforms for two seasons, so returning players will only be required to purchase those items needed. For example, if you return and are selected to a team with another returning player who shares the same jersey number, the newest player to Jammers will be required to purchase new jerseys.

Other costs include travel expenses and food on tournament days. Some tournament sites may require an overnight stay.

 

When are Club Fees due?

Club fees are broken into multiple installments, with the first being due on our Club Signing Day.  The remaining installments are due on the 15th of each month beginning in October.

 

What are the Carolina Region Tournaments like?

Carolina Region tournaments are played on Saturdays or Sundays. Players are expected to arrive at 8:00 am with play beginning at 9:00 am. Pool Play will usually last until late afternoon, with the Playoffs following. Typically the top two teams in pool play will advance to the next round of playoffs. Once in the playoffs, it is single-elimination. When advancing to the finals, you may be in the gym until 5:00 - 6:00 pm. 

Spectators can expect to spend $5 (cash) for admission into tournaments. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water as players are not allowed to leave the venue until play is finished and the Jammers' Head Coach has released them to leave. 

 

How often are tournaments played?

Tournament schedules vary, but schedules are posted before the practices begin. The tournament season starts in January and typically runs into April. A tournament schedule can include One-Day or Multi-Day tournaments depending on the age and level of the team. Jammers typically limit overnight travel to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washinton, D.C. 

What do I bring to a tournament?

Most players bring things to keep them comfortable…sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, iPod, cell phone, etc. You are going to be there a long time and you need to have some downtime to rest. Parents should bring a comfortable chair, something to read, food for the players (so you do not have to run out looking for the floor), and a positive attitude for your daughter and her teammates.

 

Where are tournaments held?

Regional tournaments can be held anywhere in North Carolina. For the most part, the majority of tournaments will be between 1-2 hours away. Due to the growth of the sport, that is no longer guaranteed. A regional team may travel up to 4 hours away, requiring a Friday drive and an overnight stay.

 

Will Jammers VBC host any tournaments this season?

We have intended to host tournaments each season. The success of this depends on the graciousness of the facilities we use for practices allowing us to have their facility for an entire Saturday. If able to host tournaments, we will make every effort to host a division in which Jammers has a team playing.

 

Who is Jammers Volleyball Club?

Jammers VBC began as a single-team venture in 2004 by Coach Mike Hodge and Coach Blaine Tendler. A second team was added when Steve Rogers brought a handful of rising freshmen to Coach Hodge and convinced him to take them under his wing and form a second Jammers team coached by Coach Nick Nguyen. The following season, club founder Mike Hodge took on the position as President and Director of Coaching, and Steve as Vice President and Club Director. Now in our 16th season, we have grown from the original 17 players on two teams to a high of 125 players on 13 teams. We have gone from 2 coaches in the 1st year to 12 head coaches, 3 assistant coaches, and 3 Floating coaches for the 2019 season.

We have very humble beginnings and will always remember where we came from. As big as this thing gets, we will do our best to maintain a close relationship with our members while staying true to our dedication to training and developing skilled volleyball players in the area.

 

 

Who we are…

 

WE ARE JAMMERS!