Comox Valley Strikers Volleyball Club

When does Club Volleyball start?

The Comox Valley Volleyball Club AGM is mid-November. This is when players/families come to sign up, so we know what interest there is for the upcoming season. Try-outs are end November / beginning of December (you must register on-line) and then the season starts at the beginning of January when school starts.

Competitive Teams

The Strikers runs competitive teams from 14U to 18U, depending on athlete interest, coach availability, and gym space availability.

Can out of town athletes sign up

As per our constitution, we will allow athletes from outside the Comox Valley to join a team, but not if there is a local athlete who is suitable for the spot, as the purpose of our club is to promote volleyball in the Comox Valley. 

When are practices?

We normally book school gym space Monday through Thursday, between 5pm & 9pm. Practices are twice per week, and are set by the coaches, depending on gym availability. 

What team does my athlete sign up for?

Sign up is by birth year, and teams are made up after try-outs. Try-outs involve multiple age groups, and the coaching committee (made of coaches and the technical director) will make up teams, based on what is in the best interest of the whole club. Players are not trying out for specific “positions”. The committee will contact the family if they believe the athlete should "play up". 

Try-outs

Try-outs are held late November / early December for the 14U to 18U age group. 

What is Train & Play

Train & Play is our program for athletes in Grades 7 & 8 (13U & 14U). It is run by Jesse Knight and Julie Young, with help from Strikers coaches and volunteer athletes from our senior teams. It is a program designed to develop skills in a fun environment. Players on the 14U team MUST also participate in the T&P program for development. 

What is Smash Ball

Smash Ball (formally Junior Strikers) is a once-a-week (typically Friday evening) program for athletes in Grades 3-6. It will start later in the season (usually late February through to May)

What does club volleyball cost?

Team fees are available at the AGM. Costs take into consideration tournament entries, coaching expenses, jerseys, facility rentals, etc. The cost is developed with a baseline number of tournaments. If a team chooses to participate in additional tournaments, the families are responsible for additional entry costs, as well as coaching expenses. Please note - sometimes coaching expenses exceed the estimated budget, and coaches may ask for additional funding from families. All of our coaches are volunteers, and should NOT have to pay out of pocket for their expenses. 

Travel fees (and accommodation costs) for athletes are NOT covered by club fees.  Fees also do not cover the cost if a team decides to go to Nationals, which will be a decision made by the coach in consultation with families. 

*** Please note *** that starting with the 2022 season, athletes must register directly with Volleyball BC once they are selected to a team, and pay the $72 + GST registration fee directly to them.

What is the refund policy?

We always have more athletes trying out than we can place on a team. Once a team is formed, it is a huge inconvenience if a player quits the team, and unfair to those that were not placed on a team. As well, Roster Lock is now much earlier than in previous years (the club CANNOT change the roster after that date). Therefore, once regular season play has begun (January 9^th in 2023), there will be no refund of club fees. After teams are formed, up until this date, a 1/2 refund (of club fees only) can be requested for extenuating cirmcumstances.

For Train & Play, there is no refund after the first full week, UNLESS there is someone on the waitlist available to fill the spot. 

What is a red shirt player?

Red shirt players train with the team, but don't travel to VBC (Volleyball BC) tournaments. This is sometimes a good option for athletes that participate in multiple sports, and may not be able to commit to the primary VBC tournaments. It allows them to train with the team, and possibly play in non-VBC playdays in order to continue to develop their skills.

What are the responsibilities of the coach?

Our coaches are volunteers, and responsible for coaching only. Parents are responsible for getting their athletes to tournaments, and chaperoning them once there. You are welcome to carpool with other families, but it is NOT the coaches responsibility to arrange transportation, or chaperone the athletes at games & tournaments.

What do I have to do to qualify to be a Strikers Coach or Assistant Coach  

Please contact our President at cvvcstrikers@hotmail.ca if you are interested in coaching this season. Required coach certification fees are covered by the club for those interested in coaching. It is important to read the Volleyball BC handbook if you are interested in coaching. VBC Handbook