Thoughts?

ibbly · **Thoughts? -** 11-06-2006, 03:18 PM

I am a club director. Recently I ran into a player that I think has a lot of talent and she could potentially play Division II volleyball and maybe earn some money for it.

She came to an open gym and worked really hard in the open gym (unusual). But, I later find out that she cannot afford to play, but takes advantage of open gyms because it is an opportunity for her to play.

I was wondering (other than the 'in house' club fundraisers taht we do that can raise you SOME money, how I can get this girl involved (either at my club or any club for that matter)...She is a very nice girl and I would like to find some way to help her out. She loves the game, but unfortunately due to financial situations, cannot play. The cost of our club is 1450. We are one of the cheaper clubs in the area. Even with a payment plan and fundraising, she still cannot afford any cost associated with club volleyball.

Any help in finding a solution for this young lady would be a great way to help the volleyball community and make a difference in someone's life.

I know there are plenty of stories just like this one out there, and normally I don't go out of my way to help, but this girl has talent, desire, heart and motivation to be good at the sport she loves. I am just looking for a way to help.

She has not asked me for assistance, and I am doing this just to help someone out. I have contacted a local company and a radio station, but have had no luck thus far.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Thank you for your consideration, compassion and information!

Doug
ibbly @ comcast.net

DougHillman · 11-06-2006, 09:49 PM

As the director, it's not within your power to give her a free ride?

A club I used to coach for had it built in to completely subsidize one player per level, per season. (ie, 1 at 15's, 1 at 18's, etc.) Sometimes that would result in 2 players being partly subsidized, sometimes 1 fully, sometimes none (and then the fund would be rolled over to the next session.) Now, this club was a fairly prestigious one and had plenty of money from the regular fees, so they could afford to do this. It's possible that many other clubs aren't in such a position.

NewEnglandRT · 11-06-2006, 11:07 PM

Can she work off her registration? Can she get a part time job? Post up a bio, maybe we can shop her around

ibbly · **My biggest concern -** 11-07-2006, 07:08 PM

My biggest concern is not to jeopardize any NCAA eligibility because I believe she will probably play at least D II if she so desires.

The 'working it off' might work. Not sure how she can raise the kind of money that quickly (we are a small club and I need most of the $$$ up front to offset all the costs associated).

I do appreciate the feedback. I'll look into some of these options, but if anyone knows about the NCAA eligibility requirements (preferrably a link) that would also help!

Thanks again for your insights.

coachmanzi · 11-07-2006, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibbly

My biggest concern is not to jeopardize any NCAA eligibility because I believe she will probably play at least D II if she so desires.

The 'working it off' might work. Not sure how she can raise the kind of money that quickly (we are a small club and I need most of the $$$ up front to offset all the costs associated).

I do appreciate the feedback. I'll look into some of these options, but if anyone knows about the NCAA eligibility requirements (preferrably a link) that would also help!

Thanks again for your insights.

How old is she?
Under NCAA rules, you have 5 years after starting college full time. (4 years playing, 1 year redshirt). Getting some sort of scholarship isn't easy, but it can be done.

I think what you're referring to with eligibility is giving her a freeride into your program. ie; Sponsorships.

Currently, I am playing for my college in San Diego and have to register with the NCAA. Under no circumstances can I play in any sort of tournament (including beach doubles) during season. It's like being a traitor to my school. In no way can any person be sponsored while playing under NCAA regulations..

Also...does the club have any affiliation with NCAA? if not, then it doesn't matter...

Any other questions?

Volleyball Scholarships

tbarbera · 11-08-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coachmanzi

Under no circumstances can I play in any sort of tournament (including beach doubles) during season.

I thought this was usually a coach rule. Also while you are playing for a college (NCAA) you cannot be paid for playing volleyball. ie winning a tournamnet and getting a prize. I think you can recieve your entry fee back and a small gift like shorts, tee shirts, beach chairs... and on and on. It makes sense that a player should not play in a tournamnet or event that doesn't represent thier school if they are on scholarship. Other than that I think it should be fine. The decision should be left up to the player.

Anyway, back to the original question. I agree with Doug. Give her a free ride. At the club that I played for it was udnerstood that the players who the Club director coached for highschool did not pay to play on the club team. I found this out through many different people. If the club can allow for a certain amount of players to play volleyball at a decreased price or for free than I am all for it. Especially in highschool if you cannot afford to play but want to there should be a way for you to play.

I payed for my own volleyball experience. I paid for my highschool team, my club team and now my college team. If I knew that some of my money that I was working for went to pay for some people who couldn't otherwise play I would have still be happy to pay the same amount.

-Tyler

set10 · 11-29-2006, 11:26 AM

I just stumbled across this thread and I figured I'd throw in some help.

From what I understand she is not an NCAA athlete right now so she can legally accept any form of gifts from anyone. The only stipulation that would jeopardize her eligibility prior to her becoming an athlete would be professional status. (paid to play, not earning prizes) Once she is an athlete she cannot accept any form of gift related to her being an athlete from anyone outside immediate family. Uncle Joe can't give her a bicycle for getting 5 blocks against the rival university. Also while IN SEASON, the athlete cannot recieve ANY gift or prize with monetary value for their play, even a piece of candy is technically a violation. Now as Club Director you know your club's budget more than anyone, so you can make the decision whether or not to let her play for free (or reduced rate) and you have no obligation to let anyone else know about it. You can however, use this donation as a tax write off if you so choose I believe. (Depending on what type of business it is and what articles you started it under.)

MCBear · **Another option... -** 12-18-2006, 09:19 AM

See if there is a Starlings VB club in your area. The Starlings are a program for those players who do not have the financial means to afford to play USAV club ball on many teams. Starlings are nation-wide and, hopefully, there is one close to you that you can direct her toward if you are not able to scholarship her to your club.