The number of courts needed will depend upon the number of teams operating in the program. Most coaches want at least one court per team. In addition, consider the number of hours a team plans to practice. Practice times vary in the North Country Region from one evening per week to four or more times per week during the school year.
Sites for practices are probably limited only by the gym space available in your community. The site must have properly sized and lined volleyball court and safe equipment. Places to begin looking include the local YMCA or YWCA, schools, churches, fitness centers and recrea¬tional centers. 
 

One frequently made mistake is that the Junior Volleyball program is not treated as a business. Whether we like it or not, we are running a small business when we set up a Junior Volleyball program. Bills have to get paid. The players have to either pay money or participate in fundraising activities. Separate checking accounts and closely detailed accounting should be kept. Programs should be incorporated to avoid possible tax problems.
In terms of the costs of the program, the cost per player varies greatly from program to program depending upon the length of the season, the locations of competition, the amenities you offer the players and the amount of equipment you have to buy.
 

• There are three items that are certain to result in cost to the program.
• Each team must have similar uniforms, both shirts and shorts. When ordering uniforms, be sure to comply with the USAV uniform requirements, including the size and location of numbers on the front and back of jerseys. Numbers on the front of the shirt must be at least 4 inches high and at least 6 inches on the back all numbers both front and back need to be centered. Numbers must be contrasting colors to the shirt. Legal numbers are 1-99.
• Your team will have to be registered with the North Country Region USAV. The cost of this registration is established at the beginning of each year.
• Most tournaments have entry fees. Fees can  range from $60 – $95 for half-day events, $90 – $125 for full day events and $185 – $850 or more for multiple day events.  Visit www.ncrusav.org for tournament listings.
   

Additional expenses to consider:

• Are coaches paid?
• Gym rental.
• Purchase additional equipment such as a first aid kit, volleyballs and volleyball bags.
• Travel expense built in the budget?
• Extra Player Benefits.  Is the program providing players  warm-ups, volleyball publications, kneepads or shoes?
   

As explained above, there are expenses involved with running a junior program. Here are a few ideas. 

• Have a fundraiser (car wash, pancake breakfast, spaghetti dinner, sell coupon books, candy, etc.)
• Find a company to sponsor the team or several smaller merchants to contribute to the program. If you incorporate and apply for a non-profit organization status (fees associated), the donor’s contributions may be tax deductible.
• If you have access to a nice facility with a good net system, North Country Region is always looking for facilities to rent for adult and junior tournaments. Just let us know if you are interested.
• Host a North Country Region sanctioned tournament. 
• Provide concessions at tournaments.

The selection of the coach(s) is one of the most critical decisions when initiating a Junior Volleyball program. Coaches form the basis for the entire program.  The coach, if possible, should have some experience in either coaching, or at least playing volleyball. All coaches should be willing to learn! The coach should also understand the basics of first aid, because injuries do occur.
In searching for coaches, the most obvious place to start is with parents. However, parents sometimes do not make the best coaches and conflicts can arise. Other places to look are at local colleges, both in terms of college coaches and players. High school coaches may also be available, al¬though you and they need to be aware of any High School League rules limiting the activities of high school coaches. Adult players from your area may also provide you with a good source of coaches.
Once coaches have been selected, they will be required to fulfill the following coach requirements:

• Current USAV Membership
• USA Volleyball Approved Background Screen
• SafeSport Training
• IMPACT Certification
• Officiating

Once you have found a practice site, selected coaches and established a preliminary budget, you are ready to get started.  Schedule and post tryout dates.  Notices can be posted in the area schools and mailed to area coaches and players. Junior player mailing labels are available through North Country Region office for a small fee. Local recreational centers and “Y” facilities may also allow you to post notices. The local media may provide some form of free advertisement for your tryouts. Tryout information will also be posted on the web page at www.ncrusav.org.
Before setting foot in the gym, know what evaluation tests you will have the players perform; equipment needed; how many “helpers” will needed; and how many “evaluators” will be needed.  
In addition, plan for parents. Many will almost certainly be there. They will have questions about the costs and the commitment their child is making. Be prepared to answer those questions. It is a good idea to have a rough season schedule already prepared to hand out, together with a rough preliminary budget.  Laying this foundation will assist in having a more successful season.
 

Event listings can be found at www.ncrusav.org. 

Formats:

• Power League and Playdate formats are generally half-day events with no playoffs.
• Regular one-day tournaments, which generally consist of pool play, followed by playoffs.
• Multiple day events (such as SmackFest and NCR Region Championship) which generally consist of two to four days of pool play and playoffs.
   

• Once teams have been selected, members will purchase a USAV/NCR membership. 
• Club Directors visit the Club Director tab under ROLES.
• North Country Region is here to guide and support you during this process.  Contact NCR be email or phone.