2022-23 Coaching Handbook

1. Introduction

Welcome to Mintonette Sports’ 17th season!  We are excited to have you as a part of our program this year.  We hope you are looking forward to continuing our tradition of excellence this season as much as we are. We put this Handbook together to tell you about our Club, its policies, and to answer some of the most asked questions we receive.

Mintonette Sports is an Ohio Limited Liability Company (the “Club”).  Max Miller is the Owner, Managing Member, and Director of the Club.  Mintonette Sports’ Club logos are the exclusive property of the Club.  The names and logos are not to be used without the express, written consent of the Club.  This includes apparel.

This Handbook is meant to be a guide for all coaches.  The Club reserves the right to amend this Handbook at any time in its sole discretion.

2. Mintonette Sports’ Mission Statement

The Club works to provide the best volleyball training in Ohio.  We set out to teach the skills of the game of volleyball and the personal attributes of leadership, strong work ethic, responsibility, discipline, and commitment.  We promise to treat all our athletes like young women, not professional athletes. 

3. Website

Our website address is www.mintonettesports.com.  Each team will have a page for their roster, schedule, etc.  Each coach will have a profile page on the website.  It is the coach’s responsibility to contact the Club with changes, additions, and corrections to their profile page.  For any website questions or changes, please contact katie@mintonettesports.com.

4. Club Accomplishments

Our athletes and coaches have accomplished several amazing feats.  Outside of National Championships, qualifying for Nationals is the ultimate goal for any National division team. Finishing in the top 5 is our goal for any American and Regional division team. Results from each year can be found on our website in the archives.

5. FieldhouseUSA (practice location) Rules & Regulations

The Club has the privilege of having a permanent home: FieldhouseUSA.  In order to keep our facility clean, comfortable, and safe for everyone, the following rules are in effect:

a. Profanity, derogatory remarks, obscene gestures or threats will not be tolerated at any time on the courts, in the stands, in the common areas of the facility, or the parking lot.  Patrons or guests using such language or gestures will be asked to not return.

b. Graffiti of any kind will not be tolerated; those who choose to damage our facility or any part thereof will be charged janitorial and/or damage fees and may be asked not to return to our facility.

c. Following each training session, the athletes are responsible for cleaning up all belongings, trash, and equipment.

d. Gum and food are not permitted while on the courts.

e. Family and friends are permitted to watch training sessions in the main concourse and red countertop areas of our facility.  The reception area, conference room, and administration offices of our facility are NOT open to athletes or families.

f. Anyone caught removing, without authorization, or stealing equipment from our facility will be charged for replacement of the items taken and may be asked not to return to our facility.

NOTE:  Those athletes, families, or spectators who continuously violate the above rules may be removed from the Club and our facility without refund or relief from financial responsibility.

6. FieldhouseUSA Facility & Emergency Action Plan

Coaches should read and be well-versed on the  Emergency Action Plan and  Facility Handbook. 

7. Social Activity Online & Offline

The Club recognizes the prevalence of electronic communication and social media in today’s world.  Many of our student athletes use these means as their primary method of communication.  While the Club acknowledges the value of these methods of communication, the Club also realizes that there are associated risks that must be considered when adults use these methods to communicate with minors.

All communications between a coach or other adult and an athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities.  For example, as with any communication with an athlete, electronic communication should not contain or relate to any of the following:

• Drugs or alcohol use;
• Sexually-oriented conversation; sexually explicit language, sexual activity;
• The adult’s personal life, social activities, relationship or family issues, or personal problems; and
• Inappropriate or sexually explicit pictures.

Note: Any communication concerning an athlete’s personal life, social activities, relationship or family issues or personal problems must be transparent, accessible and professional.  Whether one is an athlete, coach, or parent, the guiding principle to always use in communication is to ask: “Is this communication something that someone else would find appropriate or acceptable in a face-to-face meeting?” or “Is this something you would be comfortable saying out loud to the intended recipient of your communication in front of the intended recipient’s parents, the coaching staff, or other athletes?”

With respect to electronic communications, a simple test that can be used in most cases is whether the electronic communication with athletes is Transparent, Accessible and Professional (“TAP”):

• Transparent:  All electronic communication between coaches and athletes should be transparent.  Your communication should not only be clear and direct, but also free of hidden meanings, innuendo and expectations.
• Accessible:  All electronic communication between coaches and athletes should be considered a matter of record and part of the Club’s records.  Include another coach or parent in the communication so there is no question regarding accessibility.
• Professional:  All electronic communication between a coach and an athlete should be conducted professionally as a representative of the Club.  This includes word choice, tone, grammar and subject matter that model the standards and integrity of a staff member.

If your communication meets all three of the TAP criteria, then it is likely your method and manner of communication with athletes will be appropriate.

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, BLOGS AND SIMILAR SITES:  Coaches may have personal Facebook (or other social media site) pages, but they are not permitted to have any athlete of the Club join their personal page as a “friend.” A player or coach should not initiate or accept any “friend” request.  In addition, the coach should remind the athlete that this is not permitted.  Coaches and athletes are not permitted to “direct message” each other through Facebook, Instagram, Blogs and similar sites.  The Club has an official Facebook page that athletes and their parents can “like” or “friend” for information and updates on team-related matters.  Athletes are also encouraged to set their pages to “private” to prevent adults from accessing the athlete’s personal information.

TWITTER:  Coaches and athletes may follow each other on Twitter.  Coaches cannot re-tweet an athlete message post.  Coaches and athletes are not permitted to “direct message” each other through Twitter.

TEXTING:  Subject to the general guidelines mentioned above, texting is allowed between coaches and athletes during the hours from 7am until 9pm.  Texting only shall be used for the purpose of communicating information directly related to team activities. When communicating with a coach through text, a parent or another coach/director must be included in the text.

EMAIL:  Athletes and coaches may use email to communicate.  When communicating with a coach through email, a parent, another coach/director must also be copied.

REQUEST TO DISCONTINUE ALL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS:  The parents or guardians of an athlete may request in writing that their child not be contacted by coaches through any form of electronic communications.  Immediate compliance without repercussion must be granted.

MISCONDUCT: Social media and electronic communications can be used to commit misconduct (e.g. emotional, sexual, bullying, harassment and hazing).  Such communications by coaches, staff, volunteers, administrators, officials, parents or athletes will not be tolerated and are considered violations of the SafeSport Handbook.

VIOLATIONS:  Violations of the Club’s Social Media and Electronic Communications Policy should be reported to a Club Director.  Complaints and allegations will be addressed following the appropriate procedure.

An athlete or parent of an athlete who violates this policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to: suspension, dismissal and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

8. Playing Time Philosophy

We, as a club, strive to teach our athletes how to reach their full potential.  We believe our training is of the highest quality and standards in order to help our athletes be successful on and off the court. Playing time during practices should be the same for all players, but playing time for matches is something that is earned. Our playing time philosophy for matches is different at each division:

a. National – Playing time is earned and not guaranteed. Coaches and Directors will not discuss playing; however, direct feedback on how to improve will be given to the athlete to earn more playing time.

b. American – Playing time may be more balanced, but still not guaranteed. Coaches and Directors will not discuss playing time; however, direct feedback on how to improve will be given to the athlete to earn more playing time.

c. Regional – Playing time should be fair for all athletes. Please keep in mind that playing time cannot be equal due to the nature of the different positions in volleyball. We want every athlete to have a positive experience by learning through gameplay.

9. Training Expectations - Athletes

We, as a club, strive to offer the best training in Ohio.  We believe training is the most important component of everyone’s Club experience, and it is the true value of our Club.  We believe all athletes should receive as much training as possible.  No athlete should ever sit out the majority of the practice.  We want all athletes to receive opportunities in practice that will allow them to grow as an athlete and that allows them to earn playing time at tournaments.  We expect athletes to hop on the court when making switches.  Most of the time the staff will not place athletes into drills, and it is the responsibility of the athletes to make sure they are getting on the floor.  Athletes will get as much out of practice as they are willing to put in.  We want every athlete to have a good experience.

The following are the expectations for each practice with the Club.  The Club reserves the right to release any athlete from the program, without refund or relief from financial responsibility, should violations of these expectations become a habit or a hindrance to the Club or the team.

a. Each athlete is expected to be ready for practice at their designated start time.  Athletes who arrive 15-30 minutes early generally have enough time to prepare for practice.  Athletes who are consistently late will risk losing playing time and potentially their spot on the team.

b. Each athlete is expected to be properly equipped in their practice uniform and should not be wearing any jewelry or chewing gum.

c. Athletes are expected to attend every training session.  If an athlete has to miss a training session, the athlete is expected to notify the staff as soon as possible and submit an online attendance form.  Excused absences include family emergency, illness followed by a doctor’s note, in-season school sports, mandatory school or church functions.  All other absences need pre-approval by a director.  Athletes who have more than 5 absences will risk losing playing time.  It is expected that all National division team members will not miss practices or tournaments during the qualifying or national preparation season.

d. Families are not expected to stay and watch training.  If they choose to do so, they must stay in the concourse area.  At NO time should parents be on the court and/or disrupt training.  At NO time should parents walk into the office areas.  Parents are not to approach a coach or staff member during a training session.  If athletes have any issues or questions, they may talk to their coach or tier trainer.

e. Each team and tier will have a specific responsibility with respect to keeping the courts clean (pick up trash, put equipment away, clean dry erase boards, etc.).  Athletes are not permitted to leave the court or our facility before their responsibilities are complete.

f. Athletes should not enter the mall at any time without parent supervision or approval. Athletes should ask a coach or tier trainer before leaving and notify upon returning. Athletes should wear proper attire (pants or sorts, not spandex) while in the mall.

g. Schedule changes or cancellations will be on the website as soon as possible.  If the weather is poor or school has been cancelled, the athlete or family should check the website before coming to practice.  We also use our social networks and email tree (parent reps) to communicate these changes.

Please note:  At no time should an athlete train at another club, individually or in a group setting, while under contract with Mintonette Sports.  This includes early commits.

10. Training Expectations - Coaches

a. Each coach is expected to be ready for practice 15-30 minutes early.  Each coach is expected to attend every training session, which includes team practices and positional training.  Attendance of coaches will be taken at each practice. If a coach will be late or has to miss a training session, he or she is expected to notify the tier trainer as soon as possible (preferably at least two days prior to the missed practice). Excused absences include family emergency, illness, work, or other absences pre-approved by the director. If more than the designated number of practices (per your contract) are missed for the season, there may be a salary reduction of $15 per hour. If you have to miss more than the allowed missed practices, please contact an admin immediately to discuss. 

b. Prior to practices, coaches are expected to help set up the volleyball nets and assist with player check-in.

c. During practices, coaches are expected to coach all athletes in the gym. This includes players from other teams. The tier concept is in place so that all players can benefit from all of the coaches.  There should be no more than 2 coaches on the same half of a court at one time. Instruction should happen as much as possible, and it should not interfere with the execution of the drill.

d. Attendance of the athletes is the responsibility of the coaches.  Please assist with attendance at each practice. All players are expected to submit the online player absence form for each and every absence. We ask the players to give at least 24 hours notice, if possible, of an absence.

e. The scheduling and canceling of practice is the sole responsibility of Max Miller. Any requests to cancel, add, or reschedule a practice for your team must be approved by him.

f. After practices, coaches are expected to help with taking down nets, moving bleachers/benches, and returning equipment to the storage closet.

11. Team Communication

a. Athlete to Coach.  Good communication is necessary between the coach and athlete. Both athletes and coaches are responsible for establishing a relationship of trust and mutual respect.  Bringing up a problem can be very difficult for an athlete, but this is a life skill that sports can teach. Parents may need to push their athlete to take the first step.  Club coaches work to be approachable and to create a safe environment for athletes to bring up concerns.

For athletes, the most common concern that they have revolves around playing time.  While we don’t discuss playing time directly, athletes who are not satisfied with their coach’s decisions must engage with the coach to identify the issue by following these steps:

• The athlete must first approach the coach and initiate dialogue.  Not the parent.
  • Often, athletes are unclear on what they need to improve, and an early conversation can address these questions. Our expectation is that athletes should start this conversation by asking what they need to do to improve and how to work towards playing a larger role in contributing to the team’s success. 
• If the question or problem is still unanswered or unresolved, the athlete must again approach the coach for clarification and direction.
• If the question or problem is still unanswered or unresolved, the athlete can request an athlete/coach meeting with parents and a club administrator in attendance.

We think a necessary life skill is the ability to confront and discuss potentially emotional topics.  We do realize there are times a problem needs to be addressed and athletes cannot bring themselves to approach the coach. In this case, we HIGHLY encourage parents, in a spirit of collaboration, to contact the coach directly to help produce the best environment for their athlete.  

If you, as a parent, have a legitimate concern about a coach other than your athlete’s coach, or with an athlete other than your own, you should contact a Club Director. 

b. Family to Staff.  The Club wants to encourage appropriate communication between our families and the staff.  Below are examples of appropriate communication.

• Information about the athlete’s health. Without the following context, your daughter’s behavior in practice or during a tournament may be interpreted as being lazy, unfocused, or even disrespectful.
  
  
  • Recent illnesses, medical restrictions, allergies, medication needs, etc.
  • Physical limitations that would restrict or prevent the athlete from practice or game participation.
  • Emotional health needs (ex: a recent death in the family, struggling in school, dealing with another emotionally charged issue).  
• A “head’s up” that your athlete in struggling to communicate with her coach.
  • Remember that we begin this conversation with the athlete first, but we appreciate being notified.  This should be communicated to the coach and a Club Director.

There are topics of communication with the coach which are not appropriate or where there is a more appropriate venue to make that contact:

• Conversations about playing time:
  • If your athlete is receiving playing time consistent with this Handbook and has not tried to discuss the athlete’s role on the team with the coach, it is inappropriate for you, the parent, to do so at any time.
• Other athletes on the team:
  • Your personal opinions of other athlete’s attitudes, skill, performance, or conduct are not appropriate topics of conversation for you to have with anyone (ex: coaches, directors, other parents, athletes, etc.).
  • There are some exceptions.  For example, any issues relative to drugs, alcohol, sexual conduct, or weapons should be brought up with a Club Director immediately.
• Coaching technique, tactics, systems, game-time decisions, etc.
  • These are all issues that are not open for discussion or negotiation.  There are opportunities at the end of the season for parents to provide feedback on these topics to the coaching staff and a Club Director.

c. Meetings Times. Here are some guidelines for finding the best time to meet:

• If there is a question about player development and the athlete’s role on the team, communication early in the season is ideal.
• We have a 48-hour rule. This means 48 hours following the conclusion of the tournament. This allows emotions to subside, resulting in a more productive conversation.
• Prior to the meeting, notify the coach of the requested meeting topic. Avoid lengthy emails or phone messages, these tend to be too emotional and accusatory.

12. Tournament Expectations – Athletes & Families

The following are the expectations for every tournament.  The Club reserves the right to release athletes from the program, without refund or relief from financial responsibility, should violations of these expectations become a habit or a hindrance to the Club or team.

a. Athletes are expected to be on the court, dressed in uniform ready to play, at the time designated by the Club. We require athletes to bring ALL of their jerseys each day of a tournament.  It is inexcusable for athletes to arrive late.  Athletes who are consistently late or miss will potentially risk their playing time or spots on the team.

b. When athletes are not playing in matches, warming up, officiating, or scouting with their team, they are expected to be supporting the Club at an assigned court.  Athletes can get food, and then report to support their Club as a team.  At NO time during a tournament is an athlete to leave their team until their coach releases them at the end of the day.  We arrive, play and leave the event as a team.  Athletes, who need to leave the court must notify their coach of where they are going and take at least one teammate or adult with them.

c. Cell phones are NOT permitted during a tournament.  Family representatives will either collect phones prior to the start of the day and return them at the end, OR request that all phones stay in the car or hotel.  If an athlete needs to use a phone to contact a parent, then they can ask to briefly use the phone.

d. Parents, athletes, friends, and family members are NOT permitted to approach a coach, director, or staff member during a tournament to discuss coaching decisions in person or electronically.  The proper protocol for communicating concerns is set forth in this Handbook.  Those athletes or families who break this rule will be given one warning.  If it happens a second time, the Club reserves the right to remove an athlete from the tournament and/or team without relief from financial responsibilities or a refund.

e. Parents, friends, and family members are expected to cheer for the team and Club in a positive manner.  Those who direct negative language, obscene gestures or derogatory remarks towards athletes, coaches, officials, or spectators will be asked to leave the tournament venue.  At all times, adults are expected to serve as positive role models.  The Club reserves the right to remove an athlete from the team if she or members of her family demonstrate inappropriate behavior and/or unsportsmanlike conduct.

f. Sightseeing is acceptable AFTER the tournament has concluded for the athletes.  Athletes should not visit amusement parks or sightsee (ex: long walking activities) the day prior to or during the day(s) of play.  We expect athletes to be fully rested.

13. Tournament Expectations – Coaches

a. Coaches are expected to be on the court at the time designated (typically 30 mins before an officiating assignment, and 60 mins before a match). It is absolutely inexcusable to arrive late for a tournament. Coaches who are consistently late risk reduction of pay. If unable to attend a tournament, coaches are responsible for finding a replacement Mintonette Sports coach and notifying Stephanie Grieshop. Coaches are responsible for arranging compensation adjustments amongst themselves. Otherwise, it will be at Mintonette Sports’ discretion.

b. Mintonette Sports follows the #CTP philosophy: Club, Team, Player. Because “Club” comes first, all coaches and players are expected to support other teams in the club. When athletes are not playing in matches, warming up, officiating, or scouting with their team, they are expected to be supporting their club. This means helping to shag balls for another team’s warm-up or sitting courtside cheering for another team. Coaches are asked to do the same; as well as, support a team in the opposite wave for at least 1 match.  A support schedule will be provided for coaches, parent reps, and players to follow.

c. We are a nationally known club, and all staff is expected to be dressed professionally.  Coaches should be available and introduce themselves to college coaches. Proper attire includes dress pants/shorts (khaki or dark colored), dark colored leggings/fitted jogger pants and an appropriate Mintonette top.  Sweatpants, board shorts and jeans are not acceptable for tournament wear.

d. Coaches are expected to be invested in the club and the teams. They are expected to behave professionally on and off the court. It is highly recommended to refrain from drinking with the parents of the club in an excessive manner (a 2 drink maximum is a good golden rule).

e. Parents, friends, and family members are NOT permitted to approach a coach, director, or staff member during a tournament to discuss playing time or other coaching decisions. Athletes, also, are NOT permitted to approach a coach, director, or staff member to discuss the above mentioned issues during the course of a tournament. Please follow and implement the “Team Communication” guidelines outlined in section 10.

f. Logistics including (but not limited to) tournament information, hotel information, support schedule, assistant schedule, and jersey schedule will be decided and communicated to the coaching staff a few days prior to the first day of the tournament.  

g. It is the responsibility of the coach to keep track of tournament results and to keep track of playing time for their athletes.  At any given time, the director may ask for stats on playing time for a player and the coach will need to provide that information.  At the end of each tournament, results need to be recorded in the results document provided to you. Only results NOT posted on AES will be needed and should be entered no later than 1 day following the end of the tournament.

14. Team Travel – Athletes & Families

The Club has some teams that travel regularly, some teams where travel is a few events per season, and some teams where there is only local travel.  The Club prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing, all as described in this Handbook.  The Club has established policies to guide our travel, minimize one-on-one interactions, and reduce the risk of abuse or misconduct. Adherence to these travel guidelines will increase athlete safety and improve the athlete’s experience while keeping travel a fun and enjoyable experience.

a. “Local Travel” occurs when the Club does not sponsor, coordinate or arrange for travel.

i. Parents/guardians are responsible for making all arrangements for Local Travel.  It is the sole responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure the person transporting the athlete maintains the proper safety and legal requirements, including but not limited to, a valid driver’s license, automobile liability insurance, a vehicle in safe working order, and compliance with applicable state laws.

ii. The employees, coaches, and/or volunteers of the Club or one of its teams, who are not also acting as a parent, should not drive alone with an unrelated athlete unless they have prior written permission from the parent/guardian.

b. “Team Travel” is overnight travel that occurs when the Club arranges accommodations for travel so that teams can compete locally, regionally, or nationally.  Because of the greater distances, staff may travel with the athletes.

i. The Club will provide reasonable advance notice before Team Travel, including designated team hotels for overnight stays.  Parent representatives will help with lodging details.  All athletes are required to stay with the Club.  All athletes must arrive at the Club hotel and check-in the night before play (for any tournament that is 4+ hours away) no later than 11 p.m., regardless of the wave.

ii. Parents/guardians are solely responsible for the transportation of their athlete(s).  If a parent/guardian cannot accompany an athlete, she is responsible for finding a teammate or family member that the athlete can travel and stay with.

iii. Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangements with an athlete (unless the coach is the parent, guardian, or sibling of the athlete).

iv. Club families will conduct themselves in a respectable manner while staying at hotels.  We will treat ourselves as guests of the hotel, and we will respect all employees and other guests.  The Club community will be expected to follow the hotel curfew for the lounge areas, and all athletes will be in their rooms no later than 11 p.m. regardless of wave (coaches may set an earlier curfew).  Any athlete, parent, or guardian that demonstrates unacceptable behavior at the hotel may be removed from the Club without the release of financial responsibility or refund.

v. Meetings between a coach and a team may not occur in hotel sleeping rooms and must be held in public settings or with additional adults present, with at least one of those adults being the same gender as the athlete.

vi. No coach or chaperone shall at any time be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing their respective coaching and/or chaperoning duties.

vii. If disciplinary action against an athlete is required while the athlete is traveling without his/her parents, then the Family will be notified before any action is taken, or promptly after when immediate action is necessary.

viii. While staying at hotels (or likewise), athletes will not use the swimming pools or hot tubs for any reason the day before or during a tournament.  All swimming or sunbathing may be done following the final match of the tournament.

15. Travel Accommodations – Coaches

a. Mintonette Sports will provide accommodations or travel stipend for coaches for all 2+ day tournaments.  The number of nights provided will depend on distance from Columbus, wave start time, and number of days of play.  All hotel rooms will be booked for the coaches by the director with assigned roommates. Coaches may choose to book their own rooms and choose their own roommates using the stipend provided.  At no time can an athlete room with a coach of non-relation.  Typically, rooms are booked to accommodate at least two coaches per room, and/or 1 room per two teams. Special room requests will need to be approved by the director.

b. Travel to and from tournaments are at the responsibility of the coach.  Tournaments requiring flights will be discussed with the coaches prior to the event. For tournaments that require flying, flights will either be booked by Mintonette Sports admin, or a travel stipend will be given to the coach.

c.  Reimbursement for hotel and travel costs will be added to the coach's paycheck following the event, and when receipts have been received.  All receipts should be turned in to administration as soon as possible, even if hotel and/or travel costs were prepaid by the club.  Parking, food, and other miscellaneous charges will be at the cost of the coach.

16. Athlete Uniforms

The uniform package is different for each level. Please visit our website for details on your team’s uniform package: www.mintonettesports.com/uniforms. Athletes may purchase additional items from our Spirit Wear.

a. All athletes in each tier will wear the assigned practice shirt each day.  Athletes are required to wear blue or black spandex and blue, black, or white socks.  If athletes would like to wear long sleeves, they must wear it under their assigned training shirt and it must be a long sleeve Club or tournament top - no high school or college apparel.

b. For tournaments, the Club requires that each athlete wear Club-issued uniforms.  Ankle supports are encouraged but not required.  During tournaments, athletes are required to have on their Club warm-up and match their teammates if not playing.  The jersey schedule for each tournament will be given to the family of the athlete prior to Day 1.

c. Athletes who lose or damage part of their uniform will be charged a fee to replace the lost or damaged item.  Practice t-shirts are considered damaged if they are cut or ripped in any way.

17. Mintonette Sports Logo/Brand Use

Use of the Mintonette Sports logo is strictly prohibited unless approved by Katie Butz or Max Miller.  This includes, but is not limited to, apparel, water bottles, car stickers, photographs, printed materials, and websites.

Only items made and sold through Mintonette Sports are permitted.  If Club representatives, employees or coaches observe unapproved items with the Mintonette Sports logo, the Club reserves the right to confiscate the item with no reimbursement.  Anyone who sells Mintonette Sports branded items without written approval is subject to legal action and fines.

18. Giving Back - Athletes

As a club, we ask our older teams to give back to the younger teams by assisting in practices throughout the season.  Each athlete will be asked to come in at least once per month to help run drills and coach the younger athletes.  This is to help build relationships as a club, practice mentorship, and to increase the quality of our younger tiers’ practices.

19. Hazing.

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against an athlete, by one person alone, or acting with others that endangers the mental or physical health or the safety of an athlete for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are to include other athletes.  The term includes but is not limited to:

a. Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body or similar activity.

b. Any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, and confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other activity that subjects the athlete to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or the safety of the athlete.

c. Any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance that subjects the athlete to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or the safety of the athlete.

d. Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the athlete to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the applicable laws of the State of Ohio.

No athlete, coach, or Club employee or representative shall engage in any form of hazing, nor encourage or assist any other person in hazing.  Acts of hazing and failure to report known hazing may result in suspension from that athlete’s team or the Club.

20. Harassment Policy.

The Club prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment, and hazing.  Harassment is defined as any unwanted physical or verbal conduct that offends or humiliates the recipient, that interferes with their ability to play and learn or leads to adverse consequences, and that any reasonable person ought to have known would be unwelcome.  It does not include the legitimate exercise of coaching authority regarding performance feedback, game evaluations, or valid disciplinary measures.  It may create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive team setting.  Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, racial or sexual slurs, name calling, racist or sexist jokes, negative stereotyping, physical assault, bullying, threats, demeaning pictures, posters and graffiti.

Harassment includes the following categories of behavior, whether the behavior occurs one or many times:

a. Discriminatory behavior:  Discrimination refers to treating people differently, negatively, or adversely because of one or more of the following: race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or physical or mental disability.

b. Personal harassment:  Personal harassment includes objectionable conduct, comment, or display made on either a one-time or continuous basis that demeans, belittles, or causes personal humiliation or embarrassment on the part of the recipient.  It may or may not be linked to discriminatory behavior.

c .Sexual harassment:  Sexual harassment refers to any conduct, comment, gesture, or contact of a sexual nature, whether on a one-time basis or a series of incidents, that might reasonably be expected to cause offence or humiliation or that might reasonably be perceived as placing a condition of a sexual nature on participation.  Examples of behavior that can constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

i. unwanted touching, patting or leering;

ii. sexual assault;

iii. inquiries or comments about a person’s sex life;

iv. telephone calls or other forms of communication with sexual overtones;

v. gender-based insults or jokes causing embarrassment or humiliation;

vi. repeated unwanted social or sexual invitations; and

vii. inappropriate or unwelcome focus/comments on a person’s physical attributes or appearance.

d. Bullying:  Bullying consists of behavior to attack and diminish another by subjecting the recipient to unjustified criticism and trivial fault-finding, humiliating the recipient (especially in front of others), and/or ignoring, overruling, isolating and excluding the recipient.

e. Poisoned team environment: A poisoned team environment is characterized by an activity or behavior, not necessarily directed at anyone in particular, that creates a hostile or offensive environment (whether on the court, at tournaments, or in meetings).  Examples of a poisoned team environment include but are not limited to:  graffiti, sexual, racial or religious insults or jokes, abusive treatment of an athlete or parent, and the display of pornographic or other offensive material.

The Club is fully committed to preventing harassment in any form in its program.  We try to be very sensitive to conduct that may be seen as creating an environment that is discriminatory or harassing.  This includes unwanted letters or cards, telephone calls, texts or email of a personal nature, unwarranted inquiries about personal life or sexual habits, repeated jokes with sexual content, and sexual comments about a person’s appearance or body.  In addition, the Club places the safety of the young athletes entrusted to our care and instruction as our highest priority.  We do not tolerate verbal or physical behavior that compromises that priority.  We watch team activities and interactions closely to try to prevent miscommunications that cause discomfort to any of the athletes or parents.

Reporting Harassment:  If you see an employee behave in a way you believe appears to be inappropriate, or if you experience behavior from another athlete, coach or administrator that you believe is inappropriate, report it immediately to a Club Director.  All complaints will be investigated.  Any employee found to be in violation of the harassment policy will be subject to discipline, which may include dismissal.  There will be no retaliation against any complainants or any witnesses who participate in an investigation of a harassment charge.

21. Miscellaneous.

a. The Club complies with Lindsay’s Law.  Please watch the Lindsay’s Law video.  This is required yearly.  Once viewed, please submit this form.

b. The Club complies with the Ohio Concussion Awareness Law.  Please review the Ohio Department of Health Information Sheet and complete this form. 

22. Mintonette Open House, Pre-Tryout Clinics and Tryouts.

To allow our clinics, tryouts and Open House to run smoothly and prepare for the upcoming season, each coach is required to attend the following: 

• Open House
• 4 Pre-Tryout Clinics
• 4 Tryouts

If the above requirements are not met, $20 per hour missed will be deducted from the coaching pay. For any additional clinic or tryout the coach attends, $20 per hour will be added to the coaching pay.

We thank you and appreciate your time and help with these events! The more the kids see you during the off-season, the more excited and comfortable they are with trying out to play on a club team. 

23. Lessons

All coaches may use the FieldhouseUSA courts for private lessons and small groups at the following discounted rates:

• The first 10 hours of court time = free!
• Each additional hour for groups of 1-3 athletes = $20/hour
• Each additional hour for groups of 4+ athletes = $50/hour

The coach should adhere to the following to use courts for lessons:

a. Court rentals can be paid to Mintonette by coaching additional camps, tryouts, etc., working facility court rentals, or paying via cash/check.

b. All coaches must report their additional income earned during lessons to the US government.

c. All lessons should be approved by Geoff Peterfy or Stephanie Grieshop and added to the calendar PRIOR to your lesson. Anyone who fails to comply will be charged $70 per hour and future discounted court use may be revoked.

d. Lessons cannot overlap with Mintonette events, such as clinics, practices, and non-volleyball related court rentals.

e. If all courts are scheduled for lessons, you can share courts with other coaches if both coaches agree.

f. If you have to cancel a lesson, you are responsible for contacting Geoff or Stephanie immediately to remove your lesson from the calendar, allowing other coaches to train during that time. If all courts are booked and you cancel within 24 hours, you are still responsible for paying the court fee.

g. You can email  katie@mintonettesports.com to add your bio to the Personal Training website page for athletes to contact directly to schedule lessons. Coaches looking for new clients can notify Katie and she will share general lesson inquiries with you.

h. If you fail to meet the agreed-upon terms of your contract or this handbook, this court utilization may be revoked at any time.

Please note at no time should a coach train an athlete from another club, individually or in a group setting, while the player is under another club's contract.  This includes summer commits.

24. Coaching Contracts

Coaches are required to sign a Coaching Contract in which the coach and director have discussed the terms.  The contract will outline the salary paid from Mintonette Sports to the coach. 

Salaries include payment for practices, tournaments, tune-up clinics, Open House, and tryouts. Mintonette Sports will not reimburse coaches for certifications required to coach, these fees are already included in your coaching salary. All meals and entertainment will be at the cost of the coach.

Coaches will not be paid until proper documentation and personal information is provided to Mintonette Sports (full name, DOB, address, SSN, W9). If the coach’s information changes at any point, it is the coach’s responsibility to notify Mintonette Sports. 

If coaches violate the terms and rules outlined above, Mintonette Sports may implement the penalties, and/or terminate the Coach's employment without notice, as permitted by law.

25. Closing Remarks.

Thank you again for coaching at Mintonette Sports.  We appreciate everything you do and can’t wait to get this season started!

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

As a Mintonette Sports coach, I, the coach named below, have read and understand the Mintonette Sports Coaches Handbook.  I understand that I am responsible for my conduct while participating with the Club. I understand that I risk being removed from the Club without pay if I violate any part of the Handbook.

By signing below, I am confirming that I have read the 2022-23 Coaches Handbook in full and agree to the “Statement of Understanding” terms above.