Welcome to the Maverick family! We are excited that you & your athlete have decided to join us! We are proud to be an organization that is dedicated to working hard to serve our volleyball community – promoting excellence at all levels within an athlete’s growth potential, while knowing that having fun and team bonding make the journey a great one. With that in mind, we strive to work together with our coaches, parents & athletes to make the Maverick Volleyball Club the place to be. It’s the ideas, talents and energy of this collective group that keep us moving ahead. Thank you for being here. Let’s make this year great!
Founded in 1985 by Kerry MacLean to provide a higher level of volleyball competition for young athletes, the Maverick Volleyball Club continues to serve Ottawa and its surrounding communities in providing our youth with high quality volleyball programs. We take pride in our successful track record of promoting and fostering leadership, organizational, team and life skills for our members.
Over time, the Maverick Volleyball organization began to offer a variety of programming to complement and supplement the original focus on competition – and began offering a variety of programs for all skill and interest levels. We have something for everyone!
In addition to the National level teams, we offer learn-to-play programs, recreational teen options, beach programs and all levels of summer camps (plus March Break and winter camps). Maverick Volleyball eventually became the largest single-city volleyball organization in Canada, and depends on a large group of parents and dedicated volleyball enthusiasts to function efficiently.
We are thankful to our skilled coaches who continue to amaze everyone with their dedication and passion for their athletes. Always looking to the future, Maverick places a strong focus on the growth, certification and development of our coaches.
Maverick Volleyball offers programs for a wide variety of levels and ages in order to provide relevant volleyball experiences for all athletes regardless of age and experience. Each program has unique characteristics such as number of sessions per week, competition opportunities, training environment, travel requirements and much more. All of our programs are developed using a combination of the latest Long Term Development science and 30+ years of Maverick Volleyball experience.
Maverick Volleyball offers 3 different types of programs, within each type there are various options for different age groups, genders, travel, competition and required tryouts.
Learn-to-Play (LTP): athletes’ initial introduction to volleyball and the fundamental skills
Recreational: further development of the fundamental volleyball skills
Competitive: competing in the sport of volleyball, this can be done at 3 different levels. These levels are differentiated based on the amount and distance of travel that is required:
Regional
Provincial
National
Below is a brief overview of the key characteristics for each program as well as a full program overview that indicates what programs are offered at different age groups and genders. For a more detailed description of each of our programs, please see the descriptions further down this segment.
OVA tournaments
US tournament
OVA Provincials
VC Nationals
Across Canada
and the US
(mostly Toronto area)
September
Mental performance and strength training
Full season (October-May)
For more details of each of our programs, click the links in the table above.
Fundamentals Programs
Fundamental programs are suitable for players just starting out or have started their school teams (elementary). These have options for all ages from 6-17 years old. Join us as we dive into the exciting world of volleyball, where every skill learned is a step closer to becoming a master of the game!
Each 90-minute session will revolve around one of the fundamental skills of volleyball (e.g. passing, serving, setting, etc). The first hour is dedicated to instructional time based on the skill of the week and the group’s needs; our experienced coaches lead drills, provide insightful feedback, and demonstrate techniques/concepts to help athletes master the fundamentals. This focused practice ensures that you not only understand the skills but also develop the muscle memory and understanding needed to execute them confidently and consistently. The last 30 minutes are dedicated to modified gameplay (4 on 4) & cool down, where you get to put your newly acquired skills to the test in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Athletes can also participate in a voluntary graduation challenge halfway through the program, allowing them to be assessed to see their strengths/weaknesses and know if they’re ready to progress to the recreational stream.
Recreational Programs*
Take your volleyball skills to the next level with our 7-week recreational programs! Designed as the perfect progression from our fundamentals program, athletes are required to have graduated from a Fundamentals program before registering.
Our 90-minute sessions will work on continued skill introduction/development for younger/newer athletes and introduce tactical concepts/individual decision making for older/veteran players. It is held on weeknights and weekends all across Ottawa, you can view our full schedule/availability on Amilia..
* These programs require athletes to have graduated from either Fundamentals-Learn/Fundamentals-Train or have equivalent experience before registering. For any questions about eligibility, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Regional Training Centre (RTC)
The RTC provides an environment in which athletes who are passionate about volleyball can grow their skills through high quality training and competition with the end goal of playing volleyball at a competitive level for the rest of their lives and who show the capability to do so in their physicality and skills.
The RTC is a 12-week, twice-a-week program that starts in October (Fall RTC) and February (Winter RTC). Within one cycle, there are two different periods. During the first four weeks, the ‘pre-season’, athletes practice twice-a-week under the supervision of an experienced master coach. After this, they enter the ‘competitive season’ which lasts 8 weeks. At the beginning of the competitive season, athletes are placed into squads. These squads are coached by qualified competitive head and assistant coaches. Squads practice once-a-week and compete against each other, and potentially against other invited local club teams, once-a-week in an internal league as well as two tournaments. Athletes in the 13U-18U RTCs are also offered one introduction session to strength and conditioning (fee differences reflected in the 11/12UM).
Unique to the Fall RTC is that at the end, one or two provincial teams may be formed who will compete in the remaining OVA competitions.
Athletes for the October (Fall) will be selected at the September tryouts, and athletes for the February-start (winter) will be selected at separate RTC tryouts in January.
Provincial Program
The Provincial level provides opportunities for athletes who are looking to train for and compete in provincial level competitions with the ultimate goal of attending a provincial championship and have the abilities to do so. Many alumni of our competitive provincial programs move on to play in the upper levels of Ottawa’s volleyball community with some athletes playing post-secondary volleyball as well.
In order to achieve this goal, athletes in the Competitive Provincial Programs are expected to maximize their efforts during training and competition but the structure will allow these athletes to pursue other interests outside of volleyball as well such as other sports or hobbies.
Within the Provincial Program, it is the coaches’ goal to provide as many meaningful opportunities to all athletes. Therefore, athletes can expect roles and playing time to be more equally distributed.
Athletes for the competitive Provincial Programs are selected at September tryouts.
National Program
The goal is to provide an environment of excellence for like-minded athletes who have aspirations and ability to move on to post-secondary volleyball after their Maverick career. We are proud to be able to say that numerous alumni of our National level have moved on to play at the post-secondary, professional and national team level.
In order to achieve this goal, athletes at the National level are expected to make volleyball their main priority, focusing their efforts on maximizing their development in technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of the game. It is expected that an athlete is fully committed to the program attending all practices, competitions and events.
Importantly, the National Program is a high performance program. This means that athletes should expect their performance on and off the court to impact their role and playing time on the team. Other characteristics of a high performance environment include regular experiences of pressure regarding performance and selections as well as receiving regular feedback on individual progress and performance.
Athletes for the National-level Programs are selected at September tryouts.
Tryout Process (for competitive levels only)
The tryout process consists of 6 steps as shown in the graphic below. All athletes who are interested in playing in a competitive program (National, Provincial & Regional) should sign up for our tryouts at their age group and preferred gender. At the tryouts, athletes will be evaluated by experienced evaluators. This year, tryouts run from September 6th to September 18th, 2024. Players are expected to attend all sessions for their age group.
Different Maverick programs are managed according to very specific fee structures, from the basic pay-in-advance learn-to-play programs to instalment plans for the not-for-profit national level high performance teams.
FUNdamentals & Recreational
Recreational programs (including FUNdamentals & Learn-to-Play) are to be paid in full by credit card at registration in the Amilia portal.
There are staggered payment options for all Competitive programs (see below). All use TeamSnap to collect fees. Once the athlete’s TeamSnap profile is created with the parent’s emails, the club will send direct invoices through TeamSnap. For proper tracking purposes, all transactions must be through TeamSnap using a credit card.
Click below for details of all three Competitive levels: Regional Training Centre; Provincial-level; National-level.
Regional-level Training Centre (RTC)
Offer Acceptance by the athlete and their family must be accompanied by a $725 deposit (plus HST). This initial deposit includes a refundable $50 security deposit that is refunded after the game jersey is returned). If the jersey is not returned, the deposit will be forfeited.
The remainder of the fee ($575 plus HST) is due approximately 4 weeks later (by Oct 31 for the Fall term, and by Feb 8 for the Winter term). There is a discount for the 11-12U athletes due to differences in programming.
Over the 12-week cycle, athletes will receive 32 hours of on-court training, 24 hours of competition, and an introduction to mental training and strength and conditioning. In addition, athletes will receive a training t-shirt, socks, and Maverick shorts (to keep).
Coaches at this level are all paid staff.
For more details, please visit the Regional Training Centre section on the Competitive Options page.
Provincial-level teams
Athletes must register for, and participate in tryouts. Offer letters go out to those successful at tryouts. If accepted, a letter of commitment by the athlete and their family must be accompanied by a $475 deposit. A second deposit is due November 1st and the remainder will be determined after the team budget has been finalized. The total budget can be as high as $4,000 for the full season (October to April for some, September to May for others). The remainder of the fee can be made in monthly instalments or a lump sum payment based on your preference but the final payment must be received before Provincials.
These teams managed by the registered not-for-profit (NFP) branch of Maverick Volleyball. The year-end reconciliation is completed in July and potential refunds are issued in July/August.
Coaches at this level are all volunteers who receive a small honorarium to offset their personal costs.
Team budgets will typically combine many of the expenses listed below, and these will be divided equally among all players’ families.
Optional Team Training
– Training Camps /Additional Facility Rentals
– Team Building / socials
– Mental Training optional
– Strength & Conditioning and App
varies
Coach Honoraria
– Head Coach
– Assistant Coach(es)
500
General
– Uniform Package
– OVA mandatory fees (coaches and players)
120
Club overhead fees
– Software licences
– Club Board honoraria
– Banquet
– Coach Development
Travel: Travelandaccommodationsforindividualathletes or their families arenotincluded.
Tournaments:Tournamentscostwillvarybasedonseasonalplanand(i.enumberoftournaments registered, location of tournament, out of province tournaments, etc). Provincial Championships are always included.
OVA Fees: The OVA hasamandatoryregistrationfee for each coach and each player.
ClubFees:Includesgeneralcosttoproperlyoperatetheclub(i.esoftwarelicense,clubboardhonoraria, coachingprofessionaldevelopment). This fee is applicable to all national and provincial-level athletes.
Uniform costs: Beginning with the 2024-2025 season, these costs will be handed individually based on each player’s store selection of team wear. Players are not required to have multiple pairs of shorts or socks, but they must be in good repair.
National-level teams
Athletes must register for, and participate in tryouts. Offer letters go out to those successful at tryouts. If accepted, a letter of commitment by the athlete and their family must be accompanied by a $475 deposit. A second deposit is due November 1st and the remainder will be determined after the team budget has been finalized. The total budget are often as high as $4,000 for the full season (October to April for some, September to May for others). The remainder of the fee can be made in monthly instalments or a lump sum payment based on your preference but the final payment must be received before Provincials.
These teams managed by the registered not-for-profit (NFP) branch of Maverick Volleyball. The year-end reconciliation is completed in July and potential refunds are issued in July/August.
Coaches at this level are all volunteers who receive a small honorarium to offset their personal costs.
Team budgets will typically combine the expenses listed below, and these will be divided equally among all players’ families.
Travel: Travelandaccommodationsforindividualathletes or their families arenotincluded.
Tournaments:Tournamentscostwillvarybasedonseasonalplanand(i.enumberoftournaments registered, location of tournament, out of province tournaments, etc). Provincial Championships are always included.
NationalChampionships: All national-level teams are expected to compete at the National Championships. Travel costswillvarybasedonlocation.
OVA Fees: The OVA hasamandatoryregistrationfee for each coach and each player.
ClubFees:Includesgeneralcosttoproperlyoperatetheclub(i.esoftwarelicense,clubboardhonoraria, coachingprofessionaldevelopment). This fee is applicable to all national and provincial-level athletes.
Uniform costs: Beginning with the 2024-2025 season, these costs will be handed individually based on each player’s store selection of team wear. Players are not required to have multiple pairs of shorts or socks, but they must be in good repair.
Tentative Practice Schedule
All competitive (RTC, Provincial, National) practice schedules will not be finalized until October. Below is our tentative Provincial- and National-level practice times and locations. Be aware that adjustments will be made until October, and that last-minute changes may occur from time to time when schools need to close or otherwise utilize a gym for various reasons.
Maverick Club is committed to contributing to a safe sporting environment through education and by promoting awareness of concussion diagnosis and graduated ‘return to play’ of players who have suffered a concussion.
We follow the OVAs policy and protocols around concussions. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be removed from play immediately, and the concussion protocol will be followed, including the requirement of medical clearance to return. If an athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, a gradual ‘return to play’ protocol will be followed after receiving medical clearance to return to sport.
If an athlete suspects that they or another athlete may have a concussion, the coach must be informed immediately.
Behaviour and Conduct
At Maverick Volleyball, we make great efforts to ensure a safe environment is available to all athletes. To do this, we depend on every member of the Maverick family (athletes, coaches, parents and siblings, and Mav administrators) to practice respectful etiquette and attitudes towards everyone else, including tournament organizers and referees. This also includes their fellow athletes, fellow coaches, fellow parents, fellow administrators. Breaching such expectations will result in a corrective response.
OVA Code of Conduct (all)
The OVA’s Code of Conduct’s purpose is to ensure a safe and positive environment within OVA programs. It is applicable to all individuals engaged in activities with the OVA, including but not limited to, clubs, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, directors and officers of the OVA, spectators of OVA events and parents of OVA members.
An individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the OVA’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. Violations could result in a warning, reprimand, access restrictions, suspension and other disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment/contract, as appropriate.
COACHES: To ensure full awareness of inappropriate behaviour, Maverick Volleyball has created its own comprehensive Code of Conduct for its coaches (a copy of this document can be found on the Maverick web site). All coaches must read the Code of Conduct and complete the survey to confirm that they have read and understand the terms of the Code before coaching begins.
ATHLETES: All Maverick competitive athletes will be required to sign a Maverick Code of Conduct. Infractions may risk serious repercussions, including restricted playing time or game suspensions.
As specified in the Maverick Code of Conduct, consequences of any breaches of the code of conduct could be severe and authorities will be called in if warranted.
OVA Requirement - Respect in Sport Module (parents)
The OVA requires that the Respect in Sport (RIS) module be completed by at least one parent or guardian for each athlete.
The OVA will audit the MRS accounts for completion, and athletes will not be permitted to participate in OVA tournaments if the RIS Module is not completed. There is a small fee to complete the course ($12) and it will take approximately 1 hour to complete. It only needs to be completed once, you can use your existing certificate number if you previously completed the RIS for another sport.
Keep your certificate number on file for future years and future sports.
Once completed, you must input your certificate number into your child’s MRS profile. It should automatically carry forward year to year. If you completed this in a previous year, please login to MRS to verify.
While we aim to provide coaching and services of the highest quality, we understand that you may need to submit a complaint for our review. Submitting a complaint is a serious step that can impact the dynamic between coaches, parents, athletes and the team; therefore, we encourage you to consider the following steps before submitting their complaint:
Respect the 24-hour rule before communicating your frustrations to your coach, a member of our team, or preparing your submission.
Request some time to have an open and honest dialog with your coach about your feelings regarding a particular situation.
Ask your coach to inquire with their Technical Lead about setting up some mediation sessions if an issue is at an impasse.
If all these steps fail, submitting a formal complaint may be the appropriate step to take. You can do so by submitting our electronic form using the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/y594WAMnwQ
Please provide as many details and supporting evidence as possible. Our goal is to review complaints promptly and minimize disruptions. Submissions that lack contact information, detail, or evidence may hinder our ability to follow up effectively.
Each complaint is treated with a high degree of discretion; that being said, members whom we need to investigate will be informed of the nature of the allegations and be provided with an opportunity to share their side of the story.
If you wish to add an additional degree of anonymity, you may contact the YourVoice Mailbox, where an individual will submit a complaint on your behalf and will redact any personal information or identifiers from your submission.
Club Resource - YourVoice Mailbox (all)
With the objective of maintaining a safe environment for athletes, coaches, parents and volunteers, the Maverick leadership team implemented a resource that better facilitates the opportunity to present issues and disclose information. This process will allow the Maverick Leadership Team to implement solutions and improvements that will support and help maintain a safe environment for all.
Submissions can be sent by email to: yourvoice@maverickvolleyball.ca.
Click this link to the pdf of these Guidelines: YourVoice Program Guidelines
Communications
The following platforms are used to communicate with our members for alerting to program starts, weather cancellations, announcing schedule changes, events or other topics requiring timely dissemination.
Urgent Messaging
Our Constant Contact Newsletter goes out to all who sign up for email alerts. It is primarily useful for the Learn-to-Play and Recreational programs for openings and rescheduling, but also to alert anyone who has signed up for when Tryout Registrations are opening and closing. We try to limit these newsletter emails to once or twice per month, but if something urgent comes up, we may not be able to wait until the next cycle. That said, we are mindful of keeping our posts to a minimum, we will never overload your inbox.
TeamSnap is primarily used by the competitive stream. It allows teams to post schedules, indicat e attendance, communicate via email or chats, track assignments, upload files and pictures and much more.
TeamSnap can be accessed either on a desktop or on your mobile. TeamSnap may also be used to alert families about optional clothing status on the Maverick store.
If you do not already have a TeamSnap account, you will be required to set one up when registering for tryouts. It is important that you keep your family contact information up to date. All athletes are required to have at least one parent/guardian listed with contact information. To protect our member’s privacy, contact information is only viewable by administrators, coaches and managers. All communication should be completed via TeamSnap to ensure accountability.
Website, Social Media and Photos
Web Site – We post important public information on the Maverick website: <maverickvolleyball.ca>. If you would like to suggest additional information that you think would be helpful for parents and players to have regular access to, please send your ideas to chris@maverickvolleyball.ca
Social Media platforms – Maverick uses different social media platforms for video and photo-sharing:
Instagram – Our Instagram handle is @mavsvball. Please make sure you tag us when you post. Also, consider using the following hashtags: #mavsproud, #fiertémavs, #spotamavs which makes it easier to search content.
Facebook – Join the Maverick Volleyball page on Facebook. We do not use the Messenger function on Facebook. Please consider using alternative communications vehicles.
Photos – We try to capture important moments for our athletes, but cannot be everywhere! Please consider tagging us on social media, sending photos to the Social Media Coordinator directly, or via our generic email info@maverickvolleyball.ca. We use Repost for Instagram, which is an application that makes it easy to repost favourite photos, videos on Instagram while giving credit to the original Instagramer.
Team and Individual pictures – During our annual Mavs Night event, a photographer will take pictures of athletes and coaches, individually as well as in a team setting.
Optional Clothing & Competitive Uniforms
OPTIONAL CLOTHING:
The Maverick Store offers optional Maverick-branded clothing and gear (including kneepads and backpacks) for all program levels. The store currently offers an East End free pickup only, but we can deliver for a fee. These items can be purchased through the Maverick Store from September through July (click the shopping cart icon on our home page).
PROGRAM CLOTHING:
Learn-to-Play, Recreational, and Camp participants receive a cotton t-shirt with each new program they sign up for.
Tryouts: Everyone who attends tryouts will receive a moisture-wicking tryout t-shirt which doubles as a practice shirt later on.
Competitive:
Uniform distribution typically takes place during the Mavs Night annual event, a fun evening for all RTC athletes to come together, get their clothing package and participate in team building activities.
Athletes accepted to a Regional Training Centre will receive an additional practice shirt, one pair of shorts and socks.
Athletes selected to a Provincial- or National-level team will receive one or two numbered game jerseys, two additional practice t-shirts, one pair of shorts and a pack of socks. Jersey numbers are assigned or approved by the coach when players are rostered. Starting in September 2024, orders for uniform packages will be completed on the Maverick Store. Players who already have enough Maverick-branded game shorts or black Mizuno socks, do not have to purchase new ones if theirs are in good condition. Uniform distribution typically takes place during the Mavs Night annual event, a fun evening for all RTC athletes to come together, get their clothing package and participate in team building activities.
UNIFORM SIZING:
All players attending September tryouts will be sized for the various uniform options. Being sized does not infer that an athlete has made a team. Sizing is completed at tryouts to allow for quick turnaround of ordering with the hopes of receiving uniforms before November tournaments. Jersey numbers are assigned by the coach when players are rostered.
Uniform packages vary from year to year depending on supplier, availability of items, and team needs (i.e. socks may not be included due to shortage of stock, teams that do not play with a libero may choose to purchase only one jersey while others may opt for two, etc.).
Club, Parent and Athlete Volunteers
The Maverick Volleyball Club would not be what it is today without the many dedicated volunteers who have devoted so much time! There are various volunteer roles to play – something for everyone! For example, at the corporate level, we are seeking support in different areas, such as fundraising, event planning, communications, photography, and so much more. Parents who volunteer with their athlete’s team liberate the coaches to focus on volleyball. Athletes who are looking for volunteer hours can find numerous opportunities do so throughout the year with Maverick Volleyball (watch for notices in TeamSnap messages).
Adhoc committees, such as the Health & Wellness Committee, and others.
Training Centre Volunteers
AManager
Treasurer
Clothing Coordinator
Travel Coordinator
Team Volunteers
Each National and Provincial-level team needs the following parent volunteers:
Team Manager
Team Treasurer
Team Clothing Coordinator
Team Travel Coordinator
Team Photographer/Videographer
Team Food Coordinator
Scorekeepers and Line Judges at tournaments
Team Fundraisers
Parents volunteering with the team as Team Manager or Team Treasurer must complete the OVA Screening Disclosure form.
We thank each and every one of our parent volunteers! If you’re also interested in becoming involved at the club level, we’d love to hear from you – please reach out to hr@maverickvolleyball.ca to learn more.
Other General Items
Potential practice locations: Practices will be held at various school gyms throughout the city. The main gyms used are Mer Bleue, Béatrice-Desloges, Garneau, Samuel Genest, Franco-Cité, Colonel By Secondary, Canterbury High School, Ridgemont High School, Gloucester High School, Hillcrest High School, Immaculata, St. Patrick’s High School.
Mavs Night: This is a fun evening for all athletes to come together once uniforms are ready. Team pictures will be taken and players will have a chance to participate in some team building activities.
Year-end Banquet: Mavs holds a year-end banquet each June to close out the senior season and recognize our graduating athletes. This is for coaches and our 15U-and-above athletes. Parents of our graduating 18U athletes are also invited to attend.
14U-and-under Year-end Beach BBQ: Athletes in these age groups will have a chance to celebrate their season with a year-end fun day at the beach courts at the end of May or early June.
Mavs4Fun: This is a friendly 4v4 fundraiser tournament held during the Winter Holidays and sometimes again in the Spring each year. All age groups and skill levels are invited to join, including parent, siblings and friends.
Alumni Games: “Once a Mav, always a Mav.” Each year our alumni are invited to come back and challenge our 18U teams in a friendly game. This annual event usually occurs in the week before Christmas.
Let’s Play!
We hope the information in this Parent Handbook helps answer some of the questions you have as you start your journey with the Maverick Volleyball Club. Please reach out with any unanswered questions that may arise. We look forward to getting to know you and watching your athletes grow and excel playing the sport we’re all so passionate about!
INSPIRATION
"If you can’t outplay them, outwork them." – Ben Hogan
