COWLITZ VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Volume 10, Issue 1
January 2001

• Libero:
  Still debating on how to pronounce it, this rule provides for a defensive specialist to substitute for two different players during the same game.  You will notice them by their different colored uniforms.  They may not serve or hit from anywhere on the court, however their defensive skills should keep more balls in play.
  
  
• Let, or Net Serve:
  Allows for serves to hit the net and still remain playable.
  

COMMENTARY

The past two years have seen significant and severe rule changes in our game.  I am not sure how the changes will alter the game we all enjoy.  What I am sure of is that the requirement of specific skills involving ball-handling have been greatly compromised in recent years.  The significance of the side-out game has been diminished for no apparent reason other than to mesh with international rule makers.  The collegiate game has yet to adopt any of the significant rule changes.  We have not been given the same option, and will adapt as the game on the world-wide level attempts to re-invent itself.

DRESS GUIDELINES

Each athlete is furnished with top quality uniforms, equipment and accessories.  We have worked with ASICS, Athletes Corner and Bill Hatch Sporting Goods on team sponsorships for our athletes.  In view of this, the following are our expectations while your daughter is in a Cowlitz uniform:

• Shirts are to remain tucked in at all times
• No tank top / sleeveless shirts will be worn
• No "boxer type shorts" are to be worn while in uniform
• Any shorts worn by athletes will be worn at the waist and will not be sagged!
• No "devices" are to be used to fasten sleeves
• The length of socks will be determined by the coach and all athletes on the team will wear the same length white socks
• As dictated by USVBA and for safety reasons - no jewelry at practice or matches

PICTURE NIGHT

Our ninth annual picture night will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2001 in the cafeteria at Monticello Middle School.  Information on packets, and photo times for teams were distributed in late December.  Bell Studios from Rainier will once again be doing the photos and the team booklets which he provides for free, as a sponsorship to athletes, parents and sponsors.  The information is about our Club, and its players.  The first booklet of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, we still maintain our simple no gloss appearance where athletes are not required to solicit ads, etc.  For those athletes that do solicit sponsors, they will be recognized in the booklet provided that the information is received prior to the deadline.

CONTRACTS

All athletes, parents and coaches have the completed the signing of the contracts.  A special thanks to all parents for their support in helping their daughter live up to the expectations of the contracts.  We have initiated a pay by mail system to centralize payments.  Coupons were included in the team assignment letters.  Please mail all payments in a timely fashion.

TOURNAMENTS

The Cowlitz Volleyball Club hosts more tournaments than any other club in the Northwest, with over 330 teams participating in Longview tournaments last season.  Our ambitious approach to tournaments is done for several reasons, the most obvious reason being that it guarantees our teams entry into tournaments, with minimum travel time for athletes and parents.  But also, it should be mentioned that the influx of 330 teams into our community is most beneficial to local merchants, etc. in terms of dollars spent in our community, and it is a plus for our very supportive and knowledgeable volleyball community.  It should also be mentioned that both the Longview School District and Lower Columbia College are very supportive and helpful in the use of their facilities for tournaments and practices.  Running the tournaments also guarantees income for the Club which allows us to provide the best possible program for our athletes while keeping costs to a minimum.

TRAVEL TALK

One of the benefits of Club participation is the opportunity to travel to different communities, cities, and states in pursuit of volleyball competition.  This section of the newsletter each month will update you on the latest travel information as the events come up.  Our major trips include the Fiesta Classic in January, Las Vegas in February, the Yakima Jamboree trip in March, the Colorado Crossroads, and the Davis Festival in June, along with Power League and area tournaments will keep us busy.

• Fiesta Classic
  Departs January 12, Portland 7:59 / Arrive Phoenix 11:19 on Alaska Flight 710
  Departs January 15, Phoenix 5:26 / Arrive Portland 7:15 on Alaska Flight 711
  Hotel Info:  Quality Hotel and Resort / Phoenix, 1-800-256-1237
  
  
• Las Vegas
  We will depart on Friday, February 16th at 8:22 pm on Alaska Airlines, Flight 600 arriving in Las Vegas at 10:19 pm.  Flamingo Hilton will the headquarters for our three day stay.  Transfers to and from the hotel are included.  The return flight will be on Monday, February 19th on Alaska Airlines, Flight 605 at 10:54 from Las Vegas arriving at Portland at 1:08 am.
  
  
• Yakima Jamboree
  Depart Friday, March 2nd for Yakima, returning March 4th.  Parents, coaches and athletes will be housed at the DoubleTree Inn, Yakima.  We have contracted for 95 rooms.  This tournament affords athletes two complete days of competition where they are matched up with teams of equal ability.  It is a very well run tournament, and a lot of fun for family and athletes.  Limited housing - complete the coupon the get to your coach ASAP!
  
  
• Volleyball Festival 2001
  Will be held in late June.  This marks the 17th year of this national caliber tournament, where each year 10,000 athletes and 600 teams compete over a seven day period.  The opening ceremonies are held at Arco Arena in Sacramento to accommodate the 17,000 people expected each year.  We have had numerous top sixteen finishes in the past.  The trip will begin on June 21st this year, and will involve hotel stays in Redding, Santa Clara and Sacramento over an eleven day period.  All of the housing contracts have been signed, and we are looking forward with great anticipation to the trip.  More info later.

PRACTICE PLANS

Details are contained in the Practice Schedules web page.
To see it, click here Practice Schedule