Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Regarding Tryouts and Club Season
What exactly are the tryouts for?
Athletes come to the annual tryouts in an effort to make one of the 10 competitive club teams with Canuck Stuff for the Alberta Volleyball Association season.
How long is club season?
Tryouts begin in late November for U14 to U18 athletes and the season continues through to the Nationals at the end of May
What does it cost to play club volleyball?
Club fees range from $1500.00 to $1700.00 depending on your age division and how many out of town tournaments your team is required to attend. This year the National championships are held in Toronto for all age groups which will increase fees by an additional $1700.00.A financial assistance program is in place with limited funds for special needs.
What does the $25.00 registration fee cover?
Your fee goes towards court rental for facilities, the cost of administering the online registration and promotional materials. The registration fee is not a fundraiser for the club.
Why does Canuck hold tryouts?
Canuck holds tryouts because we are a competitive club program. Some of our teams have committed to a few athletes already in an attempt to create some continuity to build on, but the majority of spots on our rosters will be filled through a competitive tryout /evaluation process.
What exactly am I being evaluated on?
Athletes are evaluated in many different areas; Natural physical ability, current skill level acquired, natural size and strength, attitude, work ethic, position, communication skills, coachability, and ability to function within a team framework in a competitive setting are among the most important.
What do my club fees include?
Lots! In fact almost everything except food and transportation. Hotels, AVA tournament fees, AVA registration fees, Volleydome tournament fees, uniforms, club wear, gym rentals, coaching honorariums, equipment and team balls physical training, training aids, skills clinics are all included in the athletes fees. Athlete's fees are subsidized each year by Casino Funds. We receive 1 Casino to work every 20 months which is the only fundraising event Canuck participates in.
Who does the evaluations at Tryouts?
The evaluators are Canuck coaches who are experienced in all aspects of the game and are also the same coaches who will likely take a team in that age division. Many coaches have been involved in the tryout process for several seasons and will benefit from the assistance a Technical Committee to help make these important decisions. We are very fortunate to have the best coaches in Alberta involved in our program, including former CIS, National, and Olympic Team athletes.
When will I know if I make a team?
There will be 2-3 tryout sessions per age group. Some athletes will be notified that they are no longer being considered for a position on a Canuck team after the first session, while others will be invited back for the second session. In most cases, athletes who are selected will know by the end of the second session.
How are we told if we make a team or not?
The head coaches who are conducting the tryouts with feedback from all the other participating coaches, will approach athletes during and after the session and advise them of the evaluating coaches and Technical Committee's decisions.
What if I am a Multi-Sport Athlete?
Many Canuck athletes play more than just volleyball through the club season. We have national level gymnasts, basketball players, soccer players and other athletes in our club program. Depending on the team, a certain level of commitment is required which is generally worked out with the coach and the team member. Check the Provincial and National Championship dates for conflicts.
What if I don't make a team?
Our Canuck philosophy is to give as many athletes as possible the opportunity to play. If you find you don't make one of the competitive teams at CSVC, we are pleased to have Dome Club which is a club style program that offers good coaching, practice time, game play and tournament experience for players between grades 6 and 11 that is running 28 teams at the Volleydome. It is definitely an option to have some Dome Club teams compete in the AVA club program. There are also other clubs you could tryout at and we can help point you in their direction as we are often approached to help other clubs who are short of players.