We are very excited to get the volleyball season started! We always need to get going, right off the hop, due to the fact that there are tournaments that come really quick, and that the season is short. For that reason, we will have volleyball practices/tryouts within the first week (please see schedule at the bottom).
We are anticipating strong numbers for the season, in both the boys and the girls categories. With these numbers, we will need to have two teams per category- a tier 1 team and a tier 2 team. If you are unfamiliar with these divisions, that is because they are quite new (we began using them in Pembina Hills last season.
-Tier 1 is your senior level of volleyball in junior high. It uses the regular volleyball rules and is quite competitive. Typically, tier 1 consists of grade 8 and 9 students (with strong volleyball experience), but that is not a rule. Grade 7’s are allowed to make, and play, for the tier 1 team, if they are comfortable with it. However, it is to be noted that they will be playing against some pretty tall students from schools like RF, Barrhead, and Neerlandia, but lots can handle it.
-Tier 2 is your junior level of volleyball in junior high. It uses triple ball rules, which is excellent for skill development, getting lots of touches, and providing a comfortable game for students trying to develop their skills for the next level (tier 1 and high school). This used to be mainly for 7/8 students, but now Tier 2 can include students from 7, 8, or 9- if this level is best suited for the student.
All in all, both divisions are great for any student, but we do have to run tryouts to best place students into the right tier for them to improve, have fun, and be comfortable with the skill level of their opponents. In past years, we have had some students that have played a bit with both teams (tier 1 and 2) just due to numbers and their ability- we will see if that is needed with numbers this year.
If anyone has any questions about this, you can email me or call me.
Here is the schedule for the first few weeks:
All times are 4:00-5:30
Thursday August 31st- Boys Welcome Back Practice
Friday September 1st- Girls Tryout
Tuesday September 5th- Boys Tryout
Wednesday September 6th- Girls Tryout
Thursday September 7th- Boys Tryout
Week of Sept. 11th first regular practices for tier 1 and tier 2.
-Boys- Monday/Wednesday
-Girls- Tuesday/Thursday
But we might switch this as well due to student/coach availability.
Thanks everyone!
Mike Ivey
