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Last updated: January 31st. 2007 |
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EDUCATE yourself on JOs |
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Deciding if JO's is for you & Things to look for to have a better JO Experience !
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Is your club going to a bid Tournament and what does this mean to me ? |
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Does Advance Volleyball have any loyalties to area High School(s) ? |
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I want to try out with my Friend ! |
Parents make decision on distance before you tryout ! |
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Selecting a Proper Volleyball Shoe, Injuries, Dress
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What kind of tryout are you attending ?
There are several types of tryouts. Be aware of the type you are attending. Are you trying out to be accepted to a club or a team in the club? Are the tryouts open to anyone regardless of prior affiliation? Are they limited to the number of positions available on a team or just to members of certain schools? Do you have to be invited to attend?
Tryouts can be limited to one 2 - 3 hour interval, or they can be conducted over several days. The recommended cost of tryouts for a one-day event is $10.00. Clubs can receive permission to charge more when expenses warrant the additional cost. Multi-day tryouts are usually more expensive. Open gym sessions or instructional clinics are not considered to be part of the tryout process. These events may not be required and are not sanctioned by the Ohio Valley Region.
Tryouts listed on the OVR website (www.ovr.org/juniors/tryouts/) have been approved by the region. USA Volleyball's secondary liability insurance is available for these events. Clubs that do not sanction their tryouts with the region are responsible for insuring their events. Personal injury due to accidents should be covered by our primary medical insurance.
ADVANCE has no loyalty to any High School Programs each athlete will be evaluated based on their talent and attitude. Everyone trying out for Advance JOs’ will be evaluated equally and fairly with no outside influence. The evaluation process and results will be made available on an INDIVIDUAL basis to any parent requesting it AFTER the tryouts have taken place. Advance tryouts are unbiased and athletes will be chosen on ability and character alone.
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Does the club give pre-determined contracts ?
If a Player has played for a club the previous season, that club may issue a contract to that player prior to Tryouts. Clubs use this method many times just to maintain a volume of players, doesn't mean that these are the best players in the club but does guarantee a spot on a team somewhere with in that JO Club. It is up to the mercy of the club where the athlete will be placed. Other clubs use pre-determine contracts to build the status of their "open teams". (Open Team - Generally the Best Athletes for that group that play at a very high level). For example ( after the season, the top 3 players are issued a Pre-determined contract for the next season ) Now a club only has to fill so many spots to complete that team. Again, check to see if the tryouts are to form a team or to fill a spot.. Many times a player will go to a tryout thinking to make a team not realizing the tryout will only be for 2 positions (having as many as 100 players under the same pretence trying out for those 2 spots). The SAD THING on this scenario, usually this 2 position tryout is during a prime time tryout slot for another program (JO Club) that your daughter could of made.
ADVANCE will not issue pre-determined contracts for our club teams, EVER. We feel that an athlete has to try and improve themselves year after year. Even if an athlete has played previously for ADVANCE, this is not a guarantee. We want athletes that are committed to better themselves as a team player as well as an individual. So a tryout for ADVANCE will be for building a team and not look for a single position.
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How does a player Contract work ?
After tryouts are concluded, the club must contact the athlete within three days after the event to inform them of their status. Contact may be by e-mail, web site, phone call, or postal mail. Athletes should be informed that they are accepted, refused acceptance, or placed on a waiting list. Most clubs start offering positions to athletes immediately (given contracts on the spot) after their events. Large programs may need the full three days to get through the process of offering positions in their program.
The athlete and their family have a period of up to ten days after the c onclusion of tryouts to accept a club's offer. Acceptance may be a verbal agreement, e-mail response, or a signed contract. Once an offer is accepted, the athlete may not try out for any other club. He/she is then bound to the terms of the club's contract and policies.
A player may tryout for a couple of teams over that 10 day period and given more then one contract from more then one club. If the athlete accepts the contract or Club of choice, PLEASE CALL or NOTIFY the other Clubs that you have been given a contract and accepted to go elsewhere. This way a club may offer another athlete (on a waiting list) a contract and not have to wait the balance of your 10 day waiting period to do so.
ADVANCE understands that players tryout for more then one club and we even recommend it. Before we start our tryouts we always make a list of girls that have already have been offered contract's from other club tryouts, but not yet committed to those clubs. If the girls are honest with our administration about other contracts, we will make it our best efforts to handle their evaluations first so they have time to make a decision that will be right for them. We will do this because we understand that Advance may be their first choice and the other club their second choice. All ADVANCE asks, if offered a contract and you decide to take the other club's contract, please call us and let us know ASAP. We will not be offended of your choice but would appreciate the gesture so we can offer that same spot to another athlete. Probably the balance of your decision will be within 3 days because of your other contract offers, please do not make ADVANCE wait 7 more days if you decided to take the other contract.
NOTE: When given a contract, verbal or paper, that athlete has 10 days from that athletes tryout period to make a decision. A club CANNOT void or reject that athlete that has been offered a contract, until the 11th day after the tryout. NOT from the day of the offer, but the day of the athlete's tryout. Parent - Do Not let a club pressure you into signing their club contract, you have rights and its against USAV policy that you be pressured in any way during your 10 days of acceptance.
ADVANCE will hand out some contracts directly after tryouts. However; we have 3 more days to decide on spots, since a number of athletes will decline a contract for a reason or another, their may be a very good chance of you will be getting an offer after the tryout date. Note: many things determine on why we are careful; Number of girls from the same school, overload in a position, if no contracts are turned away, etc... all play a role in our clubs decision.
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What type of traveling is expected ?
The Advance JO tournament schedule will be planned by using the nearest locations for most tournaments in order to limit the amount of time and travel families need to commit. Some area USAV adult tournaments may be included to provide high level competition close to home. We will try to schedule all club teams within a 2 hour driving time so parents and athletes can enjoy the balance of the weekend. This saves on extra costs of hotel rooms and budgeting time and schedules for a whole weekend. If selected on one of our open teams, we plan to do the same with our schedule, in addition of having 2 overnight trips. If one of our Club Teams show the need and ability to go to larger tournaments for better competition or to showcase a particular group of players this will be discussed with the team and parents and arrangements made accordingly.
ADVANCE feels that a Club doesn't have to travel extensively to get the same experiences that are offered right here. There are tons of teams in the OVR that will give ample competition without having to travel 10 hours one way to play a competition.
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Our coaches must have the same enthusiasm for sharing this great game of volleyball with young athletes. We feel that in order to promote the sport of volleyball, a love of the game has to come through in all aspects of training. All of our coaches had to “buy in” to our methods and ideology. Advance Volleyball is setting a course to change the traditional thoughts of training athletes. Our coaches understand what we are trying to accomplish over the long term and are willing to adjust their thinking accordingly. They are committed to learning and applying our regimen as well as continuing to build their own skills through continued education and training. In today’s society our children are affected by so much negativity that we want to make sure that every aspect of our program is positive and beneficial. These coaches have shown that they conduct themselves in a way that will be a good example to the young athlete. All of our coaches have extensive knowledge within the game. Feel free to hit the coaches button to get our profiles and volleyball background. Note; not all coaches and bios are on line, we will be adding personnel and information as we get it.
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How does ADVANCE handle an Athlete's Playing Time ?
Playing time is always a big issue. We believe we have the answer for this. Playing time for Advance JOs’ will be EARNED and NOT open for discussion. If the athlete is selected to play in the Advance Program we are confident that they will receive an adequate amount of training and playing time. Because Advance is choosing to offer a limited number of opportunities, those involved will be dedicated to and understand the demands placed on them. Our goal as coaches, is to coach all players on a team, not just the 6 or 7 top athletes of all teams. If all the athletes work hard on the team, a coach can use discretions on playing time for all players on that team. However; practice is where the athletes get better, not during Game Time. Game time and performance is a direct result of practice efforts prior to that match. As coaches and former players, we understand that everyone wants to play. If you miss practices, don't give 100 percent effort, mouth back to your coaches, misconduct in any way - You don't play !! Go find another club to be a burden to.. We want girls on each team to work hard and have a goal to earn more playing time, this internal competition only makes the player, team and program better. Parents, this goes for you too, if you DO NOT buy into our Clubs policy on playing time, please go to another club .
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Does club have Commitment Rules ?
This rule can make the difference for the athlete & family of having a great experience or an experience to where the athlete and Parent will never participate in JO's again. It has been unfortunate that our coaches prior to advance have seen and have been part of clubs that had absolutely no commitment rules. When Advance JO Club was formed, we made it policy that that all players and coaches be present all all practices and all games. We enforce the 3 strike rule. You miss 3 functions of Advance of any type, and you will be subject of removal from the program, no refund of monies and no excuses. A function will consist of Practices, Tournaments, Little - Sister Day, Parent & Athlete team Day (paperwork and uniform fitting) and Ref / Coaching certification day.
A coach puts tons of time for practices and can only perform their duties if the whole team is present. Parents pay good money for their athletes to have a good experience and grow as a player. Playing time now can be determined on the means of player's work ethics and performance. Parents as well as athletes must have the same priorities as the club she is part of. Advance understands that situation and circumstances do happen and this will be handled on a case by case basis. Religion / Family Issues / School Functions (other then sports) are subject for excuse if passed by directors and coaches first.
Athletes will be asked to prioritize their activities with first consideration being given to the Advance Program. When a group of people share the same goal, it would be unfair that some of that group not dedicate themselves to the same activities required to reach that goal. Attending every practice, getting adequate rest before tournaments, accepting coaches’ decisions and following ALL of the rules are all part of the activities that will make the team successful. We do not expect these athletes to give up all of their other activities outside of Advance but we do ask that Advance be given first priority above other conflicting activities. Unfortunately, many tournaments take place on Sundays so this is a decision that will have to be considered by each athlete and their family.
At Advance, we know that many girls are a multiple sport athlete. The one instance Advance will not let our JO Program interfere with the High School Basketball program. Most Freshman, JV and Varsity Basketball teams season will be completed by mid Feb. Mid Feb. is when Advance gets started in their practices. If your Basketball team extends its season in the playoffs and there is a conflict with your Basketball team and Advance practices. Your HS Basketball program should take precedence and we WILL NOT penalize the athlete during this circumstance. Also, Advance and all teams will be off for week of spring break and Easter. We know that some players schools take spring break at a different time then others, so should a vacation or family function during this time interferer with practice or match, just notify your coach a couple of weeks ahead of time. Again, during this circumstance we WILL NOT penalize the athlete just as long as the coach is notified in ample time.
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At advance, the only extra expense will be Spandex shorts if needed. If you go to Cost & Fees button, you will see an extensive breakdown of the costs and expenses that your club fee will be broken down to.
All parents will be responsible for securing a ride to and from practices, tournaments & athletes food at the tournaments. All our tournaments will be 1 day trips, if you decide to go and spend the evening, you must handle your own room and board.
If a club team as a whole (parents and athletes & coaches) agree to attend a very large out of state tournament, again the parents will be expected to pick up transportation, food and overnight costs.
BE CAREFUL - Many times an athlete & parent will join a club not knowing that they will have to pay extra for uniforms, extra money for the OVR Regional tournament and other things. These costs and add up very fast !
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What is Advance's Practice Structure ?
Advance's philosophy is that practice, dedication, structure, discipline and repetition, not playing games is what will reward an Athlete to achieve goals. The only way our club and coaches can achieve our philosophy, is to practice at least 2 times a week through out the entire JO Season. That's were we put your Club Fee Dollars to work! Since our club has no loyalties to any high schools, we have to pay for all gym time. We will stagger our Gym Time practices and will post them on our web site for the entire season. Unfortunately, we can only determine the practice times after the teams have been selected and coaches assigned. We can tell you however that practice will be in Lorain and/or Elyria (securing another facility) and that practices during the week will be either 6 - 8 or 7 - 9 pm. This allows plenty of time for the Athlete to have travel time during school days.
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How old should we start JO's ?
The OVR (Ohio Valley Region) has divisions as young as 10 year old teams. At Advance, we feel that the cost and commitment for a 10 year old is a bit much. We feel that spending a third of the monies of what it would take to complete a single JO Season, a 10 year old would get many times the value if she would attend a good clinic and focus on a foundation for the game of volleyball. Also a good clinic will cut down travel and time commitments for the parents and will also give the youngster a better idea if volleyball is something they still will want to pursue. Advance will have its first 12 year old team this year and are excited about it. As directors and technical instructors for number of clinics, we see that some athletes are developing long before the age of 12. As directors we feel it is safe for these athletes that are stronger, more physically developed, that the process team concept can be merged with their training of proper technique.
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Is your club going to a bid Tournament and what does this mean to me ?
A bid Tournament is a large tournament that any club team may attend. It is usually in the range of 250 to 900 dollars to enter a team. If you are a team that places in the top qualifying teams within your age group, you will receive a "BID" to go to Nationals. Nationals can be held anywhere in the United States and it is approximately a week long experience. If you receive a bid, your team is obligated to go to nationals. Teams earning a bid at our regional Bid Tournament event that do not participate in the Junior National Championships will cause all team members and coaches in their club to be sanctioned for two years, during which they will not be allowed to participate in OVR bid tournament. Winning a bid is a huge obligation for kids as well as parents. Usually Air fair, vacation time or time from work has to be applied, hotel costs an all other expenses need to be covered for your daughter to participate in the National Tournament. Also extra monies will have to be raised for the Entry fee, this again is usually absorbed by the participating player's parents.
Advance if of the opinion that if one of our club teams are finishing in the finals, week in an week out, we will gather the players and parents to talk about the possibilities of going to a bid tournament and also make them aware of the obligation should they qualify for nationals.
Beware: Many Club coaches and club directors use the following to attract players: The two most overheard reasons to travel to the large tournaments are for: College Exposure and the competition makes the players better! Not true in either case. If your daughter is the kind of athlete that a division one college can use, and she is playing at that potential, chances are, colleges already know about her. She doesn't even need JO's to be discovered, no less a bid tournament. If the athlete is a good athlete, there are a number of avenues that she can take, to talk to a few colleges and let them know of the bigger tourneys that she will be playing in. It makes it easier for a college to go look at not just your daughter, but others as well.. There are plenty of local tournaments plus our OVR Regionals that has more then enough competition for your daughter to become a better athlete. Remember, its practice that makes the athlete, not what tournaments she plays in.
If you are playing for an open team on a club that uses national recognition as a means to draw athletes then you should expect to give the time, effort and pay and exceptional bounty to play.
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Trying out for more then one team ?
Advance recommends that an athlete tries out for more then one club for a number of reasons. If you only try out for one club team and you do not make that club, you may of passed up your only other possible option to play club ball. Again, if you do try out for more then one club, please research the clubs to make sure it will be worth you attending. Distance, Time of practices, Coaches, Location of Tournaments you play, Cost of club, Club Philosophy and travel are all good reasons to choose wisely. Try to pick Tryout dates that over lap each other, meaning with in 10 days of each other. The reason being if you are given contracts for all clubs you tryout for, you can make your first choice of clubs to play for. Also if you are given a contract from your second choice but don't make your first choice, then you still have an opportunity to play club ball. Remember: Many and most clubs are playing loyalties to a High School to enhance their High School programs (this is allowed & legal). There may be girls that have half the skill as your daughters, but if they don't attend the proper school, they may not make the program. Some tryouts are only picking certain spots for teams just to fill rosters, not necessarily trying to place your daughter on a team that will satisfy her or your needs and expectations. Many times this leads to a waste of time, money, and ill feelings. Always look for the good, but there are always faults in every club and team. Be prepared to handle in a diplomatic way.
Note: If you do get more then one contract and you accept one, please take the time to call the other club so they can make plans accordingly.
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What happens if I'm offered a Contract ?
When given a contract, verbal or paper, that athlete has 10 days from that "athlete's tryout period" to make a decision. A club CANNOT void or reject that athlete that has been offered a contract, until the 11th day after the tryout. When a decision has been made to accept, you should call your club and verbally commit. Do not wait till the last day and send it via mail, the club will just think you decided not to accept and give your offer away. The sooner they know the sooner the club can get the teams formed. If you have more then one Contract offer, please be courteous and call or e-mail the other club or clubs that you had accepted another offer.
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When and how long is the season ?
Basically, Tryouts for JO's are in Nov. & Dec. and then the athlete is idle until Jan - May (Note, some clubs start practices in December). From Jan to Feb. teams usually practice and register for tournaments that are usually played on a Saturdays or Sundays or both. These tournaments are always an all day or all weekend event. Some teams my start sooner and some later then January, again it is parents/players responsibility to check into this information.
ADVANCE has their tryouts in Oct - Nov. where teams are selected and formed. During this time half of the athletes Fees are due so the coaching staff and administration can order uniforms, secure the costs for training facilities, do the paperwork and register all coaches and players along with securing the game schedule. Our practices for Open teams will begin in the beginning to Mid-Feb. All club teams will begin during Mid-February and we finish with the OVRs that will take place in the month of MAY.
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Does Advance Volleyball have any loyalties to area High School(s) ?
NONE: as directors of advance, we have witnessed the politics of many JO Programs because of a school affiliation. This was one major hurdle we will not allow to affect our program. Any athlete may try out for our Advance Club, if her qualities and athletic ability is good enough to represent our Club, then she will be selected on that alone. Last season all but one team represented at least 8 different school systems.
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Where does most of your practices take place?
We base all of our practices out of the Elyria Parks and Recreation Facilities (East, South & West Recs) and out of the Clearview School Systems. That would be in Lorain at Clearview High School, Durling Elementary School and at St. Vincent Elementary School.
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JO Scholarship or Financial Funding ?
Athletes must be very careful in this area. The OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) has rules on a maximum an athlete may receive during athletic participation in interscholastic athletics as well as outside of interscholastic athletics. Note: If an athlete receives expenses or compensation from a sponsor unless that sponsor is a recognized amateur governing body or organization, recognized by a member school, or is your parent or guardian the athlete will be in violation. Since JO Volleyball is outside of interscholastic athletics, JO's IS NOT governed under the OHSAA, receiving scholarship funding from a JO Club may interfere with OHSAA Rules as well as a number of NCAA College Rules. This violation may fall under the Amateur Status rule for OHSAA. Meaning, an athlete will lose your amateur status and forfeit your eligibility for High School as well as College eligibility.
Advance believes it is better to be safe then sorry. Advance DOES NOT GIVE OUT any free passes to play in our program. The athlete has too much to lose and its not fair to all the families and players that work hard to pay for their playing fees. If you are an Athlete that has an opportunity to receive money, gifts or anything of value outside of your Family, Parents, or Guardians, please check with the OHSAA or NCAA governing bodies to make sure you do not lose your eligibility for High School or College.
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Please, be
understanding to Clubs ?
Athletes & Parents, please be more understanding! More and More athletes are trying out for 4, 5 & 6 clubs. Then the athlete receives 4 or 5 offers from different clubs and are holding their decision to select one up to her 10 legal days. This is unfair to all the clubs involved. Every day an offer is held from all the clubs waiting on you reduces the clubs chances on completing teams and excludes other girls from an opportunity to going to the club of their choice. Parents and Athletes - Do your research, pick a Max of 3 clubs that is suitable for your tastes and prioritize them. Once you get the offer from the club of your priority list, accept it and call the others.
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It is Forbidden to wear hats or Jewelry. Exceptions will be made for Religious and Medical Medallions. If worn the medallion must be removed from its chain and taped or sewn under the uniform.
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Picking out good Volleyball Shoes
Athletic shoes Choosing the right footwearBy Mayo Clinic staff It seems like just yesterday that adults and kids alike laced up their sneakers to go running, play tennis or shoot hoops. No one had even heard of cross trainers, and no one considered owning more than one pair of athletic shoes. Go shopping for a pair of athletic shoes today, and you’re stepping into another world. One size certainly does not fit all. The multibillion-dollar athletic shoe industry offers hundreds of styles and brands to choose from. With so many options to consider, you may feel overwhelmed if you haven't done your homework. Should you splurge on the latest pair of Nike Air Max Plus Vs? Are they really better than adidas' Supernova Cushion M, Brooks' adrenaline gts 4 or for that matter, the Kmart special? Not necessarily — more expensive doesn't mean a pair of shoes will fit you better. A good rule of thumb is to pay attention to comfort, not fancy design. The latest technology won't matter a bit if the shoe pinches, pokes or hurts your foot in any way. Anatomy of an athletic shoe Understanding the basic parts of an athletic shoe will help you sort through the multitude of styles and brands to pick the one that's right for you.
Arches You know a little something about shoes — now take a moment to consider your feet. What kind of feet do you have? Generally speaking, your feet fall into one of three categories: 1) low arched, 2) neutral arched or 3) high arched. Keep this in mind when selecting your athletic shoes.If you have neutral-arched feet, your feet aren't overly arched nor are they overly flat. As you walk or run, your foot hits the ground rolling slightly to the outside (supination). Then it rolls to the inside as more of your foot comes in contact with the ground (pronation). Just before leaving the ground, your foot rolls back toward the outside. Look for shoes with firm midsoles, semicurved lasts and moderate rear-foot stability.You have a tendency toward excessive inward roll (pronation) if you have low-arched, or flat, feet. This common problem may be exaggerated when running. Choose a shoe with a firm, stable counter, good arch support and a straight last.With high arches , your foot will roll just the opposite way, toward the outside. This can cause excessive strain on joints and muscles as your foot fails to meet the ground properly. Find shoes with soft midsoles, curved lasts and low rear-foot stability. A knowledgeable salesperson can help you find the right shoe — one with the proper combination of midsole cushioning, curved or straight last, and rear-foot stability.If you're not sure about your foot type, try dipping your foot in water and stepping on the ground or a piece of cardboard.
Different sports Different shoes Athletic footwear is designed 1) to support your feet 2) protect them from injury 3) provide traction so that you won't slip. But despite these common features, different sports have different requirements for footwear. For example, a running shoe has more cushioning for shock absorption than a basketball shoe, which provides more lateral ankle support for sudden stops and starts on the court. If you participate in a sport more than three times a week, you may need a sports-specific shoe.If walking is your activity of choice, you'll want to look for good shock absorption in the heel of the shoe and under the ball of your foot. A walking shoe is more rigid than a running shoe and is designed to provide a rocker effect, or enhanced roll from heel to toe. Runners need more forefoot flexibility than a walking shoe will provide, to accommodate the quick rear-foot strike and toe take-off motion of the activity. Running shoes are also generally lighter weight than walking shoes. The characteristics of running shoes may make a running shoe appealing to a walker, and that's fine. As long as you're comfortable and don't experience any pain, you can wear a running shoe even though your primary activity is walking. The same can't be said, though, of runners and walking shoes. If you primarily jog or run, your feet sustain a more forceful impact per step than if you walk. So you'll want to look for a shoe specifically designed for running, with extra cushioning to protect your bones and joints, and steer clear of shoes designed for walking. Tennis, volleyball and basketball players need shoes designed for sudden stops, side-to-side motion and running on a court . Court shoes take a lot of abuse. To find a suitable pair, 1) look for a stiffer sole and good traction. If you play different sports on the same surface — say volleyball and racquetball — one good pair of court shoes can fit the bill.Cross-training shoes combine several features of different athletic shoes so that you can wear them for more than one sport. Cross trainers are designed 1) with the forefoot flexibility you'd need for running, but they also have 2) the lateral support you'd want for aerobics or tennis. Lateral support is important in activities with a lot of side-to-side movement, to protect your ankles from injury. Other sports with specialized footwear include golf, bicycling, hiking, soccer, football and baseball. If you participate in these sports only once in awhile, chances are your cross trainers, running shoes or walking shoes will meet your needs. But if you consider yourself a frequent participant in a particular sport, you may want to consider getting a pair of shoes designed specifically for that activity. Finding the perfect fit Now you're ready to go shopping. Look for sturdy shoes that fit your feet well, both in length and in width. If possible, purchase your shoes at a store staffed with professional shoe fitters or people experienced in your sport. Finding shoes that fit you properly will help you avoid injuries that can result from ill-fitting shoes. Hammertoe and mallet toe Doctors who are foot specialists (podiatrists) recommend shoes with leather or canvas uppers, a degree of flexibility, cushioning or shock absorption, arch support, and plenty of wiggle room for your toes. Depending on your activity, you may want to go with a leather shoe if you want more rigidity and support. Choose a mesh or canvas shoe for flexibility and to allow your foot to breathe. Keep these tips in mind when you shop: Have both your feet measured. Your feet may be different sizes, and you'll want the shoe to fit your largest foot. Your feet expand while bearing weight, so make sure you're standing when they're measured. Try on shoes after a workout or at the end of the day. Your feet tend to swell and will be at their largest during these times. Wear athletic socks similar to those you'll wear during the sport. Try on both shoes and check the fit. Make sure your heel fits snugly in each shoe and doesn't slip as you walk. Wiggle your toes. If you don't have a half-inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe — approximately the width of your thumb — try a larger size. Test for comfort by walking or jogging a few steps. If the shoes don't feel comfortable right away, try another pair. There should be no break-in period for a pair of athletic shoes. Have your feet measured regularly. Your feet grow larger as you get older, so your shoe size may change over time. If you can detect the outline of your toes in the top or on the side of the shoes, try a larger size or wider shoe. Women with wide feet shouldn't shy away from trying a men's or boys' shoe, which is cut a bit larger through the heel and the ball of the foot. A woman's size 10, for instance, equals a man's 8, but the man's shoe is wider. Remember that athletic shoes wear out. Your shoes may still feel comfortable, but they might not be providing you with enough support or shock absorption. Pay attention to the condition of your shoes. If they tilt excessively inward or outward, it may be time to replace them. If the outsole is worn through, it's time for new shoes. Listen to your body. If you experience any new aches and pains, take that as a hint that your shoes may be worn out. Running shoes should probably be replaced every 300 miles or so. Your midsoles might be worn down to the point of causing chronic wear-type injuries, but you might not be able to visibly detect any wear and tear. Also keep in mind that there's a recovery time for the midsole. If you run every day or are a competitive walker, you may want to consider having two pairs of shoes and using one pair every other day. Trends in shoe technology Athletic shoes have come a long way since the days of Keds' all-purpose sneaker or the Converse canvas high-top. A major advance in the construction of athletic shoes was the advent of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), a spongy, cushy midsole material. The first shoes made with EVA provided more cushioning and shock absorption than materials previously used. But EVA tended to flatten and compact over time, diminishing shock absorption capabilities. Technology progressed one step further, and today many athletic shoe midsoles consist of molded, compressed EVA, a process developed for making EVA more resistant to flattening. Molded, compressed EVA provides the same cushioning comfort of the first generation of EVA, but it doesn't become as compacted over time. Shoe manufacturers also use polyurethane in midsole construction. Polyurethane midsoles wear better than molded, compressed EVA, but they're heavier and don't have quite as much shock absorption. This may be an important consideration if you run, for example, and you want a lightweight, well-cushioned shoe. Upper materials have changed over time, too. Canvas has given way to leather and nylon mesh. Leather uppers provide solid, sturdy shoes with good support and stability. But athletic shoes made of leather can split at the point where the upper meets the midsole, especially if the shoe has been in water, if the wearer has a wide foot or if the shoe is used for heavy-duty, high-impact activity. Many manufacturers now opt for synthetic leather-like materials to use in the uppers. Other options are nylon or mesh uppers, which are especially good at allowing air to circulate through the shoe and providing forefoot flexibility. You'll come across numerous enhancements when browsing for a pair of athletic shoes. Patented technologies such as air or gel chambers for extra shock absorption are popular. And shoes offering a rollbar — a stiff, board-like material running across the midsole — excel in motion control. Podular soles feature sculpted-out portions in the midsole and the outsole, providing greater flexibility and an experience closer to being barefoot. But whatever the technology, be prepared to pay more at the cash register if you decide you need shoes with the latest and greatest features
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No, if a young lady is doesn't feel comfortable wearing spandex, she may choose to wear regular gym shorts that are the same color at the teams. This is a High School Rule as well as the USAV Ruling. If she wishes to do so, it is recommended that she wear shorts over her spandex. In volleyball, it will put players in positions of getting very low and falling to the ground that may embarrass the athlete even more.
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The Active Ankle is a Preventative Measure to stop rolling and spraining of the ankle joint. Active Ankle and similar ankle devices will prevent many minor injuries from occurring, and possible turn a career ending injury into a minor injury. Note, sprains can still happen while wearing active ankles, but the severity of the injury will be considerable reduced if the same injury happened with out this PPE (personal protection equipment).. It is recommended that strengthening, conditioning and flexibility still be your major protection from injury, even wearing any type of brace. Just about every top volleyball program for University and Colleges use a type of Active Ankle for their volleyball players. Do your research about all the myths on what people call week ankles, active ankles causing knee injuries and so forth. With players playing everyday and on Division 1 programs and Olympic teams and all wearing active ankles, chances are good that there is a good reason for it. The Active Ankle will feel different from anything you have ever worn for ankle protection. The hinge allows freedom of motion that you may not be accustomed to. Do not mistake this freedom of movement for lack of support. A leading university said the Active Ankle provides more support than the leading air-stirup brace, the leading lace-up brace, or a tape job. The Active Ankle can be used for either right or left ankle. Look for the logo on the outside of the brace for proper placement. It is designed to adjust to your individual ankle after a few wearings – like a new pair of shoes that require a day or so break-in period.
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Stress fractures The downside of doing too much, too soon From MayoClinic.com Special to CNN.com Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone. They occur during high-impact repetitive activity, when your muscles get tired and lose their ability to absorb shock. The fatigued muscles transfer the overload of stress to the bone, causing it to crack. Any bone in your body can experience a stress fracture, but stress fractures are most common in the weight-bearing bones of your lower leg and foot. More than half of all stress fractures occur in the lower leg. Runners and tennis players get them. So do gymnasts and basketball and volleyball players, who do a lot of repetitive jumping . Women athletes are more likely than men to experience stress fractures. Flat feet or high, rigid foot arches can increase your risk. So can loss of bone mass caused by osteoporosis.
Exercise and osteoporosis: Staying active safelyStress fractures used to be called march fractures because they're so common among military recruits who march a lot. It's important to note that an activity doesn't have to be high-impact to cause stress fractures. Any prolonged walking or hiking can cause them.
Edward Laskowski, M.D., co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, Rochester, Minn., and a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, calls stress fractures "the terrible toos." He says, "You're exercising too much, too fast, too hard for too long."
Stress fractures are more likely to happen when you first start an exercise program. "We see them in people who come out of winter hibernation and run 8 miles a day that first week of nice weather," says Dr. Laskowski.
Know the symptoms
Left untreated, a stress fracture can grow into a more serious fracture. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stress fracture so that you can avoid this complication:
Don't do too much, too soon You're less likely to get a stress fracture if you avoid the "terrible toos," which are particularly common among weekend warriors. "Don't do too much, too soon," says Dr. Laskowski.
Treatment requires rest Stress fractures can be mistaken for shin splints. But they're more serious than shin splints. The pain lasts longer and they take longer to heal. Stress fractures require more restriction of activity than shin splints do. Follow these guidelines if you experience pain:
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Shin Splints Your doctor may:
"If you don't rest from weight-bearing and impact exercise or activity, your body won't be able to repair itself fast enough to keep up with the stress you're placing on it," he says. "The fracture may get worse, or you may significantly prolong the healing time." Stress fractures heal themselves in a few weeks to a few months, depending on their severity and location. When they don't heal, surgery may be needed, but this is rare. Stress fractures in parts of your larger lower-leg bone (tibia) and your midfoot take a long time to heal. "For lower-extremity stress fractures, you may need to use crutches or a walking boot until you can walk normally without pain," Dr. Laskowski says. You don't need to stop exercising if you have a stress fracture. Switch to a nonimpact exercise that keeps you fit and doesn't aggravate the fracture, such as water jogging, using a stationary bike or swimming. Once the fracture heals, slowly resume your normal exercise program.
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