Middle School Volleyball

Question
My daughter is on an 8th grade middle school team and is also playing club volleyball (regional team).  Is there a rule about her not participating in tournaments with her club team until her middle school team is complete?  We live in Michigan and the volleyball season is still in the winter.

Answer
Hello Kristy!
Welcome to www.allexperts.com!  It's great to hear from you!
The answer to your question is as winding & twisted as the strands of fiber in a piece of rope.
And here we go.... strand by strand!

* What are the rules of the state of Michigan?  Here in Virginia, it's called the Virginia High School League.  Please call them and ask them your question.  If there are no rules that apply to your question, then;

* What are the rules of the conference that the girls' team plays in?   I'd ask more than the athletic director at your school, b/c he/she might just have the coaches' back.  But, if there are no rules, then;

* What are the rules of the school?  You will have to ask your athletic director this.  I recommend you ask the principal as well.  If there are no rules, then;

* What are the rules of her team AND ... this is really important.... were those rules stated to her and her parents during tryouts?  Or did you know of them during tryouts?  Now, if your daughter and you knew that the coach didn't allow girls to play on a club team while playing on the school team, yet, you guys tried out for the school team anyway..... then I think you have put yourself in this position.  In my opinion, your school team will take top priority (more on that below.)  But, if there are none, or if they were not communicated during tryouts, no, the coach cannot now say, "I don't want her to."  Nope.  OK, if there was no rule, then;

* Are you even still reading?  Finally, does her school team have practices and/or matches that conflict with the club schedule? Here is where you may have your biggest issue.  If I'm a school coach of a competitive team (not a bumb and giggle team), then how can we play well, compete, put a banner on the wall, if my girls are missing those team activities to practice/play for another team.  Vball in Virginia was in the winter until about 2004.  I would have girls who would say, "We have to be at AAU bball practice."  I'd have to say, "I'm sorry.  Practice is over tonight at 7pm.  You can leave when we're done."  

Now we're at the end of "the rope".  If you've been able to say, "No, that's not a problem" each time, then your daughter is free!  :)  

Oh, there's no need to contact the USAV or her club.  I don't see how they could help you.  

What else can we do for you?  If your daughter's school coach is interested in hosting a fun, intense, yet inexpensive camp, then I personally have two weeks open this summer:  July 18-21, and Aug 8 - 11.  If the coach would like some more info, please have them visit me at www.coachhouser.com.  We already have 8 camps schedule for this summer, and room for more!  I can't wait!