2026 PARAMUS VOLLEYBALL EXPECTATIONS

 

Team Principles:

•  School is your first priority. Practice time management so that you are able to maintain your academics and have the time, energy, and concentration for volleyball. 

  • Maintain open communication with coaches if you need to meet a teacher after school. 

  • If you are staying after school, please bring a note signed by the teacher.

• Respect

• Support your teammates on and off the court. 

• Communicate with your coaches. We are here as instructors of the sport but also as support systems. If you are having a problem, please feel free to come to us before/after practice.

• Cell phones are not to be used during practices or games. Please see a coach if there is an issue/emergency.

• Being a part of this team is a six-day per week commitment. Saturday practices will most likely be early morning, and every level will have at least one Saturday tournament.

• Stud Jewelry is only permitted from the chin up according to NJSIAA. There is no jewelry from the chin below permitted during games or practices. 

 

Season Attendance:

• Attendance to all games and practices is MANDATORY. 

• It is a requirement by the NJSIAA that each player be present for six practices before they can participate in any competitive play.

• It is expected that players are present at every team event. If an emergency pops up, it needs to be relayed to coaches ASAP. Practice is the most important part of improvement – we count on everyone showing up.

• Players must ride the bus to and from away matches. 

• Any student who requests permission to leave away games and contests on their own must:

  • Speak to their coach as to why they have to leave early.

  • Complete Alternate Transportation Form on Genesis 24 hours prior to the start of the event.

  • If leaving, players are NOT permitted to leave with another student.

 

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences 

• Excused

  • You are sick and didn't attend school that day/went home early. 

  • Deaths in the family/funerals/wakes.

  • Religious Holidays.

• Unexcused

  • Regularly scheduled doctor’s/dentist appointments.

  • Vacations/weddings.

  • Birthday parties.

  • etc.

 

Injuries:

• If something bothers you before, after, or during practice – please let your coach know IMMEDIATELY. Don’t hide your injury.

• If a player is injured and unable to play, they are still part of the team. 

  • They are expected to attend practice and games. 

  • An injured player should follow all rehabilitation instructions from the trainer.

 

What the players can expect from coaches:

• Coaches will be attentive to players’ needs regarding skill improvement and player development. We will push you to extend yourself – this is how you improve.

• Coaches will facilitate team unity in practice as well as healthy competition. Thinking of your teammates and coaches as “family” is very important.

• Coaches will be fair to the team and put the success of the team as a whole first. All decisions will be made in the favor of the team.

 

Playing Time/Positions:

• The coaching staff makes decisions regarding team placement and playing time. These decisions are based on various factors including skill, effort in practices and games, team chemistry, leadership, energy, and communication.

• Every position is up for grabs. 

  • Trust that coaches will put players in the best position possible for the team to succeed.

• Playing time is EARNED, not GUARANTEED.

 

 

Chain of Communication

• If any problems or concerns arise pertaining to anything volleyball related, please allow 24 hours to go by then;

  • Players then may go directly to their coach first.

  • If the concern is still present, a meeting between player, parent(s), and coaching staff can be arranged.

  • Thereafter if the concern has not been resolved, a meeting between player, parent(s), coaching staff, and athletic director may be requested.

• During any meeting, the coach will ONLY talk about the player involved, and will NOT discuss any other players. 

 

Strike System

• Each player will get three strikes over the course of the season.

• Violations include:

  • any unexcused absence for any practices or games, 

  • more than one late arrival to practice or games, 

  • any detention or other disciplinary action taken by the school for any reason, 

  • if it is brought to a coach’s attention that a player has been drinking or smoking/vaping. 

• Strike 1- The player will miss the next game, but still be expected to attend.

• Strike 2– The player will lose their uniform for a week, but will still be expected to attend games and practices on time.

• Strike 3- The player will be removed from the team roster.

• Each offense equals ONE strike. HOWEVER, if a player is caught with alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances, that will equal TWO strikes. 

 

It is important that there is a mutual understanding between both players and parents about what coaches are expecting from student-athletes, the strike system, and how attendance and attitude is essential for being a part of this program. By signing below you are agreeing to the aforementioned and stating that you are willing to abide by the rules and expectations set forth in the 2025 Paramus High School Department of Athletics Parent and Student Handbook.

 

_____________________________                                   ____________________________

Student-Athlete                                                                    Parent/Guardian