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Frequently Asked Questions: Tryouts

How do I know which age group to try out for?
 Age groups are determined by DOB and grade. USAV and the Ohio Valley Region (OVR) have outlined the age classifications here. If you are still unsure which age group you qualify for, please email katie@mintonettesports.com.

How many teams will Mintonette Sports have this season?
 You can find the tentative list of teams we plan to have for the season here. Since we never know who will show up at tryouts, this list is subject to change. We may adjust the number of teams and divisions to ensure we have the best fit for all players in each age group.

How do I know which division to try out for?
 Most age groups have three divisions: National, American & Regional. The "National" division teams will be the highest commitment level and are geared towards athletes who want to play volleyball at the top level and travel outside of Ohio. The "Regional" division teams are a lower commitment level and are a great fit for athletes who don't want to travel as much. Click here to learn more about each division.

During the tryout registration you can select which divisions you want to be considered for. If you state that you only want to play in the Regional division, we will not place you on a National or American division team.

When are tryouts?
 Click here to view the list of tryout dates and times for each age group.

What if I can't make the tryouts for my age group?
 If you're unable to attend, please email katie@mintonettesports.com or stephanie@mintonettesports.com to further discuss. 

What should I bring to tryouts?
 Everyone will receive a t-shirt when they check in at tryouts. In addition to the tryout t-shirt, you should come dressed in whatever athletic apparel you feel most comfortable playing in. This may or may not include spandex shorts, kneepads, crew socks, ankle supports, etc. 

What time should I arrive for tryouts?
 You should arrive at the beginning of your designated check-in time. This will allow enough time to go through the check-in line, change into the tryout shirt, complete testing, and get settled before we begin. There will be a line, so don't wait until the last minute to arrive!

What do I need for check-in?
 Most of the check-in process will be completed online during the registration process. You should complete the following at least 24 hours before tryouts begin:

  1. Complete your USAV membership - have a digital copy of your USAV Membership ID handy just in case
  2. Complete your Mintonette Sports registration - have a digital copy of your order number handy just in case
  3. Submit your USAV Medical Form. If you didn't upload during the registration process, email a completed copy to info@mintonettesports.com 

Note: Everyone MUST complete ALL registration steps above before participating in tryouts. The USAV membership registration will take some time to complete. We strongly encourage you to complete this more than 24 hours ahead of time. 

Are parents allowed to watch tryouts?
 Parents are allowed to stay and watch, but may not approach coaches or admin staff once tryouts begin.

Does everyone make a team?
 In our 10s, 11s, and 12s age groups, everyone makes a team! Players in our 13s-18s age group may not make a team. If you don't make a team you will receive a "Call Back" letter.

How will I be evaluated at tryouts?
 It is important to note that tryouts are not run the same as training sessions. We will not be teaching any volleyball techniques; only evaluating skills, overall athletic ability, and attitude. If you are not confident in a certain skill, it is important to always try your best. We are evaluating general athletic ability as well as the potential to be a good teammate. Near the end of tryouts, we may place athletes on a court together for more match-like situations. Athletes may be grouped together for a variety of reasons, not limited to strictly volleyball skills. These groups are not necessarily an indication of who will receive offers to join the club.

How do I know if I made a team?
 After the tryout session has concluded, coaches will work together to form teams. You will then receive either a team offer or call back via email within 24 hours. Athletes who are offered a spot in the club will receive an offer email. Athletes who are placed on the "Call Back List" will receive an email indicating such. ALL ATHLETES WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL! If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, please email katie@mintonettesports.com.

What does it mean if I receive a "Call Back"?
 A Call Back means you did not make a team at this time. However, it doesn't mean you won't be offered a spot on a team! Many athletes attend multiple tryouts and receive multiple offers. When this happens, they have to decline one or more of their offers. Clubs will then begin making new offers from athletes on their call back list. If a spot becomes available, we will contact you by email as soon as possible. If you choose to accept an offer from another club, it will make you ineligible to receive any offers from Mintonette Sports.

Is there a chance of moving up to a "higher" team than the team I was offered at tryouts? 
Yes. Typically movements occur when players choose to not play. When this happens, we begin pulling people up to fill the open spots. We may also host a makeup tryout in the fall that may also fill some spots if still available. When, and if, a spot becomes available we will reach out as soon as possible to begin the movement process. Teams can take up to 2-3 weeks to finalize.

When will we know who our coach is? 
The administration will be meeting the week after tryouts to finalize our coaching assignments. We will announce those and post them as soon as possible. Our goal is to place the right coach with the teams so that we can have the best experience possible.

I have questions after tryouts, who can I talk to in person?
 We are on a very tight schedule to complete tryout evaluations and form teams. We understand you will have questions, but unfortunately, we will be unable to answer them immediately in person. Please visit our website at www.mintonettesports.com/tryouts for more information. If you can't find the answer to your question there, please email katie@mintonettesports.com or stephanie@mintonettesports.com.