Have questions about Badger Region High Performance? This article has your answers

Monday, January 31st, 2022

As you have probably seen in our newsletter, website and social media, the 2022 Badger Region High Performance program has announced the start date of its offerings for the season.

This year marks the start of a new “two-year cycle,” which means there are a few changes in what athletes are eligible for regarding this year’s tryouts, training camps and travel teams.

It’s OK if you have questions. We’ve compiled as many FAQs as possible and have them answered for you below.

Have questions? Email Program Director Brian Sharkey at brian@badgerarchive4.0ed61ed.netsolhost.com or call 414-313-9055.

AGE DEFINITIONS

Every two years, the age definitions for what athletes are eligible for in terms of High Performance are updated by the FIVB – the international governing body of the sport of volleyball. These age definitions govern High Performance programs across all Regions and USA Volleyball because the culminating event that takes place in late July is in fact an international tournament and therefore makes the age definitions consistent throughout the world. Therefore, the Badger Region must abide by these age definitions, which don’t allow for age waivers. Every athlete in the Badger Region is eligible for our High Performance program for at least four (or five) years – so make sure to take advantage of this time when it’s your turn.

What are this year’s Badger Region offerings?

  1. Boys National Youth (Athletes born in 2005 and 2006)
  2. Boys National Select (Athletes born in 2007, 2008 and 2009)
  3. Girls International Youth (Athletes born in 2006 and 2007)
  4. Girls National Select (Athletes born in 2008, 2009 and 2010)

These will be the SAME age definitions in 2023. The only exception would be if the Badger Region receives enough interest for a Girls Future Select division, the Region would consider sending a team of female athletes born in 2010 and 2011 to the USA All-Star Championships in 2023.

Are there other divisions other than those listed above?

Yes, there are. However, due to numbers, space, costs and previous interest in other age levels, the Region elects to only enter teams in the divisions listed above. Other divisions include Women’s Junior (2003, 2004, 2005) and Girls Future Select (2010, 2011, and later).

Why are the age divisions set up like this?

The FIVB sets up the birth-year based age definitions. In the US, age definitions are set up mostly by “grade in school.” However, other countries do not have the same school systems as the US, thus making the birth-year based age definitions a more level playing field. In addition, (think Olympics) in many international competitions, a team (or athlete) must qualify for an international championship in the first year of the cycle and then compete for the title in the second year of the cycle.

If my son or daughter is no longer eligible for any of the Badger Region age divisions, what other options does he or she have?

Some of the highest-level athletes may receive invitation to the USA Volleyball National Team Development Program and participate in such events as NORCECA Championships, FIVB U19 World Championships and other USAV-based programs. Since those programs are only for the most elite of athletes, we suggest looking into elite-level collegiate camps at schools around the country. Competing in beach and grass events will also make the athlete a much better, well-rounded player.

TRYOUTS

Regardless of which program you are eligible for, some sort of tryout is required (whether it be in-person or via a video submission). To register for tryouts, click here.

When are tryouts for the 2022 High Performance program?

  • Girls International Youth (Born in 2006-2007): 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.
  • Girls National Select (Born 2008-2010): 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.
  • Boys National Youth (Born 2005-2006): 9 to noon Saturday, April 30, at the New Berlin SportsPlex
  • Boys National Select (Born 2007-2009): 9 to noon Saturday, April 30, at the New Berlin SportsPlex

What are the costs to try out?

  • In-person tryouts cost $40
  • Video-only tryouts cost $30
  • In-person tryouts with a video submission costs $65.

If an athlete cannot attend his or her in-person tryout date, the video-only tryout is required. Videos are due one week before the athlete’s tryout date listed above. Registration for in-person tryout closes the Wednesday before the tryout date listed above.

If an athlete wants to attend the in-person tryout but also submit video for written feedback from the High Performance coaching staff, he or she may do so at an additional cost. If an athlete tries out in person, no video is required, but he or she will not get guaranteed feedback at the event. All athletes who attend an in-person tryout receive a tryout t-shirt. No refunds are given for tryouts after March 1.

What should the tryout video consist of?

Tryout videos should be no longer than 5-7 minutes consisting of edits from match film. Skills videos of athletes doing one skill for extended periods of time should be avoided. If you feel it is best to showcase specific skills (athlete setting, or attacking, or serving, or blocking), it is best to bunch those clips together. Questions about videos can be directed to brian@badgerarchive4.0ed61ed.netsolhost.com. A URL to the video is all that is needed. Do not attach or send the video as a whole.

How many athletes try out for HP, and how many athletes are brought to the next step?

  • Girls International Youth: 105 (32 total athletes accepted)
  • Girls National Select: 120 (32 total athletes accepted)
  • Boys National Youth: 60 (24 total athletes accepted)
  • Boys National Select: 50 (24 total athletes accepted)

*Figures are an average of 2021 and 2019 registrations.

We have been told by many parents that even attending tryouts was valuable for their child to experience this type of high-intensity tryout and the competition it offers.

TRAINING DATES

The Boys HP program utilizes the “downtime” in May and April to offer some training for its teams. Girls on the other hand wait until the conclusion of USAV and AAU National Championships to train and select its teams.

Boys

  • Boys will be brought to two different  one-day training sessions in May and June. Dates/locations have not been determined for this year. The cost for these two events is $150 total.
  • After the two training dates, 10 athletes from each age group (youth and select), plus alternates, will be selected to come to the overnight camp at a college or university in Wisconsin. Cost for the overnight camp is $250.

Girls

  • Girls will be brought to a three-day, two-night overnight night camp at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh July 6-8. Cost for this camp is $425 and includes lodging and meals.
  • After the camp, 10 athletes from each group (youth and select), plus alternates, will train at the New Berlin SportsPlex on Sunday, July 17. There is no additional cost for this training date. The team departs for Tulsa, the next day.

TRAVEL TEAM

Ten athletes from each age group will be selected to represent the Badger Region and the state of Wisconsin at the USA All-Star Championships taking place in Tulsa, Okla., from July 19-23.

What are the travel arrangements for the athletes who make the team?

Athletes and coaches will depart from Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport on Monday, July 18, and will return Sunday, July 24. Parents are responsible for dropping off their kids at the time and location that will be specified by the Badger Region staff, and picking up their kids at the airport upon return of the inbound flight. Flight itineraries will be given ahead of time. Athletes will be transported to and from the airport/hotel/playing facility/meals in Tulsa throughout the week, organized by the Badger Region. Flights and hotel are chosen by Badger Region staff and High Performance coaches. Essentially, this trip will be handled like a college program, where the Badger Region staff and team coaches are responsible for the team for the duration of the event.

If an athlete makes the final roster that travels to Tulsa, what additional costs are there?

Final costs are still being worked on as hotel and flight arrangements are still pending. In the past, this cost has been between $425 and $650 per person. This cost includes plane flights, all ground transportation for the week, hotel (four to a room), a warmup shirt (to keep) as well program costs for jerseys, coaches, etc. The only other costs that athletes incur is the cost of food that they purchase at the grocery stores or at restaurants. Only a limited number of team meals are provided by the Badger Region. Hotel selections that offers free breakfast are prioritized, but that has not been chosen yet.

What are the expectations of the travel team at the USA All-Star Championships?

The goal of the teams who compete at the international tournament is to medal in their respective divisions while also accomplishing the following throughout the process:

  • Expose athletes to high-level college (NCAA and NAIA) recruiters who attend the international tournament.
  • Offer a college-like sports experience where athletes learn what it is like to be treated like an elite-level athlete.
  • Be a part of independent travel experience led by highly certified Badger Region staff and HP Coaches
  • Gain exposure to elite level coaching provided by the Midwest’s highest-level club and college coaches.
  • Compete and train alongside other all-star caliber athletes from around the Badger Region.
  • Play against other all-star teams from around the country and the world

Do parents have to come to the tournament?

No. The Badger Region staff and its coaches serve as chaperones for the event. If the parents attend the All-Star Championships, they are allowed to take their son or daughter back home (or to another destination) at the conclusion of the tournament, after giving written permission. Parents are welcome to attend the event, but are asked to understand that the teams will be doing things as a group, so there are minimal, if any, chances to have “family time.” This experience differs greatly from a traditional club tournament where players go with their family when the team isn’t playing. During the All-Star Championship, it isn’t a vacation. It is expected that the team remains together, preparing for matches and taking care of themselves with sleep, hydration and food. There may be opportunities for parents to help coordinate team meals or a few events or outings, but that would be for the entire group at a time determined by the coaches.

DIFFERENT RULE SETS

The USA All-Star Championships serves as an opportunity for athletes to play under international rule sets, and allows referees training to become international officials the opportunity to officiate under such rules.

What are some of the key rule differences?

  1. The libero CANNOT serve. The libero is designated for the match
  2. Substitutions are limited (6 unlimited)
    3. Players not in the match must be in the warm-up box or seated on the bench.
  3. If the ball hits the ceiling it is out.
  4. Only the head coach can stand.
  5. We play best 3 out of 5 sets. Usually, two matches per day are played.
  6. There is a technical timeout when the first team reaches 13 if a timeout isn’t called prior to that. Teams must wait outside the court until they are brought back into the court by the R2.
  7. Simultaneous contact by two players counts as two hits.

How does this impact athletes like those in the Badger Region High Performance program?

Because we only travel 10 players, it is vital that some athletes be accomplished utility players. A middle who can hit on the right side. Outsides and right sides who can hit on both pins. Liberos who can be worked in as a back-up setter if needed. Outside hitters need to play all six rotations due to the lack of substitutions allowed in international events. All of these are considerations our coaches must look at when building their final rosters. Also, because of the program goals and the limited substitutions, there will not be equal playing time. Playing time will be earned by attitude, skill and what the coaches believe is best for the team at that moment. No parental feedback on playing time will be accepted.

COACHING

The Badger Region requires potential coaching candidates for its High Performance program to apply through an application process before being selected to the HP staff. Many are collegiate coaches, while others are elite-level club coaches, and others have been successful high school coaches in years past. All have successfully passed a USA Volleyball background screen, have a minimum of IMPACT coaching certification and have SafeSport training.

How can other coaches get involved in the Badger Region’s HP program?

Coaches can contact Program Director Brian Sharkey (brian@badgerarchive4.0ed61ed.netsolhost.com/414-313-9055). Coaches are needed for all training sessions and camps. Others are also needed for being evaluators and facilitators at High Performance tryouts. All coaches are paid as independent contractors for their time and participation at High Performance events.

PREVIOUS SUCCESS

Badger Region had a great showing at the 2021 All-Star Championships:

  • Boys National Select (Bronze Medal)
  • Girls National Select (Bronze Medal)
  • Boys National Youth (Fifth Place)
  • Girls International Youth (Fifth Place)

Badger Region had a great showing at the 2019 High Performance Championships:

  • Boys National Select (Silver Medal)
  • Girls National Select (Bronze Medal)
  • Boys National Youth (Fourth Place)
  • Girls International Youth (Eighth Place)
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