FAQ
Overview
Overview of Howard Volleyball
Howard Volleyball is a varsity sanctioned sport composed of 3 teams: Varsity, JV, and Freshman Team. Varsity competes in the Howard County League as well as the MPSSAA Regional and State playoffs.
What are the differences between the three teams?
Varsity is a competitive team that competes for county, regional and state championships. Playing time is not guaranteed. Junior Varsity is a developmental competitive team. Everyone will get playing time, but the playing time might not be equal. Playing time is based on skill development and positional needs. The Freshman Team is a developmental team. Playing time will be as equal as possible for all players.
Howard Volleyball is a varsity sanctioned sport composed of 3 teams: Varsity, JV, and Freshman Team. Varsity competes in the Howard County League as well as the MPSSAA Regional and State playoffs.
What are the differences between the three teams?
Varsity is a competitive team that competes for county, regional and state championships. Playing time is not guaranteed. Junior Varsity is a developmental competitive team. Everyone will get playing time, but the playing time might not be equal. Playing time is based on skill development and positional needs. The Freshman Team is a developmental team. Playing time will be as equal as possible for all players.
Preseason
What preseason opportunities are there for students interested in trying out for Howard Volleyball?
Summer weight training, summer conditioning workouts and the MDJrs Summer League.
What is Summer League?
Maryland Juniors Volleyball Club hosts a high school summer league at their complex in Jessup. The league is composed of local high school teams at both JV and Varsity levels. Howard usually tries to enter one team at each level. The league runs for 5 weeks, usually on evenings during July and early August. If players are interested they should contact the coaching staff.
What is Summer Weights?
Coach Wade runs a voluntary summer weights program for all interested Howard athletes. The program focuses on general strength training and cardiovascular conditioning. The program is offered 3 days a week throughout the summer. This is a voluntary program, athletes can show up when they are available and interested.
When are Summer Weights?
Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays from 10am - 12pm. Summer Weights will start on June 26th.
What is Summer Conditioning?
Coach Flint and Coach Scott are starting a voluntary summer conditioning program for athletes interested in trying out for Howard Volleyball. The program focuses on prepping athletes with the conditioning, strength, and agility needed to play a high school volleyball. The program is offered 1 day a week throughout the summer. This is a voluntary program, athletes can show up when they are available and interested.
When are Summer Conditioning?
Wednesdays in June (21st & 28th), then every Monday in July. Summer Conditioning will be 6-7pm.
Do I need to participate in the summer activities to make a team?
No. These programs are strictly voluntary and will have no bearing on who makes a team in the fall.
Summer weight training, summer conditioning workouts and the MDJrs Summer League.
What is Summer League?
Maryland Juniors Volleyball Club hosts a high school summer league at their complex in Jessup. The league is composed of local high school teams at both JV and Varsity levels. Howard usually tries to enter one team at each level. The league runs for 5 weeks, usually on evenings during July and early August. If players are interested they should contact the coaching staff.
What is Summer Weights?
Coach Wade runs a voluntary summer weights program for all interested Howard athletes. The program focuses on general strength training and cardiovascular conditioning. The program is offered 3 days a week throughout the summer. This is a voluntary program, athletes can show up when they are available and interested.
When are Summer Weights?
Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays from 10am - 12pm. Summer Weights will start on June 26th.
What is Summer Conditioning?
Coach Flint and Coach Scott are starting a voluntary summer conditioning program for athletes interested in trying out for Howard Volleyball. The program focuses on prepping athletes with the conditioning, strength, and agility needed to play a high school volleyball. The program is offered 1 day a week throughout the summer. This is a voluntary program, athletes can show up when they are available and interested.
When are Summer Conditioning?
Wednesdays in June (21st & 28th), then every Monday in July. Summer Conditioning will be 6-7pm.
Do I need to participate in the summer activities to make a team?
No. These programs are strictly voluntary and will have no bearing on who makes a team in the fall.
Paperwork for Tryouts
What paperwork is needed for tryouts?
A completed Athletic Participation Form, a Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Form, age verification (copy of birth certificate), proof of residency, signed Concussion Information Sheet, signed Sports Concussion Testing Program form, signed Release of Information form, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet and Release Form.
What counts as a proof of residency?
The proof of residency form must be a current utility bill dated 6/1/23 or later (not a cell phone bill), copy of a lease or rental agreement, or a copy of a deed of trust.
Where is paperwork submitted?
Paperwork is submitted in the HCPSS Connect Parent Portal.
I have a question about paperwork or want to double check that my paperwork has been submitted properly. How do I do that?
You can either email the Athletics and Activities Manager directly ([email protected]) or use the following google form and one of the coaches will check the paperwork for you. Google form coming soon.
Are there academic eligibility requirements to tryout?
Yes. Fall academic eligibility for students entering Grades 10, 11, and 12 is determined by the fourth marking period grades from the preceding school year. Athletes must have a 2.0 GPA with no more than one failing grade during that marking period. All incoming ninth graders are academically eligible for the fall season.
A completed Athletic Participation Form, a Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Form, age verification (copy of birth certificate), proof of residency, signed Concussion Information Sheet, signed Sports Concussion Testing Program form, signed Release of Information form, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet and Release Form.
What counts as a proof of residency?
The proof of residency form must be a current utility bill dated 6/1/23 or later (not a cell phone bill), copy of a lease or rental agreement, or a copy of a deed of trust.
Where is paperwork submitted?
Paperwork is submitted in the HCPSS Connect Parent Portal.
I have a question about paperwork or want to double check that my paperwork has been submitted properly. How do I do that?
You can either email the Athletics and Activities Manager directly ([email protected]) or use the following google form and one of the coaches will check the paperwork for you. Google form coming soon.
Are there academic eligibility requirements to tryout?
Yes. Fall academic eligibility for students entering Grades 10, 11, and 12 is determined by the fourth marking period grades from the preceding school year. Athletes must have a 2.0 GPA with no more than one failing grade during that marking period. All incoming ninth graders are academically eligible for the fall season.
Tryouts
When are tryouts?
Tryouts start on August 14th. More details will be posted in June.
Why are there 3/4 days of tryouts? Should I attend all days of tryouts?
There are multiple days of tryouts to give the coaching staff an ample amount of time to evaluate all athletes fairly and to give all athletes a chance to show their volleyball skills. Athletes interested in participating in Howard volleyball should attend all days of tryouts. Missing a day of tryouts means the coaches will have one less day to evaluate the athlete and the athlete will have one less day to impress a coach. If an athlete is not available for all the days of tryouts, please reach out to the coaching staff with details of the circumstance.
My family is on vacation during the posted tryouts dates, can I have a makeup tryout?
No. There are no supplemental tryouts after the tryout window. That would not be fair to the other athletes who are trying out. If you miss tryouts you will not be able to tryout for that season. For extenuating circumstances, please contact the coaches.
Which tryouts should I attend?
For Day 1, juniors, seniors, and returning varsity athletes should attend Session 1 and all other sophomores and freshmen should attend Session 2. Some underclassmen will be invited to attend Session 1 as tryouts progress. Athletes will be informed at the end of Day 1 tryouts of which session they should attend on Day 2.
I’m an underclassman but would like to attend varsity tryouts. Can I come to Session 1?
Session 1 tryouts are only for seniors, juniors and invited sophomores and freshman only. You must be invited by the coaching staff to attend Session 1 tryouts.
I have never played volleyball before, can I try out?
Absolutely! The Freshman Team is a developmental team designed to teach athletes the game and get them excited about volleyball. We look for volleyball potential, athleticism and a positive attitude when selecting players for the Freshman Team. We want to see them improve throughout the tryout window, which is why we use 3 or 4 tryout days. All are welcome in our gym and everyone will be given ample opportunities to show they have the potential to be a volleyball player at Howard High.
What happens at tryouts?
Day 1 – Various volleyball skills like passing (both platform and overhead), serving, setting, hitting and defense will be evaluated. Some basic athletic skills will also be evaluated including block height, vertical jump and overall conditioning. Days 2, 3, & 4 will continue to build upon these skills and add components of game play. Coaches will also evaluate attitude, coachability and motivation throughout tryouts.
What should I bring with me to tryouts?
Water, athletic shoes, volleyball knee pads (optional) and a positive attitude.
Are parents/guardians allowed in the gym during tryouts?
No. There just isn’t enough room for spectators in the gym area during tryouts. You can come in with your athlete to ensure they are checked in (in case they are missing any paperwork) but after that you will be asked to wait in the Lion’s Den area or outside while tryouts are in session.
How early should I arrive before tryouts start?
At least 15 minutes before the official start of tryouts, preferably earlier on the first day. We need to check everyone in, make sure their paperwork is complete and give them a tryout number. This takes time. The sooner you get there the sooner we can check you in. If you show up late you will have to wait until we are taking our first break to get checked in causing you to miss part of tryouts. If you show up and there is an issue with your paperwork you will be sent to Mrs. DeFrances to try and fix the problem. You will not be allowed to try out until all paperwork issues are corrected.
I’m a student, and I’ve made the Howard Volleyball team, now what?
Congratulations, you are officially a part of the Howard Volleyball Family! Practices start the first weekday after tryouts are over and will continue each weekday until the end of the season (late October for JV and Freshman Teams, mid November for Varsity).
I’m a parent/guardian, and my student-athlete has made the Howard Volleyball team, now what?
Congratulations, you are officially a part of the Howard Volleyball Family! Time to support your athlete by getting them to and from practices, coming to support them during games, and picking them up from the bus after road games. There are numerous opportunities for parent involvement so hopefully you will also donate your time to help us run the program.
Tryouts start on August 14th. More details will be posted in June.
Why are there 3/4 days of tryouts? Should I attend all days of tryouts?
There are multiple days of tryouts to give the coaching staff an ample amount of time to evaluate all athletes fairly and to give all athletes a chance to show their volleyball skills. Athletes interested in participating in Howard volleyball should attend all days of tryouts. Missing a day of tryouts means the coaches will have one less day to evaluate the athlete and the athlete will have one less day to impress a coach. If an athlete is not available for all the days of tryouts, please reach out to the coaching staff with details of the circumstance.
My family is on vacation during the posted tryouts dates, can I have a makeup tryout?
No. There are no supplemental tryouts after the tryout window. That would not be fair to the other athletes who are trying out. If you miss tryouts you will not be able to tryout for that season. For extenuating circumstances, please contact the coaches.
Which tryouts should I attend?
For Day 1, juniors, seniors, and returning varsity athletes should attend Session 1 and all other sophomores and freshmen should attend Session 2. Some underclassmen will be invited to attend Session 1 as tryouts progress. Athletes will be informed at the end of Day 1 tryouts of which session they should attend on Day 2.
I’m an underclassman but would like to attend varsity tryouts. Can I come to Session 1?
Session 1 tryouts are only for seniors, juniors and invited sophomores and freshman only. You must be invited by the coaching staff to attend Session 1 tryouts.
I have never played volleyball before, can I try out?
Absolutely! The Freshman Team is a developmental team designed to teach athletes the game and get them excited about volleyball. We look for volleyball potential, athleticism and a positive attitude when selecting players for the Freshman Team. We want to see them improve throughout the tryout window, which is why we use 3 or 4 tryout days. All are welcome in our gym and everyone will be given ample opportunities to show they have the potential to be a volleyball player at Howard High.
What happens at tryouts?
Day 1 – Various volleyball skills like passing (both platform and overhead), serving, setting, hitting and defense will be evaluated. Some basic athletic skills will also be evaluated including block height, vertical jump and overall conditioning. Days 2, 3, & 4 will continue to build upon these skills and add components of game play. Coaches will also evaluate attitude, coachability and motivation throughout tryouts.
What should I bring with me to tryouts?
Water, athletic shoes, volleyball knee pads (optional) and a positive attitude.
Are parents/guardians allowed in the gym during tryouts?
No. There just isn’t enough room for spectators in the gym area during tryouts. You can come in with your athlete to ensure they are checked in (in case they are missing any paperwork) but after that you will be asked to wait in the Lion’s Den area or outside while tryouts are in session.
How early should I arrive before tryouts start?
At least 15 minutes before the official start of tryouts, preferably earlier on the first day. We need to check everyone in, make sure their paperwork is complete and give them a tryout number. This takes time. The sooner you get there the sooner we can check you in. If you show up late you will have to wait until we are taking our first break to get checked in causing you to miss part of tryouts. If you show up and there is an issue with your paperwork you will be sent to Mrs. DeFrances to try and fix the problem. You will not be allowed to try out until all paperwork issues are corrected.
I’m a student, and I’ve made the Howard Volleyball team, now what?
Congratulations, you are officially a part of the Howard Volleyball Family! Practices start the first weekday after tryouts are over and will continue each weekday until the end of the season (late October for JV and Freshman Teams, mid November for Varsity).
I’m a parent/guardian, and my student-athlete has made the Howard Volleyball team, now what?
Congratulations, you are officially a part of the Howard Volleyball Family! Time to support your athlete by getting them to and from practices, coming to support them during games, and picking them up from the bus after road games. There are numerous opportunities for parent involvement so hopefully you will also donate your time to help us run the program.
Practices
When are practices?
Practices are every weekday after school excluding non-school days and game days. Specific times will be posted once HCPSS posts the new start and stop times for high schools.
Are there practices before the school year begins?
Yes. Practices start the first weekday after tryouts. This could be 2 to 3 weeks before school actually starts. All athletes are expected to attend all practices.
Practices are every weekday after school excluding non-school days and game days. Specific times will be posted once HCPSS posts the new start and stop times for high schools.
Are there practices before the school year begins?
Yes. Practices start the first weekday after tryouts. This could be 2 to 3 weeks before school actually starts. All athletes are expected to attend all practices.
Student - Athlete
What if I need to miss a practice/game for other school activities (e.g. make up a quiz, band practice, etc…)?
You are a student athlete so your studies come first. If you need to stay after school, tell your coach ahead of time and bring a signed pass from the teacher when you come to practice.
Where do I keep my practice clothes/shoes during the school day?
Every athlete who wants a locker will be provided one. Freshman who have PE in the fall will be able to use their PE issued lockers.
You are a student athlete so your studies come first. If you need to stay after school, tell your coach ahead of time and bring a signed pass from the teacher when you come to practice.
Where do I keep my practice clothes/shoes during the school day?
Every athlete who wants a locker will be provided one. Freshman who have PE in the fall will be able to use their PE issued lockers.
Game Days
What is the game schedule?
Season schedules will be posted on our website and can be found at www.countysports.zone.
What happens on game days?
If all three teams are competing, the Freshman Team will play first, followed by JV and then Varsity. Athletes are required to work a few matches during the season. These duties include line judging, running the scoreboard and libero tracking. Varsity works the Freshman match, JV works the Varsity match and the Freshman Team works the JV match. All athletes will assist each team during their warm up period and support each other by cheering from the stands.
What are playdays?
Playdays are multi team scrimmages. Official match protocols are usually suspended during playdays. Games are usually timed as compared to playing to a score. Teams rotate from court to court playing each other throughout the day.
How do tournaments work?
Tournaments are similar to a USAV/Club level tournaments. All teams compete in pool play with the top teams advancing to the playoffs. Tournament champions and runners up usually receive medals or a team trophy and an all tournament team is selected.
Does it cost anything to attend a game?
Yes and no. There is no admission fee for scrimmages and regular season matches while there is a fee to attend a playoff match. Some tournaments also may charge an admission fee. The coaching staff will ensure that this information is posted prior to the event.
Season schedules will be posted on our website and can be found at www.countysports.zone.
What happens on game days?
If all three teams are competing, the Freshman Team will play first, followed by JV and then Varsity. Athletes are required to work a few matches during the season. These duties include line judging, running the scoreboard and libero tracking. Varsity works the Freshman match, JV works the Varsity match and the Freshman Team works the JV match. All athletes will assist each team during their warm up period and support each other by cheering from the stands.
What are playdays?
Playdays are multi team scrimmages. Official match protocols are usually suspended during playdays. Games are usually timed as compared to playing to a score. Teams rotate from court to court playing each other throughout the day.
How do tournaments work?
Tournaments are similar to a USAV/Club level tournaments. All teams compete in pool play with the top teams advancing to the playoffs. Tournament champions and runners up usually receive medals or a team trophy and an all tournament team is selected.
Does it cost anything to attend a game?
Yes and no. There is no admission fee for scrimmages and regular season matches while there is a fee to attend a playoff match. Some tournaments also may charge an admission fee. The coaching staff will ensure that this information is posted prior to the event.
Playoffs
Who participates in the playoffs?
All varsity teams participate in the playoffs. It is a win and advance format starting with regionals then the state tournament.
How long do the playoffs last?
The playoffs usually occur throughout the first 3 weeks of November.
All varsity teams participate in the playoffs. It is a win and advance format starting with regionals then the state tournament.
How long do the playoffs last?
The playoffs usually occur throughout the first 3 weeks of November.
Volunteering
Are there opportunities for parents/guardians to volunteer to help the program?
Yes! There are plenty of opportunities for parents/guardians to get involved. From helping with the concession stand at home games, to organizing senior night and the end of the year banquet, to participating in our athletic boosters organization. More information about these opportunities will be made available after tryouts.
Yes! There are plenty of opportunities for parents/guardians to get involved. From helping with the concession stand at home games, to organizing senior night and the end of the year banquet, to participating in our athletic boosters organization. More information about these opportunities will be made available after tryouts.
If there are any additional questions that aren't answered above, please reach out to the coaches.