FAQ
Find the answers to all your questions here!
Q: When and where are tryouts?
A: Tryouts take place in late November/early December. Check the Tryouts page for exact dates, times, and locations.
Q: When does registration for tryouts start?
A: As mandated by Volleyball BC, registration for tryouts may not begin prior to October 1.
Q: How much do tryouts cost?
A: Pre-registering for tryouts online costs $40 (non-refundable, payable by credit card) for a minimum of 2 days of instruction and evaluation. Walk up registration on-site during tryouts is $50 (cash, cheque, or credit card). Some age categories show 3 tryout dates. The 3rd tryout session is an invite-only session set by the coaching staff. There is no charge for the coaches' invite-session.
Q: Why do we have to pay for tryouts?
A: The majority of clubs in BC charge for tryouts. Volleyball BC advises that clubs charge for tryouts to ensure that there is commitment from interested athletes. We also charge a fee to build a bank balance for emergencies and for facility rentals for tryouts.
Q: What team should I tryout for?
A: This is dependent on your birthdate. The 2023-2024 season age classes are as follows:
12U: Sept. 1, 2011 and later
13U: Sept. 1, 2010 - Dec. 31, 2011
14U: Sept. 1, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2010
15U: Sept. 1, 2008 – Dec. 31, 2009
16U: Sept. 1, 2007 – Dec. 31, 2008
17U: Sept. 1, 2006 – Dec. 31, 2007
18U: Sept. 1, 2005 – Dec. 31, 2006
This means that by these rules established by Volleyball Canada, an athlete born September 1 or later can play at 2 different age classes.
Q: What if I want to try out for 2 different age classes (i.e. “playing up”)?
A: You may do so, but you will have to pay a tryout fee for each age class you are trying out for.
Q: Do I have to be at every tryout?
A: No, but it is to your advantage to be at every tryout so that you are not only exposed to the coaches more, but you also gain more knowledge and more touches on the ball. If you must miss a tryout, let your coach know as soon as possible and hopefully, something can be worked out. Please note, there may be a 3rd tryout date listed, by invite-only. Make sure you talk to your coaches if you're going to miss one of the first 2 tryouts.
Q: Why should I try out for Apex?
A: Apex provides a skills camp during tryouts where athletes gain knowledge and skills, in addition to being evaluated by coaches for inclusion on teams. This way, all athletes leave our camp/tryouts with newly learned technical and tactical knowledge. Making a team allows the athlete to train and compete with teammates under certified coaches, travel to out-of-town tournaments, and participate in high-level athletics.
Q: What should I do to prepare for tryouts?
A: Just be ready to be coached and to show them what you've got! Make sure you're hydrated and have had a proper meal beforehand so that you are at your peak performance level.
Q: What do I need to bring to tryouts?
A: First, you must pre-register online. All athletes are required to pay a registration fee prior to the first tryout. Athletes will not be permitted to tryout without the registration fee paid. Also, bring your volleyball gear (court shoes, knee pads, ankle braces, athletic tape, etc...), and a water bottle.
Q: If I make the team, how much would I have to pay in fees?
A: Team fees depend on the team and age, but typically range from $800 - $1,600. This includes registration with Apex, coaches’ fees, 2 warmup shirts, equipment, facility rentals, and registration for at least 4 tournaments (including the Provincial Championships). Some teams may decide to include strength and conditioning training with a certified coach, which would add to team fees.
Travel to out-of-town tournaments that require overnight stays are extra. Teams also have the opportunity to travel to compete in the Volleyball Canada National Championships (locations vary year-by-year and therefore, so do costs). If a team chooses not to go to Nationals, the cost drops significantly, especially if they are outside the Lower Mainland. Some teams may also decide to attend tournaments in the United States, and of course, this would be extra.
Q: Are there any other costs?
A: Families are required to register with Volleyball BC (which includes insurance and registration with Volleyball Canada) through SportLomo. Instructions on how to do this will be sent to families when teams have been formed. Teams may attend extra tournaments that are not budgeted at the start of the season.
Uniform costs are also extra. Those new to the club must purchase a uniform. We typically use the same uniform design from previous years so that returning families can reuse the previous year's uniforms to save on costs.
The club also sells club apparel like hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, and other gear, including shoes, bags, ankle braces, and kneepads online through our clothing and equipment supplier. These items are all optional.
Q: I may have problems paying my fees. Is there anything that can be done to help ease the financial burden?
A: The club offers bursaries, payment plans, as well as opportunities to fundraise. KidSport BC offers grants to those in need as well. There are also other organizations, such as Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program, which may be able to help. Please visit our Bursaries page for more information.
Q: When are practices?
A: Practices depend on the age group, and the availability of the coach and the members of the team. Teams typically practice twice per week. Practices may occur on any day of the week, with practices taking place from 4:00PM onward with the latest potential end time at 10:00PM on weekdays, and 8:00AM onwards on weekends (latest end time is 10:00PM). Each team establishes practice schedules to cater to the needs of the team, so for example, a team may have an extra practice on a week prior to an important tournament.
Q: When are tournaments?
A: Tournaments take place on weekends, and are scheduled by Volleyball BC or by other clubs.
Q: What is your policy on playing time?
A: Each coach has different policies and philosophies regarding playing time, so please contact your coach for more information. Volleyball BC has a mandated "fair play" rule at 12, 13 and 14U tournaments. This means that players who did not play in set 1 must play in set 2 of a match. This allows for more athletes to play in every match. This rule is not in place in 15-18U competitions.
Q: My son or daughter participates in other school or club teams in other sports. Can he or she still play for Apex?
A: Absolutely. Our teams practice twice a week and our coaches try to schedule practices so that all team members can be present as much as possible. Different coaches will have different demands for attendance at practices and tournaments, so please contact your coach to find out what their expectations are.
Q: Are the coaches certified?
A: All our head coaches are certified by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and follow the Volleyball BC Coaches’ Code of Conduct. All Apex staff members have also undergone a Criminal Record Check.
Q: When is this year's Apex general meeting?
A: TBA. Please watch for a post on our website and on our Instagram account.
Q: I have more questions! Who can I contact?
A: Please contact us at info@apexvolleyball.com
Q: Where is the Apex Volleyball Club located?
A: Apex is primarily based out of East Vancouver and West Burnaby, with tryouts and practices taking place at (but not limited to) the Harry Jerome Sports Centre in Burnaby, Van Tech, Britannia, Windermere, and Moscrop Secondary Schools, Laura Secord, Hastings, L'Ecole Bilingue, Sir Sandford Fleming, Lord Nelson, and wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm (formerly Sir Matthew Begbie) Elementary Schools (all pending availability).
Q: How long is the season?
A: The club volleyball season starts with tryouts in late November/early December, and ends with our last tournaments occurring in April, May, or June, depending on the age group.
Q: When do you practice and when are games?
A: We establish our practice schedule when we meet with our coaches in November. Our practice schedule is dependent on our coaches’ availabilities and the availabilities of facilities. Most teams will practice twice a week for 1.5-2 hours each, with at least one being on a Friday or Monday night, or a Sunday.
“Games” take place in a tournament format with Volleyball BC in the club system. Volleyball BC tournaments all take place on weekends, either on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. No tournaments take place on weekdays. Exceptions are the provincial championships and the national championships. These events may take place on a Friday preceding a weekend or a Monday following a weekend. Exhibition or friendly matches may take place against other teams during the week as well.
The Volleyball BC event schedule can be found on their website.
Some clubs host their own private tournaments. These usually take place on weekends as well. Coaches will determine which events they plan on attending and will establish a tournament schedule with the team at the introductory team meeting in December once tryouts have been completed.
Q: What age groups do you serve?
A: We try to accommodate all athletes that express interest in our club to the best of our capabilities. Officially, we have 12U (girls only), 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 18U teams. We also have a ~10-14U Train and Play Program for those starting to learn the game or who want more training opportunities. More information regarding our Train and Play Program can be found here.