1. Welcome

At South Charlotte Thunder Volleyball, we pursue something greater than just winning matches—we aim to build a program of excellence, integrity, and joy. Whether in practice, competition, or community, we represent our team, our families, and our faith. This Code is designed to guide all players, parents, and coaches through the expectations that support our shared mission.

2. Core Culture: Honor. Joy. Love.

We ground our program in three foundational virtues:

Honor – We honor one another by committing to the team, respecting our roles, and treating each other with dignity. We honor God by stewarding the gifts He’s given us through volleyball.
Joy – Joy signals life. The joyful athlete chooses gratitude, works hard, celebrates her teammates, and competes with purpose and enthusiasm.
Love – Rooted in Christ’s sacrificial love, we aim to put others above ourselves, serve one another, and play with humility, patience, and loyalty. This love shows up in how we speak, compete, and care.

3. Conduct Expectations: Players & Parents

Thunder Volleyball intends to lead by example in the local and regional volleyball community. This section outlines our behavioral expectations for players and parents at both matches and tournaments.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Thunder athletes and parents are expected to reflect the values of honor, joy, and love in all actions—toward coaches, teammates, referees, opponents, and one another.
Behavior that reflects poorly on the team—including outbursts, mockery, gossip, disrespect, or disengagement—will be addressed immediately by the coaching staff.

MATCH & TOURNAMENT CONDUCT (Players)

Be on time. Practice times are when practice commences, not when you should be there. Athletes are expected to be ready to take the court 15 minutes before the start of practice. Players will contribute to setting up, tearing down the net, and cleaning up the gym.
Play hard. We give 100% and beyond in every practice, every game, and every match. Our toughness of mind and body will define our team. We will not wither under pressure. We will never quit on ourselves or on our teammates. We will compete in every practice drill and for every point in every game. Give everything you’ve got. Leave it all on the court. Your attitude drives your competitive spirit.
Attitude & Effort. Every player can control their attitude and effort. Good sportsmanship begins with a player’s attitude. A bad attitude will diminish your focus and bring others down, but a stoked attitude is infectious. We want to play stoked, both at practice and in matches. When you play stoked, you play hard and infuse your team with joy. Success follows.
Playing Time. Playing time is earned, not given. The coaches will choose players for rotation positions based on their knowledge, ability, attitude, and effort. The coaches will choose players who give our team the best chance to be competitive. For new and developing players, the best way to get better as an athlete is to surround yourself with players who push you, want the best for you, and want to see you grow. This is the ethos we seek for the Thunder. We want to be a team that cares for one another; whether in a starter or backup role, we all get better together.
Players must remain with the team during events, even during breaks. Time at tournaments or matches is considered team time unless explicitly released by the coach.
All players are expected to be prepared: uniform, gear, water, snacks, shoes, kneepads, and anything else essential for readiness.
Thunder players support each other vocally during matches and from the bench. Poor bench behavior—side conversations, disengagement, or passive negativity—undermines the team and will not be tolerated.
Phones are not to be used during matches or working assignments at tournaments. If they become a distraction, coaches may require players to turn them off or give them to their parents during events.
Players may not leave a tournament early unless excused by the coach. Leaving before the team release may result in suspension or removal from the program.
Players must travel in pairs or groups at large tournament venues.

MATCH & TOURNAMENT CONDUCT (Parents)

Parents may not coach from the sidelines. Athletes must focus on their coaches—not outside voices.
Parents may not approach the bench or court at any time during a match. If a player is injured, a coach will come to get you.
Parents must not question playing time during or after matches. All inquiries must follow the official grievance process. Parents are not to approach a coach about a meeting or a grievance while at a match or tournament. Furthermore, parents are not to approach the Director about a
grievance with a coach while at a match or tournament, or at any point prior to having a meeting with the coach.
Parents may not approach referees or opposing team staff. Only coaches or designated captains may engage with officials.
Positive presence is essential: Cheer for the whole team, not just your athlete. Negativity, complaints, or disrespect toward players, coaches, or referees may result in removal from the venue.

4. Grievance & Escalation Policy

We want to create a culture where concerns can be addressed with maturity, clarity, and mutual respect. We expect all parties to follow this step-by-step process:

STEP 1: PLAYER INITIATES

The athlete should schedule a private conversation with the coach to express any concerns. Players must self-advocate. This is an essential part of her maturation process as a player and young adult.

Please note: Failure of the player to discuss an issue with a coach, or a player leaving out specifics while in a player/coach meeting, does not constitute an “unresolved” issue. A parent saying they need a meeting because the player was “afraid to discuss x” does not necessitate
escalating a grievance.

Another coach or Team Director will join the conversation for clarity.
Parents are not to intervene before this step has been completed.

STEP 2: PARENT MEETING (If Needed)

If the player-coach meeting does not resolve the issue, the parent may request a meeting with the coach.
This meeting will take place in person (not over text, WhatsApp, or email).
At least one additional staff member or team liaison will be present.

STEP 3: ESCALATION TO DIRECTOR

If a solution still cannot be reached, the parent may request a final meeting involving the Head Coach and Program Director, along with the athlete and team coach.
The Director and Head Coach will work together toward a decision. This decision is final.

Important:

No grievances will be addressed during or immediately after a match or tournament.
Email or texting concerns is prohibited. You may request a meeting via email, but no issues are to be debated digitally.

FINAL NOTE

The Thunder Program reserves the right to remove a player from a team if any player or parent’s conduct disrupts team unity or violates this code. We will always strive to handle such situations with grace and clarity, and any disciplinary action will involve communication with the family.