Tryout FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions regarding tryouts and registration for Carolina One Volleyball

1. What age group does my daughter fall in?
Please refer to the USAV Age Group Definitions chart [PDF].

2. Do I have to attend both tryout sessions for my age group?
Yes, we ask that all players attend all tryout sessions for their particular age group. We conduct different activities and drills at each practice session, and attending both lets players receive a more consistent evaluation from our coaches.

3. What if I have a conflict with one of the tryout dates?
Contact Kim Tonkin as soon as possible to let her know about your conflict. In some cases, you may be able to try out with a different age group or at a different time, arranged between you and club administration.

4. If I want to tryout in both Pickens and Greenville, do I have to pay the tryout fee twice?
No, players can try out in both locations for the single tryout fee of $30.

5. If I'm trying out for multiple clubs, do I have to tell you which ones?
Yes, region rules require that all players trying out for multiple clubs notify all clubs involved of your decision. Players are not penalized for considering other clubs, but may be penalized by the region for failure to notify all clubs.

6. Did you receive my registration?
Due to the high number of tryout registrations we receive, we cannot individually acknowledge each registration. If you have reason to believe that your registration did not go through, please email Kim.

7. I'm having trouble registering with the Palmetto Region/USAV. How do I find my password, register, login to my account, etc.?
Renewing Players: Most USAV/Palmetto Region accounts are linked to the email you registered with and the player's birthdate. If your login attempts are not successful, you may have the wrong email address or password. Contact the Palmetto Region with the player's full name and date of birth to receive login information.

New Players: You may not be able to register with the Palmetto Region if you were previously registered in another region. In that case, you need to contact the Palmetto Region with the player's full name and date of birth so they can transfer your membership to our region; you will then be able to renew.

All Players: Be sure to choose Carolina One as your club when registering/renewing your membership if you know you are going to play for Carolina One. If you are trying out for multiple clubs, please choose UNDECIDED in the club field. Once you have completed tryouts and committed to a club, you will be able to login and change your choice from UNDECIDED to your club.

More information on USAV/Palmetto Region registration.

8. I can't access the online form to register for tryouts.
Contact Kim Tonkin and request that a form be sent to you via email or mail.

9. How do I know which level of team to try out for?
Please carefully review the program descriptions, and consider the commitment your family is willing to make. Coaches and club administration will be happy to discuss team levels with you if you have further questions. 

10. If I indicate a certain team level on my tryout registration or commitment form, does that mean I will automatically make that team/only be considered for that team?
No; Carolina One coaches and club administration will consider each athlete based on her individual skills, attitude, and commitment. Generally, we will offer an athlete a spot on the highest level team we feel is appropriate for her; but players can always decline the offer in favor of playing on a lower team. For example, if a player is offered a spot on a National team but cannot make the time commitment, she can play on a Power or Regional team, provided there is a team being offered in her age group.

Your player commitment form is only for our information to aid in making coaching assignments and gym reservations, it does not guarantee you a spot on any team.

11. What do I need to bring to tryouts?
Be sure to pre-register online before tryouts, and bring with you your Player Commitment form and $30 tryout fee (if you have not already paid online). Players should come ready to work hard, wearing shorts/spandex, a tshirt and athletic shoes. Tryout numbers will be provided.

12. When will teams be announced?
Teams will be announced within 24 hours following the last tryout for each age group. More information on team announcements and commitments will be available soon.

13. How much does it cost to play for Carolina One/are there any fundraising options?
All financial information can be found on our Fees and Fundraising page. If you have any additional fundraising suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

14. How many teams will you have/will you have a 12U, 18U, Power, State, etc.?
All of our team decisions are based on player interest, coaching availability and gym space. In general, if we have enough qualified players to make a team, and a qualified coach available to coach them, we will field a team in that age group. In 2010-11, we had 16 teams ranging from 13U-18U, State-National. 

15. How many players will make the team?
Depending on team level, we will place anywhere from 8-12 players on a team. State teams accept 8-9 players, Regional 9-10, Power 10-12 and National 10-12.

16. Do you ever move players to an older age group?
This is rarely done, and when it is, it is on an individual basis. The most likely reasons to move a player to an older age group would be: (1) not having a team in her age group or (2) specific position needs on a team in an older age group that the player would fill.

17. How are tryouts conducted?
Players are grouped initially by age and experience. All players go through several rounds of athletic skills testing (vertical jump, 10-yard dash, etc.) conducted by QSA coaches during the first session of tryouts. Following that, all players will participate in general volleyball skills testing, where they will rotate through stations designed to evaluate their skills in passing, setting, attacking and serving. During the second session of tryouts, players will be evaluated based on their primary position, as well as more game-like drills and games. 

All evaluations are made by qualified Carolina One and outside coaches. All players receive tryout numbers, and all players with a tryout number receive evaluations. No one from the previous season is guaranteed a spot on a team. Evaluations also consider players' attitudes, willingness to work hard, communication, ability to adapt to new drills/situations, general athletic ability, willingness to learn and primary position. Keep in mind that we must form teams based not only on raw talent, but also considering players' positions. We will not form a team with 5 setters and 5 libero/DS. Generally we take 2-3 players per position on each team. If you are willing to play more than one position, please be sure to indicate this on your tryout registration form.

18. When I register, can I indicate the gym I would prefer for practices?
The only location option on the registration form is to choose between Pickens and Greenville. All Pickens teams practice at the Pickens Rec Center. Most Greenville teams practice at Potential Sports Academy. If we need overflow facilities in Greenville, we will consult coaches and teams before scheduling practices.

19.  What days of the week will the team practice?
We do not finalize practice plans until after tryouts. Pickens teams can expect practices to be on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings, as those are the only days we have gym time. Greenville teams can expect to practice Sundays, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. We may add some Wednesday night practice times depending on number of teams and coaches schedules.

20. When will practices begin?
Team meetings will take place in mid-November, followed by a short team practice. Regular team practice schedules will begin after tryouts for all age groups have been completed. Team meeting dates will be announced soon.