Question 1

What is Club Bison?

Accepted Answer

Club Bison is a Junior Olympic (JO) volleyball program for girls in grades 5 - 11 in Buffalo, Hanover, Montrose, and surrounding areas. The club season runs from December through March, with two practices/week and weekend play events and tournaments.

We offer year-round camps, clinics, and lessons for all ages, including a spring season (March & April) for ages 10/11U (grades 4 & 5) as well as youth clinics for grades 1-6.
 
Our mission is to develop competitive volleyball skills in an inclusive, supportive, and confidence-building environment.

Question 2

Where can I find information about the 2024-2025 season?

Accepted Answer

Click here (https://www.clubbison.org/2024season)for season information.

A pre-season informational meeting will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Buffalo High School Bison Room. Parents, guardians and athletes are encouraged to attend.

Question 3

When are practices and events?

Accepted Answer

Practices begin the first week of December and run through the last week of March. Most teams practice twice/week for 90 minutes each.

Each team will participate in approximately 6 to 8 events (play dates or tournaments) between January - March. Most events are within 60-90 minutes of Buffalo.

Question 4

What is a play date versus a tournament?

Accepted Answer

Play Dates are half-day events that feature pool play. For instance, there may be a pool of four teams. Each team plays one another (best two of three sets), and when all have played one another, the event is complete. There is no bracket play. These may be scheduled for morning, afternoon, or evening and last approximately 3-4 hours.

Tournaments are full day events (6 to 8 hours), that begin with pool play (above).  After all teams have played one another, there is a short break while teams are seeded into bracket play.  Play then resumes, based on your placement and seeding to work toward a championship or consolation title. Some tournaments result in single elimination, others have double elimination and a consolation bracket.

All players must remain on site until released by their coaches, as often teams must remain on site to officiate (line judge and keep scorebook) for the next match.

Question 5

Do you offer fundraising opportunities?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are a private organization without municipal subsidies and operate on a break-even cost structure. We recognize the cost of club sports is expensive and can be cost-prohibitive for many. As such, we fundraise throughout the year and offer two optional fundraisers that athletes may choose to participate in during the season. The goal of the in-season fundraisers is to help off-set a portion of player registration fees to lower the overall cost of participation.

The first fundraiser is held in November & December. Athletes have the option of selling Kwik Trip Car Wash Gift Cards with a portion of the sales credited to their personal club account.  All cards are delivered to athletes by December 20, so they can deliver them to recipients before the holidays.

The second fundraiser is held in February/March.  Athletes have the option to sell pies from the famous Betty's Pies in Two Harbors, MN. Pies are frozen and delivered to athletes in late March/early April. Athletes then deliver the pies to recipients.

Proceeds from the fundraisers are applied to the individual athlete's account to reduce their final monthly payments.

In addition, we request donations from local businesses and the community throughout the year. Donations help to purchase equipment and reduce overall operating costs and registration fees.

If you know of a business who would like to make a donation, please reach out to us!

Question 6

How are teams placed?

Accepted Answer

Coaches and evaluators collaborate to determine team placement.  Placements take into consideration tryout performance, player experience and potential, positional placements, coach evaluations, player history, coachability, teamwork, attitude, and commitment.

The registration form asks for a player experience summary to help us best assist and understand each player's background and understanding of the sport.

Placements are made based on collective evaluator feedback. Typically there are 5-8 evaluators at each tryout session.
 
Do not expect teams to mirror school teams or previous Club teams.

Question 7

Are all tryout participants placed on a team?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no.  While we strive to place as many athletes as possible, we have limitations to the number of players who can be placed, due to court availability, positional needs, and age categories. For example, middle school teams in the Buffalo 7th and 8th grade classes typically have upwards of 120 participants each fall. Unfortunately, we are only able to place approximately 30-40 athletes in these grades.
 
In addition, Club Bison is a competitive volleyball program which is committed to advancing competitive skills in a supportive environment. Players are evaluated based on demonstrated skill, potential, coachability, attitude, enthusiasm, teamwork and hustle. Players must adhere to the Club Code of Conduct, demonstrate a high degree of sportsmanship, be supportive of themselves and other players, and be ready to play and work hard to advance their skills. 
 
The Club makes a distinction between "involvement" and "commitment." Players are expected to demonstrate a high degree of commitment when participating in club ball.

Question 8

How are coaches selected?

Accepted Answer

Coaches participate in a selection process, provide experience, skills, and references, and complete a background check.  
 
Coaches are expected to align with the Club mission and values while developing competitive volleyball skills in an inclusive, supportive, and confidence-building environment. Coaches communicate key information to players and families, including: event schedules and information, team/player expectations, and progress updates throughout the season.

We strive to place two coaches per team, including an adult head coach and an assistant coach. The assistant coach may be a high school varsity or club player who has demonstrated experience in leadership, maturity, skill set, and organization. When high school students are placed as assistant coaches, it is in a mentorship role, in which they gain valuable coaching skills, while also sharing their insight and knowledge with younger athletes. The head coach is primarily responsible for team direction, skills, and decision making.

Many young athletes deeply value high school assistants, as they form bonds and comfort levels that bridge gaps between middle and high school. Many appreciate scrimmaging or playing with older athletes in practice, and the athletes are able to fill key positions to round out game play in practice (such as setting, passing, or blocking). Their primary role in game play is to get the ball to a teammate and encourage strong team outcomes.

Question 9

Where do I purchase knee pads, arm sleeves, shoes, etc?

Accepted Answer

Club Bison doesn't require specific brands or styles of knee pads, arm sleeves, shorts, shoes, socks, etc.  However, some popular options are listed below:

Knee Pads: REQUIRED
Knee pads may be black or white, although white tends to be the most popular among athletes. Knee pads come in varying lengths and pad styles. Most athletes wear the longer style kneepads high on the shin, just under the knee.

Short Style:  Nike Dry-Fit Varsity Knee Pads (https://www.amazon.com/Nike-DRI-FIT-VARSITY-VOLLEYBALL-UNISEX/dp/B0CJMK8B49/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=sqpKh&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=NWBA2HCQK0JCCY0SRFM6&pd_rd_wg=6V1vx&pd_rd_r=d230fca9-c8b2-4e95-ab99-e23243da324c&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d)
Long Style (Popular):  Nike Vapor Elite Pro Volleyball Knee Pads (https://www.amazon.com/Nike-Vapor-Elite-Volleyball-Knee/dp/B0BLTBR49Z/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=sqpKh&content-id=amzn1.sym.255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=255b3518-6e7f-495c-8611-30a58648072e&pf_rd_r=NWBA2HCQK0JCCY0SRFM6&pd_rd_wg=6V1vx&pd_rd_r=d230fca9-c8b2-4e95-ab99-e23243da324c&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d)

Arm Sleeves: OPTIONAL
Arm sleeves are sold either as a set or, more commonly, individually (requiring the purchase of 2 sleeves for a set). Arm sleeves are optional but recommended for back row players. Most athletes prefer black sleeves (to match the jersey) with elbow pads built-in.

Women's Size:  McDavid Hex Padded Arm Sleeve  (https://www.midwestvolleyball.com/store/store.php/products/MD6500)
Youth Size: McDavid Youth Padded Arm Sleeve (https://www.midwestvolleyball.com/store/store.php/products/MD6500YOU)

Shorts or Leggings: Solid Black REQUIRED
Athletes may wear solid black spandex shorts, athletic shorts, or full-length leggings. The brand, style, and length are personal preference, but they must be solid black (brand logos are ok).

Spandex shorts come in varying lengths from 3.5" - 5". Most common are 4" or 5".  Things to consider are breathability, waistband width (some like narrow or wide waistbands), and comfort of where the seams are placed (on the sides or center).

Popular:  Mizuno Vortex V2X 4" Volleyball Short (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/mizuno-vortex-v2x-volleyball-short-23mizwvrtxv2xshrtvll/23mizwvrtxv2xshrtvll?color=Black)
Popular:  Nike Women's Pro 365 5" Shorts (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-womens-pro-365-5-shorts-20nikwpr5xxxxxxxxapb/20nikwpr5xxxxxxxxapb?color=Aster%20Pink)

Solid black leggings are also an option. Many athletes wear leggings with their knee pads over the top.  Dick's Sporting Goods, Athleta, and Lululemon all carry athletic style leggings. Look for an athletic, non-cotton (cotton absorbs sweat and leggings become heavy and hot) that fit snug at the waist (so athletes aren't continually pulling them up).

Shoes:  Any brand, any color.
Although volleyball-specific shoes are available, many athletes are opting for low-top basketball shoes which offer better grip, support, and cushioning. Look for shoes with a solid grip (to not slide around the court), that provide ankle support but don't restrict movement. Shoes may be any color - have some fun here!

Socks:  Any brand, any color.
Most athletes opt for white socks. Cuts and styles vary. While many colorful options are available (and permitted), be cautious of purchasing socks that aren't 100% cotton. Some of the more colorful designs are polyester and don't wick away the sweat, causing blisters and sore feet quickly.

The above items may be purchased at any athletic store or on Amazon. Dicks Sporting Goods and Midwest Volleyball Warehouse (Burnsville) offer a variety of options where you can try on different styles and sizes.  Contact us with any questions!

Question 10

Who is your photographer?

Accepted Answer

In 2023, we hired Mark and Michele Bloom of All Sport Photography to take individual, team, coach and club photos. They made picture day incredibly fun and engaging. They shared a variety of new and creative poses with athletes, coordinated team photos swiftly and with an eye for detail, and kept everyone laughing and having fun while capturing fantastic shots.  Many of their photos are displayed on our website. The clarity, brightness, detail, and their ability to capture authentic expressions is second to none. Truly, a fantastic experience. We highly recommend contacting them for still, action, and sports pics.  All Sports Photography (https://allsportphotography.net/allsport.htm)

Question 11

What is JVA's Member Code of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Club Bison is a member of Junior Volleyball Association (JVA) and abides by JVA's member code of conduct and ethics policies. 
 
"We compete fairly and honestly. We do not engage in unethical, anti-competitive or illegal business practices. We will deal fairly and transparently with our customers, suppliers, competitors and agents. We will strive to serve as role model for other clubs, JVA and our sport.
 
We strive to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Derogatory comments based on racial or ethnic characteristics, unwelcome sexual advances and similar behaviors are prohibited. The diversity of our directors, employees, independent contractors, volunteers and others are tremendous assets to our association and our sport."
 
JVA's code of conduct is available here.(https://jvavolleyball.org/about/code-of-conduct/)

Question 12

Is transporation provided?

Accepted Answer

Players are responsible for transportation to and from Club activities and events.