Communication & Conflict Resolution

Setting athletes and teams up for a positive and uplifting volleyball experience is the goal we strive for at the Yorkton Blitz Volleyball Club. Open and effective communication involves coaches, parents and athletes, fostering a supportive environment for growth and development and allowing concerns to be addressed using a collaborative approach. 

Conflict in youth volleyball is sometimes inevitable - whether it’s frustration between teammates, disagreements on the court or emotional struggles over playing time. The challenge isn’t eliminating conflict but rather teaching athletes to handle it productively. Handling conflict is a skill like passing or hitting and learning to navigate it helps athletes become better teammates and learn to advocate for themselves

Not all decisions made by coaches can satisfy all players, some decisions are made in the best interest of the team as a whole. Coaches are encouraged to communicate feedback with athletes throughout the season to help build trust and manage expectations. The Yorkton Blitz Volleyball Club is dedicated to supporting our coaches, parents and athletes through the conflict resolution process. 

​​​​​​​Conflict resolution step guidelines

for athletes and parents to address concerns:

●  Encourage the athlete to talk directly with their coach if they have a problem or concern before enlisting parental assistance. Although sometimes a daunting task, the ability to resolve these situations is a useful lifespan  

● If there continues to be a concern, the parent and athlete may request a meeting with the coach. This can be arranged before or after practice or a time convenient for all parties. These meetings cannot occur on a tournament weekend. Respecting the 24 hour rule always, we encourage discussions to take place face to face or via zoom and include the athlete to make sure everyone is getting and giving the same message. Concerns and issues should not be addressed in texting conversations, use text only to set up an in person meeting.

● Parties may need an opportunity to reflect on the issue before they are asked to respond to further encourage calm communication and resolution. Parents are free to reach out to their team’s executive liaison for advice and/or suggestions regarding the conflict

●  If there is no resolution the concern may be brought forward to the club president via phone call or email and will be handled according to Sask Volleyball’s dispute resolution policy. Please use the 24 hour rule after any meeting or incident before reaching out to the club president to ensure the concern is brought forth rationally and calmly. The president may utilize consultation from the executive board members if needed to determine what action, if any, will be taken from there.

●  Open communication is important and encouraged between athletes, coaches and parents throughout the season as long as it is civil and polite. Should concerns or problems arise, we all need to be rational and calm before a discussion occurs. The Yorkton Blitz Volleyball executive is available to answer and assist our volleyball families with any questions and/or concerns they may have. Feel free to email us at yorktonblitz@gmail.com.