LVC Playing Up Request form
Dear LVC Families,
As we continue to review our Playing Up Guideline, refinements have been made to better reflect the Club’s philosophy while ensuring we have the flexibility to address exceptional circumstances when they arise.
Our overall philosophy has not changed. Lethbridge Volleyball Club continues to believe that athletes experience the greatest long-term development when competing within their Volleyball Alberta age category. As a general principle, our guidelines remain the same: underage athletes will only be considered for an older age group when they demonstrate the ability to make a meaningful impact on that age group’s highest level of competition.
At the same time, we recognize that no policy can anticipate every unique situation. While playing up is not intended to become common practice, we also do not believe a blanket prohibition is in the best interest of every athlete. In rare and exceptional circumstances, there may be factors that warrant individual consideration.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule, requests to play up will be reviewed individually and assessed on a case-by-case basis. This does not lower the standard or create an expectation that exceptions will be granted. Instead, it allows the Club to consider all relevant factors while remaining committed to our core philosophy and long-term athlete development model.
Our objective remains the same: to place athletes in the environment that we believe best supports their long-term development while also ensuring that families have the opportunity to be heard throughout the process.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to provide the best possible experience for all LVC athletes, continue to refine our processes and navigate changes in our structure.
CLUB PHILOSOPHY ON PLAYING UP
As a general guideline, athletes requesting to play in an older age division will typically only be considered where they are projected to contribute in a meaningful role within that age group. In most cases, this means demonstrating the ability to compete for a starting or impact role on one of the Club’s highest-level teams within that age category.
Athletes who are not projected to meet that threshold will generally be encouraged to compete within their age-appropriate division, where the Club believes they will have the greatest opportunity for development and success.
While this philosophy guides the Club’s decision-making, each request is reviewed individually. The Club reserves the discretion to consider exceptional circumstances or other relevant factors where it determines that an alternate decision is in the best interests of the athlete, the team, and the Club.
REQUEST PROCESS
Athletes who wish to be considered for an older age group must submit a Playing Up Request Form during the evaluation process. Requests will be reviewed individually and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Athletes requesting to play up are expected to register and attend evaluations within their eligible age category unless otherwise directed by the Club. This ensures athletes remain eligible for consideration within their age division should a playing up request not be approved.
When reviewing a request, the Club may consider factors including, but not limited to:
• Technical skill level
• Physical and emotional readiness
• Long-term athlete development
• Anticipated role within the older age group
• Team composition and roster balance
• The overall best interests of the athlete, the team, and the Club
No single factor is determinative, and the weight given to each factor may vary depending on the circumstances.
Submitting a request does not guarantee that an athlete will be evaluated or selected in an older age group. Approval to be evaluated in an older age category does not guarantee placement within that age category. Following evaluations, the Club may determine that an athlete is best placed within their eligible age division.
Decisions regarding athletes requesting to play up are made by the Executive Director in consultation with the evaluation committee and coaching staff. These decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.
PLAYING UP REQUEST FORM
Parents or guardians requesting consideration for their athlete to play up will be required to complete a Playing Up Request Form outlining:
• Why they believe playing up is in their athlete’s best long-term developmental interest.
• Previous playing experience at the requested age level (if applicable).
• Any additional information they feel the Club should consider.
The Club may request additional information or conduct further evaluations before making a final decision.