FAQ

FAQ

1. When do new programs go on the website?
   New programs are typically posted about 1 month before they begin.

Here is the usual schedule:
January–February programs: online December 1
March–April programs: online February 1
April–May programs: online March 1
May–June programs: online April 1
June–July programs: online May 1
Summer camps: online May 1 (we are working to launch these earlier)
September–October programs: online August 1
November–December programs: online October 1

For returning families, it is completely normal to register for the next cycle while your athlete is still in the current one. If you wait until the last class or tournament day, it will usually be too late. That is why we aim to have coach evaluations and recommendations done halfway through the session, so parents have time to register early.

2. Who is this program for?
   Our program is a great fit for many different athletes. Some play multiple sports and want to keep volleyball in the mix. Some want to explore volleyball before making a bigger club commitment. Others come from towns with limited volleyball opportunities and want a place to learn, grow, and stay involved in the sport.
3. What ages can join, are classes co-ed, and how do I register?
   Our youth classes are for athletes ages 9–17. Yes, our classes are co-ed. In many classes, boys are in the minority, and it is common to have about 1–3 boys in a class of 16 athletes. We often recommend boys sign up with a friend when possible.

To register, choose your location, pick the correct level, select your class option, and complete booking and payment online. A spot is only held once registration and payment are completed.

4. Does my child need experience?
   No experience is needed for our beginner classes. Beginners are absolutely welcome. For tournament programs, athletes should already have a basic understanding of volleyball and should take our placement quiz to make sure they register for the right level.
5. How do new and returning athletes figure out which program to take?
   For new customers, the best first step is to take the placement quiz and then give us a call so we can help you choose the best fit. For returning athletes, coaches will usually give a recommendation based on how the athlete is doing in class. In most cases, families can expect to hear that recommendation around week 4 of the session.
6. My child has done another volleyball program. Can they skip beginner?
   Maybe. Many programs teach similar beginner concepts, but every program is different in how the material is taught. Coaching quality, class size, and individual feedback all make a difference. That is why we use placement quizzes. If your child passes, they are ready for Prep for Rotations.
7. What will my child learn?
   Each level focuses on different skills.
   Beginner: fundamentals and comfort with the game
   Prep for Rotations (previously called  intro to tournaments): setting and hitting strategy, serve receive, and defense
   Rotations 1: rotational pathways for 1 rotations, learning all positions, terminology, and movement concepts: helps athletes figure out what position they want to play.
   Rotations 2: Athlete is assigned one position (setter, middle, outside, libero) and play through all 6 rotations
8. How is this different from club volleyball, and are there tryouts?
   We do not hold tryouts. We use placement quizzes instead. Our program is more flexible, more instructional, and less overwhelming than traditional club volleyball. Sessions run in shorter chunks instead of a long yearly contract. We focus on learning and development first, and athletes are placed by readiness instead of just age.
9. How often do classes meet, how long are they, and how long is the program?
   Classes meet once per week. Depending on the program, classes are typically 80, 90, or 120 minutes long. Most programs run for about 2 months.
10. Are games or scrimmages included, and will athletes get equal chances to participate?
    Yes. In all of our programs, athletes usually get about 20 minutes of gameplay at the end of practice starting after week 1. We also work hard to give athletes equal opportunities in both practices and tournaments. With 2–3 coaches on the court, athletes get lots of reps and individual help.

Our tournament programs also include a one-day tournament with 5 guaranteed games against other REC It teams at the same level from our other locations. These tournaments are designed to simulate a real club tournament experience. We rent uniforms, have coaches refereeing, use scoreboards and whistles, and create an exciting environment with cheering parents. The goal is to give athletes maximum reps on the content they have been learning while also showing the consistency across our locations and the growth of our athletes.

11. Who are the coaches, and what is the coach-to-player ratio?
    Our coaches come from many volleyball backgrounds, including former college players and coaches, current college athletes, high school and club players, and adults who found the sport later in life. Every coach brings something different, whether that is technical knowledge, strategy, encouragement, or energy.

Our classes max out at 18 athletes, though we usually prefer around 16. If a class has 12 or more athletes, there will be 3 coaches, which keeps the ratio small and allows for more individualized attention.

12. Can parents stay and watch, and what if my child is shy or nervous?
    Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from the lobby or bleachers. We just ask that you let the coaches handle the coaching so you can relax, cheer your child on, and enjoy a little time to yourself.

If your child is shy or nervous, that is completely normal, especially on the first day. You are welcome to walk your child over to a coach and quietly let us know. With multiple coaches on the court, athletes usually warm up quickly, grow more comfortable each week, and often make friends along the way.

13. What should my child wear, and what shoes or equipment do they need?
    Athletes should wear comfortable athletic clothes they can move in easily.
    Allowed: T-shirts, long sleeves, athletic shorts, spandex, squat-proof leggings, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and arm sleeves
    Not allowed: Crop tops, jean shorts, skirts, Crocs, and tank tops with thin stretchy straps
    Hair: If hair is long enough to fall into the face, it should be tied back

Supportive athletic sneakers are best. Running shoes, volleyball shoes, and athletic-friendly basketball sneakers all work well. We recommend avoiding Converse or Air Force 1s, since athletes tend to slip in them and may have more foot discomfort. Knee pads are required starting in the second week of practice. Athletes do not need to bring their own volleyball, since we provide volleyballs for practice.

14. Can my child join after the session starts, what happens if we miss a class, and what is your refund policy?
    Yes, if there is still space available, athletes can join after the session starts and the cost will be prorated. If you know about a conflict before registering, please reach out and we will do our best to help. If classes are full, we usually cannot offer make-ups because adding athletes to another class affects the experience for the families already enrolled there. We offer credits rather than refunds.
15. Will this help prepare my child for school or club volleyball, and is it normal to repeat a level?
    Yes. Many of our athletes have gone on to make JV, Varsity, and National-level club teams. Our biggest advice is not to rush. It is completely normal for a coach to recommend that an athlete take the same class again and repeat the same tournament. Repeating a level is often the best way to build stronger long-term skills, gain confidence in gameplay, and be fully ready for the next step.