skip navigation
Rocky Mountain Region Volleyball

For Parents

RMR Online Commitment System (OCS)-Add My Player/Verify E-Mail

***New for the 2025-2026 season, ALL offers for our girls players will be made through the RMR Online Commitment System (OCS), previously referred to as the portal.  Clubs are able to offer players beginning at 10am on July 12 for 15-18 year olds and 10am on September 6 for 10-14 year olds.  All offers will be sent to the parent's email address and will be sent from the RMR OCS/VStar.

What is the OCS or Online Commitment System?  This is a system the region uses that is separate from the membership system. The clubs use this system to send out their offers and any other information they would like to share with you.  Every player that had a 24-25 membership is already in the system.  If your athlete did not play in the 24-25 season, please add your player here.  This is NOT the membership system that USA Volleyball uses for membership, rosters, etc.   For all athletes (new and returning), it is a good idea to test the system to make sure your email address isn’t filtering out the email from the system.  Verify your email address here.

What is a commitment?  Once you accept a commitment through the OCS to a club your player is not allowed to tryout or play for another club for the duration of the season.  If a club gives you a verbal offer, they should also send an offer through the online commitment system beginning 10am, July 12 for 15-18 year olds and beginning 10 am, September 6 for 10-14 year olds. They cannot force a player to commit before an official offer has been made through the RMR OCS.

Thank you and good luck in your upcoming season.

HEADED TO USAV GIRLS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

RMR Bid Successes continue!

In addition to winning RMR Regional Bids here in Denver at the ZBT, several of our RMR clubs have secured bids at USAV Girls National Qualifiers. 

Congratulations go out to:

At Far Western GJNQ
Colorado Junions 15Sherri              15 Open

At Lone Star GJNQ
Front Range 17 Black                          17 USA
Colorado Skyline 17 Royal               17 Liberty

At SLC Showdown GJNQ
NORCO 15 Black                                  15 USA
Colorado Juniors 16Shannon        16 USA  

At Pacific Northwest GJNQ
Colorado Elite 16 Grizzly                16 Liberty

At Mideast  GJNQ
Elevation 18 Peak                                18 USA
Colorado Juniors 18Jayne             18 Liberty

At Red Rock Rave GJNQ
FrontRange 18 Black                        18 USA
Mesa Juniors 18 Black                    18 Amer

At Sunshine GJNQ
CS Altitude 16 Navy                         16 Amer

At Florida Fest GJNQ
Colorado Juniors 18Kevin            18 Open

To see how the RMR is doing on the national stage and here at home, please see

ZBT Results and RMR Bid Standings

How do bids work?

Discussion of the Updated Girls Recruiting Policy 5.1.25

RMR Community;

In March, we published an RMR Recruiting Policy that included the idea that “currently-affiliated athletes were completely off limits” until July Tryouts. We received significant feedback from many of our Directors regarding that concept, and so we reached out to USAV leadership directly. They made clear that USAV and most Regions are moving away from “restrictive regulations” of this nature, and towards a more open “free market” philosophy. The RMR will follow suit.

Please find attached  (above) a single-page “white sheet” that describes our updated Recruiting Policy.  Also, please be aware that the RMR reserves the right to update the Policy from time to time, as our Board of Directors finds necessary.

We're aware that the RMR, like USAV and "club volleyball" universally, has been changing rapidly.  We all yearn for the stability of previous times. Still, implementation of new technology, new policies and new management standards will help us meet challenging new market realities.  

Like most of you, we do hope to "settle in" on stable annual calendars, ranking systems, and of course a recruiting policy that serve everyone smoothly and well, and that can be left in place for several years into the future. "Fingers crossed" that  this Recruiting Policy represents a step in that direction!

Keith Murlless, Executive Director, RMR

THRESHOLD DATES FOR BOYS 2025-26

 

  • Saturday May 10th: Colorado High School Boys Championships concludes

  • Sunday May 11th: RMR Boys Open Gyms may begin (EVALUATION only… no offers, no contracts)

  • Monday July 7th: End of last summer Championship (AAU) and beginning of Dead Week

  • 10am Monday July 14th: End of Dead-Week; Secondary Evaluation Period begins (no offers, no contracts)

  • 10am Monday July 21st: Tryouts begin. Offers may be made, but no contracts signed..

  • 10am Friday July 25th: RETENTION Contracts may be offered (to Boys players affiliated to your club through 24-25)

  • 10am Monday July 28th: Contracts may be offered to any eligible Boys player.

Summer Camp and Tryout Memberships

Summer is upon us! Many RMR members will attend various skills clinics and open gyms, and eventually TRYOUTS in the coming months. Remember that if you are a returning athletes (regular season member for 24-25) then your membership and insurance are "good through August 31st!" No need to buy a summer or tryout membership!

If you are new to USAV and RMR, then you WILL need to purchase a membership of some sort. Currently, we have our "24-25 Limited Summer Camps and Clinics" membership available (HERE).  Only purchase this membership  if you don't already have a  24-25  regular membership, but do want to attend camps and clinics. The Summer membership DOES cover you at our July 12-on Tryouts as well, but it is NOT "upgradable" to the 25-26 membership, so only buy this one if you're going to attend camps/clinics before July 12th.

On July 12th we start the  formal Tryout season. Memberships for Tryouts (only) will open July 1. That membership IS upgradable to the 25-26 season (so all your money goes toward your new club season)  but it does NOT cover summer camps/clinics. 

BEACH-ONLY players fall into two categories. LOCAL-only players may purchase the "Summer" membership discussed above. Beach-only players who will participate in any national-level event (BRQ, BNQ, NBTChamps, or any events after Sept 1st) should purchase our  "24-25 RMR Junior Beach" membership. Reminder: if you're a full regular season member (traditional indoor membership) then you don't need a beach membership; it's included. This paragraph speaks to players who ONLY play beach!

 

Directors: Extra info about Summer Memberships for Athletes

Directors

Please read the "Summer Memberships" article published above. Then, note that there are two METHODS for your players to purchase the Summer Camps and Clinics membership:

1) You send them a public club assignment link and they select "summer" when it asks how long they'll be participating. This will prompt them to purchase the 24-25 RMR Limited Summer Camps/Clinics membership. This method will automatically affiliate the membership with your club, so you'll be able to see them in your directory.

2) You can send them this link https://memberships.sportsengine.com/buy/11ef4ea3-e24f-48e8-af28-762cd491ac0d , but this will not affiliate the membership with your club.

 

clinic season is here!

More Indoor Volleyball Summer Camps in the RMR:

GIRLS: Colorado School of Mines will offer three camps, July 14-16, 17-21 and 21-23!

BOYS: Colorado Elite has invited Coach Kevin Pratte and his team of coaches to Denver to run a two-day BOYS Camp July 25 and 26

See the RMR INDOOR CAMP PAGE for more details!

BEACH PLAYER CLINICS:

Monday July 1st : TWO clinics at The Island in Aurora!

USAV Beach Accelerator Player Clinic (Ask your Coach to nominate you!) and

BEACH NATION  Player Clinic (featuring Olympian Todd Rogers!) REGISTER HERE

(see our postings at EVENTS/beach)

New Colorado Coaching Requirement:

Colorado recently enacted a new law that will come into effect July 1st, 2025. In effect, Colorado has created its own "Safesport-style" athlete-safety training program for coaches in all youth sports. The new law requires ALL youth sports coaches to complete this training module annually. You can take the course here:

Colorado-Mandated TRAINING

FYI: At this time, Colorado does not recognize the USAV Safesport Course as a replacement for their own safety curriculum. We do  have advocates at "Capitol Hill" negotiating for a collaborative effort in the future. But be advised, for the 25-26 RMR season, all Coaches are required to complete both training courses.

PDF Style Calendars

Find our Events at TM2

Hint: Search "RMR" at the TM2 Homepage

Why can't we know our playing site earlier? We need to reserve a hotel!

Reasonable question, but...

Like last year;  We will post event schedules on Wednesday (maybe Tuesday night...) before your event ! 

We understand that you want to book hotels early!

But here's why  we can't publish sites and pools earlier... 

* We keep registration open until only two weeks before the event

* This allows your Club Director maximum flexibility, as they manage complex calendars.

* We “accept all teams that apply by deadline." This means that our division sizes fluctuate widely.

* Those division sizes need to be matched to the available facilities

* And so we need a full week, after registration closes, to build the event! 

* Also:  We try to consider driving distances for the teams in each seeded pool, before placing it at a facility (maybe north, maybe south)

* And seeding changes each Sunday based on SOS results -- even from Sundays when you're not playing.  

* So really, since we don't know your current seed until Monday morning, we're building the event in less than two days!

We know it's important to you... and so we do our best, every week!

The RMR

 

Purple cards? (what they mean to you!)

Parents;

This year the RMR has joined with many other USAV Regions across the country, in implementing the PURPLE CARD policy. The program is designed to help manage spectator behavior at our events.

"Spectators" can mean visitors, players or coaches from off-duty teams, parents, siblings... anyone in the gym! The Purple Card can be displayed by a referee (including coaches who are working as referees at a given match) whenever spectator behavior becomes an issue. When the purple card comes out, the match stops and the captains and coaches consult with the referees. The spectators... everyone at the game... very quickly become aware that the officials, and by extension the RMR, believe that the temperature at the game has risen too high.

In most Regions, the teams associated with an offending spectator or group can be hit with a RED-CARD, including loss of a playing point for that team. If you go to Arizona, expect that protocol.

Here in the RMR we're trying to avoid "hating a team for what the parents may have done." But we will immediately advise our Site Directors that a spectator or group may need to "take some time off" to cool down. That means that while the team may not lose a point, the spectator(s) may be asked to leave the gym for a set, for a match, or for the day. Additionally, the RMR will be advised of the circumstances, and from there, spectators may face longer suspensions, or even loss of membership and attendance privileges altogether.

OUR GOAL IS TO KEEP IT SAFE, FRIENDLY AND FUN FOR EVERYONE. We've all seen how "other sports" have been affected negatively by fan behavior. We're proud of our fans, and with the Purple Card, hope to keep the RMR a fun place to play!

Feel free to contact me personally, with any questions or concerns that you may have about the program...

Keith Murlless, Executive Director, RMR

Inclement Weather Policy

The RMR does not dictate whether teams or participants should or should not travel during inclement weather or under any other unsafe condition. Club/Team/Personal travel to any RMR event is always at your own risk and expense. Safety first!

 

That said, we rarely cancel events. In the event that interstate highways are closed, or if gyms are closed by their school districts or owners, we publish these closures both at the RMR Home Page, and directly to all involved TEAM COACHES, via the TM2 email system.

 

In the event that a team is running late or cannot attend, it is the responsibility of the Team Coach or Representative to notify the RMR as early as possible. We can be reached by text at our office cell phone 303-584-0376. 

 

Weather-related cancellations may be eligible for refund if highway closure is corroborated by State Highway Patrol. Cancellations for any other reason substantially affect all attending teams, and are therefore not eligible for refund, and may be subject to fines or other club sanction.

 

 

Having trouble finding your courses at the USAV Learning academy?

Here are some screenshots that might help you get to the Academy.

     In this example we display my fictitious daughter “Test Murlless”

     Please view the screenshots below “in order”

 

Slide 1: Our HOUSEHOLD page showing parent and kid ("Test")      —> Click “HOME”

Slide 2: Our HOME page, which shows the blue LAUNCH button     —> Click LAUNCH

Slide 3: Choose the athlete (not the parent)    

     —> Click button next to daughters name, then LAUNCH 

Slide 4: Now inside the Academy, with daughters' name appearing top left

    —> Defaults to “Enrollments” (but click it again to be sure)

    —> Choose new or in-progress course

    —> Click any “NEW” course to start  (1st year students only)

     --> "Returning" players select the "returning" courses only

NEW:  All Academy completions will be presented for all members, HERE

I hope this helps!

Keith

Accepting a Direct Club Assignment from My SE

 

  1. Sign in to MySE.

  2. Navigate to the Home tab using the left-hand navigation.

  3. On the top of the page, find Club Assignment Requests.

  4. Find the desired club assignment and click View Details.

  5. Read the message, and click Accept Assignment.

  6. Follow the prompts to complete the club assignment.

What age group should my player tryout for?

Please use the chart below to verify what age group your player is eligible for this season! 

--> An athlete may play in an age class "older" than their own, but may not compete in age-groups younger than the one that they qualify for according to the USAV age definitions, below..

Age Definitions and policies are tied to age classes (18s, 17s, etc) based on DOBs before or after July 1st of each year.

Athletes are generally eligible as old as the 18s age-class. (this year “born on or after July 1, 2006” )

Note two “waivers” that allow participation beyond the basic rule:

Waiver #1:  Any athlete who will turn 19 (this year “born on or after 7/1/2005”) before July 1st, but are still in high school may participate as an 18s player.

Waiver #2: A female athlete who is 18 or younger but still a junior in high school may play 17s club. (this to allow greater recruiting opportunity)

Waiver #3: a male athlete who is 15 or younger and has not started 9th grade yet, may play 14s club.  

—> All waivers are automatically applied to the logic when an athlete registers with USAV.    No need to apply for a waiver.

 

Two “may not play” rules are worth noting:

1) If any athlete will turn 20 before July 1st, then they may not participate in USAV club.

2) Once an athlete has participated at all with any collegiate club or varsity program, they become ineligible for USAV club participation.

 

The Age Definition Chart below can help illustrate these concepts (do pay attention to the various footnotes). The Age Definition Discussion is also helpful for clarification. Both are included below

We publish an age-class calculator for your convenience, both below,  and at the  Director web-page. Look for the bright-teal-colored calculator, then simply enter any athlete's DOB there, to confirm their USAV playing age-class!

Good luck!

The RMR

SportsEngine Playbook for Parents

This is a great place to find all the information you need to purchase a membership, access the USAV Academy, find your memebership card and more!

Age Calculator Tool

For use during the season
Please note: The calculator automatically "rolls over" into each new season on July 1st. The title above reflects the season that the calculator is reporting for. Also, the "girls' junior class waiver" is automatically included in the age group reported here.





 Select the Month, Day & Year, then click on the button to see the youngest age group of that birth date.



24-25 Indoor age Definitions Table

useful links

Incident Report Form

Did something "go wrong" at an RMR event? This could be a tryout, practice, or an RMR competitin? Use this form to let us know!

How to Access the USAV Learning Academy

Accessing the USAV Academy is much simpler beginning Spring 2024!  Just sign in to your Sports Engine Account, and you'll find a box at the top middle that has the USA Volleyball Academy name and logo and a blue "Launch" button at the far right.  Hit the "Launch" button, and you should be good to go.

"Dos and DONT'S" of Registration (Webcast recording)

PARENTS

Take a few minutes to watch this webcast that offers some great "Do's and DONT's" for you, as you begin the USAV registration process!

"DOs and DONTs"

useful docs

How to reduce email clutter from USAV/RMR

Is your email inbox a bit too full? Or perhaps you're no longer involved in club volleyball? The instructions here offer insight into how to filter down your RMR email streams, or to eliminate them altogether

JOIN AN RMR VOLLEYBALL CLUB!

General Membership Types (4.2.25)

Welcome to the RMR!

If you are new to the region, and perhaps to USAV, you'll be "trying out" for our Colorado or Wyoming juniors clubs. In that case, you'll need a Tryout Membership.

Tryout memberships become available in early May but don't formally take effect until June 1st, the start of our Summer Season! The membership lasts through the fall, until you find a club. Best of all, the cost of the tryout membership will be applied to the cost of your "Regular Membership!" 

--> Remember that if you were a USAV member in 24-25, you don't need a tryout membership!

Athletes who sign with a club for the upcoming season are reminded to wait for an invitation link from their club, that will help them affiliate with that club as a regular member. Beyond the regular club membership the RMR does offer several specific special use"membership types:

FOR ATHLETES:

Most junior players will be "Regular Junior 25-26 players."

Anyone who will turn 18 before August 31st, 2026 will register as "Junior Player with SafeSport." (You can apply to have this requirement waived if your birthday comes AFTER your team expects to finish for the year)

We also offer some specific memberships:

Young adults aged 16 or 17 who will serve as assistant coaches purchase a special "Team Manager" membership.

Athletes 11 or under play under a discounted "11&U Player" membership.

Athletes 8 or younger play for free as "8 & Under Players."

New for 25: Athletes 8-14 can join our low-cost RMR Youth League (previously CYL).  We offer a discounted membership for Youth-League-Only players. And youth who will also play in regular-season clubs don't have any added membership fee... their membership is already included.  Stay tuned for more "RMR-YL" details, coming soon!

Athletes who will join beach clubs either separately, or in addition to their regular indoor full-season membership should contact RMR Membership, to apply for a special two-sport, two-club membership. (Yes, you can join one club as an indoor member, but play beach for another club!) Some beach clubs play all year long!

 

FOR ADULTS: 

Club Parents are not required to be USAV members. Many often do join however, in order to serve as team chaperones, as site directors, or as scorekeepers or referees.

Adults intending to become professional Officials; please see our "For Officials" page. 

Adult players please go to our ADULTS page.

 

New to RMR and USAV? (4.2.25)

RMR Membership for athletes falls into two broad categories:

Most athletes are returning to the RMR from last season. They can re-use their 24-25 Membership (and their SportsEngine profile) for the new 25-26 season. Since their 24-25 membership is still "live" through August 31st, there's no need to buy a "tryout" membership, even if they are considering changing clubs.

--> BEACH players; If you were an indoor RMR player this year, your beach season is INCLUDED!

If you were not a member of USAV/RMR last year, then you DO need to purchase a Tryout membership for the Tryout season. This low-cost membership covers any tryouts that you're involved in until Sept 1. The Tryout membership IS upgradable, into your "full season" membership once you find a club and settle in.

--> BEACH players; If you didn't play indoors with us in 24-25, but you want to play beach this summer, then  please purchase our $25 "2025 Summer Beach Player" membership.

25-26 Regular Memberships will open for purchase on July 12th:

Referees, Coaches and Directors will be allowed to begin the process July 10th, so that they can get their background screening and Safesport courses started. 

Athletes can purchase their 25-26 season membership beginning July 12th. Your Club will send you and your family a specific "Invitation Link."  The link will take parents directly to the correct type of membership for their athlete. That membership will already be affiliated with your Club.. you get the right membership type, linked to the right club... all through the Invitation Link.

I mentioned above that if you are returning to USAV/RMR then you will use your existing profile at SportsEngine, to manage your membership. But If you're new to USA-Volleyball and the RMR, you'll be setting up a brand new family account at SportsEngine.

SPORTSENGINE is the fancy program that manages all of our memberships. PARENTS build "households," into which they add their daughters and sons, as RMR member-athletes. Club Directors build "Clubs," Coaches build "Teams"... and the RMR and other events use ROSTERS from these teams.... all within this one program.  SE is a  powerful tool, but it's not always easy to understand.

We've published some articles to help you get off to a great start, but here are two "pro tips" to point you in the right direction:

1) Your family only needs one account. 

     --> As the legal guardian, you as the parent, will set up the family account! THEN you add your student athletes to the family.  

     --> Athletes are not allowed to set up accounts in their own names. (because they are minors)

2) Be careful to only use "passport quality" names. The SportsEngine computer is a real stickler for correct spelling. Nicknames, or anything else other than "passport names" leads to confusion when your coach is trying to assign their players  to the team roster!

3) Choose one very solid email address for your family account. This address will be the whole key to your household. Your athletes will be able to enter their own private email addresses later in the setup.

4) We can help! We have lots more information about going USAV and the RMR at our "Membership" page. And don't forget that we have our own "membership expert" available to help you! Send any questions that you may have to membership@rmrvolleyball.org. Kirsten will get right back to you with helpful notes and online articles... all the stuff that "new members" and their families need to hear!

See you soon!

The RMR

USAV Partners with VKTRY insoles

 

Dear RMR Volleyball Families, 

Here's a quick note to let you know that the RMR has partnered with VKTRY Performance Insoles - The Official Insoles of USA Volleyball.  

All of our RMR coaches, athletes and their  family members receive 20% off these exciting new products!

See Testimonials HERE....  

SOLES AND HOW THEY WORK

VKTRY also provides a 90 day money back guarantee and free shipping!

Request the code from us at office@rmrvolleyball.org.

Reporting Region-level Misconduct

MAKE A SAFESPORT REPORT

This page offers guidance regarding SafeSport issues and how to report. It also offers a "REPORT A CONCERN" link, as well as a REPORT phone number.

 

Remember that Safesport is designed to address matters of Players Physical and Emotional Safety, or concerns about sexual, gender-based, or racial misconduct.

 

For more routine complaints about general misbehavior ate events or practices here in the RMR, please use the Incident Reports, above

 

RMR and USA-Volleyball: The Right Choice

 

OUR MISSION:

 

NATIONWIDE

USA Volleyball  is the only volleyball organization within the United States recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) is a member organization of USAV, and along with the other Regions across the country, supports their mission to 'grow the game." Our national umbrella supports not only youth and adult amateur sport, but also the Indoor, Beach and Para-Olympic International Teams. Additionally, education of athletes, coaches and officials is core to the USAV mission. 

 

HERE AT HOME

Our goal as a non-profit organization is to foster growth and participation in all modalities of the sport of volleyball here and across the nation. The RMR is dedicated to providing a "best you can find" sort of volleyball experience to all age players, on hardwood, grass and sand courts across Colorado and Wyoming. We directly offer thirty or more high-quality, competitive and safe  competitions each year. We are proud to be a part of the explosive growth of our sport!

 

SAFELY

USAV and the RMR are committed to offering a safe competition environment, and to protecting the mental and physical health of our participants. We are active engaged in the US SafeSport program, and are strict adherents to its principles. Every adult over the age of 18 working with RMR-USAV junior players must be cleared through a comprehensive background check and must be SafeSport Certified annually. The RMR registers and certifies participants solely under the auspices of USA-Volleyball, and offers all of its competitions in full compliance with all USAV doctrines and regulations.   The RMR recognizes and adopts (for purposes of RVA activities and privileges) any penalties imposed by the USA Volleyball Ethics & Eligibility Committee.

 

The RMR commitment to participant safety includes embracing a tolerant and inclusive philosophy, free of bias or prejudice. See our equity/diversity/inclusion statement (scroll further down this page)

 

AT THE OLYMPIC LEVEL

The RMR is proud to claim a number of Olympians as our own. We have a rich history of providing athletes and coaches to the US national teams, as well as to NCAA institutions and to professional volleyball leagues both indoors and out. The USA Volleyball National Office is located in Colorado Springs, which allows RMR members an excellent opportunity for collaboration with our National Teams and its coaches. For more about the USOlympic Sports Movement  in general, and USAVolleyball in particular, Click HERE.

 

A LIFELONG SPORT

 

Volleyball never ends.! Truly a life-long sport, volleyball offers "something for everyone!"

The RMR offers juniors programming for the grassroots and development levels as well as for elite programs. We host age groups 8 to 18 years in our support of youth sport!

 

Our athletes have a great chance to "move to the next level." Over 90% of the Collegiate Division I and II volleyball athletes in Colorado and Wyoming have participated with USAV, in regions like the RMR. And we offer Beach opportunities as well as indoor, to complement the explosive growth of "collegiate beach!"

 

We serve the adult playing community as well, with programming for young-adult, adult, and senior/masters level athletes. We're proud that RMR teams have posted so many "podium finishes" at the US Open National Championship over the years!

 

COACH TRAINING

The RMR supports and develops coaches. The USAV IMPACT program was one of the country's first fundamental training grounds. Today, Coaches continue to advance, through CAP and BCAP and with the support to fate USAV Learning Academy. Coach-development will be one our new points of emphasis this year, and for years to come!

 

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT

USAV is THE place to learn all about officiating! From "team scorer" all the way to "Olympic Referee" the RMR has a proud tradition of providing officials to every volleyball scene in the nation, and around the globe!

 

STATEMENT OF INTENT

The RMR believes in USA-Volleyball and in its mission. We register coaches and athletes only into USA-Volleyball membership, and proudly offer programming solely within USAV jurisdiction. 

 

 

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The RMR shall not, nor shall anyone acting on behalf of the RMR, discriminate against any person, or group of persons, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION

 

EVERY MEMBER AND FAMILY OF THE Rocky mountain REGION SHOULD FEEL WELCOME, REGARDLESS OF RACE, GENDER, IDENTITY, SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OR OTHER IDENTIFICATIONS.

 

We know that racial and other forms of discrimination are not new, however recent events have made it painfully clear that progress cannot be made unless each individual and organization within our community makes a decision to step out of their comfort zone, learn something new about someone different than themselves, and take action to make inclusion a priority.

The racial, socioeconomic status and gender identity demographics in our region and in volleyball are significantly different than our state and especially of our country. At the RMR we are committed to an internal examination to address the shortfall of diversity and inclusion within our organization, in our clubs and in volleyball as a sport and community.

Our Board of Directors and staff commit to:

  • Listening and learning with open minds, and assisting others in doing the same, so that volleyball can be a sport where everyone feels safe and welcome.
  • Exploring our organizational structure, policies and procedures to examine ways to be more inclusive
  • Creating a Diversity & Inclusion Committee and seeking input from our membership
  • Reaching more areas of need through our Shinkara Hardship Program
  • Reducing current barriers to entry into volleyball, and collaborating with other entities to increase access to our sport
  • Creating opportunities for outreach to under-served communities and populations
  • Increasing access to employment opportunities for families and individuals in need
  • Looking at ways to develop a minority coach and official scholarship and mentoring program
  • Developing a resource and outreach page on the RMR website for diversity and inclusion initiatives and information
  • Diversifying our social media following and shared content

Read on (below) for more information on these initiatives as we examine how to best implement and expand access to our sport. If you would like to volunteer or have ideas for implementation, please contact Executive Director Keith Murlless

DEI Resources

It's important to increase awareness!

Watch this video to see how DEI influences everyone, through the eyes and voices of our own volleyball community.

--> Thank you to “Match Point” for speaking so eloquently to this topic!

  • See the “Match Point” documentary: Click here
  • USA Volleyball partners with RISE: Click here
  • Become a Sister Club for the Starlings Volleyball Program: Click here
  • Check out the hashtag #VolleyTheChange on social media
  • For Mental Health Resources, please scroll to the bottom of this page. 

ADDITIONAL DEI INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

  • Podcast: Dual Pandemics – Coronavirus & Racism (Hilinski’s Hope): Click Here
  • Art of Coaching: Critical conversation about diversity, wellness and inclusion in sports. Click here.
  • Athlete Ally Training Module: Click Here
  • Transgender College Student Resource Guide: Click Here
  • Video diaries on experiencing and dealing with prejudice from Awareness Harmony Acceptance Advocates (AHAA): Click Here
  • Panel discussion from RISE – “Athlete Activism & The Fight For Equality” – Highlight Video – Full Panel Discussion
  • “How To Challenge Discriminatory Comments” from Basic Diversity: Click Here
  • “Beyond The Golden Rule” – A Parent’s Guide To Preventing & Responding To Prejudice: Click Here
  • “What Inclusion Is & Is Not” – from Diversity Central: Click Here
  • Understanding Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity – from the American Psychological Assocation (APA): Click Here
  • Talking To Kids About Discrimination – from the APA: Click Here
  • The Role of Recreation Leaders in Preventing Bullying – from StopBullying.gov: Click Here
  • Preventing Bullying Toward LBGTQ Youth – from StopBullying.gov: Click Here
  • Successful Teams & Respectful Team Members: Click Here
  • Preventing Bullying: What Great Coaches Need To Know: Click Here
  • Positive Coaching Alliance Development Zone: Click Here
  • Could You Be Racist And Not Know It?: Click Here
  • Trainings For Youth-Serving Professionals – From The Trevor Project: Click Here
  • Resources For LGBT Youth – From the CDC: Click Here
  • Online Guide & Resources For LBGTQ Students – From Marysville University: Click Here
  • Cyber Bullying Information: Click Here
  • Port of Seattle Anti-Racism Resources: Click Here

Websites & Other Resources

Racial Justice Online Resource List

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ONLINE EXERCISES & EDUCATION

  • Printable educational exercises from RISE: Click Here
  • Educational exercises from Awareness Harmony Acceptance Advocates (AHAA): Click Here
  • Online Implicit Association Test – from Understanding Prejudice: Click Here (Read articles about this test here)
  • Implicit Bias Tests – from Harvard University (multiple options): Click Here
  • Bullying Prevention Online Training Center from StopBullying.gov: Click Here
  • Quizzes on Bullying & Cyberbullying from GirlsHealth.gov: Click Here
  • USOC SafeSport Online Training: Click Here
  • TrueSport Bullying Prevention Lessons: Click Here
  • TrueSport “Respect” Lessons: Click Here

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

  • Hilinski’s Hope Foundation: Click Here
  • Statistics about mental health in youth/teens: Click Here
  • NCAA’s mental health page & resources: Click Here
  • NCAA’s Proposal For Mental Health Resources at Power 5 Schools: Click Here
  • Pac-12 Putting More Money Toward Mental Health: Click Here
  • “Your Life Matters” Video: Click Here
  • Black Mental Health Alliance: Click Here
  • Latinx  Therapy: Click Here
  • South Asian Mental Health Initiative & Network: Click Here
Talk to someone. If that seems too daunting, contact us.    Remember, depression lies. 

 

U.S. Center for SafeSport

 

 The U.S. Olympic Committee  announced the  members of the Board of Directors. I have included a link to the press release below. I hope to have more updates for you soon. Thank you for your continued support of the USA Volleyball SafeSport Program.

 

MAKE A SAFESPORT REPORT

 

This page offes guidance regarding SafeSport issues and how to report. It also offers a "REPORT A CONCERN" link, as well as a REPORT phone number.

 

SAFESPORT VICTIM SERVICES HELPLINE

SafeSport Helpline Access

Have questions about Safesport and the types of concerns that are addressed by the Safesport program?  The HelpLine link above, or the phone number below, give you access to safeSport resources. These tools can guide you if you have a concern that may merit being reported.

 Phone: 866-200-0796 (open 24 hours

Online: safesporthelpline.org

Questions about Safesport?

For questions about the Safesport program and its implementation in the Rocky Mountain Region, please contact Executive Director Keith Murlless. (safesportquestions@rmrvolleyball.org)

This "safesportquestions" email address is for program inquiries; it is not the emergency reporting line To make a report, contact local authorities and Safesport directly, at the contact points posted above.

SPORTSENGINE HELP PAGES

Below parents can find easy references to help navigate SportsEngine. 

Shinkara Hardship Fund

 

The Shinkara Fund was established to assist junior athletes who might need a little help with the expenses related to club volleyball.  

 

The RMR thanks "legendary local volley-philanthropist" Tom Kawano for all of his support over the years. So many adults and juniors have come to love the sport, and have enjoyed expanded opportunities to play, thanks to Tom and his good works! 

 

Application for Shinkara support is due Feb 28th, and can be made using this online FORM.  Awards are traditionally granted in early April.

 

How to Access the USAV Learning Academy

8.24.24

Accessing the USAV Academy is much simpler now!  Just sign in to your Sports Engine Account, and you'll find a box right there in the middle of your homepage that has the USA Volleyball Academy name and logo and a blue "Launch" button at the far right.  Hit the "Launch" button, and you should be good to go!