Frequently asked questions

Honesty and objectivity are required.We encourage applicants and their parents to discuss the athlete’s skill level with us when in doubt.Although we set age guidelines, these can only be a rule of thumb. Some players are more experienced and skilful than their age would suggest, while others are latecomers to the game and may be behind others of their age. It can be a considerable help for an athlete’s club or school coach to provide an assessment of the player, or for us to view video recordings of the player (these are recommended for the Emerging Elite Camp, expected for the Pre-Elite Camp and mandatory for the Elite Camp).There are two levels of camps run by VbDC: skills camps and performance camps; the former are for players who are developing the basics of the game, such as ball handling, movement and three-touch teamwork.The performance camps concentrate on positional play, tactics, psychological preparation, and advanced defence and offence teamwork.

If it is a performance or advanced skills camp, participants should already have all the volleyball gear they need: proper shoes, kneepads, braces, and clothing.Those just starting need proper PE kit; if they decide to stick with the sport, they may want to purchase volleyball-specific footwear and accessories, which VbDC can supply.

We are strict about our supervision of campers. Day campers can be dropped off and collected only by immediate family or by someone for whom written authorisation has been provided, and these people may need to provide photo IDs. No athlete may leave the gym floor during sessions without coach permission. At residential camps, there is 24-hour chaperoning by people who have undergone a DBS (child safeguarding) check.

Four camps currently have a residential option: the Language/Volleyball, Emerging Elite, Pre-Elite and Elite camps. Halls of residence are used at the first two, and housing with host families is used for the Pre-Elite and Elite camps.

The most convenient method of payment is to use the on-line registration and payment form, which can be accessed via a number of locations on the website. The form will first take you to the registration pages, where information about the athlete such as playing history, health issues and primary or emergency contact coordinates are entered. After completion of the registration you will be taken to the payment page, where most common credit and debit cards can be used. It is also possible to pay by bank transfer, and persons who prefer to use this method should contact VbDC directly for details. Confirmation of a place at the camp is confirmed on completion of payment.

VbDC will provide collection from designated ports of entry for participants who must use air, rail or other long-distance transport to reach the event, provided the participant can be at the designated pick-up and drop-off site within specified time windows. Delivery to the port of entry for the return journey can also normally be provided if the departing journey occurs within specified time windows. If that is not possible, the participant has responsibility for making their way to the venue. For participants traveling commuting distances to participate as day campers,VbDC can make arrangements for transport to be provided from rail stations close to the venue.

VbDC takes steps to ensure the well-being and care of the participants, and many members of the coaching staff and administrators are certified in basic First Aid. It is the responsibility of participants to ensure that VbDC is made aware of all medical conditions affecting the participants.VbDC will make every effort to ensure the medical needs of the participant are met, but accepts no responsibility for any medical care provided.

Participants are responsible for insurance covering travel to and from the event, and it is recommended that the coverage also includes the period during which the camp takes place. VbDC and its employees are fully insured as a company and as individual professionals performing their coaching duties at the event, but VbDC insurance policies do not include coverage of the medical needs, emergency or otherwise, of athletes.

Residential students are encouraged to bring mobile telephones, pads or laptop computers to maintain contact with their families. These devices may not be used during the sessions. The halls of residence used for some camps do not permit under-18s to have internet access through their in-house facilities in their dormitory rooms, although the internet is often accessible in coffeeshops at the dormitory.VbDC maintains an on-site mobile telephone which parents may call in the case of an urgent message.