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Should I try out for a National, Power, or Club team?
In the end, which level of team you should try out for is a combination of the player’s skill level and commitment that the family is able to make.
1. What age group does my daughter fall in?
Please refer to the USAV Age Group Definitions chart . Please note that the age definition cutoff is now July 1, 2025 .
2. Are walk-ups accepted?
"Day of tryout" registrations for tryouts still require online registration. You MUST be registered online with the Heat in order to participate. Please make sure you have registered with both USAV and The Heat. If you have problems, please contact us as soon as possible.
3. Do I have to attend both tryout sessions for my age group?
We ask that all players attend all tryout sessions for their particular age group to receive their best evaluation. We conduct different activities and drills at each practice session, and attending both lets players receive a more complete evaluation from our coaches.
4. Did you receive my registration?
If your registration for tryouts was successful, you will receive an automated system email acknowledging your registration and payment. You can also login to your player account at any time to view registrations and paid invoices. If you have reason to believe that your registration did not go through, please contact us. Refer to our tryout verification page.
5. What if I have a conflict with one of the tryout dates?
Contact Us as soon as possible to let us know about your conflict. You may be able to try out with a different age group, arranged between you and club administration. Keep in mind that we strongly suggest players attend their own tryout age sessions if at all possible, because it will help us more accurately assess them within their own age group. Add a note to your registration about the conflict.
6. How do I decide which team level to tryout for?
All players who attend tryouts will be evaluated for all available team levels. Please review our Team Levels carefully to understand the time and monetary commitment required for each level. Coaches and club administration will be happy to discuss team levels with you if you have further questions. Please be honest with yourself and club administration about the level of commitment you are willing and able to make. You will be asked to indicate which team levels you are willing to commit to during tryout registration.
7. If I'm trying out for multiple clubs, do I have to tell you which ones?
Yes, Palmetto Region rules require that all players trying out for multiple clubs notify all clubs involved of your tryout plans, including the names of clubs you are trying out for, by filling out the Multi-Club Tryout Disclosure form online. Players are not penalized for considering other clubs, but may be penalized by the region for failure to notify all clubs. Please note that once you commit to the CSRA Heat or any other club, you are not permitted to attend tryouts for another club. Please also review the Palmetto Region Tryout Policy for more information on signing deadlines and your rights as a player.
8. I'm having trouble registering with the Palmetto Region/USAV. How do I find my password, register, login to my account, etc.?
Renewing Players: All members must haver an account with SportsEngine in order to complete USAV registration this season. Instructions can be found on the Palmetto Region website.
New Players: You may not be able to register with the Palmetto Region if you were previously registered in another region. In that case, you need to contact the Palmetto Region with the player's full name and date of birth so they can transfer your membership to our region; you will then be able to renew.
All Players: New this year - you will sign up for a $15 "Tryout membership" through SportsEngine, even if you know what club you will be playing for. After you commit to a club, you will be able to upgrade to a full membership and associate your membership with the chosen club.
More information on USAV/Palmetto Region registration.
9. Does the CSRA Heat cut players?
Yes. We are limited in the number of teams we can offer due to gym space and the number of coaches available. We also make cuts to maintain the quality and competitiveness of our teams.
10. What do I need to bring to tryouts?
Be sure to register online before tryouts, and bring with you proof of paid USAV Membership for 2024-25. Please note that this year, tryout fee and USAV membership must be completed online prior to tryouts. Players should come ready to work hard, wearing shorts/spandex, a t-shirt, and athletic shoes. Tryout shirts will be provided.
11. When will teams be announced?
Teams will be announced approximately 2 days following the last tryout for each age group. More information on team announcements and commitment expectations will be available at tryouts. The Heat will allow 3 days after each offer to allow players to accept or decline their position.
For more information about the PVA Tryout Policy, visit the PVA website.
12. How much does it cost to play for The CSRA Heat? Are there any fundraising options?
Costs can be found on our Club Fees page and fundraising program information can be found on our Fundraising page. Please review this information carefully before tryouts.
13. How many teams will you have? / What levels of teams will you have in my age group?
In 2024-25, we plan to field 12-16 teams, from 12U-18U. We expect to field multiple teams in almost all age groups and as many as four teams at 14U and 15U.
14. How many players will make the team?
Depending on team age and skill level, we will place anywhere from 8-12 players on a team.
15. How are tryouts conducted?
All players go through several rounds of general volleyball skills testing, where they will rotate through stations designed to evaluate their skills in passing, setting, attacking, and serving. During the second session of tryouts, players will be evaluated based on their primary position, as well as participate in more game-like drills and scrimmages.
16. What days of the week will the team practice?
We do not finalize practice plans until after tryouts. Typically Heat teams have one practice on Sunday and one (club teams) or two (power and national teams) during the week. Because the tournament schedule has the potential for some Sunday single day tournaments for age groups, we may have some Saturday practices for teams playing on Sunday.
17. When will practices begin?
Team meetings and first practices will take place in mid-November. Regular team practice schedules will begin after tryouts for all age groups have been completed. Team meeting dates will be announced soon.
18. What weekends will we have tournaments/what tournaments will my player play in?
We are working on finalizing the 2024-2025 tournament schedule and will post the schedule as soon as it's available.
19. Why tryouts in July when practices won't start until October / November?
Because other clubs in the area have started doing early tryouts, it's important for players to be able to evaluate options.
20. Why only National and Power team tryouts in July and Club teams in the fall?
We think that this is a good balance and allows for players on club teams to grow during the school season before being placed on teams.
21. If my daughter attends the National and Power team tryouts in July and doesn't make a team, will we have to pay for tryouts again in the fall?
No. There will only be one tryout fee for each age group.