Is there an anonymous way to file complaint at CHRVA?

[Anonymous]

At the MD club we were at last 2 years, one of the coaches actually pressurizes players to sign and return agreement right there or they don't get the spot. This is totally against CHRVA rules and year after year she coaxes people into signing up (either because they are new or if they are waitlisted by intimidating them by saying they might not make it anywhere and this is guaranteed). This seems totally against CHRVA rules but is there a way to file complaint anonymously?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At the MD club we were at last 2 years, one of the coaches actually pressurizes players to sign and return agreement right there or they don't get the spot. This is totally against CHRVA rules and year after year she coaxes people into signing up (either because they are new or if they are waitlisted by intimidating them by saying they might not make it anywhere and this is guaranteed). This seems totally against CHRVA rules but is there a way to file complaint anonymously?

CHRVA has a whistleblower policy posted (https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/0d77-2720707/CHRVA_Whistleblower_Policy.pdf) but it seems more geared toward CHRVA staff, than parents or players.

The CHRVA Recruiting Guida (https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/0058/7505/CHRVA_Recruiting_Policy_FAQ_1_.pdf) says the following:

Reporting a Recruiting Violation Recruiting violations must be reported within 30 days of the infraction or discovery of the infraction. Reports must be submitted in writing, via USPS or email to the Juniors Rules and Ethics Chairperson or any member of the CHRVA Board of Directors. Include the details of the violation, the player(s), the club involved as well as the name, phone, and address of the individual filing the complaint. Phone calls and in person conversations are not considered valid reports. Confirmation of the receipt of complaint will be sent to the complainant within seven (7) business days.

Once a decision on a recruiting violation has been made by the Chesapeake Region, a response will be sent to the appropriate parties. The decision could result in a sanction against an individual(s), team(s) and/or a club up to and including suspension, monetary fines and the inability to register a team with CHRVA. Appeals can be made following the CHRVA Handbook procedures. All sanctions will be issued in accordance per the CHRVA Handbook or USAV policies.

It doesn't seem to contemplate anonymous recruiting complaints. While I understand why you would want to remain anonymous, it would difficult for CHRVA to conduct an investigation into the facts if they didn't know who was making the complaint. Perhaps you could send an email to the CHRVA Ethics chair ([e-mail]) indicating that you have information about a potential recruiting violation, but are worried about retaliation if you make a complaint.

[Anonymous]

Thank you ya there will definitely be retaliation based on how that club works. I did see that policy on CHRVA website but need an anonymous way because they just had a coach get a position at CHRVA last year so it will definitely get around to them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you ya there will definitely be retaliation based on how that club works. I did see that policy on CHRVA website but need an anonymous way because they just had a coach get a position at CHRVA last year so it will definitely get around to them

There are several ways to handle this, but staying anonymous could be difficult. If you have written proof of what happened, you may not need to disclose your name, just show the CHRVA staff (either ethics or president) the document with information identifying your player removed.

If you don’t have written proof, you probably need to talk directly with a CHRVA leader and that will require you to disclose personal info.

In either case, consider not just the impact on your player but the fact that many other players were probably treated the same way. The CHRVA rules exist to protect players from exactly these situations, where coaches can use their power to coerce players to accept offers. If this happens and no one speaks up, the coach will feel empowered to do it again and the next time it happens it may be worse. It’s never easy to step forward and call out bad behavior when there are consequences to your DD for doing so, but it’s the right thing to do.

Also, if you tried out at multiple clubs and a different one gave you an offer, you could have talked to the new club about helping you during open tryouts. There are many MD clubs that follow the rules and help players when they hear of rules violations, but they can’t help you much once you’ve accepted an offer with another club.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the detailed response. So yes this has been going on for a few years now and the club and other coaches at the club all know about it. As for documentation, we don't have one because she literally asks you before giving you an offer and only if you sign it then and there will you get the paper in hand so no way to have a documentation. Anyone that says they won't do it then and there will not be offered a spot.
Not sure what you mean by new club helping during open tryouts?
Also this club is so bad at treating players and families, it is outrageous but because they are the only major club in the area/county, parents succumb to it just so their kid can play the sport they love. Really sad they get away with so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you ya there will definitely be retaliation based on how that club works. I did see that policy on CHRVA website but need an anonymous way because they just had a coach get a position at CHRVA last year so it will definitely get around to them

There are several ways to handle this, but staying anonymous could be difficult. If you have written proof of what happened, you may not need to disclose your name, just show the CHRVA staff (either ethics or president) the document with information identifying your player removed.

If you don’t have written proof, you probably need to talk directly with a CHRVA leader and that will require you to disclose personal info.

In either case, consider not just the impact on your player but the fact that many other players were probably treated the same way. The CHRVA rules exist to protect players from exactly these situations, where coaches can use their power to coerce players to accept offers. If this happens and no one speaks up, the coach will feel empowered to do it again and the next time it happens it may be worse. It’s never easy to step forward and call out bad behavior when there are consequences to your DD for doing so, but it’s the right thing to do.

Also, if you tried out at multiple clubs and a different one gave you an offer, you could have talked to the new club about helping you during open tryouts. There are many MD clubs that follow the rules and help players when they hear of rules violations, but they can’t help you much once you’ve accepted an offer with another club.

Many MD high school coaches did this during the club tryout hinting less playing time in high school if not sign immediately. We should report this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you ya there will definitely be retaliation based on how that club works. I did see that policy on CHRVA website but need an anonymous way because they just had a coach get a position at CHRVA last year so it will definitely get around to them

There are several ways to handle this, but staying anonymous could be difficult. If you have written proof of what happened, you may not need to disclose your name, just show the CHRVA staff (either ethics or president) the document with information identifying your player removed.

If you don’t have written proof, you probably need to talk directly with a CHRVA leader and that will require you to disclose personal info.

In either case, consider not just the impact on your player but the fact that many other players were probably treated the same way. The CHRVA rules exist to protect players from exactly these situations, where coaches can use their power to coerce players to accept offers. If this happens and no one speaks up, the coach will feel empowered to do it again and the next time it happens it may be worse. It’s never easy to step forward and call out bad behavior when there are consequences to your DD for doing so, but it’s the right thing to do.

Also, if you tried out at multiple clubs and a different one gave you an offer, you could have talked to the new club about helping you during open tryouts. There are many MD clubs that follow the rules and help players when they hear of rules violations, but they can’t help you much once you’ve accepted an offer with another club.

Many MD high school coaches did this during the club tryout hinting less playing time in high school if not sign immediately. We should report this.

Oh really? you mean high school coaches did that to the players when they came to try out for club? There has got to be someplace where these things can be reported. Also heard from another friend that this club that we are talking about, they "hold" spots for players and if they don't show up at tryouts they will have supplementals. But the worse is they still hold up 1/2 players while their "chosen" one shows up and then leave the stand by ones high and dry, not even try to place them anywhere.

[Anonymous]

As a parent, I don't feel comfortable telling you what to do because I have a limited understanding of your circumstances and consequences. I suggest that you talk to the MVSA club director. We heard her talking about club shenanigans during tryouts and she seemed like she cared a lot about the rules. I feel like she is the kind of person who would give you the best advice for your circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Ya MVSA seems to be run pretty well from what we have heard. Just wish there was a way to warn young girls from joining this other club so they wouldn't go through the trauma

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent, I don't feel comfortable telling you what to do because I have a limited understanding of your circumstances and consequences. I suggest that you talk to the MVSA club director. We heard her talking about club shenanigans during tryouts and she seemed like she cared a lot about the rules. I feel like she is the kind of person who would give you the best advice for your circumstances.

I'm sure that the MVSA club director cares a lot about the rules, but the CHRVA leadership group has historically had a lot of people involved with the club also in CHRVA leadership positions so I'm not sure that's the best advice for keeping your identity concealed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you ya there will definitely be retaliation based on how that club works. I did see that policy on CHRVA website but need an anonymous way because they just had a coach get a position at CHRVA last year so it will definitely get around to them

There are several ways to handle this, but staying anonymous could be difficult. If you have written proof of what happened, you may not need to disclose your name, just show the CHRVA staff (either ethics or president) the document with information identifying your player removed.

If you don’t have written proof, you probably need to talk directly with a CHRVA leader and that will require you to disclose personal info.

In either case, consider not just the impact on your player but the fact that many other players were probably treated the same way. The CHRVA rules exist to protect players from exactly these situations, where coaches can use their power to coerce players to accept offers. If this happens and no one speaks up, the coach will feel empowered to do it again and the next time it happens it may be worse. It’s never easy to step forward and call out bad behavior when there are consequences to your DD for doing so, but it’s the right thing to do.

Also, if you tried out at multiple clubs and a different one gave you an offer, you could have talked to the new club about helping you during open tryouts. There are many MD clubs that follow the rules and help players when they hear of rules violations, but they can’t help you much once you’ve accepted an offer with another club.

Many MD high school coaches did this during the club tryout hinting less playing time in high school if not sign immediately. We should report this.

Oh really? you mean high school coaches did that to the players when they came to try out for club? There has got to be someplace where these things can be reported. Also heard from another friend that this club that we are talking about, they "hold" spots for players and if they don't show up at tryouts they will have supplementals. But the worse is they still hold up 1/2 players while their "chosen" one shows up and then leave the stand by ones high and dry, not even try to place them anywhere.

If high school coaches are doing this, it seems like MPSSAA would be a place to report. There's got to be some sort of rules or ethics issue there.

[Anonymous]

Ya once my daughters are out of the volleyball i am going to go all out but until then they will get retaliated against so have to fight to stay anonymous. But i also feel bad about witnessing something so wrong and not being able to do anything

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you ya there will definitely be retaliation based on how that club works. I did see that policy on CHRVA website but need an anonymous way because they just had a coach get a position at CHRVA last year so it will definitely get around to them

There are several ways to handle this, but staying anonymous could be difficult. If you have written proof of what happened, you may not need to disclose your name, just show the CHRVA staff (either ethics or president) the document with information identifying your player removed.

If you don’t have written proof, you probably need to talk directly with a CHRVA leader and that will require you to disclose personal info.

In either case, consider not just the impact on your player but the fact that many other players were probably treated the same way. The CHRVA rules exist to protect players from exactly these situations, where coaches can use their power to coerce players to accept offers. If this happens and no one speaks up, the coach will feel empowered to do it again and the next time it happens it may be worse. It’s never easy to step forward and call out bad behavior when there are consequences to your DD for doing so, but it’s the right thing to do.

Also, if you tried out at multiple clubs and a different one gave you an offer, you could have talked to the new club about helping you during open tryouts. There are many MD clubs that follow the rules and help players when they hear of rules violations, but they can’t help you much once you’ve accepted an offer with another club.

Many MD high school coaches did this during the club tryout hinting less playing time in high school if not sign immediately. We should report this.

That is the definition of breaking the CHRVA rules. There can't be any conditions on a players offer, and certainly no explicit or even implied statements by the HS coaches that if they don't play for club X then they won't see their HS court. If you had a HS coach do this to you, absolutely call them out to CHRVA. The rules are there to protect the player because of the huge power imbalance caused by situations like these. The bad actor coaches know exactly what they are doing and that they can get away with it, because players are scared to report them. It is an abuse of power, and puts young women into a position where they cannot defend themselves for fear of retaliation. Coaches that do this to their players shouldn't be coaching either HS or club volleyball. If you don't speak up other girls will suffer the same abuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ya once my daughters are out of the volleyball i am going to go all out but until then they will get retaliated against so have to fight to stay anonymous. But i also feel bad about witnessing something so wrong and not being able to do anything

I'm so sorry this happened to you, its terrible. You should definitely reach out to a CHRVA leader not affiliated with the club in any way and tell them what happened. It doesn't matter if the coach/club has a member on the board or staff, its still wrong. In fact, if a CHRVA board/staff member is part of a club where this happens, then that is even more concerning because it could allow the club to become even more aggressive in their actions if not called out. Yes, you are potentially protecting your daughter from retaliation by not speaking out, but by holding off until your DDs finish playing you just guarantee many other girls suffer through exactly the same behavior.

Email/call the ethics leader or commissioner directly and tell them what is happening, ask to keep your info anonymous and then ask them how to address the situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ya once my daughters are out of the volleyball i am going to go all out but until then they will get retaliated against so have to fight to stay anonymous. But i also feel bad about witnessing something so wrong and not being able to do anything

I'm so sorry this happened to you, its terrible. You should definitely reach out to a CHRVA leader not affiliated with the club in any way and tell them what happened. It doesn't matter if the coach/club has a member on the board or staff, its still wrong. In fact, if a CHRVA board/staff member is part of a club where this happens, then that is even more concerning because it could allow the club to become even more aggressive in their actions if not called out. Yes, you are potentially protecting your daughter from retaliation by not speaking out, but by holding off until your DDs finish playing you just guarantee many other girls suffer through exactly the same behavior.

Email/call the ethics leader or commissioner directly and tell them what is happening, ask to keep your info anonymous and then ask them how to address the situation.

Thank you, i really appreciate the support and understanding. It is insanely frustrating to watch the coaches do that and also for the club to feel like they don't have to do anything about it. This is the same coach who is also verbally abusive and play favorites like crazy with the girls on her team. Most people here have figured out the club im talking about but for those of you who are still looking for their young kids to start at good clubs, let me know and i will share the name.