Frequently Asked Questions Section

Last Updated: 5 December 2008

Frequently Asked Questions about WEST BEND POWER

and the Up-coming Season

What are the fees?

Purple teams 13s and up is $950, Black teams 13s and up are $750.  Our 12-Purple and 12-Black will be $700.  The 13s and up Purple team fees are much higher to include the cost of the in-state and out-of-state National Qualifiers.  These are very expensive tournaments.

What is included in my fees?

Player fees includes: registration, one jersey, practice facilities, equipment, tournaments, coach’s fee and administrative fees.  We will be asking each player to purchase a (T-shirt for $10) that will be used for a second uniform that the player keeps. 

When and where do your teams practice?

Typically our teams practice Monday and Wednesday evening between 7:30 and 10 pm at the West Bend High School Field House.  Specific start times can vary depending on the team.  Some teams may practice at other facilities in the West Bend area, depending on the number of teams WBP will ultimately field this season.

How many teams will you have?

The number of teams depends on the number of players that try-out at the various age groups.  Typically we expect 2 teams per age group at the 12s, 13s, 14s, 15s, and 16s.  The number of players at the 17s and 18s varies significantly year-to-year.  So we try to plan for one team at 17s and one at 18s.

How many players per team?

We strive for 10 players per team.  This provides the best balance between playing time and cost. 

What is the difference between a Purple and Black team?

Purple teams are our most competitive teams.  These teams (except 12s) are expected to seek a national bid through an out-of-state qualifier (typically either Minneapolis or Indianapolis) and the in-state Badger Region Qualifier.  Purple teams that earn a national bid must accept that bid and play at Nationals.  Black teams are also competitive but seek competition much more locally, typically no more north then Appleton, no more south then Kenosha and no more west then Madison.  Our Black teams are often better than many other clubs 1’s teams in the Badger Region. 

Will you have a developmental team this year?

Stay tuned.  We are exploring this.

My daughter is 11 (or 10) can she play?

Typically the entry level for club programs is 12 and under.  There are very few 11’s teams and even fewer tournaments for only 11s.  Young players (say 11 and 10) are welcome to try-out for the 12s teams.  We have had 11 and under players make our Purple teams and it’s not uncommon to have several 11 and under players on our 12-Black team.  It all depends on the skill level of the player and how many other skilled players show up at try-outs.

What if we can’t make both try-out days?

It is encouraged but not required to attend both try-out dates.  If a player cannot make both try-out dates you should inform the coach which day you will be missing.   For example, if you attended the first try-out but do not receive an offer right away, that does not mean your not in the running.  So if you cannot make the second day, make sure the coach knows this so you are not overlooked.

Will offers be made the first day of try-outs?

Yes.  However, coaches will not give out all ten offers in the first day.  You never know who may show-up the second day of try-outs.  How many offers the first day depends on the coach.  Some players may not accept their offer which frees that spot up to another player.  Coaches may also call players several days after try-outs to extend an offer.

What is a coach looking for in a try-out?

Coaches are not just looking for the best athletes, they are also looking for chemistry, how players work together (team work).  The coach is also looking to fill positions (setters, blockers, hitters, defensive specialists).  Not all players can play all positions; many do specialize particularly at the older ages (high school level).

Do I need to be able to serve overhand?

No.  Typically at 12s several players will be serving overhand but many will not.  At 13s you will still see some underhand servers.  By 14s, most girls are overhand serving.  However, if you have some unique quality (such as being very tall), you can still be a very valued player.