According to the most recent JVA Club Program and Financial Survey, 9 out of 10 clubs are paying a coach salary under $10,000 per year. Considering the substantial amount of time spent training, competing, traveling, planning, meeting, along throughout the duration of the junior volleyball season going as long as November to the end of July, the reality is that the majority of junior volleyball coaches are not making their living off of solely coaching.

Small gestures of appreciation go a long way when it comes to showing your coaches how much you value their time and commitment. While your club prepares your coaching assignments for the season, consider budgeting in some ways to attract and retain your coaching staff:

Factor in the perks

In order to assure there are adequate funds, and you’re not dipping into your personal savings, consider adding a line item to your budget that is specifically for coach expenses. You can factor in as much as $250-$400 per coach for the duration of the season. There are plenty of opportunities to say “thank you”, whether it’s during tryouts, after a long day of competition, or a meal while meeting one on one.

Tryout season is a great time to treat your coaches to coffee during those early mornings and long days spent in and out of the gym. After the second day of a three-day tournament, cover the bill during a late meal or round of drinks as you all sit around and discuss the various struggles and successes from the competition day. Swag is always a great item to give to your coaches who are going above and beyond or have reached a certain milestone in their coaching career. It’s important to remember that coaches are your club’s most valuable asset, so make it a priority to apply a budget line item for treating them this season.

Make education accessible

Another way to show your coaches how much you value their involvement in your club is to help cover their continued education.  The Annual AVCA Convention includes three to four days of classroom and on court sessions, along with numerous small group learning opportunities for coaches of all levels. The JVA sponsors several sessions, including the Club Management Track, as well as beach and indoor sessions throughout the convention.  Consider budgeting in $2,000-$3,000 to send a few of your coaches who have been with your club for a long period of time, or who play a large role in your club. Include your coaches in an Organizational Membership so they receive the educational benefits of the JVA and AVCA.

If you’re looking for other in person learning opportunities, The Art of Coaching Volleyball and Beach Nation offer high quality coaching clinics. All JVA Club Directors receive an Art of Coaching Volleyball Premium membership that includes access to the entire library of drills and coaching education online.  Offering your coaches a membership for professional development is a critical way to enhance your coaching staff and offer them a reason to come back each year.

Bring education to your club by hosting a coaching clinic at your facility. Ask college coaches in the area or a former coach who had great success in their career, to come speak to your coaches and share their insight.  Bring outside professionals in such as a Sports Psychologist / Mental Performance Professional, Yoga instructor, Parent Engagement and Coach Development professional such as A Better Way Athletics to work with your coaching staff.

Making education accessible is a form of leadership that will resonate with your coaches. Servant leadership begins at the top. Emphasize the importance of learning and serving others by taking care of your coaches this season.

View business resources for Junior Volleyball Directors here.

This article was written by JVA Director of Marketing and Education, Briana Schunzel.