Question 1

What is Alabama Performance?

Accepted Answer

This program welcomes advanced volleyball players, Grade 7-12, with a desire to play collegiately. The atmosphere is focused and driven with a high level of expectation for every athlete. We compete against the most successful, and the best level of clubs in the country. The location of our tournaments is dictated by the pull of college coaches. We go where they go, which has provided a path for hundreds of girls to receive college scholarships.
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Alabama Performance has won four National Championships, the latest in June 2023, and has had numerous All-Americans and JVA watch list players. This list continues to grow as the talent and the skill grows.

Question 2

When are AP Tryouts?

Accepted Answer

All tryout information for AP can be find under the "AP" tab, under the heading "2025-2026 Tryouts"

Question 3

My child is playing school ball. How can she practice with her club during this time?

Accepted Answer

Alabama Performance abides by AHSAA rules. We will have no practices during the school season.

Question 4

My child is trying out for multiple clubs in the area. When do we have to let you know we accept?

Accepted Answer

Our club commitment date is Sunday, July 13 by 8pm.

Question 5

How do we commit to AP?

Accepted Answer

All players who tryout will be notified of the posting of tryout results no later than 8am on August 4. Tryout results will be posted on our website as a list of numbers. When you find your tryout number, you'll click the "Commit" button and fill out our commitment form electronically.

Question 6

What if my player doesn't make AP?

Accepted Answer

If a middle school or 9th/10th grader doesn't make the club, they will be offered a position in BE. This will be emailed to you directly at the conclusion of AP commitment.

Unfortunately, BE doesn't have teams for 11th/12th graders.

Question 7

What is the schedule for AP teams this season?

Accepted Answer

You can find our tentative schedule here.

Please note: this schedule is tentative for two main reasons.
1. All 2023-2024 season tournaments have not been posted for registration at this time. We have chosen tournaments that usually do not overlap, but anything can happen. Final dates will be posted once tournament registration has opened.
2. We may not be accepted to a tournament, forcing us to choose a replacement tournament.

Question 8

What is the practice schedule for the year?

Accepted Answer

AP practice schedule has not been finalized for this season.

In the past, AP schedule has been as follows: 
	Monday: AP MS 5:30-8:30pm, AP HS 4-6pm
	Tuesday: AP HS 4:30-7:30pm
	Wednesday: AP MS 5:30-8:30pm
	Thursday: AP HS 4:30-7:30pm

Question 9

What is in the Player/Parent Contract?

Accepted Answer

Our Player/Parent Contract is a document requiring a signature from a parent and their player, given to the club at the beginning of season, and upheld throughout the season.

1. We realize that Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy is an excellent program and we pledge our financial support for the entire season, even if the player chooses to leave the program. If the player decides not to participate in the club season after the start of the program, a written notice needs to be sent to her age group director or through team-mail or dropped off in the office with the last date of participation. You will still be financially responsible for all outstanding fees.
2. We realize that using illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco could result in an athlete’s dismissal from the Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy program.
3. We will be positive and refrain from any public outburst that could be viewed as detrimental to our child, the coaches, and teammates for the Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy program. We also have the right to expect the same courtesy from Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy staff members. We also agree to handle any and all complaints in a professional manner and will observe a 24-hour policy before responding. All problems should be addressed to the age group Master Coach.
4. We realize that there will be tournaments that are required outside of the Birmingham area and that by playing for Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy the player is required to attend. We understand that the player is responsible for all of her travel costs unless otherwise noted by Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy.
5. We understand that during all tournaments the player will eat team meals if and when determined by the coach as well as be present at any and all team meetings.
6. If the player is traveling with the club on out of town tournaments and you sign the player up to travel with Alabama Performance, you, the parent, are fully responsible for paying those travel fees, even if you cancel and the deadline for refund by the hotel, bus company, rental car company, or airlines has passed.
7. If we have made different payment arrangements with the club than normal payment arrangements, we understand that we are responsible for participating in fundraisers.
8. Practice and Tournament Protocol
   1. Practices are mandatory. If you cannot attend practice, you must email your Master Coach immediately.
   2. Only seniors are allowed to miss practice for Prom, 1 day only. All other prom activities must be attended on your own time. You are not allowed to miss any other practices or tournaments for prom.
   3. All players will have pre-practice or post-practice work duty.
   4. Players will observe Lombardi time whenever possible (15 minutes early).
   5. Gum, jewelry, make-up, and nail polish are not part of the practice or match uniform. We want you to be respected for what you are, not how you look.
   6. All athletes will remain at tournaments until the last Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy team is finished. If there are two waves, then it will be by the wave. This is a 15+ year tradition and one of which we are very proud. 
      1. Exceptions:
         1. Playing in Gold on the last day of a tournament or the AAU National Championships when teams will need to leave the gym to eat or get to bed for an early match the next day. These instances will be handled on a case by case basis. The Master Coaches will be in contact with the teams in their age group to make these decisions.
         2. If tournament play is in a wave, it will be based on the end of the wave.
         3. If you are in a play-in match for Gold, you can leave and come back for that match.
         4. 6/7/8th grade teams, if playing on Sunday night with school the next day, may be released prior to the last Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy team completing play.
   7. Volleyball shoes are to be worn ONLY in the gym and NEVER outside.
   8. All players will be involved in weight training or conditioning and will be expected to keep themselves in excellent shape at all times.
   9. Players will be given detailed information regarding proper recovery and nutrition.
9. For athletes 7th-12th grades, four study days will be allowed to complete homework and prepare for finals and mid-terms. These study days can be taken during any practice days, but not on Friday/Saturday/Sunday while traveling. 
10. Training in practice is equal for all players. Playing time in competition is earned with the understanding that Alabama Performance/Birmingham Elite/Performance Youth Academy will do everything it can to make sure all players are given the opportunity to showcase their skills during competition. The player will be expected to attend practice on a regular basis and if she is injured or continually absent, then playing time could be affected.
11. We will not discuss why or how teams were selected. We work very hard to make the right choices regarding team selection for every team and player. WE also reserve the right to make changes to rosters if we see that a team or individual player can benefit from a possible roster change.
12. We ask that you never approach a coach in regards to playing time at a tournament. Please contact your age group director to discuss this matter after the 24-hour period as stated in rule #3. 
13. NEVER approach a line judge, official, or scorekeeper before, during, or after a match. This will result in an immediate removal from the playing facility and suspension from future tournaments.