Youth volleyball in Overland Park

RESPONSIBILITIES

This committee supports areas requiring programming recommendations and administrative review. It is composed of an odd number of members—at minimum, three—each serving three-year terms. Specifically, the committee:

• Conducts interviews and selects coaches
• Deliberates and acts on formal protests
• Reviews rules, policies, post-season evaluations, and surveys
• Recommends changes for staff consideration
• Evaluates and advises on special requests from parents or players regarding team changes
• Holds hearings on incidents—as defined in the current Official Rules and Policies Handbook—and recommends appropriate actions

Through these responsibilities, the committee plays a vital role in ensuring program integrity, fairness, and continuous improvement.

CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS

• Neely Bordegon (12/31/26)
• Tom Galbraith (12/31/27)
• Dennis Selznick (12/31/28)
• Julius Lai (12/31/26)
• Steve Large (12/31/26)
• Linda Weber (12/31/28)
• Cassie Weber (12/31/27)

SPORTSMANSHIP ROLE

Sportsmanship plays a foundational role in youth sports, going far beyond the final score. It fosters character development, emotional growth, and a positive team environment—values that benefit young athletes both on and off the field. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Builds Character and Integrity – To begin with, practicing good sportsmanship teaches respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. Moreover, it instills honesty, humility in victory, and grace in defeat—all of which contribute to shaping a child’s moral compass.
• Encourages Respect and Teamwork – When athletes demonstrate sportsmanship, they begin to appreciate the contributions of others, communicate more effectively, and prioritize team goals over individual recognition. As a result, this behavior fosters mutual respect and significantly strengthens team cohesion.
• Promotes Emotional Control and Resilience – While youth sports can often be competitive and emotionally charged, sportsmanship plays a vital role in helping players navigate these challenges. Specifically, it encourages them to manage frustration, recover from setbacks, and approach adversity with maturity—ultimately equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond the game.
• Creates a Positive Playing Environment – Although youth sports can be both competitive and emotionally intense, sportsmanship provides a framework for managing those pressures. In particular, it helps players control frustration, recover from setbacks, and face adversity with maturity. Consequently, these skills prove valuable not just in sports, but in many areas of life.
• Reinforces Lifelong Values – Ultimately, the habits developed through sportsmanship—such as fairness, accountability, and perseverance—stick with young athletes long after their playing days are over.

In short, sportsmanship transforms youth sports into a powerful vehicle for personal growth, community building, and lifelong learning.

RESOURCE PDFs

• Code of Ethics Roster
• Role of Parent
• Role of Coach
• Role of Player
• Issues to Address
• Parent Summary

Resources

SEMINARS/TRAINING

• Parent Sportsmanship Seminar with Bill Severns (Fall 2023)
• Parent Sportsmanship Seminar with Bill Severns and Chris Tallent (Spring 2024)

PARNTERS

• Enjoy the Game
• Proactive Coaching
• Officially Human

POLICY

Blue Valley Rec and its partners reserve the right to use all photographs and video footage of participants for promotional purposes. Specifically, this includes materials used in print, digital media, advertisements, and social media promotions. Moreover, drone footage is also included under this policy.

WAIVER

In addition, by participating in our programs or events, individuals acknowledge and accept the potential use of their image for marketing purposes. As a result, these visuals help us showcase the energy and excitement of our leagues and activities across various platforms.