SELECTION CRITERIA

The purpose of the selection criteria is to assist evaluators toward an accurate assessment of athletes for participation in Volleyball Nova Scotia Development Pathway programs.

The main objective of VNS’ Development Pathway is to improve the number and performance of athletes representing Nova Scotia on Canada’s National Teams and impact post-secondary programs, bridging the gap between Nova Scotia’s club volleyball structure and Volleyball Canada’s age group National Team programs

As volleyball is not a measured or timed sport, it is difficult to make selection decisions based solely upon objective criteria. In selecting athletes, the selection committee will consider the criteria listed below, in reference to the Athlete Development Framework as outlined by Volleyball Canada.

Although all criteria will be considered, not all criteria are weighted the same.
 

Physical Attributes Assessment

• Demonstrated physical characteristics of potential National level athletes such as:
  • Height, reach, jump, velocity, and power in attack
  • Movement skills, coordination, agility, and body control as it relates to performing skills and footwork patterns. (Ex. setting, back court defense, passing, blocking movements, and transition movements)

Individual Technical/Tactical & Volleyball IQ Assessment

• Ability to consistently apply the 6 major skills while limiting errors in competitive situations:
  • Serving (ability to serve accurately and aggressively)
  • Passing (ability to provide the setter with a middle attacking option)
  • Setting (ability to provide attackers with hittable sets while making good choices)
  • Attacking (ability to terminate a rally or place the opposing team in a difficult situation) 
  • Blocking (ability to take away hitting options from the attacker)
  • Defending (ability to control attacked balls) 
• Ability to identify, implement and follow tactical strategies
• Ability and consistency of cue reading, making decisions and executing skill during game situations 

Psychological & Character Attributes Assessment

• Demonstrates qualities conducive to individual improvement such as (but not limited to): self-motivated, strong work ethic, responsible, competitive, accountable, and focused.
• Demonstrates qualities conducive to team success such as (but not limited to): strong leadership, positive attitude, good teammate, cooperative, respectful, and flexible.

High-Performance Pathway Potential (most relevant for athletes completing their 18U eligible club season)

• Clear opportunities, intention and motivation to pursue a pathway to play in high level college, university, and age-eligible national team programs.
• Demonstrated physical, technical, tactical and psychological abilities to continue along a high-performance pathway and develop beyond the club volleyball system.

It is the belief of Volleyball Nova Scotia that the selection criteria above will best identify the next generation of high-performance athletes with impact post-secondary and National Team potential, as well as identify a group of athletes who will work together as an effective team toward success in competition.


** Of note:

• To be considered for final selection to Team Nova Scotia, an athlete must be able to attend the selection events for their eligible programs (Ex. Selection Camp).
• If an athlete is unable to attend initial identification opportunities (Ex. Regional Identification Sessions) due to injury/illness, there is an opportunity to be evaluated by sharing match video with the VNS Development Director.
• Only in exceptional circumstances will athletes be selected to compete outside of their age group. VNS Development Pathway staff are empowered to make all final decisions in these circumstances.