Team Nova Scotia is Volleyball Nova Scotia’s provincial team program. The purpose of the Team NS program is to identify athletes with potential to excel in the sport of volleyball, and provide high-performance training and competition experiences in order to further support their development on the path to future post-secondary, National team and professional league playing careers.
Team Nova Scotia programming happens annually in Beach and Indoor.
- Team NS BEACH
- Beach Team Selection, Training and Competition typically occurs between May-August each year.
- We annually compete in VC Canada Cup, VC Beach Nationals, the Atlantic Beach Tour, as well as other exhibition opportunities.
Information on Team NS Beach can be found here.
- Team NS INDOOR
- Indoor Team Selection, Training and Competition happens annually in the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter, with intake happening in April/May
- We annually compete in National Competitions such as the Canada Cup/Canada Games, as well as the Eastern Elite Championships, as well as other exhibition opportunities.
Team Nova Scotia Selection Process
Regional Open Identification Sessions are the first opportunity for athletes to express their interest in indoor Team Nova Scotia and be identified by VNS and Team NS staff to move forward to a Team Nova Scotia Selection Event.
- May 5-23: Regional Open ID Sessions hosted across the province. Virtual submission open.
- June 5-7: Identified athletes are invited to a selection camp in HRM
- July/August: Team NS Training & Competition. Key dates can be found here
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 Performance coach
- 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.