Director Essentials (Manual Version)

Purpose: Define the role of a Starlings Club Director, establish organizational identity, and clarify expectations required to operate a club in alignment with Starlings Volleyball USA.

This section outlines the foundational responsibilities, standards, and requirements that guide Directors in leading a safe, compliant, and mission-driven program.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission

To positively impact the lives of at-risk girls through the sport of club volleyball.

Vision

The vision of Starlings Volleyball USA is to provide at-risk and disadvantaged youth with equal access to quality volleyball programs regardless of financial hardship, ethnicity, or skill level.

Through the platform of sport, Starlings empowers athletes to pursue academic excellence, healthy lifestyle choices, and strong character development.

Core Values: EMPOWER

Starlings Volleyball USA operates under the EMPOWER framework:

• Equity: Access for all athletes regardless of financial circumstances
• Mastery: Focus on skill development and continuous improvement
• Positive Culture: Respectful, supportive, and encouraging environments
• Opportunity: Creating access to sport and personal growth
• Wellness: Supporting physical, emotional, and social well-being
• Excellence: Striving for success on and off the court
• Resilience: Building perseverance through challenges

Director Responsibility: Ensure that all aspects of the club reflect and reinforce the Starlings mission, vision, and values.

Director Responsibilities

Starlings Club Directors serve as the leaders of their local programs and are responsible for the overall success, safety, and alignment of their club.

Directors are expected to:

• uphold the Starlings mission and values
• ensure athlete safety and compliance with all policies
• recruit, supervise, and support qualified coaches
• manage club finances responsibly and maintain a current budget
• communicate clearly with families, coaches, and the National Office
• maintain accurate records and data within LeagueApps
• plan and execute a complete and organized season
• lead decision-making and oversee all aspects of program execution

Important Reminder: Directors are ultimately responsible for all aspects of their club’s operations.

Good Standing Expectations

Maintaining GOOD STANDING is required for all Starlings Clubs.

A club in good standing demonstrates:

• full compliance with safety requirements
• completion of all membership forms and documentation
• adherence to financial policies and budget expectations
• proper use of Starlings branding and uniforms
• accurate and up-to-date data within designated platforms
• alignment with Starlings mission and values
• timely communication and responsiveness

Operational Requirement: Failure to meet these expectations may result in corrective action, including probation, suspension, or loss of affiliation.

Director Responsibility: Monitor compliance throughout the season and address issues proactively.

Membership Status: Provisional vs Full Active

Starlings Clubs operate under defined membership statuses to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability.

Provisional Membership

New clubs enter Starlings as Provisional Members.

During this period, Directors are expected to:

• demonstrate the ability to operate a safe and compliant program
• meet all Starlings operational requirements
• maintain communication with the National Office
• successfully complete initial seasons

Important Note: The provisional period typically includes the first two seasons of operation.

Full Active Membership

Clubs that successfully meet all requirements during the provisional period may transition to Full Active Membership.

Full Active Members are expected to:

• consistently meet all Starlings standards
• operate independently while maintaining alignment with the organization
• contribute to the broader Starlings community

Director Responsibility: Maintain standards required to retain Full Active status.

Director Membership Requirement

All Starlings Club Directors are required to complete the Director Membership Form annually.

Requirements:

• must be submitted each year
• due by August 31
• must be completed prior to the start of the season

Document / Form Required: Director Membership Form (completed through the designated platform)

Information Collected

The Director Membership Form includes:

• Director contact and club information
• background screening and safety certification verification
• planned tryout dates
• first practice date
• first date of competition
• which Starlings tournaments the club will participate in
• governing organizations the club will compete in (USAV, JVA, AAU, etc.)
• projected number of teams in each age division

Purpose

This form:

• confirms the Director’s intent to operate a Starlings club
• ensures compliance with safety requirements
• provides essential planning data to the National Office
• supports organizational communication and oversight

Requirement: Directors who do not complete the annual membership form may not operate a Starlings club.

Director Responsibility: Ensure the form is completed accurately and updated if any key information changes.

Director Reminder

• Lead with purpose and integrity
• Align all decisions with the Starlings mission
• Maintain compliance at all times
• Communicate clearly and consistently
• Take ownership of your club’s success