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COVID-19 CLUB COMMUNICATION

The following communication has been sent from CCJ via our email distribution list.   Our goal is to keep all CCJ members informed with information and details as they are available.  The COVID-19 section of our website is explicitly devoted to our club community

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APRIL 8, 2020 (12:00 PM)

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Dear CCJ Families,

As expected, the Arizona Region has recently issued the following statement today (April 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM) in regards to all Regional competition in Arizona:  After much discussion, the Arizona Region Board of Directors has cancelled all scheduled Junior Tournament events after March 13, 2020. This includes all power tournaments, Region Championships, the Vulture Peak Challenge and the AZ NCQ tournaments.


The rationale for this decision included the following considerations:       

  • The health and safety of all players, coaches, officials and their families

  • The closure of Arizona schools through the end of the school year

  • The suspension of USA Volleyball Insurance through April 30

  • The extended CDC guidelines of 30 days to slow the spread of the virus

  • The Stay At Home order for Arizona by Governor Ducey

  • The understanding that any of the above could be extended into May

 

For the full release from the Region, please click here.


While the news of canceling the Arizona Region Season is equally expected and disappointing, Club Cactus Juniors supports the decision during this unpredictable and anxious time in the season.  We hope that this provides some sense of clarity and resolve for our athletes, coaching staff and parents.

While the Region's competitive season is over, we're still hoping that we can plan an alternative finish to the 2020 Season depending on the CDC guidelines in May and/or June.  In the meantime, we cannot overstate the importance of staying connected as a community during this time.  Our coaching staff will continue to work with the athletes remotely to allow them to share their open thoughts on the season.
 



REGIONAL (NAVY) TEAMS
This will effectively end the competitive season for our Regional (Navy) Teams.  The coaching staff will continue to maintain team functions for these teams (at least through the original season) by providing 'virtual practices' and workouts.  These are optional, but we feel it's important to give our athletes a sense of community and social interaction during this time of great uncertainty.

CCJ will refund/credit all monies we receive back from the Arizona Region related to the tournaments we've missed, and all practices that were scheduled in April at the SCC.  This will be different for each team (based on number of tournaments missed) and we'll follow up with a communique regarding the refund procedures once we receive payment from the Region.  These (tournament) expenses were paid in full in December so we need to wait for the reimbursements.


NATIONAL (MIZUNO/SILVER) TEAMS
This announcement is concerning Arizona Region Tournaments (Open and Championship Divisions) and does not included the USAV and JVA National events that our Mizuno and Silver teams are registered in.

At this point, all indications from USA Volleyball's National Office is that National Tournaments and Events will continue after the USAV ban is lifted on April 30.  We are continuing to work with USAV and the JVA, along other clubs around the country to continue as soon as it is safe. It may not look like every other season, but we are optimistic and hopeful that there will be more volleyball to come.
 

Given the fluid nature of this issue, we cannot predict the exact day that volleyball activities will resume or if they will resume. We are working to replace as many missed events as possible given the calendar and unknown restart date. Everyone is hopeful that we will resume tournaments sometime in May, with events continuing into June and possibly July for the teams scheduled to go to USA Junior National Volleyball Championships.

CCJ will refund/credit all monies we receive back from the Arizona Region related to the Open and Championship Division tournaments we've missed.  This will be different for each team (based on number of tournaments missed) and we'll follow up with a communique regarding the refund procedures once we receive payment from the Region.  With respect to the National Events, the club has already paid all entry fees and travel deposits for all events.  If these events are canceled, we will refund/credit all National team accounts the monies we receive back.



TUITION PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS
Unfortunately, there will be a financial impact as a result of COVID-19, and our goal is to minimize the impact between the club, staff, coaches and families. Now that a part of the season has been canceled, we will evaluate all deposits and expenses that we can recover and reconcile of each family's account individually.  Right now this will be the Arizona Region's pending refunds and the SCC gym rental for April.

We will follow up with a communique regarding the Refund Procedure as soon as we have more information.  Groundwork accounts will be updated accordingly.  Please keep in mind that the payment schedule was established as a convenience for families paying tuition and does not reflect activity in any particular month - many of the expenses (player uniforms and shoes, equipment, tournament contracts, insurance, gym rental, etc.) have already been paid early in the season.


We appreciate your support and concern for the safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, and families in the club.  We will continue to update everyone as we get new information.

April-8
April-7

APRIL 7, 2020 (9:00 AM)

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We hope this email update finds everyone safe and healthy over the past three weeks of quarantine.  The purpose of this communication is to share some information regarding workouts CCJ is providing on TeamBuildr - our online Strength and Conditioning software.

With the three weeks of no volleyball, we want to provide some individual workouts and strength training for our athletes that are used to physical activity three times a week.  In the absence of volleyball practices, it's important for our players to benefit from workouts for physical health, mental well-being, and to be ready when/if the season continues.

TeamBuildr is strength/conditioning platform used by colleges and some top high school programs to load and track student-athletes workouts in the off-season and season.  The work outs are specifically designed for volleyball athletes and are modified for home exercises while the gyms are closed.

To access the CCJ Training Calendar and start working out, please visit our Online Practice Resource Page for the join code.  You can download TeamBuildr to your moblie device for free and then join our workout calendar:

  • Join Code: TGAU-2GW3

  • Password: DLPDSOZY
     

CCJ Coach Ashleigh Houlton uploads three days of workouts/cardio each week and all athletes (and parents!) with the calendar code will receive them.  Coach Houlton is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

There is also a #CCJFridayChallenge on the CCJ Instagram and for all athletes to stay competitive.  The weekly challenge is uploaded in TeamBuildr.

While the coaches are able to track attendance and completion, players are not required to take part in these optional exercises.  We believe that staying in shape is especially crucial for maintaining you physical and mental well-being during this COVID-19 pandemic so we want to offer this opportunity to continue to train as much as they want or can. 

We understand that our athletes cannot be in the gym practicing right now - so we hoping this service helps in the meantime.

We're all in this together - let's stay #CactusStrong

March-27

MARCH 27, 2020 (12:00 PM)

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​Dear CCJ Families,
 

We hope this email update finds everyone safe and healthy as we head into the second weekend of no volleyball tournaments... 

As with all our players and parents, our coaching staff has been working and adjusting to life away from the gym, trying to make sense of the immediate and emerging impacts of the coronavirus - for our volleyball teams and club, school communities, and families.  Our staff remains active and engaged working to maintain some sort of clarity during this anxious time for the players.

Given the fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, where recommendations and updates change day-to-day or hourly, we've created a COVID-19 page on our website with updated information and details as we get them.  Instead of sending massive amounts of emails, we keep this page updated.  This past week, we added a FAQ page and some resources for our players. 

THE REMAINING CLUB SEASON
At this point, all indications from the Arizona Region and USA Volleyball is that the season will continue after the USAV ban is lifted on April 15.  Along with other top clubs across the Nation, CCJ is planning to resume some activity after the USAV restrictions are lifted, while still following the recommendations from the Pima County Health Department and State of Arizona.
 

We are continuing to work with the Region, USAV, JVA, and other clubs around the country to make sure this season will continue as soon as it is safe. It may not look like every other season, but we are optimistic and hopeful that there will be more volleyball to come.

 

We still have secured spots in postponed and/or rescheduled events. Given the fluid nature of this issue, we cannot predict exact day that volleyball activities will resume. We are working to replace as many missed events as possible given the calendar and unknown restart date. Everyone is hopeful that we will resume tournaments sometime in May, with events continuing into June and possibly July for the teams scheduled to go to USA Junior National Volleyball Championships.



TUITION PAYMENTS
At this time, we have pushed the current payments for Silver Teams to April 20, and Navy Teams to April 25. Please do not cancel your auto payments.  We will re-evaluate the situation and payment schedule in April when we can resume training and will know what the schedule will look like.

Unfortunately, there will be a financial impact as a result of COVID-19, and our goal is to minimize the impact between the club, staff, coaches and families. While we remain optimistic that we will return to the court in April or May, there is a possibility of a shortened club season and prorated refunds and/or credits.  At that point, we will evaluate all deposits and expenses that we can recover and reconcile of each family's account individually.

Given the fluid nature of the situation we find ourselves in in regard to COVID-19, it's too early to cancel the season and start refunding members. However, we understand that this could change at any moment. Please keep in mind that the payment schedule was established as a convenience for families paying tuition and does not reflect activity in any particular month - many of the expenses (Player uniforms and shoes, equipment, tournament contracts, insurance, gym rental, etc.) have been paid early in the season.



Thank you to all those that have reached out during this pause in the season - we appreciate your support and concerning for the safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, and families in the club.  We will continue to update everyone as we get new information.

In the meantime, enjoy the extra time with your family this weekend and we look forward to seeing everyone on the court soon!

Sincerely,
Club Cactus Juniors Volleyball Club

March-23

MARCH 23, 2020

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Dear CCJ Families,

 

USA Volleyball has now eliminated all sanctioned activities through April 15.  This ban includes but is not limited to all events, practices, individual training sessions or any event that is covered by USA Volleyball insurance.  CCJ will continue to cease all practices through April 15 .  As stated before, this also includes the Spring Session of the Youth Academy. 

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As a representative on the Arizona Region's Juniors Committee, CCJ Director Bill Lang will on a video conference call with other club Directors on Friday morning.  Once there is more information regarding Arizona Region competitions and scheduling, Club Cactus Juniors will be sending out another communication to all CCJ Families during the weekend or by Monday morning at the latest.  This is difficult time for our players and staff - we hope to have more information soon!

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COVID-19 UPDATES
We've created a Coronavirus Information page on our website (there's a link under the Member Resources page) and continue designed to keep all members informed in regards to COVID-19 and the 2020 Club Season.  Considering the fluidity of information regarding the coronavirus, we will strive to act immediately with any new information.  The safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, and families is of the utmost importance to our club. 

March-16

MARCH 16, 2020 (9:00 AM)

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Dear CCJ Families,
 

What a weekend...  I'm sure by now that everyone has heard of the USA Volleyball ban that was announced shortly after our email communication on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 PM on March 13, 2020, USAV issued the following statement:  USA Volleyball is eliminating the sanctioning for all USA Volleyball activities (including but not limited to events, practices, individual training sessions or anything covered by USA Volleyball insurance) effective 11:59 PM, Friday, March 13. This ban on all USA Volleyball sanctioned activities extends through March 31.

As a result, CCJ will cease all practices and team activities through March 31, 2020.  This includes the Spring Session of the Youth Academy.  We have been informed by the Arizona Region that this ban will include any and all Team Functions - including team bonding activities including, but limited to, team dinners, swim parties, practices without coaches, etc.   

This ban is based on the recommendations of USAV's risk management and insurance companies, and follows the CDC guidelines and the actions of other sports organizations in the Nation amid the growing concerns of COVID-19.


ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES
We understand that many of our players want to get back to gym and with their teams.  The coaches want to get into the gym just as much.  The Coaching Staff will be meeting this evening to discuss individual activities and exercises that our players can do at home to stay engaged during this pause in the season.  These activities could include:

  • Individual Workouts

  • Journal Worksheets from our Mindset Coach

  • Webinars

  • Facebook Live updates from the staff

  • SportsRecruits Recruiting Information

 

We will have more information as soon as possible about these alternative programs for the rest of the month!


COVID-19 UPDATES
We've created a Coronavirus Information page on our website (there's a link under the Member Resources page) and continue designed to keep all members informed in regards to COVID-19 and the 2020 Club Season.  Considering the fluidity of information regarding the coronavirus, we will strive to act immediately with any new information.  The safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, and families is of the utmost importance to our club. 

March-13

MARCH 13, 2020 (4:00 PM)

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Dear CCJ Families,
 

The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) is on all our minds and in the news.  It seems like everything is moving at warp speed and as we head into the weekend, we wanted to let everyone know that we're trying to stay ahead of all information during this time of great uncertainty and working to get our players back on the court. 

We've created a Coronavirus Information page on our website (there's a link under the Member Resources page) designed to keep all members informed in regards to COVID-19 and the 2020 Club Season.  Considering the fluidity of information regarding the coronavirus, we will strive to act immediately with any new information.

As announced yesterday, all USAV-Sanctioned events scheduled through March 22, 2020 have postponed or canceled.  This includes the Crossroads JNQ and the Arizona Region's Open, Championship, and Club Division Tournaments over the next two weekends.  At this time, we have no information regarding the possibility of any event being rescheduled.

In addition, CCJ canceled practices through March 17, 2020 in response to the immediate decisions of USA Volleyball.  Some have expressed concerns regarding why CCJ is trying to start practices earlier than the Arizona Region's recommendation that all practices be canceled through March 22, 2020.  While we are assessing the situation day to day, we wanted to let everyone know our plan to get back into the gym:

The USAV recommendation is based on the concept of "social distancing" at events in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus.  As long as the Arizona Department of Health Services lists the level of community COVID-19 spread as Minimal, we believe that it will be safe to return to the gym.  Further, the Pima County Health Department has not recommended any cancellation of events or closing any venues.  The SCC follows the recommendation of the PCHD and is still open at this time for the club to resume practices on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

However, we are aware that this could change day-to-day and that the "curve" for the number of new local cases and new information changes, we will follow the guidelines set-forth by local agencies.

Moving forward, the following events between March 28 and April 5 are still planning on moving forward as scheduled at this time:

 

The safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, and families is of the utmost importance to our club.   We understand that many of our players want to get back to gym and with their teams so we will continue to monitor this fluid situation and send periodic updates as needed.

Please enjoy the weekend with your families and we'll have more information on Monday when available.

Sincerely,
Club Cactus Juniors Volleyball Club

March-12-2

MARCH 12, 2020 (2:30 PM)

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During this time of great uncertainty in regards to COVID-19, or the Coronavirus, Club Cactus Juniors will be following the recommendations from the Arizona Region, USA Volleyball and the JVA, and has suspended all practices (starting today March 12, 2020) until at least Tuesday, March 17, 2020.  At that time, we will review the situation and create a plan for moving forward.


At this time, the following Region Events have been canceled:

  • Club Division on March 14 (163/153/143/132/121/122)

  • USAV High Performance Tryout on March 20

  • Club Division on March 21 (121/122)

  • Championship Division on March 21 (182/162/152/142/131)

  • Open Division on March 22 (181/171/161/151/141)


The following CCJ practices will be canceled over the next few days:

  • Thursday, March 12

  • Sunday, March 15 was not scheduled due to SCC event

  • Monday, March 16

  • Tuesday, March 17


We will revisit the rest of next week once there is more information available.  We understand that Arizona and Pima County have only limited reports of the coronavirus, and that at this time we do not know of anyone in the volleyball community having tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, and families is of the utmost importance to our club.  We will continue to monitor this fluid situations and send periodic updates as needed.

Please enjoy the time with your families and be safe!

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March-12-1

MARCH 12, 2020 (5:00 AM)

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Club Cactus Juniors Volleyball takes the health and safety of our members very seriously. We are carefully monitoring the progress of COVID-19 (coronavirus) with the CDC in relation to all CCJ, Arizona Region, and USAV JNQ events and the health of attendees at these events. 

Over the past 12 hours, a lot of information and cancellations have prompted a lot of uncertainty among our coaches and players. 

While new information continues to come in every minute, we wanted to keep everyone updated as much as possible.


CLUB CACTUS JUNIORS RESPONSE
At this time, all CCJ team practice and/or meetings will continue as scheduled.  Unless otherwise directed by the Pima County Health Development of the SCC, we will keep training.  If a player or coach is not feeling well, they should stay home to avoid the risk of getting other players sick. 

In the meantime, please review safety measures to reduce the risk of any virus:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Stay home when you are sick, and keep sick players home as well.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze, then immediately discard any tissues.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

It’s important to remember that young people who contract the COVID-19 virus are expected to recover completely, just as most recover from influenza.



ARIZONA REGION RESPONSE
At this time, the Arizona Region is not planning to cancel any regular season Region events - including this weekend's Club Division Tournaments.

The Region is asking that all players not shake hands at the net prior to and after the game. They will have come to the 3‐meter line and offer good luck or good game wishes to the opposing team from their own 3‐meter line.

When teams are not playing, everyone is requested to move outside where there is fresh air instead of congregating in closed areas. 


USA VOLLEYBALL RESPONSE
USA Volleyball issued a statement on March 11, 2020 at 9:00 PM that they are recommending that all USAV-sanctioned events scheduled through March 22 be postponed or cancelled:

"Due to recent events and information concerning the current status of the COVID-19 coronavirus, USA Volleyball is recommending that all USAV-sanctioned events scheduled through March 22 be postponed or cancelled ..."

Keep in mind that this is only a recommendation from USAV - and not a mandate - as each event is it's own entity.  The various tournament organizers and Regions can make their own decision based on the information available to them.  While a few Regions and Junior National Qualifiers have canceled their events, the tournaments that CCJ is scheduled to compete at have not been canceled.  Nor has the Arizona Region canceled this weekend's tournaments at this time.


COLORADO CROSSROADS JNQ
We have two teams getting ready to fly out to Colorado this morning.  As of late Wednesday night, the Crossroads JNQ is scheduled to start on Friday as planned.  If there are any changes to the format or the spectator policies, we will notify our 17-Mizuno and 16-Mizuno teams and parents that are attending. 

SCVA RED ROCK WAVE JNQ
CCJ is scheduled to travel to Las Vegas later this month for the Red Rock Wave JNQ.  At this time, the tournament is still scheduled as planned.  The SCVA is considering creating a "Closed Event" Policy in Las Vegas - meaning that all matches will be played in the Convention Center without spectators.  Only players and team staff will be allowed to follow the social distancing procedures that are being suggested by heath officials.

CCJ staff is considering a temporary change to our travel policy for this event where players will be allowed to stay with their parents if there is any concern about getting sick during the event.  More information will be available prior to the tournament.

 

We will continue to monitor the tournament websites and communicate any updates to USA Volleyball's response and policies related to the upcoming tournaments.

For further information, please refer to the following links with statements concerning the coronavirus response:

 
Please understand that we are well aware of our responsibilities as a club, both to the players and parents that want to continue to train and compete as they planned to this season, and to those who feel we should cancel and pull our teams from the competitions.  CCJ cares about, and is concerned about, the welfare and safety of all our players, coaches, and parents.

We feel at this time that it's best to move forward with scheduled practices and traveling based on all information presented and the obligations we have to our players.  Considering the fluidity of information regarding the coronavirus, this could change based on new information. 

We recognize that these are personal decisions and that CCJ cannot give any medical advice, or advise you if you should or should not attend an practice or event based off medical issues or concerns.  We will respect the decisions of any family that wishes to keep their daughter from practices or traveling due to concerns regarding COVID-19. 

Please contact the team's head coach if you have any concerns related to the team's competition schedules and team travel. 

Thank you in advance for your continued support and patience as we navigate through these uncertain issues related to this virus.


Sincerely,
Club Cactus Juniors Volleyball Club

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March-9

MARCH 9, 2020 (2:00 PM)

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Dear CCJ Families,


We have received a few inquiries about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and how it may impact our the travel plans for our CCJ Mizuno and Silver Teams to the upcoming USAV Junior National Qualifiers over the next couple months.

CCJ works closely with the USA Volleyball and the Arizona Region regarding the safety of all participants at each of the sanctioned tournaments that our teams attend.  In a recent statement, USA Volleyball has determined that it would be premature to cancel our tournaments at this time as the risk is still very low in the United States.

Therefore, at this time CCJ plans on following through on all scheduled events.  The tournament organizers and USAV have assured all clubs that every precaution will be taken during the events for the safety of the players. 

For example, USAV has suspended all pre/post match handshakes and high-fives between teams at all JNQ's. This past weekend in Colorado and Florida, teams waved to each other prior to the match and hand sanitizer and wipes were at each score-table.

While the club plans to move forward with traveling based on all information presented, CCJ cannot give any medical advice, or advise you if you should or should not attend an event based off medical issues or concerns.  We will respect the decisions of any family that wishes to keep their daughter from traveling due to concerns regarding COVID-19.  Please contact the head coach if you have any concerns related to the team travel.

It’s important to remember that most people who contract the COVID-19 virus recover completely, just as most recover from influenza. Nevertheless, this is a good time to review measures we can all take to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses during a large event. Please also take a moment to share these with your players:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Stay home when you are sick, and keep sick players home as well.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze, then immediately discard any tissues.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.


We will continue to monitor the tournament websites and communicate any updates to USA Volleyball's response and policies related to the upcoming tournaments.

For further information, please refer to the following links with statements concerning the coronavirus response:


Sincerely,


Club Cactus Juniors Volleyball Club

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