The CAPS have an open tryout process for each team, usually in early September of each year.  There are typically more girls than available team positions, so players are asked to go through tryouts to show their stuff.  Coaches will look at each player's overall attributes - things such as natural ability and potential to excel, willingness to learn, attitude, desire, commitment, sportsmanship, and the player's ability to be a team player.

Once coaches confirm selections, players then register with the club, and the team begins its preparations for the season.



The club provides for uniforms, balls and gymnasium time.  As part of the club registration fee, each player gets (and keeps at the end of the season) the following team uniform package:
  • 2 game jerseys (home and away)
  • 1 pair, black spandex shorts
  • 1 long-sleeve warmup shirt
  • 1 practice shirt
  • 1 tryout t-shirt

Each player is expected to provide:
  • Volleyball shoes
  • White socks
  • White knee pads
  • Ankle supports/braces (optional but highly recommended)
  • Warm up pants (CAPSGear black tear-aways recommended)
  • Sport bag
  • Water bottle



There are two fees required to be a member of a CAPS team.  The first is the $750 club registration fee, which covers the core basket of services:
  • Team entry fees for 9 tournaments, including 5 Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) tournaments (including Provincial Championships), three additional tournaments, and National Championships
  • OVA registration fees
  • Gymnasium and facility rentals for practice and NCVC-hosted tournaments
  • Coaching and coaches' outfits
  • Officiating
  • Team uniform package
  • Team equipment (game and practice balls, ball bags and carts, medical kits and tool kits)
  • Marketing and communications
  • Insurance, including general comprehensive liability and directors' and officers' liability
  • Club administration

The second amount is a 'team fee'. Each team's coach, parents and players plan out their season with the goal of setting this amount, in consideration of other team expenses (i.e. team travel, supplies, coaches' expenses, and 'extras'), less whatever team fundraising and sponsorships are planned.  In 2004-05, different CAPS team fees ranged from between $0 to $500.



The CAPS practice for 2 hours at least twice weekly, usually a Monday/Wednesday, or Tuesday/Thursday cycle, from 6 to 8 pm for the younger girls or from 8 to 10 pm for the older teams.  During the early part of the season, before competition starts, a third weekly or Saturday practice may be scheduled.  This might include some special clinics run by guest or specialist coaches (university and national team coaches and players have guested in the past).  Gym locations may vary from year to year, but, once secured, they remain constant throughout the season.  St. Pius X on Fisher Avenue, St. Joes in Barrhaven and St. Paul's off Greenbank have been traditional practice locations.



The club volleyball season runs from tryouts in September to championships in April (Provincial) and May (National).  CAPS teams compete in 9 to 12 tournaments, including Provincial Championships and National Championships for their age group.

Aside from exhibition games, most tournaments are played in a single day (Saturday) format.  Teams from across the province travel to one location, and then play 5 to 7 matches, each typically consisting of two or three sets to 25 points.  While Ottawa hosts a few of these tournaments, most involve travel to other parts of Ontario, with an occasional tournament in Quebec, and (for the older teams) a trip or two to the United States.



The NCVC is a competitive club.  While coaches endeavour to develop the gameday skills of every player, they must balance this objective with that of achieving tournament success.  All players will see a minimum of court time at every tournament, but it should not be expected that all players will receive equal playing time.


The club gives a lot, and asks a lot in return.  Here is a summary of the commitment that the club expects from each of its players:
  • Act as a role model and ambassador for the club and for the sport of volleyball;
  • Give your best effort at all times, at both practices and tournaments;
  • Do your best to be a true team player;
  • Play by the rules of the game and the true spirit of the sport;
  • Acknowledge all good plays and performances - those of your team and your opponents;
  • Play volleyball because you want to, not because others want you to;
  • Remember that winning isn't everything - that enjoying the sport, improving your skills, making friends and doing your best are important goals;
  • Be on time for and attend all practices and games, unless you have a legitimate reason, in which case, your coach should be called in advance;
  • Wear appropriate practice clothing and prescribed game uniforms;
  • Listen intently to those who are speaking with you and teaching you;
  • Pay attention whenever your coaches pause to instruct your teammates during scrimmages;
  • Respect others (coaches, teammates, officials, opponents, parents) and the equipment and facilities loaned to you for your use;
  • Participate in all club and team fundraising activities;
  • Assist in delivery of CAPSClinics as needed;
  • Encourage your parents to contribute and volunteer at the team and/or club level (e.g. driving to tournaments, fundraising, host tournament committees, etc.);
  • Practice hard, play hard and have fun!

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