Wow! What a busy season so far! It got so busy, it's delayed this newsletter several times. We usually like to publish a newsletter at the beginning of the season, but never got the chance. With the availability of the website and it's constant updates, hopefully everyone's been getting their information regularly anyway. We always try to keep the website as current as possible so if it's not there, then we probably haven't received the information yet. This is the first newsletter that is being posted only to the website. The Board decided that the popularity and availability of the internet would permit us to save some trees and money by delivering our newsletter through our website. We will still print out a bare bones copy of the newsletter for those members that request it.
Our Region continues to grow! We're now over 3750 members and 325+ teams in both Adults and Juniors. We have more junior players this season than we had total members as recently as 1999 (member history). We've been fortunate that we have the facilities available and tournament directors willing to provide opportunities for our teams to play. We still rarely have to turn away Carolina Region teams from tournaments that they enter by the deadline. But, if our growth continues, the need for more facilties and willing tournament directors will continue. Next time you're at a tournament, please thank your tournament director for their service to the sport. Without them, a lot of you wouldn't have the opportunities to play that you do. It's never too early to contact your local facilities to see if you can host a tournament or two next season. We'll post a 2004/2005 schedule of dates for tournaments in late June (after the Board's retreat).
Speaking of the retreat. the Board will be meeting in June for their Annual Retreat to plan for the 2004/2005 season. While the season is still fresh in your mind, send your ideas and suggestions about anything at all concerning volleyball in the Carolina Region to the office. The Annual meeting is also being planned. Click on the link at the left for information on this important meeting. We always need volunteers willing to help promote this sport in the state. The time commitment is minimal and we hope the rewards are many. Contact our Commissioner if you're interested in volunteering for the Board.
You may have noticed a new column from our new Director of Programs and Member Development. He may be new to the position, but he's definitely not new to Carolina Region. Join me in welcoming Chuck McCracken to the position. His knowledge of volleyball in North Carolina is a great asset in his new position. Please help him out when he contacts you for help in promoting this great sport in the state. He's also taking over the day-to-day administration of many of the duties that were on volunteers (or my shoulders when I had time) in the past (Officials program, Coaching program, High Performance). This should help us take those programs to the next level. The future looks bright for Carolina Region volleyball!
We'll be posting the 2004 Summer Camp listing and 2004 Outdoor schedule to our website in late March. Regional Championship results will also be posted to the Results pages when completed. Thanks, as always, for your support.
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