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Term 3/4 School Volleyball Competition You may have heard that the school volleyball competition is now spread over three nights! With so many participants, we needed to expand the competition to ensure a great experience for everyone. This additional night will allow all grades to play at the Edgar Centre! We've had to adjust the schedule and with the help of school sports coordinators, we have reached the following plan:
Start Dates:
For further information around the school competition, please refer to the handbook linked below.  |
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Fuelling Your Volleyball Performance Your diet plays a critical role in your health and performance on the volleyball court. It includes macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fat, and water) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). While both are essential, focusing on macronutrients first is a good strategy. Get your macronutrient intake right, and your micronutrient needs will likely be met as well because the foods you eat to meet your macronutrient needs will also provide your micronutrients. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are your body's main source of energy, especially during high-intensity activities like volleyball. They're also your brain’s preferred fuel. Foods like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates, providing the energy and fibre you need. Incorporate these whole grains into meals when you're not training or competing. Before games or practices, opt for simpler carbohydrates like white rice, bananas, or sports drinks, which are easier to digest and quickly converted into energy. Protein: Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, immune support, hormone production, and the function of enzymes that drive bodily processes. Lean meats like chicken breast or turkey, eggs, tofu and Greek yogurt are all great sources of protein. Including these in your diet helps maintain strong muscles and connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, which are vital for injury prevention. Fats: Fats provide protection, insulation, and store fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Focus on healthy polyunsaturated fats found in foods like salmon, avocados, and walnuts, which aid in recovery and overall health. Monounsaturated fats, found in foods like olive oil, nuts, and seeds, are also beneficial, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. It's best to limit saturated fats from sources like butter, fatty cuts of meat, and fried foods, as they can negatively affect your health. Power Up Before You Play: Eating before a game or practice is essential to ensure you have the energy to perform your best. The key is to focus on easily digestible carbohydrates that can quickly fuel your muscles. Timing Your Snack: Aim to eat your pre-game snack about 30 minutes to an hour before you hit the court. This gives your body time to digest and convert the food into energy, so you’re ready to go. Snack Ideas:
These snack options are designed to keep you energized and focused, helping you perform at your peak during games and training sessions. Remember to also have some fluids with your snacks to help keep you hydrated. Always trial foods in training before you use them in competition. -Katherine Black (Fred Nutrition) |
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Whistle Wisdom In sports officiating, the whistle is more than a mere accessory. It is a powerful tool that when used effectively, enhances communication, asserts authority, and contributes to a smoother, safer game. Referees who master the art of blowing their whistle loudly not only uphold the integrity of the game but also improve the overall experience for players, coaches, and spectators. As with any aspect of refereeing, practice and attention to detail make all the difference. So, when you are out next refereeing, make sure that your whistle is being heard by everyone on the court and off. If a stray ball rolls onto the court, you are the one who needs to stop the game to keep everyone safe so don’t be shy about it! Be loud and firm. A loud whistle can also mean teams will feel more confident in the referee. Even if you aren’t feeling the bravest that day, keep pretending you are the best thing since sliced bread and make sure that everyone can hear you! -Kate C |
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Personal Bio - Andy Campbell Throughout an enjoyable coaching journey spanning over three decades, I have had the privilege of nurturing talent and leading teams across various levels and locations. My journey began at Kings High School, where I first stepped into the role of coach for the Junior A team in 1987 until 1989, while still a Senior A player. I then moved to England to take up an opportunity to play for Malory Eagles in the National League, before returning to Dunedin in 1993 as a Player Coach for the Vikings Men’s team competing in the Southern Zone League for three years. After returning from another stint in England, I resumed coaching at Kings High School in 2003 where I have spent the past 22 years coaching the Junior and Senior A teams. During this time, our teams have won multiple Otago Championship titles, a 2nd place at the Junior South Islands in 2019, and the South Island Junior Championship in 2023. The Senior A team also made a notable appearance in the quarterfinals of the National Secondary School Championships this year, finishing 7th overall. My coaching journey also includes the Otago Representative Boys teams in which the U19 Men secured 3rd place in 2022 at the Inter Provincial Championships. The opportunity to be the Head Coach for the New Zealand Junior Men’s team arose in 2021. I was tasked with managing the programme for the top 36 players in the country. Despite challenges, including the disruption of the Asian Champs in Bahrain due to Covid, we achieved significant milestones, including competing in the Australian State Champs (held in Sydney) and playing a test series in Canberra against Australia, losing 1-3. I have also had the honour of coaching the Central Hauwhenua Men’s team in the inaugural National Volleyball League alongside Colin Redpath where we finished as runners-up. The highlight over the years has been meeting so many good people and the friendships formed. Additionally, witnessing past and present players who I have coached thrive, whether by making national teams, winning titles, or simply enjoying the game they love. Currently, I am a member of the Volleyball Otago Committee, and I continue to coach at Kings High School, Otago Representative teams, and the Otepoti Vikings Men’s Team. -Andy C |
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As always, if you have any ideas/suggestions/or stories you want to share, please flick us a message at operations@volleyballotago.nz . xoxo - VO |