Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Attire
The USA Team dress code for travel is in accordance with FAA recommendations. The following are approved, and the choice of attire will be at the discretion of the coach:
Long khaki pants (nice, clean, long pants without holes)
Team practice shirt
Team sweat suit top
Low-heeled shoes (nice casual)
Modest business attire (no midriffs, no short skirts, no short shorts, no Flip-flops)
For parents out of state, is there a certain hotel/place parents are staying?
We do not have a designated place for parents to stay while in Utah. Some parents are getting AirBNB’s. You are responsible for those costs and food while you are here.
Is the practice site in SLC or just outside?
Practices will be held at High Country Volleyball 4140 W. 5415 S Kearns, Utah 84118
Will we all get 1 bag we can check in paid for or do we need to pay for a check in bag?
When the plane tickets are issued, I will have that information for you.
Is there a weight limit for luggage?
Please check with the airlines when the plane tickets are issued. On 18 April 2024, I saw that the airlines were in the process of changing what is and isn’t allowed as carry ons and size and weight limits. It may also vary from country to country what the size and weight restrictions are.
How do I get the best Euro exchange rate?
We are recommending that you use Wise to get your Euros. You can sign up for a card at http://wise.com. Please visit that website for all your answers to how the card works and money transfers.
How much euros is recommended to take?
Everyone is different with their spending so think about when you go on other trips.. Please plan on having money for souvenirs, food when it isn’t provided for the team or traveling parents or other expenses.
Are there others traveling as a solo parent like I will be?
Yes, there are other parents traveling solo. We will introduce you all at the Team meeting in May.
International Calling
Please check to make sure your cell phone plan is ready for international calling so you don’t get any surprises.
Who are the Coaches?
Kim Norman I am coaching the 2008 and younger kids with Karrie Surge. I ran and started the USA High Performance program back in the 90's, and have decided to bring it back for the international experience kids do not get.
Maureen Boyle is the head coach for the 2007 and younger from Carroll College, Stephen Valdez is a Club Coach from California.
Shelby Fortchner is at New Mexico Military Academy, and MacKenzie Chrisman from North Eastern Colorado. They are the coaches for the 2006 and younger teams.
Where are the athletes being recruited from to form the teams?
Athletes are coming from Utah, Wyoming, Montana, California, Texas, and Colorado
Are they all top level elite athletes?
That is hard to answer this because it depends on what comparison are we using. They are not our USA women's team ability, but all capable and wanting to play college volleyball.
If we arrange sponsors, will that money go directly towards our daughter's fees?
100% goes to your daughter's fee's. After the total amount needed it would spill over to others in the program as we are a not for profit so donations cannot be used for personal needs.
The practice schedule in Kearns shows 3 times a day for that week...does that mean they practice at all of those listed times or are those just potential times depending on the team she's on?
We will be in intensive team immersion for 3 days prior to our departure, so planning that the whole day is taken is needed. Especially since we have kids coming from all over the country, we become their supervisors the afternoon of 6/24 - july 9th.
We saw the parent accommodations section of the email, but how does parent travel work? Do we book our own flights and hotel stay or is that something you arrange for us?
Parents who are part of our tour, and get to experience this with their kids team. While you are in Salt Lake, you are responsible for your own lodging, food and transportation.
Parents who are traveling on their own are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food and transportation.
Will we have contact with our athlete throughout the time abroad; can we go on the tours, watch the practice sessions?
If you are on the tour there will be some parent involvement but we ask that parents participate as the tour, not as a family unit as we want the kids to experience this event as an elite athlete. Parents cannot stay in the athlete village, but can attend practices and communicate with the athletes during non team times.
During travel times the team will be together…when parents go to do they have access to ride the bus with the team or do we have to find our own transportation in Portugal?
Transportation for those who are traveling with the team has been provided. Those not traveling with the team will be responsible for their own transportation.
Do you give us flight info so we can book the same flights
We will provide you with all the ticket information when the tickets are purchased so you can book the same flights if you are not traveling as part of the team.
Is someone going to speak Portuguese to translate too?
Our travel guides speak Portuguese and English so we should not have a language barrier. I have been told that English is also spoken in Portugal, so there should be the ability to communicate when not with the traveling group.
I am thinking about going to Portugal the first week of July and want to find a place close to where the tournament is but I’m having trouble finding an address for the tournament. I know it’s in Espinho, Portugal would you happen to have an exact address?
The tournament is spread out over a large number of venues so until they seed the full tournament we won’t have locations. When I checked last, there were 91 clubs coming and the tournament setup starts the beginning of June. We will have a full schedule before the tournament starts though and it will be shared with all the parents. Please see the AMB website to see all the venues.
Housing while in Utah
The athletes coming from out of state will be placed with host families. This will also allow for more bonding time for the team. The host families will have an athlete on the team, so they will make sure your athlete gets to practices and to the airport on time. Out-of-state athletes may stay with their parents or family if desired, though staying with a team member is preferred. Out-of-state athletes staying with their families must be at all team activities and practices, with no exceptions. If accommodations are needed, please let us know. You will be responsible for the cost of your accommodations, food, and activities while in Utah.
Team Travel
Athletes are expected to stay with the team for the duration of the trip. Athletes are not to leave the travel party, including with parents, friends, or other family members, except in special circumstances with advance permission from the head coach and sports administrator. This includes meals, etc. Parents, friends, and other family are welcome to visit with the athlete at times and locations designated by the head coach but are not to enter hotel rooms or other areas designated as off-limits by the coaching staff. You can continue your trip if you want to travel with your athlete after the event. You are responsible for the full price of the team package, including airfare, even if you elect to stay longer after the competition.
Performance excellence is the primary purpose of travel. We want our athletes to be rested, well-fed, and relaxed so they can perform at their highest level. Our rules are written to assure the best possible outcome for all involved. Nothing takes precedence over competing. USA Team athletes have the following responsibilities when they travel:
Family Travel
There will be free time for those traveling with the team. Our travel coordinator is working on a travel package for those family members traveling with the team. Family members traveling with the team are not expected to attend practices for the athletes. Feel free to see the country while we are there. Train travel will be an efficient way for those who wish to travel to get around. Have a really wonderful vacation while your athlete is preparing for the tournament.
If you choose not to travel with the team, you are responsible for all aspects of your travel to and in Portugal.
Out of State Athletes and Families
You are responsible for your roundtrip airfare to Salt Lake City before we leave for Portugal and after we get back. Athletes traveling alone will be picked up at the airport.
Travel Attire
The USA Team dress code for travel is in accordance with FAA recommendations. The following are approved, and the choice of attire will be at the discretion of the coach:
Long khaki pants (nice, clean, long pants without holes)
Team practice shirt
Team sweat suit top
Low-heeled shoes (nice casual)
Modest business attire (no midriffs, no short skirts, no short shorts, no Flip-flops)
For parents out of state, is there a certain hotel/place parents are staying?
We do not have a designated place for parents to stay while in Utah. Some parents are getting AirBNB’s. You are responsible for those costs and food while you are here.
Is the practice site in SLC or just outside?
Practices will be held at High Country Volleyball 4140 W. 5415 S Kearns, Utah 84118
Will we all get 1 bag we can check in paid for or do we need to pay for a check in bag?
When the plane tickets are issued, I will have that information for you.
Is there a weight limit for luggage?
Please check with the airlines when the plane tickets are issued. On 18 April 2024, I saw that the airlines were in the process of changing what is and isn’t allowed as carry ons and size and weight limits. It may also vary from country to country what the size and weight restrictions are.
How do I get the best Euro exchange rate?
We are recommending that you use Wise to get your Euros. You can sign up for a card at http://wise.com. Please visit that website for all your answers to how the card works and money transfers.
How much euros is recommended to take?
Everyone is different with their spending so think about when you go on other trips.. Please plan on having money for souvenirs, food when it isn’t provided for the team or traveling parents or other expenses.
Are there others traveling as a solo parent like I will be?
Yes, there are other parents traveling solo. We will introduce you all at the Team meeting in May.
International Calling
Please check to make sure your cell phone plan is ready for international calling so you don’t get any surprises.
Who are the Coaches?
Kim Norman I am coaching the 2008 and younger kids with Karrie Surge. I ran and started the USA High Performance program back in the 90's, and have decided to bring it back for the international experience kids do not get.
Maureen Boyle is the head coach for the 2007 and younger from Carroll College, Stephen Valdez is a Club Coach from California.
Shelby Fortchner is at New Mexico Military Academy, and MacKenzie Chrisman from North Eastern Colorado. They are the coaches for the 2006 and younger teams.
Where are the athletes being recruited from to form the teams?
Athletes are coming from Utah, Wyoming, Montana, California, Texas, and Colorado
Are they all top level elite athletes?
That is hard to answer this because it depends on what comparison are we using. They are not our USA women's team ability, but all capable and wanting to play college volleyball.
If we arrange sponsors, will that money go directly towards our daughter's fees?
100% goes to your daughter's fee's. After the total amount needed it would spill over to others in the program as we are a not for profit so donations cannot be used for personal needs.
The practice schedule in Kearns shows 3 times a day for that week...does that mean they practice at all of those listed times or are those just potential times depending on the team she's on?
We will be in intensive team immersion for 3 days prior to our departure, so planning that the whole day is taken is needed. Especially since we have kids coming from all over the country, we become their supervisors the afternoon of 6/24 - july 9th.
We saw the parent accommodations section of the email, but how does parent travel work? Do we book our own flights and hotel stay or is that something you arrange for us?
Parents who are part of our tour, and get to experience this with their kids team. While you are in Salt Lake, you are responsible for your own lodging, food and transportation.
Parents who are traveling on their own are responsible for their own travel, lodging, food and transportation.
Will we have contact with our athlete throughout the time abroad; can we go on the tours, watch the practice sessions?
If you are on the tour there will be some parent involvement but we ask that parents participate as the tour, not as a family unit as we want the kids to experience this event as an elite athlete. Parents cannot stay in the athlete village, but can attend practices and communicate with the athletes during non team times.
During travel times the team will be together…when parents go to do they have access to ride the bus with the team or do we have to find our own transportation in Portugal?
Transportation for those who are traveling with the team has been provided. Those not traveling with the team will be responsible for their own transportation.
Do you give us flight info so we can book the same flights
We will provide you with all the ticket information when the tickets are purchased so you can book the same flights if you are not traveling as part of the team.
Is someone going to speak Portuguese to translate too?
Our travel guides speak Portuguese and English so we should not have a language barrier. I have been told that English is also spoken in Portugal, so there should be the ability to communicate when not with the traveling group.
I am thinking about going to Portugal the first week of July and want to find a place close to where the tournament is but I’m having trouble finding an address for the tournament. I know it’s in Espinho, Portugal would you happen to have an exact address?
The tournament is spread out over a large number of venues so until they seed the full tournament we won’t have locations. When I checked last, there were 91 clubs coming and the tournament setup starts the beginning of June. We will have a full schedule before the tournament starts though and it will be shared with all the parents. Please see the AMB website to see all the venues.
Housing while in Utah
The athletes coming from out of state will be placed with host families. This will also allow for more bonding time for the team. The host families will have an athlete on the team, so they will make sure your athlete gets to practices and to the airport on time. Out-of-state athletes may stay with their parents or family if desired, though staying with a team member is preferred. Out-of-state athletes staying with their families must be at all team activities and practices, with no exceptions. If accommodations are needed, please let us know. You will be responsible for the cost of your accommodations, food, and activities while in Utah.
Team Travel
Athletes are expected to stay with the team for the duration of the trip. Athletes are not to leave the travel party, including with parents, friends, or other family members, except in special circumstances with advance permission from the head coach and sports administrator. This includes meals, etc. Parents, friends, and other family are welcome to visit with the athlete at times and locations designated by the head coach but are not to enter hotel rooms or other areas designated as off-limits by the coaching staff. You can continue your trip if you want to travel with your athlete after the event. You are responsible for the full price of the team package, including airfare, even if you elect to stay longer after the competition.
Performance excellence is the primary purpose of travel. We want our athletes to be rested, well-fed, and relaxed so they can perform at their highest level. Our rules are written to assure the best possible outcome for all involved. Nothing takes precedence over competing. USA Team athletes have the following responsibilities when they travel:
- Athletes MUST keep their identification (photo identification) or passport in their possession at all times.(Sometimes the coaches will keep these)
- Athletes are responsible for safely carrying any spending money. Athletes cannot ask coaches or chaperones to carry or store their personal money.
- Athletes who take daily medications must carry them on board the plane, van, etc. Do not pack medications in luggage.
- Athletes must be courteous, respectful and obey all staff members. This includes all coaches, chaperones, trainers, and other adults officially traveling with the team.
- Athletes may not leave the designated lodging area at any time without permission from their coach or chaperone.
- Athletes must report any illness or injury to the coach and chaperone immediately.
- Athletes must lodge with their team. Parents will not receive permission to have their athlete stay in the parent’s hotel or room.
- A room phone number is given only to members of the travel party.
- Any athlete who damages any lodging or playing facility property will be held personally responsible. Such behavior may be cause for suspension or dismissal from the USA Team.
- An athlete found In possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs will be sent home immediately at the expense of the parent or guardian. This infraction may result in probation or immediate dismissal from the USA Team.
- Athletes are responsible for handheld games, electronics, cell phones, etc., and must obey Federal Aviation Association (FAA) regulations for in-flight use. USA Team staff, coaches, or chaperones are not responsible for these items and may not be asked to hold these items for players. (It is highly encouraged that they be left home)
Family Travel
There will be free time for those traveling with the team. Our travel coordinator is working on a travel package for those family members traveling with the team. Family members traveling with the team are not expected to attend practices for the athletes. Feel free to see the country while we are there. Train travel will be an efficient way for those who wish to travel to get around. Have a really wonderful vacation while your athlete is preparing for the tournament.
If you choose not to travel with the team, you are responsible for all aspects of your travel to and in Portugal.
Out of State Athletes and Families
You are responsible for your roundtrip airfare to Salt Lake City before we leave for Portugal and after we get back. Athletes traveling alone will be picked up at the airport.