What are the age/grade requirements for the levels? Can my child play up or down?
- JV/varsity include high school ages
- Junior high typically includes 5-8th grades
- Players may play up or down a level, this is a collaborative decision between players, parents and coaches and depends on multiple factors which can include ability, effort, maturity, attitude and team composition.
Are there tryouts?
No, Vision does not require tryouts.
How is playtime determined?
- At the varsity level/JV level, play time is distributed at the coaches’ discretion. Effort is made for all players to participate over the course of the season, although participation may vary game to game.
- At the junior high level, with occasional exception, coaches make an effort to provide comparable play time to players.
Must my child be homeschooled? What if they are dual-enrolled or were formerly homeschooled?
Vision embraces respect for the educational choices for each family. Many of the players are homeschooled, but not all, and some are dual enrolled. There is no specific educational requirement to participate in the program. With that said, there may be 1-2 homeschooling tournaments that occur during the school day, or require “51%” homeschool status for participation due to tournament rules. If your child does not meet tournament qualifications, they may have to sit out for that event.
Where are practices? What about transportation?
Ames and surrounding communities, including Boone, Nevada and Randall.
Unless parents have made other arrangements, families are responsible for all transportation to practices and games. Children old enough to drive themselves are welcome to do so with parent permission.
What does the game schedule look like?
- Games occur from late November through February
- We have 2-3 games or practices per week; practices begin in late October
- Varsity travels to tournaments on weekends.
What is the team environment like?
- Vision emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline in a family centered atmosphere.
- Coaches emphasize Christian values and agree to a coaching code of conduct
What is the registration fee?
For the 2025-2026 season, Vision is offering an Early Bird rate for those who register in July:
- Junior High: $125
- High School: $225
For those who register after 8/1, the regular registration fees are:
- Junior High: $175
- High School: $275
What does the fee cover?
It covers team costs such as the use of facilities and uniform costs.
What will additional costs be?
- Admission prices to games will vary based on location and host
- Travel costs
- Optional team warmups are available for order
Who do we compete against?
- Other homeschool teams
- Christian schools
Who coaches?
- Our coaches are volunteers, typically parents of Vision athletes. They have undergone a background check before being approved to work with students.
- Coaches emphasize Christian values and agree to a coaching code of conduct.
Why must I volunteer?
- Our organization relies on parent volunteers to create the opportunities for our children to participate.
- Vision has no paid staff other than officials at games.
How can I volunteer?
There are a variety of opportunities throughout the season:
- Work admissions table at home games – take fees and make change
- Serve in concessions
- Run the score clock, keep stats, keep score
- Coaching
- Admin work or board work
- Social media, communication
At the end of the season, the Vision Banquet also provides many opportunities to volunteer:
- Invitations, programs, decorations, thank you notes and gifts
- Decorations
- Food planning and oversight
- Facilities, support (set up/ clean up)