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What if my school has a no phone policy?

Navigating Cell Phone Bans in Schools: How to Keep Volt Training Running Smoothly

Some schools have implemented cell phone bans during the school day, which can create challenges when athletes rely on the Volt app for their training sessions. Here are a few strategies to keep training running smoothly even when phones can’t be used on the floor.

First Steps to Take:

  • Clarify policies: Confirm if your school’s ban allows educational exceptions for Volt in the weight room.

  • Downloading Volt Training App on tablets - if the school issues iPads to students, they can download Volt on their tablet if your school will allow it.  Also android tablets with version 8.1 or newer

  • Shared devices: Use Volt’s Training Mode on a single tablet or laptop for group sessions.

    • Training Mode - we support iOS and Android tablets for Training Mode. This requires use of a coach account logging into the device and up to 20 athletes can be added to a device at once. This mode can be accessed through the browser on the Coach Platform or through the "Volt for Coaches app". iPads are the "recommended" best experience.

  • Printouts: Generate workouts from the coach platform when devices aren’t available.

    • Printouts - you can download and print a day of training for every user on a program with just 3 clicks. Print icon in the top right corner of the day > check "All users on this program" > Click print.  We will send them an email.

  • Plan ahead: Test alternatives early, communicate with athletes, and stay flexible as rules evolve.

Step 1: Clarify the Restrictions

Not all cell phone policies are created equal. Some states or districts enforce “bell-to-bell” bans, meaning students can’t use their phones from the first to the last bell. Others allow exceptions for educational purposes, or may permit use before and after school hours, which often includes the weight room.

Pro tips:

  • Talk with your school administration to fully understand the scope of the ban.

  • Clarify whether using Volt in the weight room counts as an educational exception.

  • If in doubt, ask for written guidance so you and your athletes are on the same page.

Step 2: Use Training Mode on Shared Devices

If phones are restricted but tablets or laptops are allowed in the weight room, Volt’s Training Mode is your best friend.

With Training Mode, you can:

  • Log in via the Volt for Coaches app or at app3.voltathletics.com with your coach account.

  • Set up a single device that multiple athletes can use to complete their workouts.

  • Keep the training session flowing smoothly without needing every athlete to have a phone in hand.

This option works especially well in team training environments where athletes move through stations or racks together.

 

Step 3: Go Old School with Printouts

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Volt makes it easy to generate printouts of your team’s workouts directly from the coach platform. Athletes can take a paper copy with them, mark their progress, and turn it in at the end of the session. Athletes can also log their workouts after school as a homework assignment.

Printouts are especially useful when:

  • Devices aren’t available.

  • You’re running a large group session.

  • You need a reliable backup option in case of tech issues.

 
 

 What if we have Chromebooks?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s required when using a chromebook:
Chromebook Model / Version
  • Most Chromebooks released since 2019 support Android apps through the Google Play Store.
  • If your Chromebook is older than that, you can check this compatibility list to see if it supports Android apps.
  • If your Chromebook does not have the Play Store available, or you are unable to find Volt in the Play Store, it’s possible the school has disabled this functionality or limited which apps can be installed.
Android Version on Chromebook
  • Even if the Play Store is available, the Chromebook must be running a new enough version of Android to install our app.
  • The minimum Android version currently required is: Android 8.1 or newer
Next Steps:
  • Check if your Chromebook has access to the Google Play Store.
  • Confirm your school has not limited access to the available apps to download.  If they have, request them to add Volt to their allowlist.
  • If Play Store is available, confirm the Android version under Settings → Apps → Google Play Store → Manage Google Play Preferences  → Android Settings  → About Device.
  • If it’s below the required version, the app may not download.
Note:  Chromebooks aren’t an officially supported device for the Volt Training App, though people have reported successfully using the app on them if Play Store access and Android version requirements are met.