TOURNAMENT INFO

Pool Play Schedule (ABOVE)

The pool play order never changes – what does change is your “seed” in the pool. 

Timing of the Day

The club instructs that players arrive for play 1-hour before a first play assignment and 1/2-hour before a first referee assignment. This means IN THE GYM NOT JUST ON CAMPUS.  You’ll need time to deal with parking, entry, finding your court, getting your shoes on, warming up/stretching and getting the download from your coach for the day.  Even if you ref, or are off for the first match, it’s critical to be prepared to play in case a team does not show up.  Pool play typically ends between 2-3pm for an AM pool and 8-9pm for a PM pool.  You can assume that each match lasts around an hour.  In the “off” time, teams are expected to stay together, play games, enjoy each other’s company.  Remember that tournament time is “team-time”, and please encourage your player to stay with the team.  Families are not permitted to take players off the premises during breaks.  NO PHONES ARE ALLOWED DURING TOURNAMENT DAYS.

Uniform Expectations

You will not be eligible to play in the first set of the day if you are not wearing the full official LAVBC uniform.  This includes LAVBC shorts, jersey and sweats.

General Site Expectations

Almost all sites charge for parking (between $10-$20, cash only) and spectator admission, (between $5-$10).  Player admission is free.  Many of the larger sites have tables that are first come-first serve for the team/families to sit in breaks.  Some sites have outdoor camp space so that teams can bring ez-ups and food.  Your coach will notify you of the playing site’s details once they are posted.  You can find some information on the SCVA website at the Site Directions link. Check out the SCVA’s Return to Play Policy for Covid specific information as it relates to mask-wearing and spectators. 

Tournament & Match Format

All tournaments are played in a “pool play” format.  Your team will be placed in a group or “pool” or 3, 4 (typical) or 5 teams, and will play each of those teams during the day in a specific, predetermined order that includes reffing, sitting and playing.  AM tournaments begin at 8am and typically end between 2-3pm.  PM tournaments begin at 3pm at typically end between 8-9pm.

It is possible that your tournament will include playoffs after pool play.  Check with your coach to find out the complete schedule for the day.

1. Scoring:

   1. All play will be the best 2 out of 3 “sets”, with 25 points rally scoring in sets 1 and 2. The winning team must achieve a 2-point advantage; no cap will be used. If necessary, the deciding set will be rally score to 15 points win by two, no cap.

   2. In the case of a tie, pool position will be determined by the following formula:

      1. 2 way tie: broken head to head

      2. 3 way tie: 1) match record 2) game record 3) point ratio

      3. *Note: A 3-way tie will never revert back to a 2-way tie. Percentages will be used as described above for breaking the 3-way tie.

Playing Time & Lineups 

Remember that playing time cannot be evaluated in minutes or number of points played.  Volleyball is not a time-based activity, and depending upon how competitive a match is, the total number of points played can be vastly different from match to match.  We try to gat all players playing time in each match (a match is composed of 2-3 sets).  

Players should know their role and their position before the tournament.  A meaningful role might even be coming on as a designated server, and leaving the court after the service round is complete. If your child has this role, know that they are not being punished by being taken off the court after their service – this is just the whole spectrum of the role in this moment.

Other positions include middle blocker, outside hitter, opposite or right side hitter, setter, defensive specialist, and libero. Each position performs a specific function for the team and has specific playing time.  For example, a libero can only play in the back-row rotations.  Ask your coach if you would like more information about your player’s position and role.

Remember that in volleyball, all players have to rotate legally around the court every time they win the ball back from the other team, or “sideout”.  Sometimes teams will rotate quickly, making substitutions happen more quickly and more often.  Sometimes teams will be stuck in a rotation while one server rattles off multiple points, and a team gets stuck in specific rotations. 

If after a tournament, you are concerned about your players role or playing time, please use the 24 hour rule before reaching out to ask for a meeting.  Give it 24 hours to organize your thoughts and calm your emotions and then schedule a meeting through Kandi Oilve if necessary.   

How does the Seeding / Flowchart Work? 

You might be wondering how your team got placed where they did.  For the first tournament, LAVBC has submitted a seeding recommendation to the SCVA, based on where she anticipates the team will find its competitive stride during the season.  In the first three tournaments, it’s likely you’ll see a broad spectrum of teams.  The first seed in the pool should be far better than the fourth seed in the pool if the pool is correctly seeded.  So, if you are a fourth seed, prepare to really have to battle in every match and know that if the team finishes in order, it was probably seeded correctly. 

You can always check your team’s results and see their current standings HERE.  

Have a Fantastic Season LAVBC!