Juniors Program Information
AAU Recreational League
We take youths willing to learn the game who are entering 5th grade through high school. We will base our teams on the age and skill level of the players. Our recreational leagues are for growning and developing a players skill. It is not about the win. As we develop our league we will offer two divisions recreational and competitive. Players will get a chance to play each position during the season. The Developmental League will run on Wednesday nights in the Fall, September-November, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia.
AAU Competitive League
This league is for the competivie player that understands the game and it's positions. Players will be responsible for work team duties as officials and score keepers. They will play pool play and have a single elimination bracket playoff at the end of the season. Trophies will be given out to first place winners. The Competitive League will run run on Wednesdays in the winter, December-February, at the Boo Williams Sportsplex..
Junior Club Team
Our Juniors Club program is for players in 5th grade through high school that meet the needs of the teams we are forming that particular season. These players will have completed tryouts, a conditioning week, and will want to play in tournaments and have practices 1-3 times a week. We select 10-12 players for each team Each team will have 2 setters,2-3 middle blockers,2-3 outside hitters,1-2 right side hitters,a liberos, and a defensive specialist. Club season runs with final tryouts in November through the last regional championship event in May. Some teams will go to play in nationals which are held in June and July. The younger teams that have players in middle school allow players to play for their school volleyball team and will work around their school schedule.
What are club tournaments?
Club tournaments are where teams from different areas get together and play each other best out of 3 games to 25 in pool play and then the best teams advance to finals. We usually will play a minimum of 3 matches and have played up to 9 matches in one day. Some events give out medals while others just give you bragging rights. Tournaments are held in dofferent regions across the country and are sancationed by USAV or AAU. Our region is the USAV Old Dominion Region and the AAU Mid Atlantic Regional. We do play in the Chesapeake Region which is the Maryland , D.C. area, and sometimes the Carolina Region which is the North Carolina area. Some teams will fly to Florida, Las Vegas, Ohio, Chicago, Atlanta, Florida, Texas and Pennsylivia. (There are events in almost every state.) Most states allow teams to play in their events unless it is a regional qualifier. The Bid events are open to all teams wanting to qualifiey for a national tournament.
Where are the tournaments held?
Some facilities used are high schools, middle schools, convention centers, sport complexes, church gyms, ect.. It really varies.
How many events do the teams play in?
Club teams will play in 6-8 tournaments that are usually on Saturdays. It is important to stay flexible and realize our playing season can go from January to July. . Changes in the tournament schedules are always discussed with the team before final selections are made. Most teams will play 2 tournaments a month in Februray, March and April with the final tournament the first weekend in May. But there are opportunites to continue play through July if we get to attend the USAV Nationals, or the AAU Junior National Championships which are held in June and July.
How long do tournaments last?
Players need to plan on being at a tournament from 8am to 8pm.
Even though most tournaments begin play at 9am and finish by 6 pm,
there are always exceptions.If we have an 8am match, players will arrive by 7am.
When do the tournaments take place?
Most one-day tournaments are on Saturdays. Two-day tournaments will
take place over a weekend. Most Bid tournaments are 2-3 days-on either a Friday-Sunday, or a Saturday-Monday. Nationals take place during the week with
finals on Sundays. Tournaments start in January and run through May with
Nationals, Invitational and Championships going on in June and July.
Do the teams play in USAV National qualifiers?
All teams who are willing to attend nationals will post the Nationals entry fee in advance and then they can play in the regional
bid championships,to earn the rights to attend the USAV Nationals representing
Virginia or a USAV Bid tournament to earn a chance to play at the USAV Nationals. The AAU Nationals is open for all teams to enter.
It is the organizations policy not to drain families of funds for travel expenses when we can attend quality tournaments within our zone. When we have teams that are ready to be recruited (16 and up) we will seek tournaments where they can been seen by scouts. We believe families should spend their volleyball fund dollars wisely when their players are at a young age. We try and make our travel tournaments a family fun event.
Age Groups
The age requirements to play in indoor in 2009 for USAV and AAU tournaments are as
follows:
Born on or after September 1, 1996 can play 12 and under
there is no U13 is our region or U10
Born on or after September 1, 1994 can play 14and under
Born on or after September 1, 1993 can play 15 and under
Born on or after September 1, 1992 can play 16 and under
Born on or after September 1, 1991 can play 17 and under
Born on or after September 1, 1990 can play 18 and under
2008 Beach Age Requirements:(Beach plays by the international age rules)
Born in 1996 or later can play 12 and under
Born in 1994 or later can play 14 and under
Born in 1992 or later can play 16 and under
Born in 1990 or later can play 18 and under
Born in 1988 or later can play 20 and under
Uniform Information
USAV requires that there be a 6" number on the front of a jersey and an 8" number on the back of the jersey. There are other requirements that can be located in the USAV rule book. or by going to the USAV web site
Our clubs main uniform is a custom jersey that stays with the Club. We also will have stock jerseys for players that play in two day or longer tournaments. Players will be responsible for maintaining and replenishing their shorts, socks and volleyball shoes, team bag and team sweats. Additional team and club gear can be purchased separately Jerseys will be kept by the coaches and given to players at the tournaments. Each member will receive a team bag, 2 pair of shorts, 2 pair of socks, team sweat out fit, volleyball shoes and team bag. Returning players will not receive a new bag or team sweats every year. This helps cut down on team expenses.
All players will receive a practice shirt. If a player would like more than one shirt, it can be ordered for an additional fee. Practice shirts must be worn at practice and for warm ups before games. Players do not have to wear the same shoes. It has been advised that it is important for players at a young age to get a shoe that fits their needs not the teams needs. All we ask for is a quality shoe that is acceptable for court usage. We will have several shoes that we will recommend and can be purchased at a discounted rate. It is recommended that players do not wear their court shoes as daily tennis shoes.