TRYOUT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | Hot line: 703.727.3732

What is ‘Club’ Volleyball?
In our area ‘Club’ volleyball is Junior Olympic volleyball which is governed by USA Volleyball (USAV). USAV is responsible for the United States men’s and women’s National and Olympic teams. Club volleyball is designed for players that truly enjoy the sport and want to take their volleyball skills to the next level. Club programs in our area and across the nation range from those with a low commitment level and emphasis on fun to the most competitive and elite players seeking to play at the highest levels of the collegiate and national ranks. Because of limited resources in terms of space and qualified coaches, club programs are competitive and will hold tryouts and not every player who tries out will make a team.

What is NVVA?
The Northern Virginia Volleyball Association (NVVA) is one of the largest and most successful volleyball clubs on the east coast. We have been in existence since 1997 and currently have over 50 girls and boys club teams with over 500 players in age groups from 12s to 18s. We are also the parent organization for Loudoun Youth Volleyball (LYV) and Northwest Youth Volleyball (NYV) with over 1500 players. Over the years, our teams have won many Regional Championships, National Qualifiers as well as East Coast Championships and South Atlantic Championships. Many have gone on to participate in USAV Nationals and NIT and other post season tournaments. The majority of our teams finish in the top half of their respective age groups with many in the top ten or higher every season. Every year NVVA players receive recognition at the District, Regional and State level as well as ‘All Met’ honors. Many of our players continue on to play at the collegiate level.

How is NVVA organized?
NVVA has several different divisions and levels of teams to accommodate many players of differing skills and goals. We have three levels of teams as follows:

• The SELECT level is for the most accomplished players at their age group and are drawn from a multi-county area. We have Select level teams at the 13s to 18s age groups. The Select player typically possesses superior size, strength, quickness, and experience. We have only one team at each age group and these are the best players from across the club. The Select teams will attend several overnight tournaments outside of our region. Teams will practice 3 times per week. Because of practice and tournament demands, players are expected to have a complete commitment to the team.

• The OPEN level is for advanced players at their age group and are drawn typically from their local division. Depending on the division, we have Open Teams at the 12s to 18s age group. The Open player typically has above average size, athletic ability and skill. The Open Teams at the 14s and higher age groups will attend a few overnight tournaments outside of our region. Teams at this level practices 2 times per week. Players are expected to be committed to attending the majority of practices and tournaments and minimize conflicts with other commitments.

• The CLUB level is for above average players at their age group and are drawn typically from their local division. Depending on the division, we have Club Teams at the 12s to 18s age group. Club Teams at the 14s and higher age groups will attend one or two overnight tournaments outside of our region. This level practices 2 times per week. Players are expected to be committed to attending the majority of practices and tournaments and minimize conflicts with other commitments.

• NVVA has five different Divisions. The Select Division has the six select teams ranging from 13s to 18s. The Loudoun Division will have 19-22 teams this season ranging from 12s to 18s. The Fairfax Division will have 15-19 teams ranging from 12s to 18s. The Skyline Division (Winchester) will have 3-5 teams ranging from 14s to 18s. The Alexandria Division (new this season) will have 4-6 teams ranging from 13s to 16s. The Boys Division comprises the boy’s teams and will have 4 teams in 14s to 18s age groups. Although the Loudoun, Fairfax, and Skyline Divisions are geographically based, players can play in any of the divisions.

Can a Club player participate in other sports?
Yes, a large number of NVVA members participate in more than one sport, especially in the younger age divisions. However, because volleyball is truly a team sport and can not succeed without the participation of all of its members, we do ask that players make every effort to attend all practices and tournaments. The level of commitment for the Select and older age group teams is expected to be higher. NVVA also recognizes and emphasizes that our players are students first and that Academics and school activities take the highest priority.

When are Tryouts? Tryouts will be held over several weekends in November depending on the age group, level and division. A complete schedule including locations can be found on our website at http://www.nvva.com/2009_tryoutSchedule.htm . Here is a highlight of the major dates:

• November 1st – Select 13s and 14s. Loudoun and Fairfax 13s and 14s Open teams. Loudoun and Fairfax 12s teams

• November 8th – Loudoun and Fairfax 13s and 14s Club teams. Boys – all age groups.

• November 22nd – Select 15s through 18s. Loudoun and Fairfax 15 through 18s Open and Club teams, Skyline 14s through 18s Club and Open Teams
  
  For each of these tryout dates there will be make up and call back dates. Please see the website for additional details and up to the minutes changes.

How do I register for Tryouts?
NEW AND VERY IMPORTANT – There is a change in the tryout registration process this season. All tryout participants must register with USAV through the Chesapeake Region (our local governing body) before they can attend any tryouts. This is a change in the Region’s procedures that was required to bring them into compliance with USAV’s policies. This is REQUIRED regardless of which club(s) you are planning to tryout for. You will not be admitted to ANY club’s tryouts without the USAV membership card that you receive upon completing the registration. This process can only be done online and takes about 10-20 minutes. You should absolutely complete this several days before you plan to attend tryouts.

All players planning to tryout will need to go to the Chesapeake Region’s website, follow the procedures listed, and pay the $40 registration fee. This fee is being charged by the Region and USAV and not by NVVA or any other club. If you do not make a team from any club, you may request a refund for all but $10 of the membership fee from the Region.

After you have completed the USAV registration, you will need to print and complete the USAV Medical Release form. You should print and complete the form for every club that you plan to tryout for because you will need to turn that form in at check in.

The next step is to go to the NVVA website and register for the tryouts you wish to attend. It is important to register at least one day prior to tryouts to reduce delays when you check in. When you come to tryouts you will need to bring your USAV membership card, USAV Medical Release form and a check for $40 for the tryout fee (this is different than the USAV membership fee and is non-refundable). At NVVA you only pay one tryout fee but can attend multiple tryouts. You should arrive 30 minutes before the start of tryouts.

For complete detail on Registering with USAV and for tryouts, please go to NVVA’s website for complete details: http://www.nvva.com/2010tryout_steps.html

Which Age Group should my child try out for?
Below is a chart with the Age Group definitions and the corresponding grade level:

Born on or After Born on or Before Grade
12s September 1, 1997 6th
13s September 1, 1996 August 31, 1997 7th
14s September 1, 1995 August 31, 1996 8th
15s September 1, 1994 August 31, 1995 9th
16s September 1, 1993 August 31, 1994 10th
17s September 1, 1992 August 31, 1993 11th
18s September 1, 1991 August 31, 1992 12th

Generally, players should play at their age group particularly at the younger age groups. Some players who are ‘young’ for their grade (ie a 9th grader whose age would put them on a 14s team) may play up with their grade provided they can make the cut.

Are there other Clubs?
Yes. In our area there are a growing number of Club Volleyball programs. Some, like NVVA, offer multiple levels of teams to accommodate different skill levels. Some only focus on one skill level or another. Here are some of the other clubs in the area:

Arlington Volleyball Club.
Alexandria Volleyball Club
Braddock Road Youth Club(BRYC)
Chantilly Youth Associaction (CYA)
Chantilly Volleyball Club (CVC)
Metro American Volleyball (MAVBC)
Montgomery Village(MD) Sport Assoc. (MVSA)
Northern VA Premiere
Northern VA Volleyball Club (NOVA)
Southwestern Youth Assoc (SYA)
Virginia Elite

A complete listing of clubs in the area can be found on the Region’s web site
http://www.chrva.org/page/show/101076-club-directory