What exactly are skills assessments?

Skills assessments are how LYV does its team placements. They are held the weekend before practices begin at the school your child attends. The actual assessment sessions will consist of a series of drills and game like situations that every participant will be asked to perform. Players with NO experience will be given some basic instruction prior to performing the drill. These sessions give our coaches an opportunity to observe every participant prior to team placement.

What are the differences in the different middle school divisions LYV offers?

• 6th grade division – beginner skill level
• House division – beginner – intermediate skill level
• Open division – intermediate – advanced skill level
• Select division – most advanced skill level

See home page for more detailed descriptions of divisions.

Do participants have to try-out for a team? Are players cut from the teams?

LYV is a rec-league – every participant makes a team provided we can recruit enough volunteer coaches. There are NO “cuts”. The open and select team players will be selected based on skill level. These players should look at the skills assessments as a try-out. The house and 6th grade teams are “drafted” so we have equally skilled teams in those divisions.

When and where are skills assessments? [ Click here for details ]

Does my player have to attend both skills assessment sessions?

NO – a player is not required to attend both sessions. However – players are welcome to attend both sessions if they want. Select and open team candidates are encouraged to attend both sessions.

When will I know what team my child is on?

Some coaches will begin notifying team members as soon as the assessments are done on Saturday 09/12. Other coaches might wait until Sunday 09/13 or Monday 09/14. If you have not heard from a coach by Monday 09/14 – contact your middle school rep.

When and where will my child’s team practice?

Each team practice two nights a week. Each practice session is 90 minutes in length. Your child’s team will practice at their home middle school. Practices will begin on Monday 09/14 between 6:15pm – 9:15pm depending on your middle school and your volunteer coaches availability.

When and where are games played?

Game’s, or matches, are always played on Saturdays. We start playing matches on 09/26/09. Matches start at 9:00 am and continue throughout the day until 7:00 pm. A match consists of three games with a time limit of 50 minutes. Every team plays 2 matches back-to-back, for a total of 6 games. The time commitment on Saturdays is approximately 2 hours. LYV uses designated game sites during the regular season. This year’s sites include Belmont Ridge, Eagle Ridge, Farmwell Station, Harper Park, River Bend, Smarts Mill, and Stone Hill.

Are there any special rules or modifications?

LYV follows USA Volleyball’s rules with some slight modifications. LYV does allow a shortened/modified service line for 6th grade and house leagues. LYV also allows continuous rotations.

Does my child need any special athletic equipment or clothing?

All volleyball equipment, including balls and ball carts, are provided by LYV. Participants are asked to wear appropriate athletic wear. Oversized, baggy clothing is discouraged as it can interfere with movement and make it difficult for coaches to check form. Knee pads are strongly recommended and can be purchased at your local sporting goods store. Your child will be provided with a team t-shirt before your first match. Many coaches like to coordinate matching shorts and/or socks – but they are not provided or required.

Can my 6th grader play up?

Yes – 6th graders are allowed to play up. In certain cases – 6th graders are needed to play up to fill out a house team – or trim down a 6th grade roster to a manageable size. A 6th grader will not be pulled up to a house team without consulting with the parents first.

Are walk-in registrants accepted?

Yes – LYV will accept walk-ins provided the parent is present to sign a liability release. Every attempt will be made to place walk-ins on a team – but there are no guarantees. Walk-in registrants successfully placed on a team must register on-line and pay in full prior to the team’s first practice.