FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS:

(1) When are the Registration Packets going out for the 2010/2011 season?

Due to the popularity of our website, we changed the distribution method for registration packets. The registration packet and all applicable forms are now available for download on our website (the adult packet is linked on the Adult section and the junior packet is on the Junior section, both under the Registration Info tabs on the RED menu to the left). The 2010/2011 packets will be posted at the end of August. An email notice to all of last year's team reps will be sent informing them when the registration packets are available. We will still mail a packet as needed to those that make a request to the Region Office. Beginning September 1, all individuals are encouraged to renew/register online early even before actual teams are formed. In other words, individuals do not need to send in their membership forms with their club/team! Go to the online registration page (under Join menu) to renew/join for the coming season any time after September 1! If you do not know which team/club you will be playing with or the club is not listed, then just choose "UNDECIDED" as your club and we will add you to the club when you are added to a team. The team rep will only need to send in a team registration form listing the members of their team and the appropriate team fee. Please see the online registration page for additional information.

(2) I am an individual (adult or junior) and I want to join a team. What do I need to do?

Adults and Junior Girls can go to our Points System to view a team directory from 2009/2010 to contact teams to see when their tryouts are or if they need additional players (Go to historical results, click 2008/2009 season, choose gender (adults) or age group (juniors) and click Team Directory in the Green menu). Junior Boys can go here to view a listing of existing Boys teams/clubs broken down by city - Junior Boys Clubs/Teams. Contact any club/team you are interested in to see if they need additional players, or for juniors, when their tryouts will be. You can also list yourself on our Player's Board. We will also post a Tryout Listing under the "Juniors" Heading in the Blue menu at the beginning of each season as clubs notify us of their tryout dates.

(3) What are the most common errors associated with Registration?

(a) Applying online for membership and not following up with required payment (for those that choose to not submit credit card payment during the process. Those people can pay online through our Payments Pages [Adults or Juniors] or mail in a check). Applying online does not mean you are registered. It is just the first step in the process. To complete the process, submit your dues to the Region Office. Adults affiliating with a Junior team also need to be background screened. If your screen is due this season, you will be prompted by the online registration system to complete the consent form electronically. You would only need to submit your membership fees and $17.50 background screen fee to complete the process. AGAIN for 2010/2011: All Junior Club Personnel must submit the 2011 Junior Club Personnel Code of Ethics (either by mail, fax, or online). Juniors - the Medical Release form is not sent to Region but given to your club. All applicable forms and payments are due in our officie at least one week before your event (or as late as Thursday before with added $5 late fee!). Once we receive and process, THEN you are a current member (you'll be able to print a current USAV card in the system).
(b) Incorrect registration form used (if using paper option). The current year's form will have 2011 at the top. Registrations submitted on previous year's form will be returned and delayed until the current year's form is submitted. The language on the front and back changes from year to year and our insurance company requires the current year's form to be used with original signatures. Again for 2011, all individuals are requested to register/renew ONLINE (must wait until after September 1 for the 2011 season). If you register online, you WILL NOT need to send a waiver to the office (we only need payment sent in to complete the process). Full members will also save money by applying online!
(c) Paper forms submitted without being signed on the back or in all spots. Juniors need to have form signed also by a parent or guardian in the proper spot on the back page of the form (this only applies to those using the paper registration form).
(d) Birthdate is incorrect or blank. Birth year will be listed as current year (2010 or 2011) instead of year of birth. Birthdate is a required field, especially for juniors, as junior teams are grouped strictly by birthdate (see below). This is not applicable if applying online as birthdate is a required field in the online application.
(e) Junior Club Personnel do not submit their signed 2010 Junior Club Personnel Code of Ethics Form and do not submit a Background Screen Release and Waiver form (for new Adults affiliating with a Junior club in 2010/2011 or those whose screen will be expiring at the end of the 2009/2010 season). Junior Club Personnel can submit all the required forms electronically during the registration application process if they apply online.
(f) Officials do not submit their signed Independent Contractor Agreement or do not submit their Background Screen Release and Waiver form.
(g) Amount paid is incorrect or more than one check submitted. Submitting only one check greatly reduces paperwork in office.
(h) Faxed Copies/Copies/Submitted in pencil - USA Volleyball and our insurance company requires us to have original signatures on file for our members. We will accept faxes to the Region Office, but memberships cannot be processed until payment is received in the office also. Any faxed or copies of membership forms that are submitted to the Region will require the original membership form to be submitted to the Region within one week. Please submit the original membership forms with original signatures in PEN to avoid registration delays.

(4) Our team is already registered for the season with the Carolina Region. Can we add players during the season?

YES - You may add players at any time during the season simply by having them fill out a membership form (or registering online) and sending it in to the Region Office with proper payment. Be sure the team name section is filled out (if registering online, send email to office or write teamname on the signed waiver when you mail in, so we can add you to the correct roster). Remember, players must be registered with their team one week before they play in a tournament or by the Thursday before a tournament with a $5 late registration fee. Also, players must play in two (2) Carolina Region tournaments to be eligible to play in the Regional Championships. Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships TWO weeks before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

(5) What are the advantages of registering teams as a club?

ADULTS/BOYS Teams-Adult and Boys teams do not need to register as a club in 2010/2011! All teams will be considered a club for purposes of the Club Player Movement Policy (below).

JUNIOR GIRLS - Again for 2010/2011 - There will be no Club fee required to have Player Movement Privileges! All multi-team Girl's Clubs will be eligible automatically to utilize player movement within the parameters of the Club Player Movement Policy (below).

(6) When does the Early Bird price discounts end this season?

INDIVIDUAL FEES: For Adult and Junior individual registrations, an application must be submitted through the online registration system (electronic signatures now accepted) and the membership dues must be sent by mail or paypal so that they are received by the Region Office by November 1, 2009 to qualify for the ONLINE Early Bird discounts ($35 fee). On November 2, all ONLINE dues will be $45 for adults and $50 for juniors. The PAPER (offline application with 2010 membership form) individual dues will be $45 for adults and $50 for Juniors (ages 18 and under playing in our Junior divisions) if we receive by November 1; Paper dues will be $55 for Adults and $60 for Juniors after November 1. Please note that we must receive (not post-marked or applied online) the fees and application by the dates above to qualify for the reduced fees.

TEAM FEES - Adult Teams must be established by November 1 to receive the Early Bird fee of $60. Beginning November 2, the adult team fee will be $65. Junior Teams must be established by December 1 to receive the Early Bird fee of $60. Beginning December 2, the junior team fee will be $75.

(7) Can a female play on a men's team (or vice-versa)?

According to Article X, Section B.3. of the USA Volleyball Operating Code, Men's Divisions are comprised of teams consisting of males only and Women's Divisions are comprised of teams consisting of females only. The Carolina Region supports this definition. People of the opposite gender may appear on a team's roster as a coach or to satisfy the official's requirement, but they could not play in sanctioned competition. The Carolina Region will sanction co-ed tournaments for those tournament hosts willing to hold a co-ed tournament. In addition, the Region will allow boys and girls to play together on the same team in the 13 and under division (or lower) only to promote development.

(8) When do we have to register by to play in Carolina Region Tournaments?

Teams and individuals may register at any time during the season. The Early Bird registration deadlines for individuals and teams described above just give individuals and teams the opportunity for lower registration fees and helps the Region get through the registration crunch before the season begins. This does not mean that teams and/or individuals cannot sign up after these dates. Teams and/or individuals must be Registered at least one week before they play in a given tournament (or by the Thursday before a tournament with late fees). Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships TWO weeks before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

(9) Does our team have to be currently registered with the Carolina Region/USA Volleyball in order to "enter" a tournament?

NO - Teams do not have to be registered in order to "enter" a tournament (see adult or junior schedules for posted deadlines). Teams and individuals just have to be registered members for a specific tournament based on the guidelines above in (8). Teams and individuals should also keep in mind that they must play in a minimum number of regular season tournaments to be eligible for Regionals (2010 Requirements - THREE tournaments for all Adult and Junior Divisions). Individual players must play in two (2) tournaments to be eligible for Regionals. Team rosters for all divisions are frozen 14 days before any Regional Championship play.

(10) What is our USAV Number?

Your Carolina Region/USA Volleyball membership number will look something like this - CR 0001111 MR 10 (spaces inserted for clarification). The "CR" stands for Carolina Region. Each Region of USA Volleyball has their own unique 2 character identifier. The "0001111" is each member's unique identifier number. The system assigns this unique number to a member when they register. This number will stay the same for the member from season to season. No two members will have the same individual number. The next two characters are the individual's gender and membership type. FR is Female Regular, MJ would be Male Junior, FEA would be a female one-event member, etc. The last two numbers are the membership year. Please note, the system does not assign a Team Number any longer (no longer needed). The team number is not needed for sanctioned events any longer (i.e. Hi Neighbor).

(11) How do I print my membership card to prove my current registration?

Every Carolina Region member since 2004 has a membership "record" in our online database. Each season, you may log in to your member record to renew your membership, update your address, phone number, email, and other player data tracked in the database. One of the items you will see in the left-hand menu is "Print Membership Card". Once your membership is current, you can log in and print your card as often as you need to. Items such as Referee/Scorekeeper certifications, background screen information, and Coaching certifications also print on the member card so you may want to print updated cards after you complete your clinic requirements and the results have been entered in your record. Go here to log in to your member account. If you have forgotten your username or password, you may request the system to send this information to you. Use the menu items in the "Application Links" menu at our main Registration section.

(12) What is the Team Code (adults and juniors)?

All teams across the country are being assigned a unique identifier by their Region to help track a team's tournament results at major inter-Regional tournaments (this is mainly used with Juniors but Adult teams have been assigned codes as well). If you travel to an inter-Regional tournament (Qualifiers, Junior Nationals, etc.), you will be asked for your Team Code. An example Team Code looks like this: FJ8WSVBC1CR. The "F" indicates a Female team; the "J8" indicates an 18 and under team; "WSVBC" is the Club the team is affiliated with (this is assigned by Region - individual teams will have a 5 character code based on their team name); the "1" indicates the ranking of that team in their own club in that age group; and the "CR" stands for the Carolina Region. Again, only teams that will be traveling to large inter-Regional tournaments will even need this number. When Club Administrations print their rosters and Tournament Entry forms on the online system, the forms will show this number automatically. Please make note of it for future reference. The Team Codes will also be in the Team Directory section of the Points System this season for easier reference.

(13) I'm not sure I want to play a whole season with this team. Can I play in just one tournament? Or, can I register Unaffiliated?

Yes! We have a one-event membership category. For one-day tournaments the fee is $5. For multi-day tournaments (Hi Neighbor, Jr Hi Neighbor, Quest) the one-event fee is $10 (due to higher insurance costs with multi-day events). The registration requirements for one-event are same as for regular memberships. Register online (or fill out current Carolina Region membership form), check the one-event box, list the tournament date(s) playing, and send in with proper fee so we RECEIVE at least one-week before the event. You can also register one-event as late as Thursday before the event with a $5 late fee. Individuals may only participate as a one-event member TWICE during the indoor season. If that individual wants to continue to participate in sanctioned events, they may apply for a one-event UPGRADE membership through the online system for the same $35/$45 online member fee ($55/$60 if submit a paper application).

Again in 2010/2011, the Region will maintain a list of Unaffiliated members on our website (full members only). Adult players can register with the Region (at regular fees) as unaffiliated. Adult teams in need of a player for a specific tournament can consult the list and contact players to pick up for that specific tournament. Unaffiliated players may play in THREE tournaments (with three different teams if it works out that way) while they are on the unaffiliated player list. After the THIRD tournament played, the player may choose which team they wish to register for the remainder of the season. Players must be listed on the roster of the team at the tournament as UNAFFILIATED PLAYER LIST. If interested in being on this list, register with the region (membership form and fee) and write "unaffiliated list" in the team name box. Contact the Region Office if you have more questions.

(14) I applied for a one-event membership and submitted payment, but my membership status says "pending". Why?

A one-event (or multi-day, one event) is only valid for a specific day(s). Once we receive the payment for the membership and process it in the online system, your status will move to "pending" (from "unpaid"). On the day you chose for the membership to be valid, your status will move to "current". After that day(s), the status goes back to "lapsed". So, the "pending" status just tells you that we have processed your payment and that you will be a current member on the day(s) you chose to participate as a one-event.

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JUNIOR COMPETITION QUESTIONS:

(1) The Junior Medical Release Form has a place on the front to be Notarized. Do we have to have these forms Notarized?

Not Necessarily - This section is mainly for the teams that will be traveling outside North Carolina to play in tournaments or the Junior Olympic Championships. Several states (Florida is one, but not NC) now require that Medical Release Forms be notarized. Thus, many tournaments are requesting that notarized medical release forms be shown at the tournament check-in. So, if you're planning on traveling outside of North Carolina to tournaments, it would be a good idea to go ahead and get the release forms notarized. Remember, these forms do not need to be sent into the Region, but should be carried with the teams to all competitions and practices in the event an emergency should arise.

(2) What are the USA Volleyball Junior age division definitions for the 2010-2011 season?

For a chart to help check your age division, view this provided by USAV.

Once a player participates (including but not limited to practicing, training, attending workouts, and/or competing) in a club or varsity program for any university, college, community college, or junior college, he/she is ineligible to take part in any Regional or National programming, which includes but is not limited to national JNC qualifying and championship events.

(a) 18 and under division:
Players who were born on or after September 1st, 1992 or Players who were born on or after September 1, 1991 and a high school student in the twelfth (12th) grade or below during some part of the current academic year.

(b) 17 and under division:
Players who were born on or after Sept. 1st, 1993.

(c) 16 and under division:
Players who were born on or after Sept. 1st, 1994.

(d) 15 and under division:
Players who were born on or after Sept. 1st, 1995.

(e) 14 and under division
Players who were born on or after Sept. 1st, 1996.

(f) 13 and under division:
Players who were born on or after Sept. 1st, 1997.

(g) 12 and under division:
Players who were born on or after Sept. 1st, 1998.

Note: These age definitions are used for domestic club programs and are NOT the same age definitions for the International and Domestic High Performance programs for 2011.

The classification cut-off date of September 1 was reviewed by the USAV Youth/Junior Olympic Volleyball Division (YJOVD) prior to the USAV 2008 Annual Meetings and research justified the continuation of the cut-off date of September 1. Additional information can be found at the USA Volleyball website.

(3) If my coach is a High School or Middle School coach, how many of their players can they coach in Carolina Region volleyball?

First, there are no policies instituted by the Carolina Region on this. The Carolina Region simple goal is for as many players (and coaches) to participate as possible for the enjoyment of the sport. This question needs to be answered by your school's Athletic Director or by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). The NCHSAA does place a limit on the number of players a HS coach can coach in off-season organizations, so any coaches concerned about that needs to direct their questions to the NCHSAA (919.962.2345) or their school Athletic Director.

(4) Our coach has already attended an IMPACT clinic. Does he/she have to attend another IMPACTclinic?

No, however, all IMPACT-certified coaches must continue to attend approved coaching education clinics annually. Once a coach is IMPACT (or CAP) certified, that coach does not have to attend another IMPACT clinic to coach in the Carolina Region. However, the Carolina Region does have a Continuing Education Requirement for all coaches that have already been IMPACT or CAP certified. This clinic may be any Region-approved coaching clinic, but many coaches use the gym portion of the IMPACT clinic (which is held every year after the mandatory Coaches Meetings) as their annual clinic. If you attend a different clinic, get prior approval of the clinic from the Coaches Program Director and send written proof of attendance of the clinic to the Region Office upon return.

(5) Our coach is registered and plays with an adult team. Does he/she have to send in another registration form and pay the membership fee again?

NO. Once someone is registered as a member with the Region in whatever capacity for the current season, then they do not have to register again to coach a team. Just add them to the Team Registration Form with a notation that they are already a member and have them send in their Junior Club Personnel Code of Conduct Form and Background Screen permission form (with $17.50 if applicable). They also must be IMPACT certified to coach a Junior team.

(6) Will there be a Seeding Tournament?

Not this season. January 8 will be the start of the regular season. Teams may sign up in the division they feel they belong. The Platinum division in all age groups will be the highest division and teams desiring the highest competition and the possible chance for a National Championship bid should play in Platinum. Other level teams may sign up for are: Gold (higher skill level), Silver, Bronze, Copper, and Nickel (lowest skill level but will probably only need Nickel in the 16's, 15's, and 14's due to number of teams). If the number of teams warrant in order to give easier access to gyms and balance skill levels, we may create additional divisions. The top two* teams in the points standings in Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, and Nickel (if applicable) will automatically be moved up after the first three tournaments. The bottom two* teams in the Points Standings in the Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Copper (if applicable) divisions will also automatically be moved down after the first three tournaments. [*More teams (or NONE) may be moved up or down after the FIRST tournament in each age division to balance the division sizes after the intitial registration period.] The Carolina Region reserves the right to move additional teams among divisions after the first three tournaments to maintain competitive divisions and numbers, and they will strive to make these moves as early in the season as possible.

(7) Can we play in a higher division than the one we have been assigned?

Maybe. All play in a division other than the one you've been assigned or initially registered for must be approved by the Region. ALSO, acceptance into the higher division is contingent on two factors: (a) there is room in the field for your team (same-division teams get first priority), and (b) playing in a different division does not adversely affect the division you were assigned (i.e. doesn't cause that division to cancel a tournament OR there are a viable number of teams left to hold a competitive tournament). Teams should indicate on their tournament entry the division they are requesting to play in if it is different than the one assigned. The Points System page created for the specific tournament will display whether that team was allowed to play in the division requested (but not until after the entry deadline passes). Teams may only play in the Regional Championships for which they are currently assigned by the Region at the entry deadline.

(8) We won our recent tournament and got medals. How come we never get t-shirts?

The Carolina Region would love for Tournament Directors to be able to offer a wider variety of awards. However, Tournament Directors are limited to giving things that do not have intrinsic value (medals, plaques) by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. That organization has stated that for High School athletes to remain eligible to compete in their competitions (i.e. in High School athletics) they must be amateurs. If athletes receive anything of intrinsic value (t-shirts, bags, hats, etc) then it could jeopardize their High School eligibility. Thus, for the protection of our junior members, we inform our Tournament Directors that they can only award items that do not have intrinsic value. For additional information on this policy, contact the NC High School Athletic Association as this is their policy (not the Carolina Region's).

(9) Can our practices/tryouts be covered by the Region's Insurance Program? What is a Sanctioned Event?

When you join the Carolina Region, you are joining a group Association (two associations really - the Carolina Region and all it's members and then USA Volleyball as a whole which allows us to use the whole country's membership totals in negotiations. Please keep in mind that the Carolina Region and USA Volleyball are two separate organizations - a common error we get is checks made payable to USAV). One of the benefits you receive as a member of this association is General Liability Insurance and a Secondary Medical policy coverage at "Sanctioned Events" (for more on the insurance component see the Insurance Section of our Team Handbook in the Red menu at the Adult and Junior sections of the website). Events may be either sanctioned by USA Volleyball (i.e. Qualifiers, JOV Championships, National High Performance clinics, etc) or the Regions of USAV (Regional Volleyball Associations or RVAs). The Regions sanction events like local tournaments, clinics, and PRACTICES. The process to have an event sanctioned by the region begins with a tournament director, club, or individual filling out the applicable request form and sending in to the Region. One of the requirements for an event to be sanctioned and for the group insurance to be in force is for ALL participants to be current members of the RVA/USAV. If it is a junior event that is being sanctioned, then all adults affiliating with a junior club must clear their background screen BEFORE participating. So for clubs wanting their tryouts and/or practices to be sanctioned by the Region (and thus covered under our insurance program), then all participants must be current members and adults must have cleared their background screen before the event for it to be officially sanctioned (adults need to apply at least SIX business days before the event to have time to clear the background screen!). We allow individuals to register/renew for the new season on September 1, which gives plenty of time for players and coaches to meet these requirements if a club wants their tryouts and practices sanctioned.

(10) We need a Certificate of Insurance in order to rent a facility for our practice or tournament?

If you received a Certificate of Insurance for your club or facility last season, the insurance company automatically renews them each season. You will be emailed the certificate when they are ready (mid- to late-September usually). If you are requesting a certificate for a new club or facility, go to forms section for the current season's request form. Keep in mind, the certificate of insurance only shows coverage for Sanctioned Events. You would need to make sure you apply for the Sanctioning and all participants are current members of the Region and/or USAV before your event (see previous question above for information on Sanctioned Events).

TOURNAMENT QUESTIONS:

(1) What is the Libero and do we have to use it?

The Libero is basically a way to get a defensive specialist into the game without having to use Team substitutions. Teams may designate a Libero (they must wear a different colored uniform that rest of the team) and use them along the backrow only. A Libero is designated for one set only, so a team may use a different Libero for each set if they desire. There are specific things the Libero can and cannot do (cannot serve, cannot attack the ball while above the height of the net, and others - please see Rule 19 on pages 57-60 of the 2009/2011 USAV Domestic Competition Regulations for full explanation). Libero replacements are not counted as a Team Substitution. Each team may use up to 12 substitutions whether they use a Libero or not.

(2) What time does the tournament start?

9:00 am - All adult and junior tournaments will begin competition promptly at 9:00 am unless the tournament director requests a waiver, in which case all teams will be notified of the new time (this is rare). There will be a Captain's Meeting at approximately 8:30 am at adult tournaments. The Coaches Meeting will take place at 8:30 am at Junior tournaments. Teams are required to have a representative at this meeting, or they risk missing out on valuable information or even losing a spot in the tournament (also, Junior teams not represented and not calling ahead "may" forfeit their first set of the tournament). Additional policies for 2009/2010: ADULT competition - Teams that are incomplete for their first assignment (either playing or officiating) may be penalized for their first match by one point per minute late up to a maximum of 25 points. This penalty would be instituted even if the Tournament Director rearranges the schedule to accomodate the late arriving team. JUNIOR competition - Teams with a Head Coach under 25 will be required to have their rostered chaperone or assistant coach over 25 present at the Coaches meeting for verification by the Tournament Director.

(3) How do I know if I'm in the tournament?

Adults and Juniors - After the deadline for the tournament passes (see adult or junior schedules on web site for posted deadlines), a listing of all teams in the tournament will be placed on Region's Web site at the Points System (select appropriate division and then click on tournament date). Pool information will be added to the points system the week of the tournament. Directions to all sites are also posted on the web. Teams will not receive mailings from the Tournament Director or Region this season (unless there is a late change) so every team should designate some players/parents to check the page regularly for updates (it's a good idea to check even as late as Friday before the tournament as changes do happen during the week!).

(4) What are the Uniform requirements for the 2009-2010 season?

The following is taken from the 2009-2011 USA Volleyball Domestic Competition Regulations (DCR) (p. 16-19) [In the 2009/2011 DCR if something is boxed and shaded (or italicized below) and says "USAV" then that is the rule modification we will use in the Carolina Region of USA Volleyball - the main rule is the official FIVB (International) rule. If there is no USAV modification, then we will use the FIVB rule.]:

4.3 EQUIPMENT:
A player's equipment consists of a jersey, shorts, socks (the uniform) and sport shoes.
USAV 4.3: If undergarments, including but not limited to t-shirts, boxer shorts, tights, leotards, body suits, bicycle shorts, sports bras, etc., are worn in such a manner that they are exposed, they will be considered a part of the uniform. In that case, they must be similar and the same color for any team members (except the Libero) who wear such a uniform. Socks and sport shoes are not part of the uniform.

4.3.1 The color and the design for the jerseys, shorts and socks must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero). The uniforms must be clean.
USAV 4.3: The color and design for the jerseys and shorts must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero).

4.3.2 The shoes must be light and pliable with rubber or composite soles without heels.

4.3.3 Players jerseys must be numbered from 1 to 18.
USAV 4.3.3: The players' jerseys must be numbered in a permanent manner from 1 to 99. Duplicate numbers are not allowed.

4.3.3.1 The number must be placed on the jersey at the center of the front and of the back. The color and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the color and brightness of the jerseys.
USAV 4.3.3.1a: Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered on the chest and back. Each jersey must use the same color and number height for all players except the Libero.
USAV 4.3.3.1b: Color combinations such as purple/black, dark green/black, navy/black, white/light yellow, or navy/maroon are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.

4.3.3.2 The number must be a minimum of 15 cm (6") in height on the chest and a minimum of 20 cm (8") in height on the back. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2 cm, (3/4") in width.
USAV 4.3.3.2: The numbers must be a minimum of 10 cm (4") in height on the chest and a minimum of 15 cm (6") in height on the back. It is recommended that the numbers be a minimum of 15 cm (6") in height on the chest and a minimum of 20 cm (8") on the back..

4.3.4 The team captain must have on his/her jersey a stripe of 8x2 cm (3.15" x 4/5") underlining the number on the chest.
USAV 4.3.4: It is recommended that the captain have a stripe on his/her jersey underlining the number on the chest.

4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a color different from that of the other players (except for the Libero), and/or without official numbers.
USAV 4.3.5: For nationally sanctioned competition (US Open and US JOV Championships & Qualifiers, etc), uniforms must be identical with the exception of sleeve length and the Libero player. An exception will also be made for a single manufacturer's logo or trademark on the outside of the jerseys or shorts, provided the logo or trademark does not exceed 14.6 square cm (2 1/4 square inches).

4.4 Change of Equipment:
The first referee may authorize one or more players:
4.4.1 to play barefoot,
4.4.2 to change wet or damaged uniforms between sets or after substitution, provided that the color, design, and number of the new uniform(s) are the same,
4.4.3 to play in training suits in cold weather, provided that they are of the same color and design for the whole team (except for the Libero) and numbered according to Rule 4.3.3.

4.5 Forbidden Objects:
4.5.1 It is forbidden to wear objects which may cause injury, or give an artificial advantage to the player.
USAV 4.5.1: It is forbidden to wear hats or jewelry. An exception will be made for religious or medical medallions and, for adult competition, a flat band or ring worn on the finger. If worn, medallions shall be removed from chains and taped or sewn under the uniform. If a ring, other than a flat band, cannot be removed, it shall be taped in such a manner as not to create a safety hazard. Braces, prosthetic limbs or headgear that may cause injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. If a brace, prosthetic limb or headgear is used, padding or covering may be necessary. Casts, even if padded, are forbidden.
4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.
USAV 4.5.2: If a player's equipment falls to the floor and creates a safety hazaed, play is stopped and a delay sanction assessed.

LIBERO UNIFORM RULE: (p. 58)
19.2 The Libero players must wear a uniform (or jacket/bib for redesignated Libero) whose jerseys at least must contrast in color with that of the other members of the team. The Libero uniform may have a different design, but it must be numbered like the rest of the team members.
USAV 19.2a The libero player's jersey must contrast in color with that of the predominant colors of the jerseys of the other team members. Color combinations such as purple/black, dark green/black, navy/maroon and white/light yelloware not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.
USAV 19.2b A jacket or bib can only be worn by by the re-designated Libero. If jacket or bib is worn by the re-designated Libero, the uniform number must still be visible.

NOTE - Carolina Region teams may petition the Region for uniform waivers in some instances. Contact the Region Office with questions.

(5) What are the Officiating requirements for the 2009-2010 season?

All teams (adult and junior) must have TWO certified REFEREES and ONE certified SCORER on their roster. To get certified, officials must (a) attend an officiating clinic; (b) take the appropriate test (scorers take the scorer clinic and tests and referees must take BOTH the scorer and referee clinics and tests); (c) correct their test(s) to 100 with rule references; and (d) referees must have a practical rating to complete their certification (and to receive a Provisional or Regional rating - see Officiating section of website for more on requirements for these ratings). Only those individuals that are certified and listed on the roster as a SCORER or REFEREE (which implies certification as a scorer) may perform those duties during a tournament. For Junior teams, one coach or rostered adult per team must attend a junior clinic and be on the roster as certified so they know the materials the officials are taught and can help their junior officials during the tournaments.  The certified coach or rostered adult must physically supervise their team while in the vicinity of the score table at all times during the team’s officiating assignment.   Incomplete work teams (including the certified coach/rostered adult that is not supervising their team in the vicinity of the score table) may be penalized one point per-minute that they are incomplete to a maximum of 25 points off their next match. Junior teams will not be allowed to participate in a Carolina Region tournament until they meet the minimum requirements. Adult teams have until January 1 to meet the minimum requirements. After January 1, adult teams may play in the January tournaments if they pay a $25 sanction for not using certified officials (per tournament played). Adult teams will not be allowed to participate after January 31 unless they meet the minimum officiating requirements (this includes Hi Neighbor and Regional Championships).

(6) The deadline for the upcoming tournaments is near and I have not received our USAV numbers yet (or registered with the Region). Can we still enter the tournament?

YES (see also #9 under Registration questions)! You can download a blank Tournament Entry Form here for this purpose. Carolina Region teams do not need to fill in their USAV numbers on the tournament entry forms being sent to the Region Office (we will know who is registered by the appropriate deadlines). Out-of-Region teams MUST provide their USAV numbers before the tournament! Upon registration with the Office, Club Administrators will be able to print a completed Tournament Entry Form from their online member page to use for later tournaments with the USAV numbers already on it (make plenty of copies). The rosters at the tournaments will also already have your USAV numbers on it.

(7) Can I enter more than one tournament at a time?

YES! Please include one Tournament Entry Form per tournament for our files, but you need only write one check. Please do not staple checks to the Tournament Entry Forms as this delays processing.

(8) What are the pool playing schedules at the tournaments?

1. FOUR TEAM POOLS (NO CHANGES FOR 2009/2010):
   Top 2 teams advance to playoffs.
   Format for Adults - 3 sets to 25 points rally score. There should be a coin toss and teams switch sides half-way through (at 13) to be consistent with a 3-set match (even though it is still pool play).
   Format for Juniors - 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (third set to 15 switch at 8).
   Seed all teams 1 through 4.

   PLAY	REF
   1-3	2
   2-4	1
   1-4	3
   2-3	1
   3-4	2
   1-2	4

2. FIVE TEAM POOLS - ADULTS and JUNIOR Tournaments with only ONE 5-team pool:
   Top 2 teams advance to playoffs.
   Format for Adults - 2 sets to 25 points rally score.
   Format for Juniors - 2 out of 3 sets to 25; deciding game to 15.
   Seeded teams are in spots 2 and 4 only.

   PLAY	REF
   1-2	3
   3-4	5
   1-5	4
   2-3	1
   4-5	2
   1-3	4
   2-5	3
   1-4	2
   3-5	1
   2-4	5

3. FIVE TEAM POOLS - JUNIORS ONLY (Again for 2010 5th seed plays every team instead of 3 seed):
   Top 2 teams advance to playoffs.
   Format for Juniors - 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (third set to 15 switch at 8).
   Format for Juniors ONLY IF there is a mixture of 4-team pools and 5-team pools in the same tournament - 2 sets to 25 only
   Seeded 1 through 5.
   

   PLAY	REF
   1-5	4
   2-3	1
   4-5	3
   1-2	4
   3-5	2
   1-4	3
   2-5	1
   3-4	5

4. SIX TEAM POOLS (on 2 courts):
   Top 2 teams advance to playoffs.
   Format for Adults - 2 sets to 25 points rally score.
   Format for Juniors - 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (deciding set to 15 switch at 8).
   Seeded teams in spots 3 and 6 only.

   COURT 1		COURT 2
   PLAY	REF	PLAY	REF
   1-2	3	4-5	6
   5-6	4	2-3	1
   1-3	2	4-6	5
   1-4	3	2-5	6
   LUNCH BREAK
   3-5	4	2-6	1
   3-4	5	1-6	2
   2-4	6	1-5	3
   3-6	1

5. SEVEN TEAM POOLS (on 2 courts):
   Top SIX teams advance to playoffs.
   Format for Adults - 2 sets to 25 points rally score
   Format for Juniors - 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (deciding set to 15 switch at 8)
   Seed teams 1 through 7.

   COURT 1		COURT 2
   PLAY	REF	PLAY	REF
   1-6	4	3-7	5
   4-7	1	2-5	3
   1-3	7	5-6	2
   2-4	3	1-7	6
   3-5	4	2-6	7
   1-4	5	6-7	2
   4-5	1	2-3	6

(9) The FIVE-Team format (above) for Juniors has one team playing an extra match. Why?

First, one of the major concerns in our post-season survey of Junior coaches, players, and parents in past seasons was how long the tournaments were taking. The old five-team format was a major factor in this since it required 10 matches. So, the Junior Division came up with the five-team format four seasons ago that eliminated two matches but still allowed every team to get their required minimum amount of matches. The Carolina Region has always guaranteed teams a minumum of THREE matches when they play a tournament (four-team pool have that minimum). There will be some formats (6- and 7-team pools) and some teams that make playoffs will get more but the minimum has always been three matches when entering a tournament. So, the 5-team format had to get every team in it 3 matches. In order to do that, ONE team has to play four matches so all the other teams can play THREE. The current format has the FIFTH seeded team playing the four matches. All teams will have oppportunity to earn their way into the playoffs. If two teams have a tie in record (for example 2-1), then the first tie-breaker is head to head in pool. If they didn't play during pool, then the tie-breaker is one set to 15 (switch at 8). By design, the fifth seeded team shouldn't tie any teams (they could go 4-0 or 3-1). If fifth seeded team goes 3-1 that record IS better than 2-1 (and they would deserve the higher spot anyway since they "upset" three higher teams). Pools will be seeded based on the season's Points System (see #11 below). For seeding into playoffs, teams will be ranked in the pool based on match win percentage, then set win-percentage, and finally by point differential.

(10) We will be unable to attend the tournament that we signed up for. What is the refund policy and procedure?

As soon as you know you cannot make a tournament, please notify the Region Office. If you are pulling out as late as Friday before the tournament, please notify the Tournament Director ("Contact" on the schedules) if you do not actually "talk" with anyone at the Office (i.e. have to leave a message). JUNIORS - If you pull out of a tournament more than 2 weeks before the tournament, you will receive a full credit of entry fees paid to use towards other tournaments (you still need to send an entry in by deadline when using credits). If you pull out 1-2 weeks before the tournament AND the Region can replace you in the tournament, then you will receive a 50% credit. If you pull out less than a week before the tournament, there are no refunds for any reason as the Region is committed to paying the Tournament Director that fee at that time. ADULTS - If you withdraw by the tournament entry deadline, then you will receive a full refund/credit. Withdrawals after the tournament entry deadline cannot be refunded as the Region is committed to paying the Tournament Director that fee at that time. All teams may petition in writing to the Board of Directors for refunds if they so choose. Withdrawals due to inclement weather are covered in the Inclement Weather Policy.

(11) How will teams be ranked for seeding the Adult and Junior tournaments?

We will be utilizing the same Points System as last season for the 2009/2010 season. The Points System will be an online-based system and we will provide a link to it on our website so all teams can see their individual results. This site will also list ALL tournament entries and results during the year, so all teams will have one link to follow to get this information this season! Teams will be assigned a point figure to begin the season based on the division they begin playing. As teams play each other their point total will adjust based on the result of the sets between the teams. Winning a set against a team with a higher point total than you will raise a team's point level. Losing a set against a team with a lower point total will cause a team's point total to lower. Thus, we will get results for all pool play matches and playoffs. The set results for pool and playoffs will be used to update point totals (i.e. additional points for winning a tournament or matches are no longer part of the system). Teams will not lose any points for not playing a tournament. Remember - The Ranking System for Adults and Juniors will ONLY be used to aid in seeding tournaments and putting tournament pools together [exception - the Ranking System may be used to determine who is eligible for the Regional Championships if there is a lack of facilities for a particular division (i.e. only room for 10 Men's Gold teams then top 10 teams by the Ranking System will have first priority into Men's Gold). All efforts will be made to find enough courts for all teams that enter the Regional Championships by their deadline.] The Ranking System does not recognize "the Region Champion". That comes on the court at the Regional Championships (exception - if a division does not get enought entries to hold a Regional Championship, then the Points Standings will be used to name a Region Champion for the season). All Carolina Region Adult and Junior regular season tournaments will feed into the Ranking System (if we receive adequate results from Hi Neighbor, Junior Hi Neighbor, and Quest we may be able to feed that into system as what is required is only the set results between two teams in our Ranking system). By design, out-of-Region teams will need to be put into the system in order to have accurate results. We will mark out-of-Region teams with their Region behind their teamname so our teams can know to ignore them when ranking teams top to bottom. The Ranking System will not be updated for out-of-Region tournaments. Please go to our Points FAQ for additional answers to common questions about the Points system.

(12) What is the Player Movement Policy for Registered Adult and Junior Clubs?

All Adult and Boy's teams will be treated as members of the same Club for purposes of this Player Movement Policy (all other provisions of the policy below still apply). AGAIN FOR 2010: All multi-team Junior Girl's Clubs will not have to pay a Club Fee to be eligible for Player Movement privileges - all multi-team girl's clubs will automatically qualify but are still bound by the requirements of the policy that follows. Player movement (Temporary or Permanent) in a club is restricted to one Divisional level when moving down, that is, Platinum to Gold, Gold to Silver, Silver to Bronze, Bronze to Copper, Copper to Nickel (Juniors) but not Platinum to Silver, Gold to Bronze, Silver to Copper, or Bronze to Nickel (Juniors). There is no restriction on moving up, that is, a Player on a Bronze (adults) or Copper/Nickel (if applicable) (Juniors) team may play with any team in a club of any Division. Junior players must still meet the age requirement for the team they are moving to (i.e. an 18 year old cannot move to a 16 team). All such player movement must be submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster). The Player Movement Form should not be sent in to the Region Office before the tournament as it needs to be submitted with the roster after the Coaches' Meeting (it will go to the Region Office after the tournament with the rosters). Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships TWO weeks before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS:

• Players registered to a club team and participating in sanctioned competition within the jurisdiction of the Carolina Region may participate with another team from the same club having a higher classification a maximum of two (2) times prior to two weeks before their division's Regional Championships. Remember, rosters are frozen (no more roster changes) two weeks before the Regional Championships for Adults and Juniors.
• Players may participate with a team having a lower classification than the one with whom the player is registered a maximum of one (1) time prior to two weeks before their division's Regional Championships. Such players may continue participation with the higher or lower classification team to which registered upon notifying the Office of a permanent roster change.
• Players may participate with two teams on a given weekend provided: (a) the divisions are playing on different days (i.e. W Silver on Saturday, W Bronze on Sunday); (b) all other Player Movement Requirements described here are followed (limit of 2 moves per season, Movement Form filled out, etc.); (c) for clubs with combined adult and juniors teams, a junior player MUST play with his/her junior team if that team is playing on the same day as an adult tournament. If the adult division is playing on a different day, then the junior player may move under the provisions of the Club Movement Policy.
• After a player has participated with another club team in a different division two times, the player shall be frozen to the roster of their original team unless a permanent roster move is reported to the Region Office.
• There is no limit and the same reporting requirements as above on movement of players between teams in the same club in the same classification (i.e. Silver to Silver in Adults or 16 Copper to 16 Copper for Juniors).
• Players registered as unaffiliated (registered member of the club but not on a team) must still fill out a Club Movement Form if desiring to play on a team within their club and are still limited by the restrictions above.
• Registered unaffiliated members in the Region (not on any team) must first join a club and/or team before they can play in a tournament (exception: members listed on the unaffiliated list as available to be picked up by adult teams. See #12 above under Registration Questions).
• Permanent Moves – Adult teams requesting a permanent move under this policy require the approval of both of the team representatives of the affected teams and are still subject to Carolina Region approval.

TEAM MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS:

• Teams may use at most two (2) Club players not on the team roster in any given tournament.
• Teams may use at most one (1) player from a higher division in any given tournament.
• Teams may use at most two (2) players from a higher division per season.
• Teams are limited to accepting up to two (2) permanent moves per season. If a permanent move is made with the intent to play in the Regional Championships, then the player being moved must have played at least once with that team during the regular season under normal player movement. The Region will hear petitions for exentuating circumstances.

Clubs failing to comply with the reporting requirements will have the player movement privilege suspended. Report forms were included with the Registration packet and are available from the Region office and at the Forms page.

(13) How are the All-Region Teams Selected for the Adults?

Based on feedback from the adult team reps, an All-Region or All-Tournament team will not be awarded this season.

(14) Will there be an All-Region team or other awards announced for Juniors this season?

For the 2010 season, we will not award an All-Region team. Instead we will honor an All-Tournament Team in every division at the Regional Championships. The All-Tournament Team will be comprised of: three players from the champion team; two members from the runner-up team; one player each from the two other semi-finalist teams, and a MVP that does not have to come from the Champion team. The coach of the respective team will submit their representative(s) to the All-Tournament Team to the Tournament Director after their last match. The MVP will be selected by a committee of the two Head Coaches of the finalist teams, the paid officials assigned to the Championship match, and the Tournament Director. The Tournament Director will chair the MVP committee and break all ties.

The Region will continue to recognize Good Team Sportsmanship during the year. The Team Sportsmanship Award will be voted on differently this season. Adult Officials and Junior Tournament Directors on their post-event reports will be able to vote to honor teams for their Good Sportsmanship during tournaments. Teams with the highest votes will receive a Team Sportsmanship Award at the end of the season. This means that more than one team in a division could be recognized (and some divisions may not have any if there are no votes). Traits such as cleaning up their bench areas/team areas, making honor calls, volunteering for extra duties, etc should be emphasized for this honor. The Region will award Team Sportsmanship Awards at the Regional Championships in each division. The Officials Division will also be making awards for Outstanding Officials. These will also be nominated by the Adult Officials working the tournaments.

(15) How many tournaments do teams have to play to be eligible for the Regional Championships?

ADULTS - All teams must play in THREE Carolina Region sanctioned events to be eligible for the Regional Championship tournaments (if it is on our official schedule then it is sanctioned and counts).
JUNIORS - All teams must play in THREE Carolina Region Regular season sanctioned events to be eligible for the Regional Championship tournaments (All one-day events and the pre-season Quest tournament that are on our schedule count. The MAPL event in Raleigh does not count nor does the Junior Hi Neighbor since it is after Regionals this season). In addition, a team may play in ONE USAV JO Qualifier if it is held BEFORE Regionals and count that as one event (proof of attendance required).

(16) How many tournaments do Junior teams have to play to be eligible for the National Bid tournaments on April 10?

To be eligible to compete in their age division's National Bid tournament on April 10,, a Carolina Region team must play in TWO sanctioned Carolina Region tournaments in their age group one of which must be a regular season tournament (i.e. one-day event on the CR schedule). The other tournament may be one of the following: the pre-season Quest tournament or another one-day regular season tournament. Teams competing for a bid must follow the USAV JO entry procedures and submit all JO entry forms and JO entry fee to the Carolina Region by March 20, 2010 (in addition to the Carolina Region $130 entry fee by the tournament entry deadline of March 20).

(17) What is the SERVING rule for the 12 and under tournaments?

The 12's will use the VolleyLite volleyball during their tournaments. The following serving rules will be in effect for the 2009/2010 season: (a) For the first regular season tournament of the sanctioned season, all 12’s divisions will establish service lines 6 feet (2 meters) and 3 feet 1 meter) inside of the normal service line. Players will be allowed the OPTION to serve from the 6 foot line on their first serve during each term of service. If the team wins the point, they must move back to the 3-foot line. If they win that point, they must serve from normal service line for the remainder of that term of service. (b) Beginning with the second tournaments of the sanctioned season and continuing to the end of the regular season, the 12’s Platinum division will play using the normal service line in the USAV Rule book; the 12’s Gold and below divisions will play using the modified service lines described above in (a). (c) For all Regional Championship tournaments and National bid tournaments, all 12’s divisions will play using the normal service line in the USAV Rule book.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATION:

(1) When is the next Board of Director's Meeting?

Friday-Saturday, August 13-14, 2010 - Annual Retreat of CR Board - Aqueduct Conference Center, Chapel Hill
All Carolina Region Board meetings are open to Carolina Region members. We encourage all members to get involved with improving the sport of volleyball throughout North Carolina. Come to a meeting and lend a hand!

(2) How does one become a Board member?

The President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Carolina Region's Board of Directors is elected every three years at the Annual Meeting usually held in April or May (current terms end in 2012). The rest of the Board is elected from their division's Advisory Board. Those interested in running for a position can contact any Board member or the Office to be included in an Advisory Board. See the Board section of our website for more information. The Board of Directors is comprised of all volunteers dedicated to improving volleyball in North Carolina. We invite you to join in the efforts of these individuals!

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Last Updated: Monday, 30-Aug-2010