The one-event membership is commonly used as an “emergency” player at a tournament or for sanctioned clinics and camps.  The one-event membership is good for five consecutive days from the start date the applicant enters during the registration process (it is important to put the correct start date for the event during the registration process). A member is limited to TWO one-event memberships per indoor season (if used for a tournament).  If the player wishes to join as a member for the rest of the season, then the applicant should go to the registration page and go through the Quizzard again (or contact their indoor club for that club’s unique Public Club Assignment link).  They will be offered applicable membership choices based on their answers.  If they choose a full membership option, the system will give partial credit for ONE one-event membership fee already paid.

YES!  With the move to a new Member Management System, hosted by SportsEngine, families will have the ability to have one account (one login) for one adult and all minor individuals of their Household.  The Master account MUST be held by an adult/parent/guardian 18 or over.  Once that account is created, when a membership link is selected from the Region’s Registration page, it will ask who the membership is for.  At that point, the master account can choose either for the master account or someone else.  If the Household account had not been created yet, you’ll be able to create a new person in the Household at that point.  NOTE – the Master Account does not have to purchase a membership in order for other members of the household to have memberships.  For more information on the Family Accounts, go here.  If two or more adults 18 or older are needing to purchase a membership, then each adult will need their own separate SE account.

YES – You may add players at any time during the season simply by having them register with the Carolina Region.  Clubs can send new players a Public Club Assignment link to have them affiliate with their club and register in one process.  Once they are registered with the Region, the club admin can add them to a roster in the current season’s USAV Governing Season. 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 a Regional Championship Event. Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships ONE week before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

With the move to the USAV Member Management System (MMS) hosted by SportsEngine, there is no such thing as “Assigned Regions” any more in the system.  Members now just register in a new Region with the designated links for that Region’s memberships.  To access the Carolina Region membership links, go to our Registration page (or have your club send you a Public Club Assignment link).  During the registration process, you will log in to your SE account, so any past membership history and credentials will be carried into the Carolina Region.

Teams and individuals may register at any time during the season. 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). Club administrators should keep any minimum participation policies in mind if registering players or teams mid-season.  Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships ONE week before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

• INDIVIDUAL FEES: Beginning with the 2022 season, the Carolina Region eliminated the Early Bird process for individual registrations.  With the widespread use of the online registration system, an early bird registration period is no longer needed to manage the process.  The individual early bird discount was originally put in place to help the Region process PAPER memberships, which were much more time-intensive to process.  Paper memberships are no longer accepted, so the Early bird individual period is no longer necessary.  For the 2024 season, the full Junior membership will be $55 ($30 to Region; $25 to USAV) and the full adult membership will be $50 ($25 to Region; $25 to USAV).
• TEAM FEES: Junior Teams must be established by December 1 to receive the Early Bird fee of $65. Beginning December 2, the junior team fee will be $85.  Multi-team Clubs may qualify for a quantity discount if all team registrations and fees are received by December 1 (see Club Info form for more info).  There is no team fee for Adult teams this season.  An Early Bird team fee process is still needed to clubs and the Regions can be sure to take care of all roster requirements well before tournaments begin.

USA Volleyball has issued the following statement in answer to similar questions such as this:

“This is to confirm that only USA Volleyball background screenings are accepted for USAV and/or Region sanctioned events. Other organizations may choose to accept the USA Volleyball background screening as valid because they know that we hold to a high standard of safety. However, USA Volleyball and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) have a unique set of flags and disqualifiers that are monitored, and the USAV strategic priority of “Safety First” leads us to the conclusion that we need direct access to screening information in order to make the best decisions about the safety of our participants.”

For this reason, all applicants that are required to submit a background screen as a condition of their membership will need to go through the USA Volleyball Background Screen application portal.

With the change to the new Member Management System (MMS) hosted by SportsEngine, members will no longer have a standard “membership card” that can be easily printed.  We have transitioned to a “Digital” membership card.  Members will be able to save their “card” to a Digital Wallet, like Apple Wallet or Google Pay.  When their “card” is accessed from this source, members can show a QR code where a Club or Tournament Director can pull up the member’s verified status and information “on-demand”.  To access – log in to your SportsEngine account; go to the “Household” section.  Click the user profile of the member.  The “Carolina Regional Volleyball” box for that person has an icon at top right that the member can click to add it to either Apple Wallet or Google Pay.  See the image below for a sample picture of what this looks like inside the SE Household account:

See this SE  Help article for more information on viewing memberships and adding to a digital wallet.

The one-event membership is commonly used as an “emergency” player at a tournament or for sanctioned clinics and camps.  The one-event membership is good for five consecutive days from the start date the applicant enters during the registration process (it is important to put the correct start date for the event during the registration process). A member is limited to TWO one-event memberships per indoor season (if used for a tournament).  If the player wishes to join as a member for the rest of the season, then the applicant should go to the registration page and go through the Quizzard again (or contact their indoor club for that club’s unique Public Club Assignment link).  They will be offered applicable membership choices based on their answers.  If they choose a full membership option, the system will give partial credit for ONE one-event membership fee already paid.

YES!  With the move to a new Member Management System, hosted by SportsEngine, families will have the ability to have one account (one login) for one adult and all minor individuals of their Household.  The Master account MUST be held by an adult/parent/guardian 18 or over.  Once that account is created, when a membership link is selected from the Region’s Registration page, it will ask who the membership is for.  At that point, the master account can choose either for the master account or someone else.  If the Household account had not been created yet, you’ll be able to create a new person in the Household at that point.  NOTE – the Master Account does not have to purchase a membership in order for other members of the household to have memberships.  For more information on the Family Accounts, go here.  If two or more adults 18 or older are needing to purchase a membership, then each adult will need their own separate SE account.

With the move to the USAV Membership Management System (MMS) hosted by SportsEngine, your Carolina Region/USA Volleyball membership number will look different than in the past.  USAV is only using the Contact ID number as the Membership number.  This number was the 7 digit number inside the old USAV membership number.  The Contact ID for renewing members have been brought over to the new system as long as the member used the same name and birthdate that was in the old system. An example of what your Information will look like in your SE account profile is shown below (the member number is “111111” below):

The process of selecting a club in the USAV database has improved from previous seasons.  CLUBS will send out a URL link to affiliate with their club for the next USA Volleyball season (called the Public Club Assignment link).  The club only needs to send the Public Club Assignment link to a prospective player and this will add the player/coach to their Directory, allow them to buy a current season membership (if needed) and affiliate the player/coach with their club for the USAV indoor season so they may be added to a roster (this is binding and should only be accepted if you are sure you want to be with this club the entire USAV indoor season).   You may receive invitations from multiple clubs (especially if trying out for more than one club).  That is normal and you would just ignore the invitations from the clubs you do not want to affiliate with, and accept the invite of the one you will participate with.  In addition to the Club invite from the MMS, clubs will also have the player sign a Carolina Region Letter of Commitment (LOC).  This form is the only approved method for committing to a club for the USAV indoor season.  Players should not sign the LOC or accept an online Invite in the MMS until they are sure they want to be with that club for the entire indoor season. For more on the MMS invite process, go here.

Registration packets and all applicable forms will be available for download on our website annually (Documents & Forms) . The 2024/2025 packets were posted on September 1, 2024. An email notice to all of last season’s Club Directors was sent shortly after they were available on the website. The Registration packets have all information needed for clubs to register their teams for the new season.

In the interest of promoting the growth of Boys’ volleyball, the Carolina Region will allow Boys’ 12 & Under teams to enter appropriate level girls’ 13’s or 14’s tournaments (CR sanctioned one-day tournaments) if there is room after the entry deadline. In such a situation, results against boys’ teams will count in pool standings, and they will be eligible for playoffs should they qualify. If a boy’s team makes the playoffs in a girl’s tournament one week, they will automatically be moved to a higher age and/or site with the next tournament they play in.  For all out-of-region tournaments and CR multi-day tournaments, Boys’ 12 & under teams will need to contact the tournament administration directly about their policies concerning participation in Girls’ tournaments.

There are many benefits of participating in a tournament sanctioned by the Carolina Region/USA Volleyball:

• All participants are covered under the USA Volleyball Insurance Program
  • $5,000,000 General Liability Policy
  • $25,000 Excess Accident Medical Policy for participants
• All Adults participating in the Event must:
  • Clear the USAV Background Screen annually
  • Complete a SafeSport course annually
  • Coaches must complete the USAV IMPACT (or equivalent) course
• USA Volleyball certified and trained professional Officials working the event
• Standard tournament formats for all one-day tournaments

Our Boys Program is still in the growing phase.  The Boys’ Program is much different than our Girls’ Program.  One main difference is Boys’ Volleyball is not a sanctioned High School sport in NC at this time.  Based on these differences, we allow Boys programs to hold their tryouts anytime after the previous USAV indoor season has concluded (at the end of the USAV Boys’ Junior National Championships).  Tryouts for the 2025 USAV season may begin anytime after June 29, 2024 for Carolina Region Boys’ clubs.

JUNIOR BOYS – All Carolina Region Boys teams will be considered part of the same Club.  Boys’ teams are still restricted to the procedures for Junior Girls below when utilizing Player Movement.

JUNIOR GIRLS – All multi-team Junior Girls Clubs will be able to utilize the Player Movement Policy within their respective club only during the Carolina Region season without paying a club fee.  Player movement (either Temporary or Permanent) in a club is restricted based on the policies outlined below.    All player movement must be recorded by a club officer and submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster at Captains’/Coaches’ Meeting).  Temporary Club Movements do not have to be sent to the Region Office before the competition (only permanent moves) – the Region will receive the form after the tournament with the rosters.  The Carolina Region will use the current Standings of all teams as found at the Carolina Region Tournament System when processing all club movements per the policies below.  NOTE:  All Coaches in a Junior Club may coach ANY team in their own club.  If they are not on the official roster, then the Club should use a Club Movement Form to add that coach to a tournament roster the same as adding a temporary player.

See BELOW for INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RESTRICTIONS.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS – Junior Program:

• • Players being moved to a team in a lower age group must meet the birthdate requirements for the age group they are being moved to.
  • An individual player may only be used TWICE for temporary moves during the indoor season. After a player has participated with another club team 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.
  • Players registered on 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 ranking a maximum of two (2) times (within their individual limit) before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event.

Players may participate with a team having a lower ranking than the one with who the player is registered a maximum of one (1) time (within their individual limit) before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event.

• Players may participate with two teams on a given weekend provided: (a) the age groups are playing on different days (i.e. 12’s team plays on Saturday and 13’s team plays 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 junior 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.
• Any registered Club player may continue participation with another team in the same club upon notifying the Office of a permanent roster change before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event. Once a permanent move is made, no other moves (temporary or permanent) are allowed for that player.
• Players registered as unaffiliated (member of the club but not on a team) must still appear on 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 before they can play in a tournament.

TEAM MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS:

• Teams may add a maximum of two (2) Club players not on their roster in any given tournament.
• Teams may add a maximum of one (1) player not on their roster from a higher ranking team in their club in any given tournament.
• Teams may add a maximum of two (2) players not on their roster from a higher ranking team in their club 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 a Regional Championship Event, then ideally the player being moved should have played at least once with that team during the regular season under a normal player movement. The Region will hear petitions for extenuating 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.

The Player Movement Policy for Adult tournaments – For Regular Season Tournaments, the Region has eliminated the Club Player Movement Policy for adults to promote ease of play. Adult teams will be able to pick up any current member up to the max roster size as needed in order to play in a regular season Carolina Region tournament. All such player movements must still be recorded by a team rep in writing on the Club Player Movement Form and submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster at Captain’s Meeting). Player Movement Forms do not need to be sent to the Region before a tournament if the move is only Temporary. Permanent Team Movements should be sent to the Region Office directly and REQUIRE the written approval of both affected team reps before it can be approved by the Region.  Regional Championships Player Movements:  Rosters still FREEZE (no changes allowed) ONE week before the Regional Championships.  Team Reps need to submit all Roster updates (with a Club Player Movement Form) to the Region Office at least one week before the scheduled Adult Regional Championships in order for the affected players to be eligible for the Regional Championships.

One important distinction to keep in mind, first. The use of the word “Quintile” during the Team Registration process has nothing to do with what site number a team might get assigned to! During the Team Registration process, we ask Club Directors/Team Reps to tell us what “Quintile” they want to start with among FIVE groupings. Those five “Groups” represent (1) Top 20% of all teams in that age group/realm (east/west); (2) 21-40% of teams; (3) 41-60% of teams; (4) 61-80% of teams; (50 81-100% of teams. That grouping sets the team’s INITIAL points value in the Tournament System ONLY. After a team plays their first tournament and their points begin to go up/down, the “Quintile” from their initial team creation is irrelevant as they are ranked based on their currents points value.

The word “Site/Division” in the Tournament System is used to differentiate between SITES only. We will have as many “Sites/Divisions” as we can accommodate to allow as many teams to play. So, our bigger age groups will see 7-9 “Sites/Divisions” on a tournament weekend (but remember, we only had “five” groupings on team registration form – so those two uses have nothing to do with each other).

Teams get assigned to “Sites/Divisions” based on (a) their points rankings AND (b) how many teams ranked above them have entered that particular tournament! So, a team that selects Quintile 2 (21-40% of teams) could play at “Site/Division” 1 if there were not a lot of teams ranked ABOVE them entered in that tournament. Teams are still assigned into tournaments on their rankings so they are playing teams ranked around them.

Teams will be assigned to “SITES” for all regular season tournaments.  For all Regional Championship Events at the end of the season, teams will be assigned to “DIVISIONS” to maintain the historical use of that term in Regional Championship Events in the past.

Please see the Junior Tournament Structure and Information Letter and the Site Assignment Example for more information.

YES – You may add players at any time during the season simply by having them register with the Carolina Region.  Clubs can send new players a Public Club Assignment link to have them affiliate with their club and register in one process.  Once they are registered with the Region, the club admin can add them to a roster in the current season’s USAV Governing Season. 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 a Regional Championship Event. Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships ONE week before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

All teams across the country are 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: G18WSVBC1CR. The “G” indicates a Girl’s team (Boys teams will start with a “B”); the “18” 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 Club name – all teams in the club will have the same club code. The Club Code does not change from season to season as long as the Club stays active); the “1” indicates the ranking of that team in their OWN club in that age group only; and the “CR” stands for the Carolina Region. Again, only teams that will be traveling to large inter-Regional tournaments will need this number to enter events. Team Codes can be found in the USAV governing Season in your HQ and are also available in the Carolina Region Tournament System (in the Team Directory and on individual team pages). Please make note of it for future reference.   NOTE:  Team Codes do not necessarily stay the same from season to season for a particular team, so Club Directors should wait until the current season’s Team Registrations are processed before using a team code.

Yes, clubs and individuals can register anytime during the year (they just need to keep in mind how many more events are available to participate in if they are registering mid-season).  New clubs can submit the 2024 Club Registration Form to the Region at any time for us to add the club to the Tournament System and request an HQ account (existing clubs will also need to submit annually as well so we can keep the Club information updated).

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.

For Junior’s competitions, the Region will allow boys and girls to play together on the same team in the Girls’ 13 and under division (or lower) only to promote development (max limit of two males on a Girls 13 and under or lower roster).  Those younger girls teams that have a boy on the roster should get permission from the tournament director before playing a coed roster at out-of-Region events (and CR two-day special events).

• ADULTS/BOYS Teams – Adult and Boys teams do not need to register as a club in order to get Club Movement Privileges. All teams will be considered a club for purposes of the Club Movement Policy (see related FAQ item). NOTE: In the USAV/Carolina Region online Registration system, all teams are also formed into a “club” as a way to group and classify teams in the system. If you just have one team, you will just be a one team club in the USAV/Carolina Region Registration system.
• JUNIOR GIRLS – There will be no Club fee required to have Player Movement Privileges for Junior Girls’ clubs! All multi-team Girl’s Clubs will be eligible automatically to utilize player movement within the parameters of the Club Player Movement Policy.  NOTE: In the USAV/Carolina Region online Registration system, all teams are also formed into a “club” as a way to group and classify teams in the system. If you just have one team, you will just be a one team club in the USAV/Carolina Region Registration system.  Junior Clubs with more than 10 teams will receive a discount on their team fees for the 11th registered team and greater (for teams registered before December 1 only).

Teams and individuals may register at any time during the season. 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). Club administrators should keep any minimum participation policies in mind if registering players or teams mid-season.  Rosters will FREEZE for Regional Championships ONE week before the tournament date, so no roster additions or club movements will be allowed after rosters FREEZE.

USA Volleyball no longer requires the Medical Release form at its national events.  For that reason, the Carolina Region does not supply the form to clubs any longer.  Some clubs may choose to still collect a Medical Release form from their participants.

If a place for a notarized signature is part of that form, it would only be required if attending a state that does require signatures to be notarized.

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 our 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 additional question for information on Sanctioned Events).

When you join the Carolina Region, you are joining a group Association (two associations really – the Carolina Region and all its 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 Handbooks at the Forms section of the website). Events may be either sanctioned by USA Volleyball (i.e. Qualifiers, Junior National 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.  Clubs can request to have their events/activities sanctioned through a form linked from the Insurance Forms section of our Forms page.

The Carolina Region has updated its Coaching Education Policy.  It states: The Carolina Region believes that every player deserves a coach trained in the current techniques and safety issues of the sport. All Head and Assistant Coaches are required to have, at a minimum, current IMPACT certification in order to coach in the Region. An IMPACT certification now grants three seasons of coaching eligibility in the Carolina Region. Although USAV IMPACT certification does not expire, the Region believes it is important for coaches to stay current in the field.  Attending an IMPACT clinic or other approved NTDP Coaching Clinic at any time will extend a coach’s eligibility for another three seasons.

NOTE:  USA Volleyball has developed a new Coaching Academy.  The Region will be providing discounts for Carolina Region coaches to access this training.  Taking USAV Coaching Academy courses will count towards Carolina Region Continuing education extensions.

NO. Once someone is registered as a member with the Region in whatever capacity for the current season, then they do not have to buy another membership to coach a team. The club would need to send them a Public Club Assignment link (same as for the players affiliating with the club) and the Coach would need to go through the quizzard again and indicate they will have a Coach role this season.  That will show them the Adult Coach membership that will get them the correct requirements to be a Junior Coach (Background Screen, SafeSport, and IMPACT). They will not be charged again for the Coach membership.  Once they have that correct Coach membership in their account, the club can add them to the roster in the current USAV Governing Season.  They will show as eligible when their Background Screen, SafeSport, and IMPACT are all current.

All Junior coaches must be at least 18 years of age and at least two years older than the team they coach. However, individuals who have reached their 16th birthday may serve as a rostered Assistant Coach for teams that are a minimum of three age groups younger than the coach. Teams utilizing these junior coaches must register a Chaperone 25 or older also to be on the roster and sit on the bench in the event that the Head Coach is not able to finish a match on the bench. In addition, the Head Coach must be 25 or older and must be on the bench to start all matches. These Junior coaches must comply with all coaching prerequisites (IMPACT/SafeSport) before they can be added to the roster. In the event, the coach turns 18 during the season, they must clear the USAV Background Screen policy and would be governed by the current Coaches’ policies as found in the Operating Code.

Other minimum requirements for Coaches:

• Clear the USAV/RVA Background Screen (all adults 18 or older affiliating with junior program must clear this)
• Agree to the USAV Code of Ethics Form.  This is done electronically during the Registration process.
• Obtain an IMPACT or CAP Certification (After initial certification, coaches must attend an approved continuing education clinic every three seasons to remain eligible to coach)
• Must be SafeSport certified

The following is taken from the 2023-2025 USA Volleyball Indoor Rules Book (p. 34-37).  Highlighted text reflects an updated rule/text for this rules cycle.

USAV 4.3 EQUIPMENT:
a. A player’s uniform consists of a jersey and shorts or athletic/sports pants.  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 an undergarment. Socks, sport shoes, knee pads, and compression pads are not part of the uniform.

b. The legality of a team’s uniform(s) is not grounds for a protest by their opponent. The determination of a team’s uniform legality is the responsibility of the match referee(s), head referee(s), and/or tournament staff.

USAV 4.3.1: The color and design for the jerseys and shorts or athletic/sports pants must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero).  See also 4.1, USAV 19.2

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

USAV 4.3.3: The players’ jerseys must be numbered in a permanent manner from 1 to 99 using Arabic numerals. Duplicate numbers are not allowed.  See also USAV 4.3.3.2

USAV 4.3.3.1
USAV 4.3.3.1a: Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered side to side on the front and back of the jersey.  Numbers are recommended to be placed on the upper half of the jersey.  Numbers may not extend below the player’s waist and may not be tucked into the uniform bottom.
USAV 4.3.3.1b: Each jersey must use the same color and number height for all players, except the Libero’s jersey, which may have different color and size numbers, provided it still meets the minimum criteria stated in USAV 4,3.3.2..
USAV 4.3.3.1c:  The color and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the color and brightness of the jersey. Color combinations including but not limited to purple/black, dark green/black, navy/black, white/light yellow or navy/maroon are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.
USAV 4.3.3.1d The color of the number must clearly contrast with the color of the jersey irrespective of any border around the number.

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. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2cm (3/4”) in width.

USAV 4.3.4: It is recommended that the captain have a stripe on his/her jersey, 8cm X 2cm (3.15” X .78”), underlining the number on the chest. (see also 5.1)

4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a color different from that of the other players (except for the Liberos), and/or without official numbers (see also 19.2).

USAV 4.3.5: For nationally sanctioned competition, uniforms must be identical except for sleeve length and the Libero players. An exception will also be made for a single manufacturer’s logo or trademark on the outside of the jerseys or shorts, provided that the logo or trademark does not exceed 14.6 square cm (2 1/4 square inches). Sponsor logos are permitted provided they are identical on each uniform and do not obstruct the view of the uniform number.

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 (see also USAV 4.3. 15.5);
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.  (see also 4.1.1, USAV 19.2)

4.5 Personal Equipment and Prohibited Items:

USAV 4.5.1:It is prohibited to wear a cast, even if padded. Objects or equipment that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. A head covering made from cloth or soft, non-abrasive fabric may be worn; no waiver is required. Hats of any style are not permitted.  A guard or brace, or headgear, are permitted; padding or a covering may be necessary. A prosthetic limb(s) is permitted; sharp edges may need to be wrapped or padded to ensure safety.
Jewelry may be worn provided its nature does not present a concern for safety, such as extremely long necklaces and/or necklaces with large medallions, or large hoop earrings.
When a player’s equipment falls to the floor and creates a safety hazard, play is stopped, and a delay sanction may be assessed.

4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.

4.5.3 Compression pads (padded injury protection devices) may be worn for protection or support. The color of the compression pads does not need to be the same for team members wearing this equipment, nor does the color need to match the predominant color(s) of the team uniform.

LIBERO UNIFORM RULE: (p. 71)
USAV 19.2 (see also 4.3):
a. The Libero must wear a jersey that clearly contrasts with, and has a different dominant color from, the jersey of their teammates.
b. A jacket or bib can only be worn by the re-designated Libero. If a jacket or bib is worn by the re-designated Libero, the uniform number must still be visible.
c. Numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specifications in USAV 4.3.3.1. Color combinations including but not limited to purple/black, dark green/black, navy/maroon, and white/light yellow are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.  NOTE: The color of the number must clearly contrast with the color of the jersey irrespective of any border around the number

d. When two Liberos are used, both Liberos can be in uniforms different from each other and from the rest of the team.

NOTE:  USA Volleyball has set up a review process for questionable uniform combinations.  Clubs with questions about potential sets of uniforms can submit questions/pictures to the Rules Interpreter for review before ordering!  Please allow 5 business days to process your submission.  Go here  to submit your info (please only use if there is a question whether known color combinations are legal).

NOTE – Carolina Region teams may petition the Region for uniform waivers for use in Region events only in some instances. Contact the Region Office with questions

All individuals (Adults and Juniors) can go to our Tournament System to view the team and club directories to view contact information (NOTE:  The Tournament System resets on September 1 of each season.  To see Directories from the prior season, from the main page, you will also see a View Historical Data section at the bottom Click the prior season, to pull up that data.

When you are in the tournament system (either current season or a Historical Season), choose a Program first (Junior or Adult) and then choose the Team Directory option under the INFO heading.  Once on the Team Directory page, you can use the column arrows to sort and find teams by city, gender, etc.

The Club Directory is also under the INFO heading.  If the club has a website, it is available on this Directory in the last column (click the “url” link to go to their website).  Contact any club 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.  This is a resource for individuals to use if they are still searching for a club.  Clubs can use the Player’s Board to advertise their needs and look over players still looking for a team.

NOTE:  The Carolina Region does not operate any clubs.  You will need to contact clubs directly for all information about their program offerings.

When you join the Carolina Region, you are joining a group Association (two associations really – the Carolina Region and all its 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 Handbooks at the Forms section of the website). Events may be either sanctioned by USA Volleyball (i.e. Qualifiers, Junior National 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.  Clubs can request to have their events/activities sanctioned through a form linked from the Insurance Forms section of our Forms page.

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 2027). 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. 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!

The next quarterly online meeting of the Board of Directors is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023.  The next Annual Meeting of the Carolina Region will be June 8, 2024.  The Board of Director retreat is scheduled for June 7-8, 2024.  Check the Board Meeting Information page for up-to-date information as meetings are finalized.

The Next Junior Advisory Board Meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2024.  It will be an Online Meeting.  All Junior Team Reps will be sent information on joining the meeting in April, 2024.

The next Officials Advisory Board Meeting is scheduled for July of 2024.

All Board of Director Meeting information along with past minutes can also be found on our Board Meeting Information page.

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!

In the interest of promoting the growth of Boys’ volleyball, the Carolina Region will allow Boys’ 12 & Under teams to enter appropriate level girls’ 13’s or 14’s tournaments (CR sanctioned one-day tournaments) if there is room after the entry deadline. In such a situation, results against boys’ teams will count in pool standings, and they will be eligible for playoffs should they qualify. If a boy’s team makes the playoffs in a girl’s tournament one week, they will automatically be moved to a higher age and/or site with the next tournament they play in.  For all out-of-region tournaments and CR multi-day tournaments, Boys’ 12 & under teams will need to contact the tournament administration directly about their policies concerning participation in Girls’ tournaments.

There are many benefits of participating in a tournament sanctioned by the Carolina Region/USA Volleyball:

• All participants are covered under the USA Volleyball Insurance Program
  • $5,000,000 General Liability Policy
  • $25,000 Excess Accident Medical Policy for participants
• All Adults participating in the Event must:
  • Clear the USAV Background Screen annually
  • Complete a SafeSport course annually
  • Coaches must complete the USAV IMPACT (or equivalent) course
• USA Volleyball certified and trained professional Officials working the event
• Standard tournament formats for all one-day tournaments

Our Boys Program is still in the growing phase.  The Boys’ Program is much different than our Girls’ Program.  One main difference is Boys’ Volleyball is not a sanctioned High School sport in NC at this time.  Based on these differences, we allow Boys programs to hold their tryouts anytime after the previous USAV indoor season has concluded (at the end of the USAV Boys’ Junior National Championships).  Tryouts for the 2025 USAV season may begin anytime after June 29, 2024 for Carolina Region Boys’ clubs.

Yes, CR Tournament hosts are allowed to charge an admission for our sanctioned one-day tournaments beginning with the 2020 Season (multi-day tournaments have always been allowed to have an admission).  The Board approved it at their 2019 summer retreat as an alternative to raising tournament entry fees for teams.  The costs to rent facilities and host tournaments is rising annually and we do our best to keep the costs for teams affordable.  This was one way hosts can recoup some of their costs without raising tournament entry fees on the teams. 

The admission charge is optional and is limited to $5 max for all spectators 11 and older.  All participants on a roster, our officials, and kids 10 and under accompanying their families to watch are exempt from the admission fee.

We will update a facility’s info on our tournament system as they notify us if there will be an admission.  But everyone should be prepared to pay an admission when they arrive.

NOTE – 100% of any admission charged is retained by the Tournament hosts to offset their expenses for hosting.  The Carolina Region does not receive any portion of admission fees.

There is no USA Volleyball rule or policy that states the game of volleyball has to be played in a quiet environment.  Participants and spectators can make as much noise as they wish during a match.  If you ever watch an international volleyball match (Olympics or other high level event) you will see an incredibly loud environment in the stands and on the court.  Many countries have fans that stand the whole time, chant, beat drums and sticks, etc.  The participants can hardly hear themselves or the whistle in such environment.  And the International Governing Body , FIVB, encourages such fan interactions.

We can understand the desire to not have distractions during a match, but the reality is, it is actually part of the sport.  Players will need to be able to adapt and be prepared to play in loud environments.  As long as participants and spectators are not yelling inappropriate things directed at individuals, then talking, chanting, making noise, is not an offense that can be sanctioned.  Yelling “Balls up” no matter if it is useful to them or not, is not something our officials should be stopping.

All involved with Youth Sports should, however, remember that we are trying to promote Good Sportsmanship at our events.  Parents and spectators should review the Parent Code of Conduct before each event.  Yelling excessively from the stands before the opponent serves may not be “demonstrating positive support for all players” if your motive is to distract/cause errors.  Please consider the good of the sport and good sportsmanship whenever you are cheering at our events.

We will name an All-Tournament Team (ATT) at the Carolina Regional Championship tournaments where the top FOUR teams from the East and West come together to decide the overall Regional Champions. The ATT will consist of three players off the Championship team, two players off the Finalist team, one player each from the losing semi-finalist teams, and an MVP (does not have to come from the champion team). The coaches of the participating semi-finals/finals teams will nominate their players to the ATT.  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.

An ATT team will not be named at the East and West Regional Championship sites.  However, we will name an MVP at each East/West Regionals site.  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 has implemented a program to recognize top Junior Officials each season.  The Officials Division created a Junior Regional Referee and Scorer rating certification. Outstanding Junior Officials may ask to be rated by National and Junior National Referees in order to receive a Junior Regional Rating. Referees that attain this certification will be a patch and other Carolina Region branded officiating supplies and be recognized on the Carolina Region website!  For more information and a list of past Outstanding Young Referees, go here.

JUNIOR BOYS – All Carolina Region Boys teams will be considered part of the same Club.  Boys’ teams are still restricted to the procedures for Junior Girls below when utilizing Player Movement.

JUNIOR GIRLS – All multi-team Junior Girls Clubs will be able to utilize the Player Movement Policy within their respective club only during the Carolina Region season without paying a club fee.  Player movement (either Temporary or Permanent) in a club is restricted based on the policies outlined below.    All player movement must be recorded by a club officer and submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster at Captains’/Coaches’ Meeting).  Temporary Club Movements do not have to be sent to the Region Office before the competition (only permanent moves) – the Region will receive the form after the tournament with the rosters.  The Carolina Region will use the current Standings of all teams as found at the Carolina Region Tournament System when processing all club movements per the policies below.  NOTE:  All Coaches in a Junior Club may coach ANY team in their own club.  If they are not on the official roster, then the Club should use a Club Movement Form to add that coach to a tournament roster the same as adding a temporary player.

See BELOW for INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RESTRICTIONS.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS – Junior Program:

• • Players being moved to a team in a lower age group must meet the birthdate requirements for the age group they are being moved to.
  • An individual player may only be used TWICE for temporary moves during the indoor season. After a player has participated with another club team 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.
  • Players registered on 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 ranking a maximum of two (2) times (within their individual limit) before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event.

Players may participate with a team having a lower ranking than the one with who the player is registered a maximum of one (1) time (within their individual limit) before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event.

• Players may participate with two teams on a given weekend provided: (a) the age groups are playing on different days (i.e. 12’s team plays on Saturday and 13’s team plays 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 junior 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.
• Any registered Club player may continue participation with another team in the same club upon notifying the Office of a permanent roster change before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event. Once a permanent move is made, no other moves (temporary or permanent) are allowed for that player.
• Players registered as unaffiliated (member of the club but not on a team) must still appear on 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 before they can play in a tournament.

TEAM MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS:

• Teams may add a maximum of two (2) Club players not on their roster in any given tournament.
• Teams may add a maximum of one (1) player not on their roster from a higher ranking team in their club in any given tournament.
• Teams may add a maximum of two (2) players not on their roster from a higher ranking team in their club 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 a Regional Championship Event, then ideally the player being moved should have played at least once with that team during the regular season under a normal player movement. The Region will hear petitions for extenuating 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.

The Player Movement Policy for Adult tournaments – For Regular Season Tournaments, the Region has eliminated the Club Player Movement Policy for adults to promote ease of play. Adult teams will be able to pick up any current member up to the max roster size as needed in order to play in a regular season Carolina Region tournament. All such player movements must still be recorded by a team rep in writing on the Club Player Movement Form and submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster at Captain’s Meeting). Player Movement Forms do not need to be sent to the Region before a tournament if the move is only Temporary. Permanent Team Movements should be sent to the Region Office directly and REQUIRE the written approval of both affected team reps before it can be approved by the Region.  Regional Championships Player Movements:  Rosters still FREEZE (no changes allowed) ONE week before the Regional Championships.  Team Reps need to submit all Roster updates (with a Club Player Movement Form) to the Region Office at least one week before the scheduled Adult Regional Championships in order for the affected players to be eligible for the Regional Championships.

All Junior teams must have TWO certified REFEREES and ONE certified SCORER on their roster. To get certified, officials must (a)complete an online officiating clinic curriculum applicable to their membership status ; (b) take the appropriate test as required for their membership (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 if applicable; and (d) professional 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 adult per team must complete the 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 adult must physically supervise their team while in the vicinity of the score table at all times during the team’s officiating assignment (supervising includes, but is not limited to, insuring food is not at the table and work team is not distracted by cell phones and electronic devices). Incomplete work teams (including the certified 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 team requirements.

It is recommended that all Adult teams have 2 certified Referees and 1 certified Scorer on their roster for all tournaments.

Individuals must take the Referee and Scorer clinic online.  Visit this page for information about the Online clinics.  Clubs can go here for information on Hosting a supplemental in-person clinic (not for certifications).

One important distinction to keep in mind, first. The use of the word “Quintile” during the Team Registration process has nothing to do with what site number a team might get assigned to! During the Team Registration process, we ask Club Directors/Team Reps to tell us what “Quintile” they want to start with among FIVE groupings. Those five “Groups” represent (1) Top 20% of all teams in that age group/realm (east/west); (2) 21-40% of teams; (3) 41-60% of teams; (4) 61-80% of teams; (50 81-100% of teams. That grouping sets the team’s INITIAL points value in the Tournament System ONLY. After a team plays their first tournament and their points begin to go up/down, the “Quintile” from their initial team creation is irrelevant as they are ranked based on their currents points value.

The word “Site/Division” in the Tournament System is used to differentiate between SITES only. We will have as many “Sites/Divisions” as we can accommodate to allow as many teams to play. So, our bigger age groups will see 7-9 “Sites/Divisions” on a tournament weekend (but remember, we only had “five” groupings on team registration form – so those two uses have nothing to do with each other).

Teams get assigned to “Sites/Divisions” based on (a) their points rankings AND (b) how many teams ranked above them have entered that particular tournament! So, a team that selects Quintile 2 (21-40% of teams) could play at “Site/Division” 1 if there were not a lot of teams ranked ABOVE them entered in that tournament. Teams are still assigned into tournaments on their rankings so they are playing teams ranked around them.

Teams will be assigned to “SITES” for all regular season tournaments.  For all Regional Championship Events at the end of the season, teams will be assigned to “DIVISIONS” to maintain the historical use of that term in Regional Championship Events in the past.

Please see the Junior Tournament Structure and Information Letter and the Site Assignment Example for more information.

USA Volleyball no longer requires the Medical Release form at its national events.  For that reason, the Carolina Region does not supply the form to clubs any longer.  Some clubs may choose to still collect a Medical Release form from their participants.

If a place for a notarized signature is part of that form, it would only be required if attending a state that does require signatures to be notarized.

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).

Maybe. All play in an age group other than the one you are registered for must be approved by the Region. ALSO, acceptance into the higher age group 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 and submit the entry prior to the tournament entry deadline.  The Tournament 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 a Regional Championship Event for the age group which they are currently assigned by the Region at the entry deadline (unless the team was approved to play at the higher age group the entire season).

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

JUNIOR BOYS – All Carolina Region Boys teams will be considered part of the same Club.  Boys’ teams are still restricted to the procedures for Junior Girls below when utilizing Player Movement.

JUNIOR GIRLS – All multi-team Junior Girls Clubs will be able to utilize the Player Movement Policy within their respective club only during the Carolina Region season without paying a club fee.  Player movement (either Temporary or Permanent) in a club is restricted based on the policies outlined below.    All player movement must be recorded by a club officer and submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster at Captains’/Coaches’ Meeting).  Temporary Club Movements do not have to be sent to the Region Office before the competition (only permanent moves) – the Region will receive the form after the tournament with the rosters.  The Carolina Region will use the current Standings of all teams as found at the Carolina Region Tournament System when processing all club movements per the policies below.  NOTE:  All Coaches in a Junior Club may coach ANY team in their own club.  If they are not on the official roster, then the Club should use a Club Movement Form to add that coach to a tournament roster the same as adding a temporary player.

See BELOW for INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM RESTRICTIONS.

INDIVIDUAL PLAYER MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS – Junior Program:

• • Players being moved to a team in a lower age group must meet the birthdate requirements for the age group they are being moved to.
  • An individual player may only be used TWICE for temporary moves during the indoor season. After a player has participated with another club team 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.
  • Players registered on 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 ranking a maximum of two (2) times (within their individual limit) before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event.

Players may participate with a team having a lower ranking than the one with who the player is registered a maximum of one (1) time (within their individual limit) before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event.

• Players may participate with two teams on a given weekend provided: (a) the age groups are playing on different days (i.e. 12’s team plays on Saturday and 13’s team plays 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 junior 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.
• Any registered Club player may continue participation with another team in the same club upon notifying the Office of a permanent roster change before rosters are frozen one week prior to their age group’s first Regional Championship Event. Once a permanent move is made, no other moves (temporary or permanent) are allowed for that player.
• Players registered as unaffiliated (member of the club but not on a team) must still appear on 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 before they can play in a tournament.

TEAM MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS:

• Teams may add a maximum of two (2) Club players not on their roster in any given tournament.
• Teams may add a maximum of one (1) player not on their roster from a higher ranking team in their club in any given tournament.
• Teams may add a maximum of two (2) players not on their roster from a higher ranking team in their club 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 a Regional Championship Event, then ideally the player being moved should have played at least once with that team during the regular season under a normal player movement. The Region will hear petitions for extenuating 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.

The Player Movement Policy for Adult tournaments – For Regular Season Tournaments, the Region has eliminated the Club Player Movement Policy for adults to promote ease of play. Adult teams will be able to pick up any current member up to the max roster size as needed in order to play in a regular season Carolina Region tournament. All such player movements must still be recorded by a team rep in writing on the Club Player Movement Form and submitted to all affected tournament hosts before the start of competition (with roster at Captain’s Meeting). Player Movement Forms do not need to be sent to the Region before a tournament if the move is only Temporary. Permanent Team Movements should be sent to the Region Office directly and REQUIRE the written approval of both affected team reps before it can be approved by the Region.  Regional Championships Player Movements:  Rosters still FREEZE (no changes allowed) ONE week before the Regional Championships.  Team Reps need to submit all Roster updates (with a Club Player Movement Form) to the Region Office at least one week before the scheduled Adult Regional Championships in order for the affected players to be eligible for the Regional Championships.

All Junior teams must have TWO certified REFEREES and ONE certified SCORER on their roster. To get certified, officials must (a)complete an online officiating clinic curriculum applicable to their membership status ; (b) take the appropriate test as required for their membership (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 if applicable; and (d) professional 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 adult per team must complete the 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 adult must physically supervise their team while in the vicinity of the score table at all times during the team’s officiating assignment (supervising includes, but is not limited to, insuring food is not at the table and work team is not distracted by cell phones and electronic devices). Incomplete work teams (including the certified 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 team requirements.

It is recommended that all Adult teams have 2 certified Referees and 1 certified Scorer on their roster for all tournaments.

Individuals must take the Referee and Scorer clinic online.  Visit this page for information about the Online clinics.  Clubs can go here for information on Hosting a supplemental in-person clinic (not for certifications).

USA Volleyball has issued the following statement in answer to similar questions such as this:

“This is to confirm that only USA Volleyball background screenings are accepted for USAV and/or Region sanctioned events. Other organizations may choose to accept the USA Volleyball background screening as valid because they know that we hold to a high standard of safety. However, USA Volleyball and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) have a unique set of flags and disqualifiers that are monitored, and the USAV strategic priority of “Safety First” leads us to the conclusion that we need direct access to screening information in order to make the best decisions about the safety of our participants.”

For this reason, all applicants that are required to submit a background screen as a condition of their membership will need to go through the USA Volleyball Background Screen application portal.

The Carolina Region has updated its Coaching Education Policy.  It states: The Carolina Region believes that every player deserves a coach trained in the current techniques and safety issues of the sport. All Head and Assistant Coaches are required to have, at a minimum, current IMPACT certification in order to coach in the Region. An IMPACT certification now grants three seasons of coaching eligibility in the Carolina Region. Although USAV IMPACT certification does not expire, the Region believes it is important for coaches to stay current in the field.  Attending an IMPACT clinic or other approved NTDP Coaching Clinic at any time will extend a coach’s eligibility for another three seasons.

NOTE:  USA Volleyball has developed a new Coaching Academy.  The Region will be providing discounts for Carolina Region coaches to access this training.  Taking USAV Coaching Academy courses will count towards Carolina Region Continuing education extensions.

NO. Once someone is registered as a member with the Region in whatever capacity for the current season, then they do not have to buy another membership to coach a team. The club would need to send them a Public Club Assignment link (same as for the players affiliating with the club) and the Coach would need to go through the quizzard again and indicate they will have a Coach role this season.  That will show them the Adult Coach membership that will get them the correct requirements to be a Junior Coach (Background Screen, SafeSport, and IMPACT). They will not be charged again for the Coach membership.  Once they have that correct Coach membership in their account, the club can add them to the roster in the current USAV Governing Season.  They will show as eligible when their Background Screen, SafeSport, and IMPACT are all current.

All Junior coaches must be at least 18 years of age and at least two years older than the team they coach. However, individuals who have reached their 16th birthday may serve as a rostered Assistant Coach for teams that are a minimum of three age groups younger than the coach. Teams utilizing these junior coaches must register a Chaperone 25 or older also to be on the roster and sit on the bench in the event that the Head Coach is not able to finish a match on the bench. In addition, the Head Coach must be 25 or older and must be on the bench to start all matches. These Junior coaches must comply with all coaching prerequisites (IMPACT/SafeSport) before they can be added to the roster. In the event, the coach turns 18 during the season, they must clear the USAV Background Screen policy and would be governed by the current Coaches’ policies as found in the Operating Code.

Other minimum requirements for Coaches:

• Clear the USAV/RVA Background Screen (all adults 18 or older affiliating with junior program must clear this)
• Agree to the USAV Code of Ethics Form.  This is done electronically during the Registration process.
• Obtain an IMPACT or CAP Certification (After initial certification, coaches must attend an approved continuing education clinic every three seasons to remain eligible to coach)
• Must be SafeSport certified

• All adults that are affiliating with a Junior Club
• All Professional officials that will work a Junior tournament
• Members of the Carolina Region Board of Directors
• Any Junior member that is turning 18 during the season.  Parents will fill out the consent for their 17 year old to take the Core training prior to the athlete turning 18 when they register/sign in to the course.  The applicable SafeSport course will be added to a junior member’s requirements automatically when they register for a membership.   
• Any 16, 17, or 18 year old that will be serving as an Assistant Coach on a junior team.  The team will have additional requirements in order to have a junior Assistant Coach.  These Junior Assistant Coaches will select a specific membership in order to participate in that role, and the SafeSport requirement will automatically attach to their SE account to complete before they will be eligible to be added to a roster as an Assistant Coach.

See this page for instructions on how to take the SafeSport training from within your SportsEngine account.  See the SafeSport section on USA Volleyball’s website for more information about SafeSport courses and policies.

During the 2018/2019 season, the U.S. Center for SafeSport changed the SafeSport training to an annual requirement.  In doing so, the Center launched a Refresher 1 and Refresher 2 course as part of the annual training.  USA Volleyball  incorporated the refresher courses into the training for the 2019/2020 season and beyond.  In short, the annual “Refresher” training becomes required upon the expiration of your current Core SafeSport training.  Members may log in to their member account to check when their SafeSport certification expires.   Renewing members should only have to take the core SafeSport course every three seasons.

See the USA Volleyball SafeSport page for more information about SafeSport courses and policies.

Yes!  All officials have to attend a clinic annually and pass the applicable test(s) annually in order to be certified as a Referee or Scorer each season.  Certifications are good for one season only.  Members may log in to their member record to see when each of their certifications expire.

All Junior members will be automatically enrolled in the online Referee and Scorer clinics in the USA Volleyball Learning Management System (LMS).  To access the clinics, log in to your SE account, go to Household, choose the member’s profile and go to the Carolina Regional Volleyball membership section.  You can access the LMS from there.  Junior members will need to take the Referee and Scorer’s clinics online each season to get certified.

Coaches will need to register for their online clinics by going directly to the LMS (from within their SE account).  Once in the LMS, go to the Courses and enroll in the “Junior Officiating Coursework for Adults” curriculum to automatically be enrolled in all the same Junior clinics the players are taking.  This coursework is all that is needed for Coaches to meet the roster requirement.

The Region will enroll all our Professional Officials in their applicable clinics automatically.  Professional officials will also access the LMS from within their SE account per above.

Junior Clubs may choose to hold supplemental in-person officiating clinics to complement what is learned in the online clinics as well as get hands-on scoring practice before the tournaments.  These clinics are encouraged, but not required.  Per above, all certifications will be awarded online this season.

No.   The course keeps track of your progress automatically.  When your status is showing as 100% complete for the entire curriculum, the system should update your member record automatically to show you with either a Referee or Scorer certification (depends on which course you are taking).  As long as your Academy site is showing you with a completed module and your member record is eventually updated to show your certification, then you do not need to send us any documentation.  Our office will be able to look on the backend to see all progress within the USAV Academy for our members.

No.  The online Referee clinics have both Referee and Scorer modules in it.  A referee has to complete all modules of the Referee and Scorer clinics in order to get certified.  So, a Referee is automatically certified as a Scorer by default when they complete the course.  The online clinic will only allow us to associate one certification to the course so we are updating the Referee certification only.  It still means a certified Referee can work as a referee or scorer during the events.

If you take the Scorer ONLY clinics, then the Scorer certification will update in your member record.  If that is the only certification you have in your record, then you can only participate as a Scorer at tournaments.

There is a USAV Academy Help Desk menu item in the USAV Academy.  You can submit a Help Ticket through that link.  Please give your name and describe the issue you are having.  A support agent will help with your issue (please allow at least 1 business day for replies).  Other things to try:

• Clear your browser cache and access the USAV academy again
• Try a different browser.  The system is not optimized for Apple so it is ideal to take on a PC

Also, if you get to the end or see a results screen, take a screen capture or picture with your phone.  If the system does not give you credit for that module, you can email the screen capture to the Region office and we can give you credit for that module.

The process the Carolina Region uses to award our region bids to the USA Volleyball National Championships will be based on the Carolina Region Regional Bid Ranking System.

Teams will need to submit an application to be considered for a bid by their applicable deadline:

• 18’s teams – March 17, 2025 deadline
• 11’s – 17’s teams – April 28, 2025 deadline

All teams that submit an application by the deadline will be ranked based on the Carolina Region Regional Bid Ranking System.  Bids will be awarded to the highest ranked teams.

To be eligible to considered for a Region bid in their age group, a junior team must meet the following: (a) Participating teams must be a registered Carolina Region team; and (b) teams must have played in ONE (1) Carolina Region sanctioned event.

Teams awarded a bid must follow the USAV JNC entry procedures and submit all JNC entry forms and JNC entry fee to USA Volleyball by the applicable deadline.  Carolina Region bids to the USAV JNC are primarily for ELITE Carolina Region teams that are committed to going to the USAV Junior National Championships if they earn a Region bid. NOTE: Should a team be offered a Region bid based on their placement in the Region Bid Ranking system and choose not to accept the bid, the club will need to pay a sanction fee of $500 to be eligible to participate in the Region Bid Ranking System in a future season. This process is for committed teams only that want to attend the USAV JNC.

In the interest of promoting the growth of Boys’ volleyball, the Carolina Region will allow Boys’ 12 & Under teams to enter appropriate level girls’ 13’s or 14’s tournaments (CR sanctioned one-day tournaments) if there is room after the entry deadline. In such a situation, results against boys’ teams will count in pool standings, and they will be eligible for playoffs should they qualify. If a boy’s team makes the playoffs in a girl’s tournament one week, they will automatically be moved to a higher age and/or site with the next tournament they play in.  For all out-of-region tournaments and CR multi-day tournaments, Boys’ 12 & under teams will need to contact the tournament administration directly about their policies concerning participation in Girls’ tournaments.

There are many benefits of participating in a tournament sanctioned by the Carolina Region/USA Volleyball:

• All participants are covered under the USA Volleyball Insurance Program
  • $5,000,000 General Liability Policy
  • $25,000 Excess Accident Medical Policy for participants
• All Adults participating in the Event must:
  • Clear the USAV Background Screen annually
  • Complete a SafeSport course annually
  • Coaches must complete the USAV IMPACT (or equivalent) course
• USA Volleyball certified and trained professional Officials working the event
• Standard tournament formats for all one-day tournaments

Yes!  USA Volleyball rules do not prohibit the teamname, sponsors, or player’s names on jerseys.  The uniform number must be clearly visible and not impacted by any other item on the jersey.  All jerseys must be identical, so if one jersey has a logo/sponsor/teamname then all jerseys must have them and in the same location.  Player names will be unique but must be in same location on the jersey.

Yes, CR Tournament hosts are allowed to charge an admission for our sanctioned one-day tournaments beginning with the 2020 Season (multi-day tournaments have always been allowed to have an admission).  The Board approved it at their 2019 summer retreat as an alternative to raising tournament entry fees for teams.  The costs to rent facilities and host tournaments is rising annually and we do our best to keep the costs for teams affordable.  This was one way hosts can recoup some of their costs without raising tournament entry fees on the teams. 

The admission charge is optional and is limited to $5 max for all spectators 11 and older.  All participants on a roster, our officials, and kids 10 and under accompanying their families to watch are exempt from the admission fee.

We will update a facility’s info on our tournament system as they notify us if there will be an admission.  But everyone should be prepared to pay an admission when they arrive.

NOTE – 100% of any admission charged is retained by the Tournament hosts to offset their expenses for hosting.  The Carolina Region does not receive any portion of admission fees.

We have added additional information in the Tournament System to help teams understand their eligibility requirements as well as their spot in the entry process.  For regular season tournaments, teams listed in RED may be in danger of not getting into the tournament. The system looks at the total number of entries, total courts available in each region (East or West), and the minimum number of teams needed for a pool (3). Using these criteria, the system will list teams in RED that we cannot currently accommodate (based on date of entry).  There is also a brief description next to the team about their status.  Keep in mind that we will still move teams into other realms (East or West) or age groups where feasible to accommodate as many teams as possible, so all teams in red will not necessarily be eliminated from the tournament.   Any moves will not happen until after the entry deadline passes and we begin to assign sites.  However, if you see that we do not have enough courts (see table at top of page) and your team is in RED, it may help your team and the region if you can find additional courts to host that weekend! Any teams which cannot be accommodated will be put on the waiting list when sites are assigned.

For National Bid and Regional Championship Tournaments, a team listed in RED (which will also include a descriptive text) will indicate whether the team meets the minimum required number of tournaments to be eligible for that tournament.  A team can go to their individual team page in the Tournament Season to see how many qualifying tournaments they are credited with.  Once they meet the minimum requirement, their status on the tournament entry page for Regional Championship tournaments will then be updated.

There is no USA Volleyball rule or policy that states the game of volleyball has to be played in a quiet environment.  Participants and spectators can make as much noise as they wish during a match.  If you ever watch an international volleyball match (Olympics or other high level event) you will see an incredibly loud environment in the stands and on the court.  Many countries have fans that stand the whole time, chant, beat drums and sticks, etc.  The participants can hardly hear themselves or the whistle in such environment.  And the International Governing Body , FIVB, encourages such fan interactions.

We can understand the desire to not have distractions during a match, but the reality is, it is actually part of the sport.  Players will need to be able to adapt and be prepared to play in loud environments.  As long as participants and spectators are not yelling inappropriate things directed at individuals, then talking, chanting, making noise, is not an offense that can be sanctioned.  Yelling “Balls up” no matter if it is useful to them or not, is not something our officials should be stopping.

All involved with Youth Sports should, however, remember that we are trying to promote Good Sportsmanship at our events.  Parents and spectators should review the Parent Code of Conduct before each event.  Yelling excessively from the stands before the opponent serves may not be “demonstrating positive support for all players” if your motive is to distract/cause errors.  Please consider the good of the sport and good sportsmanship whenever you are cheering at our events.

We will be utilizing the same Tournament System as last season.  The Tournament 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! Teams will be assigned an initial point value to begin the season based on what grouping they choose when registering the team. 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, assigning teams to sites (Juniors only) 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 all teams (i.e. only room for 24 Girls’ 14’s East teams then the top 24 eligible Girls’ 14’s East teams by the Ranking System will have first priority into those Regional Championships). 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. All Carolina Region Adult and Junior regular season tournaments will feed into the Ranking System.  We are also able to upload results from CR-sanctioned multi-day tournaments like  Quest, City of Oaks, Carolina Volleyball Classic, and MAPL Raleigh as long as they use AES as their tournament management 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 team name 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 Tournament System FAQ for additional answers to common questions about the Tournament System.

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  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 accommodate the late arriving team.

We are usually not able to reschedule tournaments that are cancelled due to weather.  Our tournament schedule (Weekends used) is finalized during May or June of each year.  We generally use every available weekend January through March.  Easter and Qualifiers also affect out schedule in March/April.  So, if we lose a tournament weekend, we do not have another available weekend to move tournaments to.  Teams that have a tournament cancelled will receive a full refund of their entry fee.

NOTE: For all one-day JUNIORS tournaments on our schedule, we will assign teams out to the sites in 4-team pool increments.  Most tournaments will have all 4-team pools and will play the normal 4-team pool format below.  Depending on the total number of entries in an age group, some sites may have a mixture of 3-team pools and 4-team pools.  There is also a special format for 6 teams only in a tournament (below).  In limited cases and with prior approval, we “may” have a 5-team pool if we have 5 teams left over after all sites have been assigned and can put them together into a 2 court site.  In that case, they would play a full round-robin schedule with the amendments listed below.  If a LUNCH break is mentioned, then it is REQUIRED!

THREE-TEAM POOLS: (Juniors – Usually used with at least one other 4-team pool in the tournament.  Occasionally, we have had only a 3-team tournament.  For a 3-team tournament only, then the format will be one round of round-robin play [first three matches below] and then all three teams make a 3-team playoff):
If paired with another 4-team pool, then Top two teams advance to playoffs.
Format for Juniors – 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (third set to 15).
Seed all teams 1 through 3.

FOUR-TEAM POOLS:
Top 2 teams advance to playoffs.
Format for Adults – 3 sets to 25 points rally score.
Format for Juniors – 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (third set to 15).
Seed all teams 1 through 4.

FIVE-TEAM POOLS:
Top 2 teams advance to Finals.
Two sets to 25 points rally score.  Start at 0-0.
Seeded teams are in spots 2 and 4 only.

SIX-TEAM TOURNAMENT (two 3-team pools) – JUNIORS ONLY:
Format for Juniors – 2 out of 3 sets to 25 points rally score (third set to 15).
All teams advance to playoffs.
Seed all teams 1 through 3.

30 minute lunch

PLAYOFFS BEGIN:

SIX-TEAM POOLS (on 2 courts) – ADULT Tournaments only:
Top 2 teams advance to playoffs.
Format for Adults – 2 sets to 25 points rally score.
Seeded teams in spots 3 and 6 only.

SEVEN-TEAM POOLS (on 2 courts) – ADULT Tournaments only:
Top SIX teams advance to playoffs.
Format for Adults – 2 sets to 25 points rally score
Seed teams 1 through 7.

YES! We have a simpler way to enter our one-day tournaments directly in the Carolina Region Tournament System.  Club Directors will now select their club in a drop-down list.  Once selected, all teams in their club will be shown with check boxes underneath each tournament date that age group is scheduled to compete.  Clubs can enter as many or as few tournaments from this page as they want.  The club director will be sent an invoice in their SE account for the total tournament entry fee due.  Invoices can then be paid with a credit card or a check can be mailed in (but still must be received before the entry deadline).  Clubs should only submit entries for the number of tournaments they are prepared to submit a payment for as we can only approve all the entries associated with an invoice. Clubs should submit these entries well before the earliest entry deadline to provide time for us to manually send the entry fee invoice and for the club to then submit payment.  All entries must be marked paid before a team will show as submitting an entry and be eligible to be assigned to a site.  Our tournament entry information page is here.  The link for Club Directors to enter tournaments directly in the Tournament System is here.

The 12’s will use the “lighter” volleyballs during their tournaments (any USAV approved volleyball that is sanctioned for 12 and under age groups can be used). The following serving rules will be in effect in the 12 and under age group (all divisions except where noted differently below): (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 tournament site that has the top 8 or 12 teams assigned to it (Site 1 in the Tournament System) will play using the normal service line in the USAV Rule book; all other 12’s sites will play using the modified service lines described above in (a). (c) For all Regional Championship events and National bid tournaments, all 12’s divisions will play using the normal service line in the USAV Rule book.

ADULTS – All teams must play in ONE Carolina Region sanctioned event to be eligible for the Regional Championship tournaments (if it is on our official schedule then it is sanctioned and counts).

JUNIORS – We have two types of Regional Championship Events for Juniors – (a) East-West Championships, and (b) Regional Championships.  All teams must play in THREE Carolina Region Regular season sanctioned events to be eligible for a Regional Championship Event.  At least one of those events must have been a Carolina Region one-day tournament. An event is CR-Sanctioned if it appears on our posted Carolina Region Tournament Schedule.  The other two events may consist of any two of the following if held BEFORE the Regional Championship Event:

• One or Two Carolina Region one-day tournaments
• Any two-day Carolina Region sanctioned event whose only criteria is date of entry (examples: Quest tournament, Carolina Kickoff, City of Oaks, Queen City, Locomotive, Carolina Volleyball Classic)
• Only ONE of the following tournaments: a National Qualifier or any other Carolina Region sanctioned event with a restricted access entry criteria (example: MAPL Raleigh).

The following is taken from the 2023-2025 USA Volleyball Indoor Rules Book (p. 34-37).  Highlighted text reflects an updated rule/text for this rules cycle.

USAV 4.3 EQUIPMENT:
a. A player’s uniform consists of a jersey and shorts or athletic/sports pants.  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 an undergarment. Socks, sport shoes, knee pads, and compression pads are not part of the uniform.

b. The legality of a team’s uniform(s) is not grounds for a protest by their opponent. The determination of a team’s uniform legality is the responsibility of the match referee(s), head referee(s), and/or tournament staff.

USAV 4.3.1: The color and design for the jerseys and shorts or athletic/sports pants must be uniform for the team (except for the Libero).  See also 4.1, USAV 19.2

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

USAV 4.3.3: The players’ jerseys must be numbered in a permanent manner from 1 to 99 using Arabic numerals. Duplicate numbers are not allowed.  See also USAV 4.3.3.2

USAV 4.3.3.1
USAV 4.3.3.1a: Uniform numbers must be clearly visible and centered side to side on the front and back of the jersey.  Numbers are recommended to be placed on the upper half of the jersey.  Numbers may not extend below the player’s waist and may not be tucked into the uniform bottom.
USAV 4.3.3.1b: Each jersey must use the same color and number height for all players, except the Libero’s jersey, which may have different color and size numbers, provided it still meets the minimum criteria stated in USAV 4,3.3.2..
USAV 4.3.3.1c:  The color and brightness of the numbers must contrast with the color and brightness of the jersey. Color combinations including but not limited to purple/black, dark green/black, navy/black, white/light yellow or navy/maroon are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.
USAV 4.3.3.1d The color of the number must clearly contrast with the color of the jersey irrespective of any border around the number.

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. The stripe forming the numbers shall be a minimum of 2cm (3/4”) in width.

USAV 4.3.4: It is recommended that the captain have a stripe on his/her jersey, 8cm X 2cm (3.15” X .78”), underlining the number on the chest. (see also 5.1)

4.3.5 It is forbidden to wear uniforms of a color different from that of the other players (except for the Liberos), and/or without official numbers (see also 19.2).

USAV 4.3.5: For nationally sanctioned competition, uniforms must be identical except for sleeve length and the Libero players. An exception will also be made for a single manufacturer’s logo or trademark on the outside of the jerseys or shorts, provided that the logo or trademark does not exceed 14.6 square cm (2 1/4 square inches). Sponsor logos are permitted provided they are identical on each uniform and do not obstruct the view of the uniform number.

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 (see also USAV 4.3. 15.5);
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.  (see also 4.1.1, USAV 19.2)

4.5 Personal Equipment and Prohibited Items:

USAV 4.5.1:It is prohibited to wear a cast, even if padded. Objects or equipment that may cause an injury or give an artificial advantage to the player must not be worn. A head covering made from cloth or soft, non-abrasive fabric may be worn; no waiver is required. Hats of any style are not permitted.  A guard or brace, or headgear, are permitted; padding or a covering may be necessary. A prosthetic limb(s) is permitted; sharp edges may need to be wrapped or padded to ensure safety.
Jewelry may be worn provided its nature does not present a concern for safety, such as extremely long necklaces and/or necklaces with large medallions, or large hoop earrings.
When a player’s equipment falls to the floor and creates a safety hazard, play is stopped, and a delay sanction may be assessed.

4.5.2 Players may wear glasses or lenses at their own risk.

4.5.3 Compression pads (padded injury protection devices) may be worn for protection or support. The color of the compression pads does not need to be the same for team members wearing this equipment, nor does the color need to match the predominant color(s) of the team uniform.

LIBERO UNIFORM RULE: (p. 71)
USAV 19.2 (see also 4.3):
a. The Libero must wear a jersey that clearly contrasts with, and has a different dominant color from, the jersey of their teammates.
b. A jacket or bib can only be worn by the re-designated Libero. If a jacket or bib is worn by the re-designated Libero, the uniform number must still be visible.
c. Numbers shall be a contrasting color to the uniform top and meet all other specifications in USAV 4.3.3.1. Color combinations including but not limited to purple/black, dark green/black, navy/maroon, and white/light yellow are not distinctive enough to comply with the rules.  NOTE: The color of the number must clearly contrast with the color of the jersey irrespective of any border around the number

d. When two Liberos are used, both Liberos can be in uniforms different from each other and from the rest of the team.

NOTE:  USA Volleyball has set up a review process for questionable uniform combinations.  Clubs with questions about potential sets of uniforms can submit questions/pictures to the Rules Interpreter for review before ordering!  Please allow 5 business days to process your submission.  Go here  to submit your info (please only use if there is a question whether known color combinations are legal).

NOTE – Carolina Region teams may petition the Region for uniform waivers for use in Region events only in some instances. Contact the Region Office with questions

The process of identifying the top teams that qualify for the Regional Championships will be the same as last season.  Regional Championship tournaments will be played on the SAME weekends as the East/West Championships.  We will identify FOUR teams from the East and FOUR teams from the WEST to play for the Regional Championships in each age group.  Of the teams that qualify AND submit an entry for a Regional Championship event, we will use the updated Standings after the final regular season tournament in the applicable age group to identify the top FOUR teams in the East and top FOUR teams in the West.  Those eight teams will be assigned to a central location and will play for the Regional Championships in that age group.  All other teams that enter that particular Regional Championship Event weekend will be assigned to their applicable East/West Championships.

The Format of the Regional Championships will be normal 4-team round robin play.  Top TWO finishers in each pool advance to semi-finals.  Some East/West Championship sites may have 3-team pools or play the 6-team tournament format depending on the total number of eligible entries that are received and total number of courts available.

Tournament Directors can begin to submit requests to host tournaments any time after September 1 for the new season (Tournament Sanction Request Forms can be downloaded from here).  Requests are not necessarily accepted in the order received, but the earlier requests are received the better chance we can assign a tournament to the host (especially if they are flexible on which divisions they can host).

YES – We are not able to process tournament entries into the Tournament System until the team information is actually in the system already.  Clubs should now register their teams with the region for the current season BEFORE submitting any tournament entries (see adult or junior schedules for posted deadlines). Teams and individuals just have to be registered with current CR/USAV memberships for a specific tournament at least ONE week before participating (see related question in FAQ). Teams and individuals should also keep in mind that they must play in a minimum number of regular season tournaments to be eligible for Regional Championship Events (see related question in FAQ).  Individual players must play in two (2) tournaments to be eligible to participate in a Regional Championship event. Team rosters for all divisions are frozen 7 days before any Regional Championship event.

This answer applies to the Junior Program.  A player must have played in TWO regular season Carolina Region events in order to be eligible to participate in a Regional Championship Event (which includes the East/West Championships and the Regional Championships).  All participants in a Regional Championship Event must be full members of the Carolina Region (so a one-event member that played twice during the regular season would have to upgrade to a full membership in order to participate).

This answer applies to the Adult Program.  A player must have played in ONE regular season Carolina Region tournament in order to be eligible to participate in the Regional Championships.  All participants in Regionals must be FULL (Regular or Collegiate) members of the Carolina Region (so a one-event member that played during the regular season would have to UPGRADE to a full membership in order to participate).

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).

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 our 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 additional question for information on Sanctioned Events).

Maybe. All play in an age group other than the one you are registered for must be approved by the Region. ALSO, acceptance into the higher age group 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 and submit the entry prior to the tournament entry deadline.  The Tournament 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 a Regional Championship Event for the age group which they are currently assigned by the Region at the entry deadline (unless the team was approved to play at the higher age group the entire season).