New England Region Volleyball Association

Introduction

USA Volleyball (USAV), also known as United States Volleyball Association (USVA) is the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball, and the parent organization of the USA Men's and Women's National Teams. It is the recognized National Federation to the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB). It is the USAV mandate to nurture all variations of the game (indoor, grass, sand, six-person, doubles, coed, etc.) at all skill and age levels.

NERVA is the acronym for the New England Region Volleyball Association. The New England Region is one of 38 Regions in the United States that aid in the governing of the sport of volleyball. Each Region is independently operated and is lead by a Regional Commissioner. It is a liaison corporation to USA Volleyball, and is designed to foster and conduct amateur volleyball competition in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is the representative of USAV in New England.

This handbook is provided as a guide to the operation of the New England Region Volleyball Association. For updated information on volleyball activities in the region, NERVA and its component organizations maintain web sites with the most recent information. The web site addresses are:

NERVA and associated entities

Within NERVA, there are 4 organizations which are responsible for developing and conducting volleyball programs throughout New England:

1. Yankee Volleyball Association has the responsibility for adult programs in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
2. Maine State Volleyball Association has the responsibility for adult programs in the state of Maine.
3. New England Junior Girls has the responsibility for Junior girls' programs throughout New England
4. New England Junior Boys has the responsibility for Junior boys' programs throughout New England

In addition to the above four organizations, New England is also the host of the Volleyball Hall of Fame, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the birthplace of volleyball.

Regional Administration

NERVA is operated solely by volunteers. The following is a summary of responsibilities for the positions in the regional organization. Many of these positions are duplicated across the different suborganizations within NERVA, so that each segment of the volleyball community has a dedicated group organizing its activities. The list below indicates the positions in the regional administration.

Membership

NERVA has several classes of membership categories. These are:

1. Adult regular members can participate in all activities organized by Yankee or Maine State Volleyball Association or any other sanctioned activity which accepts adult members. Adult regular membership covers the period from November 1 to October 31 of the following year. For 1997-1998, the adult regular membership fee is $30.00.
2. Junior regular members can participate in all activities which accept junior members. Junior regular membership covers the period from November 1 to October 31 of the following year. For 1997-1998, the junior regular membership fee is $25.00
3. One-day memberships allow either adult or junior members to participate in a single event, intended to take place during a single day. The one-day membership fee for 1997-1998 is $10.00.
4. Summer memberships allow either adult or junior members to participate in sanctioned outdoor events, which occur primarily during the summer in New England. The summer membership fee is $15.00.

The membership fees are adjusted from year to year. The most recent registration form is available on-line at the address

To become a member, fill out the registration form and enclose with payment to the registrar as indicated in the form.

The NERVA membership season begins November 1 and ends on October 31. For further information on player and team eligibility, consult the USAV Guide. In addition to regular-season play, summer play and the NERVA championships, USAV holds national championships in many divisions.

NERVA Regional Office

The NERVA regional office is located currently at 21 Castano Court, Needham, MA 02194. .The best way to contact the regional office is by electronic mail at the commissioner's address below. Up-to-date information about NERVA and its programs is maintained in two web sites:

For further information on NERVA, contact the commissioner at the home phone number listed below.

NERVA Board of Directors and Appointed Positions

The NERVA Board of Directors is comprised of a volunteer group of membership-elected officials and appointed positions. The board is in place to govern, enhance, grow, and develop the sport of volleyball in New England.

Judy Corwin, judyc@tiac.net

Patty DesMaisons, patty@bssc.com

Don Fournier, dfourvbme@aol.com

Al Morel, vem@sponsor.ultranet.com

Kevin Russell, benefits@tiac.net

Don Schamber, schamber@battelle.org

Cynthia Souza, cschell@mit.edu

Steve Webster, swebster@mail.brodeur.com

Mike Welch, mwelch@analogic.com

Bob Wooten, robertW868@aol.com

Adult and Boys Registrar: Judy Corwin, judyc@tiac.net

Boys Junior Coordinator: Mike Welch, (508) 975-3237, mwelch@analogic.com

Girls Junior Coordinator: Cynthia Souza, (508) 528-6343, cschell@mit.edu

Girls Junior Registrar: Brad Alexander, brada@world.std.com

Referee's Chairman: Steve Webster, SWebster@brodeur.com

Scorekeeper's Chairman: David Carson

Newsletter Editor: Susan Sweeney, sweeney@ultranet.com

President: Judy Corwin judyc@tiac.net

Vice President: Hank Pokigo

Secretary: Tom Sweeney (508)534-3844 sweeney@ultranet.com

At-Large: Mike Broderick, mikeb@ultranet.com

At-Large: Joe Loyall, jployall@bbn.com

At-Large: Jenn Nicoletti, jnicoletti@clariion.com

At-Large: Mark Robarts, mark@bssc.com

At-Large: Joshua Wachs, joshua@natural.com

Girls Coordinator

Cynthia Souza, (508) 528-6343

Fax: (508) 528-6343 cschell@mit.edu

Boys Coordinator

Mike Welch, (508) 975-3237

Fax: (508) 977-6822 mwelch@analogic.com

Entering and Playing Tournaments

A great deal of time and effort occurs before a team walks on the court to play in a sanctioned tournament. NERVA has different rules which apply to different types of tournaments; in particular, the eligibility rules and requirements for teams are different for junior teams and for adult teams, and they also depend on the level of the tournament. The details of these rules are discussed later in the specific sections on adult and junior rules. In particular, the region has requirements for teams to include certified officials and scorers at certain tournaments. You should become familiar with all of the requirements for play in your division.

Officiating

The majority of members of NERVA are volleyball players, but the nature of the amateur game is such that learning the rules is part of learning to play. Good officiating is an essential ingredient of good play; with this in mind, NERVA encourages the development of good volleyball officials and requires working knowledge of the rules of volleyball from each team.

USAV officials are given one of the following ratings:

Junior Regional : parents, players and interested other parties can be certified as junior regional officials; this allows them to officiate at junior competition only.

Provisional : typically a first year official, he/she has undergone a certification process and meets the minimum referee requirements. Provisional officials can work at any sanctioned NERVA event.

Regional : Officials who have served at least a year as provisional officials, and who pass the necessary regional certification process while demonstrating superior performance in officiating matches at all levels of regional play.

Junior National : Regional officials who undergo additional training and receive their Junior National certification at a Junior National tournament or an appropriate qualifier tournament. These officials are certified by the national USAV officials certification process.

National : Junior National officials who receive additional training and certification at the USAV Open National Championships.

Most NERVA sanctioned tournaments are required to have a non-playing Chief Official who is assigned or approved by the Chairman of Officials. The Chief Official's responsibilities are:

1. Be an official only, not participating as a player or coach or tournament director.
2. Dress in approved USAV officiating uniform
3. Be at least a regional official.
4. Review and establish ground rules with tournament director, and name a protest committee which will be used for the tournament
5. Allocate all match assignments among attending officials
6. Serve as primary on-site arbitrator of questions concerning rule interpretations
7. File any officials' reports with commissioners after the tournament

Region Services and Benefits

Membership in NERVA entitles each person to participate in USAV-sanctioned competition throughout the U. S. In addition, members receive several publications and services:

Official U. S. Volleyball Rules: contains the current version of the rules and interpretations, and is published yearly by USAV.

The Official USAV Guidebook has information on the USAV national organization, national tournament results, plus information on other regions.

Volleyball New England: is the region's newsletter, covering volleyball events of interest throughout New England.

NERVA Regional Handbook is the publication you are reading.

Liability and Medical Insurance: As part of USAV, we provide a group liability policy which insures players, coaches, officials and other participants in sanctioned USAV events in case of personal injury claims. This insurance covers participants during tournaments and practices. With gym space at a premium, many communities require groups or teams to have liability insurance. In addition, USAV provides secondary medical coverage in case of bodily injury during sanctioned practices or competition. For further information on this program, contact the commissioner or look further in the insurance section below.

In addition, NERVA periodically organizes clinics for coaches, players and officials, interprets rules, provides training material for coaches and players, organizes and promotes tournaments, stages exhibition matches against visiting foreign teams and selects teams to represent New England in national championships.

As the local representative for USAV, NERVA provide the means for volleyball players to participate in structured, regulated volleyball season with teams and players at their own level, both throughout New England and the rest of the country.

Insurance

One of the major benefits of NERVA membership is the insurance that is provided through our relationship with USAV. There are two types of coverage: liability and personal accident insurance. For most facilities requesting insurance information, a liability insurance certificate will suffice. An important point to remember is that, in order for insurance coverage to apply, the participants in an activity must be USAV members.

The definition of participant includes players, coaches, managers, staff members, team workers, referees, officials, scorekeepers, and all other personnel including but not limited to media personnel permitted to enter any restricted areas which are defined as those areas restricting access to general public spectators.

Certificates of insurance and the adding of additional insureds to a policy are often required for accessing a facility. In essence, a certificate of insurance is an insurance carrier's document that identifies the presence of the coverage and the limits of liability. The listing of an additional insured in the certificate obligates the insurance carrier to provide protection from the negligent acts of a named insured. If this type of coverage is required, the commissioner must request a certificate with the appropriate information.

The above is a general reference, which must be interpreted in actual incidents. For specific information, contact the region commissioner.

Each registered athlete, coach, official or manager who participates in activities sponsored and supervised by USAV is covered by the sports accident insurance. These activities include scheduled and supervised practices, sanctioned events, clinics and competitions. The benefits are secondary (excess) medical coverage and provides coverage only if no other health insurance coverage is in force, or will coordinate with other health coverage provided by the individual's health plan. For additional information, contact the region commissioner.

Due Process and Grievance Procedure

It is the responsibility of the New England Region Volleyball Association Board of Directors to administer volleyball within the New England Region. On occasions when region members may violate, or be accused of violating, region rules as spelled out in the Region Handbook, United States Volleyball Association rules as described in its Handbook and Guide, or the USVBA Code of Conduct for players or coaches. Such alleged violations may require action by the Region. These due process rules are hereby established to protect the due process rights of any accused member of the Region, the safety of Region members, and the integrity of the Region.

Some actions or alleged actions by individuals or teams result in automatic sanctions in accordance with the Region Handbook (e.g. failure to provide work officials for matches, ...) The appropriate officer of the Region (e.g. the Chairman of Referees, Yankee president, ...) or the Commissioner, after considering the evidence of wrongdoing, may administer such automatic sanction. If there is no clearly appropriate Board officer, the Commissioner shall administer the automatic sanction.

The Commissioner, after considering the evidence, shall have authority to impose sanctions for routine wrongdoings by Region members not otherwise provided for by the Handbook (e.g. minor damage to equipment or facilities...) For serious matters, unless the safety of Region members is at risk, physical or other substantial injury has resulted, or the accused was clearly caught in the act of a serious wrongdoing relevant to volleyball, no penalty, sanction or fine shall be imposed against the accused without a hearing by the Review Board. In the instances cited, however, a temporary sanction may be imposed by the Commissioner after careful consideration of the evidence and situation; any such action shall be stated in writing delivered to the accused.

The first level of appeal from sanctions for routine matters shall be to the Commissioner, who may request that such appeal be in writing. The Commissioner may either rule on the appeal or delegate the appeal to the Review Board (as described below) for more formal consideration. If the Commissioner rules on the appeal and the relevant person or team wishes to appeal further such appeal shall be to the Review Board.

A Review Board consisting of three persons shall have responsibility for acting on alleged wrongdoings of a serious nature by Region members or for appeals from sanctions for wrongdoings otherwise deemed routine. The Commissioner shall chair the Review Board and shall be a voting member unless he or she ruled on the first level of appeal from a sanction for a routine matter; in the latter case, the Commissioner shall remain the administrative chair of the Review Board but shall not be a voting member. If necessary to replace the Commissioner with a third voting Review Board member, such member of the Region Board shall serve as is jointly selected by the accused individual or team representative and the Region Board Representative (defined below); if an agreement cannot be reached, such Region Board member shall serve as a voting member in place of the Commissioner as is selected by blind lottery from among the Region Board members. One member of the Review Board shall be a Region Board member selected by the accused individual or team representative. The other member of the Review Board shall be such Board member as is most appropriate to the situation at issue as determined by a majority of the Player Representatives and the Junior Coordinator. If more than one Region Board member is unwilling or unable to serve if selected under any of the above-described methods, the Commissioner and accused may agree on a method for selecting a Review Board member from among the Region Board

For matters to be considered by the Review Board, notice shall be provided to the accused in writing as soon as reasonably possible. Oral notice may precede written notice for expediency. Written notice shall include a copy of these due process procedures and shall describe the alleged wrongdoing, the range of possible sanctions, and shall suggest a date, location and method (in person or by telephone conference if acceptable to the accused) for the hearing. The date and location shall be established as much as reasonably possible to accommodate the accused. If the accused does not cooperate in establishing such date and location, the Review Board shall schedule the hearing at its convenience and the accused shall be so advised in writing.

The exact format of the hearing may vary as arranged with the accused but it generally shall include an initial statement summarizing the allegations, presentation of evidence of the alleged wrongdoing and a presentation of evidence of innocence or of mitigating circumstances.

After the hearing concludes, all interested parties shall be dismissed and the Review Board shall consider and discuss the evidence. As soon as possible after the hearing (but not necessarily the same day), the Review Board shall reach a decision which it shall formalize in writing delivered to the accused. A decision of a majority of the Review Board members shall control, and any dissent shall be noted in the written appeal.

Appeals from decisions of the Review Board shall be to the entire Region Board of Directors. An appeal hearing to the Region Board shall follow the same format as described above for the Review Board. The administrative chairman of an appeal hearing shall be such Board member as is selected by mutual agreement of the accused and Commissioner. If no agreement can be reached, the administrative chairman shall be such Region member as is selected by mutual agreement. If no such further agreement can be reached, the administrative chairman shall be such Region Board member as is selected by blind lottery. An accused must provide written notice to the Commissioner of an intention to appeal a Review Board decision within sixty days after such decision has been mailed by certified or registered mail or delivered by hand delivery to the accused. Otherwise, the accused shall not be entitled to an appeal.

An appeal hearing shall occur within thirty days after notice of intent to appeal has been mailed, unless the appellant and Commissioner agree otherwise. Any decision and sanction of the Review Board shall remain in effect until the appeal hearing. For the appeal hearing to be effective, it shall be necessary that a quorum of Region Board members be physically present; proxy votes shall not be permitted.

The Region Board is not a court of law, but rather, a non-profit private group of volleyball players, coaches and organizers elected by the Region membership to administer volleyball within the Region. It is the duty of the Region Board to strive to obtain just and fair results when a Region member or team is accused of wrongdoing relevant to volleyball within the Region. As a private body the Region Board does not follow the Federal Rules of Evidence but shall accord weight to evidence based on its substance and on common sense. Note that the Review and Region Boards have the authority to suspend membership privileges for more than one year.

The United States Volleyball Association now provides that the only appeal from a decision of the Region Board shall be to the United States Volleyball Association National Ethics and Eligibility Committee and only for a determination of whether the accused received due process.

If an individual moves into the Region, or a team attempts to register in the Region, subject to the sanctions of another Region which has a procedure for appealing from sanctions, the New England Region shall respect and observe the other Region's sanction for the balance of its term (regardless of whether the individual or team exercised such appeal process).

Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

To help combat discrimination and sexual harassment in our region, NERVA has adopted a sexual harassment policy in order to better explain when harassment occurs and what steps to take. This policy should be considered an extension to the USA Volleyball participant code of conduct.

NERVA is committed to maintaining an athletic environment that is free from sexual harassment and/or unwanted sexual attention. Harassment can occur between any combination of members of the volleyball community: coaches, players, parents, organizers. It generally occurs when one person, the harasser, holds a position of real or perceived authority over another individual.

Sexual harassment may involve

• suggestive comments about physical appearance
• leering or staring
• use or display of sexual material, not legitimately connected to coaching volleyball
• sexual teasing
• jokes with sexual themes
• unwanted physical contact
• promises or rewards in return for sexual favors or sexual assault

NERVA members may not engage in sexual harassment of another USAV member, unwelcome and unwanted sexual advances, request for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as sexual jokes, gestures, graffiti, posters, writings. Touching or other physical contact may constitute sexual harassment when:

• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for participation or team selection decisions affecting such individual.
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's opportunity to participate in volleyball events or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Members encountering behavior perceives as harassment may seek to resolve the matter in direct conversation with the individual understood to have engaged in the harassment. In the case of Junior members it should be taken to the team coach or club director.

A report of sexual harassment will remain confidential to the extent that maintaining confidentiality is not inconsistent with investigating the report, eliminating or remedying any sexual harassment found to have occurred, or preventing future harassment. NERVA may, in its discretion, restrict from sanctioned events any member alleged to have committed sexual harassment, pending an investigation of a sexual harassment report.

Any member who engages in sexual harassment, who fails to cooperate in an investigation of sexual harassment, or who otherwise violates or acts in a manner inconsistent with this policy may be immediately dismissed as a member of NERVA.

Tournament Guidelines

NERVA tournaments for different levels have different requirements which are listed in the appropriate sections later in this handbook. This section contains general useful information about participating in NERVA tournaments, running NERVA tournaments, and participating in USAV national tournaments.

Player eligibility : Each player engaged in a sanctioned USAV activity must be a registered USAV member in the current season of play. This requires membership through NERVA or another regional volleyball association.

Sanctioned season : The sanctioned season begins on November 1 and ends October 31 of the following year.

Membership : Individual membership is valid from the date of registration to October 31 of that season.

Uniforms : USAV uniform rules require numbers from 1 to 99, with shirt numbers both in front and back. The back numbers must be centered, with a minimum height of 6". The front numbers should be no more than 5" down from the shoulder seams and the medial edge of the number should be no more than 3" from the midline of the jersey. The front numbers should have a minimum height of 4". The stripe forming the numbers shall have a minimum width of 3/4".

Tournament administration : Tournament directors are required to conduct tournaments according to the guidelines appropriate to the tournament level. General guidelines which apply to all levels are:

1. Only registered NERVA or USAV members may participate. The exception to this rule are participants on foreign teams which are duly registered with their national volleyball federations.
2. Only USAV-approved volleyballs may be used.
3. Only certified USAV referees are permitted to serve as first referees.
4. Tournament sites and equipment must meet requirements outlined in the USAV Official Volleyball Rules.
5. A "protest committee" composed of 3 persons must be appointed to hear and rule on protests.
6. Tournament directors should take appropriate precautions to have first-aid and blood removal facilities available. Appropriate precautions for AIDS involve having rubber gloves available, cleaning any surface with household bleach after blood has come in contact with it, disposing of sharp objects, disposing of towels and clothing contaminated with blood or bloody fluids, and covering athletes' wounds.

NERVA BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1. NAME

The name of the corporation shall be The New England Region Volleyball Association.

ARTICLE 2. LOCATION

The principal office of the corporation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be located at 21 Castano Court, Needham, Massachusetts. The directors may change the location of the principal office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts effective upon filing a certificate with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

ARTICLE 3. CORPORATE SEAL

The directors may adopt and alter the seal of the corporation.

ARTICLE 4. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the corporation shall unless otherwise decided by the directors, end on August 31 each year.

ARTICLE 5. PURPOSE

The purpose for which this corporation is organized is to foster regional, national and international amateur volleyball competition. In furtherance of this main purpose, the following sup-purposes are set forth:

(a) To teach the sport of volleyball to children and adults by holding clinics conducted by qualified instructors in schools, playgrounds and parks;

(b) To provide practice volleyball sessions, classroom lectures and panel discussions through which selected trainees may be schooled in competitive coaching, playing, officiating and scouting techniques;

(c) To foster and conduct area, regional, state, national and international amateur competitions in New England;

(d) To act as the official representative of the United States Volleyball Association, the national governing body of the sport of volleyball, within the New England area;

(e) To select and train suitable candidates in the techniques of volleyball in national and international competition and thereby improve the caliber of candidates representing the United States in Olympic, Pan American and World Games competition;

(f) To foster and conduct amateur volleyball programs between the United States and foreign nations for the exchange and training of suitable candidates in the techniques and practices of volleyball in countries other than their own.

In order to carry out the purposes of this corporation, the corporation shall have the power to receive and hold money or other property, tangible or intangible, real or personal, for any of the purposes of the corporation, from whatever source derived. The corporation shall also have the power to borrow money and to mortgage or pledge real or personal property as security therefore, to use, borrow or expend the funds and property of the corporation and do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted. This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for purposes described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, the corporation shall abide by any restrictions on its operations described in the aforementioned Section of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE 6. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Membership on the Board of Directors shall be open to all persons who are interested in furthering the purposes of the corporation as expressed in Article 5 of these By-Laws. Members of the Board of Director shall be elected by a majority or plurality of votes of returned ballots of the individual New England members of the United States Volleyball Association by a mail ballot. Any director may be removed from the Board by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the Directors.

ARTICLE 7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

General Statement: The Board of Directors, in furtherance of the specific and primary purpose of this nonprofit corporation as expressed in its Articles of Incorporation, may perform such acts as are necessary or convenient to exercise the powers of this nonprofit corporation stated in its Articles of Incorporation, and generally may do or perform, or cause to be done or performed, any act which the corporation lawfully may do or perform in the furtherance of its specific and primary purposes as stated in its Articles of Incorporation, except those powers reserved t the members by law, the Articles of Organization, or these By-Laws.

ARTICLE 8. POLICY GOVERNING THE EXERCISES OF POWER BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It shall be the policy of this corporation to budget and disburse each year substantially all of its ordinary net income in the furtherance of its primary and specific purposes as stated in its Articles of Incorporation.

Section 1 . The business, property and affairs of this corporation shall be managed by a Bard of Directors composed of not less than seven (7) or more than twenty one (21) members.

Section 2 . The directors shall be elected by majority (plurality) vote by mailed ballot, for two (2) year terms.

Section 3 . The chairman of all standing or special committees shall be appointed by the President of the corporation from the members of the Board of Directors.

Section 4 . Regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held upon giving at least seven (7) days written notice, and at such times and at such places as shall from time to time be determined by the Board or as may be determined by the President.

Section 5 . Each Director shall be entitled to one vote. No cumulative voting shall be permitted. Voting may be written or oral ballot.

Section 6 . Directors shall serve without compensation. No person who now is, or who later becomes, a Director of this nonprofit corporation shall be personally liable to its creditors for any indebtedness or liability, and any and all creditors of this nonprofit corporation shall look only to the asset of this nonprofit corporation for payment.

Section 7 . It also shall be the policy of this corporation that this corporation shall not engage in any of the following transactions:

(a) Lending any part of its income or principal without adequate security or at unreasonable rates of interest to donors, to members of the families of donors, or to corporations controlled by donors or to members of donors’ families.

(b) Making any part of this corporation’s services available, on a preferential basis, to donors, or to members of donors’ families or to corporations controlled by donors or members of donors’ families.

(c) Making any substantial purchase of securities or other property from donors, members of donors’ families, or corporations controlled by donors or members of donors’ families, for more than adequate consideration.

(d) Selling any substantial part of the property of this corporation to donors, members of donors’ families, or corporations controlled by donors or members of donors’ families for less than adequate consideration.

(e) Engaging in any transaction which results in a substantial diversion of the income or corpus of this corporation to donors, members of donors’ families, or corporations controlled by donors or members of donors’ families.

ARTICLE 9. RESIGNATION

A director may resign by delivering his/her written resignation to the president, treasurer or clerk of the corporation, to a meeting of the members or directors or to the corporation at its principal office. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt (unless specified to be effective at some other time) and acceptance thereof shall not be necessary to make it effective unless it so states.

ARTICLE 10. REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings of the directors may be held at such places and at such times as the directors may determine.

ARTICLE 11. SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings of the directors may be held at any time and at any place when called by the president, or by two or more directors.

ARTICLE 12. CALL AND NOTICE

Section 1 . Regular Meetings

No call or notice shall be required for regular meetings of directors, provided that reasonable notice (i) of the first regular meeting following the determination by the directors of the times and places for regular meetings shall be given to absent members, (ii) specifying the purpose of a regular meeting shall be given to each director if either contracts or transactions of the corporation with interested persons or amendments to these By-laws are to be considered at the meeting and (iii) shall be given as otherwise required by law, the Articles of Organization or these By-laws.

Section 2 . Special Meetings.

Reasonable notice of the time and place of special meetings of the directors shall be given to each director. Such notice need not specify the purposes of a meeting, unless otherwise required by law, the Articles of Organization or these bylaws or unless there is to be considered at the meeting (i) contracts or transactions of the corporation with interested persons, (ii) amendments to these bylaws, (iii) an increase or decrease in the number of directors, or (iv) removal or suspension of a director.

Section 3 . Reasonable and Sufficient Notice

Except as otherwise expressly provided, it shall be reasonable and sufficient notice to a director to send notice by mail at least forty eight (48) hours or by telegram at least twenty four (24) hours before the meeting addressed to him/her at his/her usual or last known business or residence address, or to give notice to him/her in person or by telephone at least twenty four (24) hours before the meeting.

Section 4 . Waiver of Notice

Whenever notice of a meeting is required, such notice need not be given to any director if a written waiver of notice, executed by him/her (or his attorney thereunto authorized) before or after the meeting, is filed with the records of the meeting, or to nay director who attends the meeting without protesting prior thereto or at its commencement the lack of notice to him/her. A waiver of notice need not specify the purposes of the meeting unless such purposes were required to be specified in the notice of such meeting.

ARTICLE 13. QUORUM

At any meeting of the directors a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum. Any meeting may be adjourned by a majority of the votes cast upon the question, whether or not a quorum is present, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.

ARTICLE 14. ACTION BY VOTE

When a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority of the directors present and voting shall decide any question, including election of officers, unless otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Organization, or these By-Laws.

ARTICLE 15. ACTION BY WRITING

Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the directors may be taken without a meeting if all the directors consent to the action in writing and the written consents are filed with the records of the meetings of the directors. Such consents shall be treated for al purposes as a vote at a meeting.

ARTICLE 16. OFFICERS

Section 1 . The officers of this corporation shall be elected, by majority or plurality of votes, annually by the individual New England members of the United States Volleyball Association, a non-profit, 501.C.3 organization, by mailed ballot, for two (2) year terms. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided.

Section 2 . An officer or agent elected in the manner above or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by a 3/4 vote of the Board of Directors whenever in its judgement the best interests of the corporation would be served thereby.

Section 3 . A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the Board of Directors for the unexpired portion of the term.

Section 4 . The President shall be a director of the corporation. The President will be the USVBA commissioner. He/she shall be the principal executive officer of the corporation, and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the corporation. He/she shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. He/she may sign, with the Secretary or any other proper officer of the corporation thereunto authorized by the Board of directors, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts or any other instruments which the Board of Directors has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of directors or by these By-Laws to some other officer or agent of the corporation, or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

Section 5 . The Secretary and Clerk shall:

1. Keep the minutes of the Directors' meetings in one or more books provided for that purpose;
2. Be custodian of the corporate records;
3. In general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and clerk and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.
4. The Clerk shall be a resident of Massachusetts unless the corporation has a resident agent duly appointed for the purposes of service process.

The Secretary/Clerk shall be a director of the corporation. In the absence of the president or in the event of his/her death, inability or refusal to act, the secretary shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have l the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the President.

Section 6. The Treasurer shall:

1. Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation.
2. Prepare all financial statements required of the corporation.
3. In general perform all of the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the President or by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 17. ASSETS

Section 1 . Except as the directors may generally or in particular cases authorize the execution thereof in some other manner, all deeds, leases, transfers, contracts, bonds, notes, checks, drafts and other obligations made, accepted or endorsed by the corporation shall be signed by the president or by the treasurer.

Section 2 . Any recordable instrument purporting to affect an interest in real estate, executed in the name of the corporation by two of its officers, of whom one is the president and the other is the treasurer or an assistant treasurer shall be binding on the corporation in favor of a purchaser or other person relying in good faith on such instrument notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of the Articles of Organization, By-Laws, resolutions or votes of the corporation.

Section 3 . No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 18. PERSONAL LIABILITY

The members, directors and officers of the corporation shall not be personally liable for any debt, liability or obligation of the corporation. All persons, corporations or other entities extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claim against, the corporation, may look only to the funds and property of the corporation for the payment of any such contract or claim, or for the payment of any debt, damages, judgement or decree, or of any money that may otherwise become due and payable to them from the corporation.

ARTICLE 19. ANNUAL MEETING

The corporation shall have one annual general meeting of its members. The Meeting of this corporation shall be held each year on the weekend of the Rick Pierce Tournament, typically the second or third weekend in December. Annual reports shall be received and such other business shall be transacted as may properly be brought before the meeting. The annual meeting may be held at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place within the United States as the president, members or directors shall determine. No change in the date fixed in these By-laws for the annual meeting shall be made within thirty days before the date stated herein. Notice of any change of the date fixed in these By-Laws for the annual meeting shall be given to all members at least twenty one days before the new date fixed for such a meeting.

ARTICLE 20. REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings of the members may be held at such places within the United States and at such times as the members may determine.

ARTICLE 21. SPECIAL MEETINGS

Special meetings of the members may be held at any time and at any place within the United States. Special meetings of the members may be called by the president or by the directors, and shall be called by the clerk, or in the case of the death, absence, incapacity or refusal of the clerk, by any other officer, upon written application of three or more members.

ARTICLE 22. CALL AND NOTICE

Section 1 . Regular Meetings

No call or notice shall be required for annual or regular meetings of members, provided that reasonable notice (i) of the first regular meeting following the determination by the members of the times and places for regular meetings shall be given to absent members, (ii) of an annual meeting not held at the principal office of the corporation shall be given to each member, (iii) specifying the purpose of an annual meeting or regular meeting shall be given to each member if either contracts or transactions of the corporation with interested persons or amendments to these By-Laws (as adopted by the directors or otherwise) are to be considered at the meeting and (iv) shall be given as otherwise required by law, the Articles of Organization or these By-Laws.

Section 2 . Special Meetings

Reasonable notice of the time and place of special meetings of the members shall be given to each member. Such notice need not specify the purposes of a meeting, unless otherwise required by law, the Articles of Organization, or these By-Laws or unless there is to be considered at the meeting (i) contracts or transactions of the corporation with interested persons, (ii) amendments to these By-Laws, (iii) an increase or decrease in the number of directors, or (iv) removal or suspension of a member or director.

Section 3 . Reasonable and Sufficient Notice

Except as otherwise expressly provided, it shall be reasonable and sufficient notice to a member to send notice by mail at least forty eight hours or by telegram at least twenty four hours before the meeting addressed to him/her at his/her usual or last known business or residence address or to give notice to him/her in person or by telephone at least twenty four hours before the meeting.

Section 4 . Waiver of Notice

Whenever notice of a meeting is required, such notice need not be given to any member if a written waiver of notice, executed by him/her (or his attorney thereunto authorized) before or after the meeting, is field with the records of the meeting, or to any member who attends the meeting without protesting prior thereto or at its commencement the lack of notice to him/her. A waiver of notice need not specify the purposes of the meeting unless such purposes were required to be specific in the notice of such meeting.

ARTICLE 23. COMMITTEES

The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall have the authority to appoint such other committees as deemed appropriate.

ARTICLE 24. SPONSORS, BENEFACTORS, CONTRIBUTORS, ADVISERS, FRIENDS FO THE CORPORATION

The directors may designate certain persons or groups of persons as sponsors, benefactors, contributors, advisers or friends of the corporation or such other title as they deem appropriate. such persons shall serve in an honorary capacity and, except as the directors shall otherwise designate, shall in such capacity have no right to notice of or to vote at any meeting, shall not be considered for purposes of establishing a quorum, and shall have no other rights or responsibilities.

ARTICLE 25. AMENDMENTS

These By-Laws may be amended, altered or repealed and new By-Laws may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the individual New England members of the United States Volleyball Association present at either the annual meeting of the corporation or by mailed ballot, provided however that notice of the proposed amendment has been submitted to the President and Secretary in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to said meeting, and that the President provide a written copy of the proposed amendment to all New England members of the USVBA at least ten (10) days prior to said meeting. Modifications of amendments at either the Spring or Fall meetings require the approval of the sponsor of the amendment.

ARTICLE 26. DISSOLUTION

All the property of this corporation and accumulations thereof shall be held and administered exclusively to effectuate the purposes set forth herein. In the event of dissolution, all assets, real and personal, shall be distributed as dictated by the Board of Directors to such other organizations as are qualified as tax exempt under Section 501 © (3) of the 1954 Internal Revenue Code as amended, or the corresponding future United States Internal Revenue Law.

ARTICLE 27. RULES OF PROCEDURE

In all cases not otherwise provided for by these By-Laws, this corporation shall be governed by Roberts' Rules of Procedure.

DATED AND APPROVED: December 15, 1991

THE NEW ENGLAND REGION

VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION

Yankee Volleyball Association Rules and Policies

Rules of Play

In general, except as specified below, the Yankee Volleyball Association follows the rules of the USA Volleyball (USAV).

Uniforms

Team uniforms do not need to be matching in color or design. Shirts must have differing numbers, from 1 to 99, 6" high on the back, 3" high on the front. Numbers can not be taped on, but may be written on in indelible marker.

Teams or players that do not have proper uniform numbers may borrow legal shirts or make their shirts legal by writing on numbers with indelible marker. If done prior to the start of their first match there is no penalty. If getting legal uniforms would significantly delay the start of a match, then the team may play with a ghost player or forfeit matches until the uniforms are legal. If the uniforms are not made legal then the team may participate in pool or round robin play, but will not be eligible for playoffs.

Ghost Players

Teams may play with a ghost player. The ghost player must appear on the lineup, be maintained in the rotation, and a side out will be awarded when the ghost player rotates to the service position. Teams must have a minimum of five (5) players on the court.

When teams are playing with a ghost player the non-ghost players must conform to the ratings limit for the tournament, i.e. they must not average more than 1/2 point above the tournament level.

Teams playing with a ghost player must be allowed to participate in the playoffs.

Substitutions

Substitutions will be by the USAV 12-substitution rule. Players may enter the game a maximum of three times, with the initial line-up counting as one entry. Players being substituted back into a game must go in at the same relative position in the rotation as they left.

Abnormal substitutions will be allowed in the case of injuries. Substituting a ghost player for an injured player is considered an abnormal substitution. The injured player may not return for the remainder of that game. The normal injury time-out is allowed prior to substituting a ghost for the injured player.

Team Affiliations

Individuals in Yankee may play on as many different teams as they desire during the season (but only one per tournament). Yankee Qualifiers and Championships, though they may occur on different dates and in different facilities, are treated as a single tournament and therefore each individual may appear on only one roster for each different division of competition.

Playing on teams in Yankee tournaments does not affect eligibility for USAV-registered teams.

Individual Ratings

All players in Yankee will be rated for their individual skill level, in a range from A+ (highest) to D (lowest). An individual’s overall rating evaluates their ability relative to other players in New England in each of their basic skills of the game: serving, passing, setting, hitting effectiveness, blocking, and digging/defense.

Initially, new members will rate themselves when filling out their membership application. Team Representatives are expected to help new members determine their appropriate rating level and will be held responsible for the accuracy of the rating. Renewing members will be assigned the same rating as they carried at the end of their previous membership year.

Any Yankee member can request a ratings change for themselves or recommend a ratings change other members. All requested or recommended ratings changes will be evaluated by the Ratings Chairperson or their designated representatives. If a ratings change is warranted the Ratings Chairperson will notify the member in writing, giving approximately two weeks notice before the change is effective so that individuals and teams can adjust. New members, however, may be rerated immediately after their first tournament if the Ratings Chairperson finds that their initial rating is out of line.

For purposes of calculating individual and team ratings, each rating level will have a numerical equivalent: A+ = 10, A = 9, A- = 8, B+ = 7, B = 6, B- = 5, C+ = 4, C = 3, C- = 2, D = 1.

Team Ratings

Teams that are over the ratings limit for that tournament will be permitted to participate in pool or round robin play, but will not be eligible for playoffs. Their games will count as wins/losses for their opponents. If the roster is changed to one that is within the limit prior to the start of the first match then there is no penalty. If the ratings violation is determined after a team has begun play and they decide to change to a legal roster, any games already played or started will be forfeited, unless the roster is changed by deleting a player who has not played, in which case there is no penalty. The team will then be allowed to continue play and be eligible for playoffs.

Individuals may not play in tournaments that are more than 3 levels below their individual rating (i.e. "A-" players may play in a "B-" tournament, but not in a "C+" tournament).

For purposes of calculating team ratings the ratings of women playing in men’s tournaments will be adjusted as follows:

Tournaments

Divisions and Levels of Competition

Sanctioning & Scheduling Tournaments

All Yankee tournaments must be sanctioned and scheduled by the Yankee Tournament Coordinator. In order to qualify for sanctioning tournaments must comply with the following conditions:

1) All participants must be members of Yankee Volleyball Association and/or the USAV.

2) All referees, whether non-playing or playing, must be USAV-certified referees, except at Friendship tournaments as specified below. The head referee must be a non-playing referee.

3) The current Yankee ratings, as they appear on the official Registrar’s list, must be used for all individual and team rating calculations.

4) All current Yankee rules must be adhered to and enforced.

Rosters

Team Representatives are responsible for making sure an up-to-date team roster has been submitted to the Yankee Representative or Tournament Director prior to the team’s first match of the day. The roster should list team members’ names, uniforms numbers and Yankee ratings.

Rosters are frozen at the start of the team’s second match of the day. Prior to a team’s second match, players can be dropped if they have not played and can be added if they have not played for another team at that tournament. If changes must be made to the roster after they are initially submitted, the Yankee Rep or Tournament Director must be notified or the roster change will be disallowed.

Team rosters will be posted by the Yankee Representative or Tournament Director for players to view during the day’s competition.

Yankee Representative

The Registrar, or their appointed Yankee Representative (which may be the Tournament Director) will be responsible for checking team rosters for memberships and ratings, collecting membership applications and fees, and ensuring that Yankee Rules & Policies are followed.

Format

The individual Tournament Director is responsible for determining the format, but these will usually be either pool play or round robins followed by playoffs. The format must allow for the following:

1) No team shall be eliminated from playoffs by a tie-breaker procedure.

2) Teams qualifying for playoffs, but tied for position, shall be assigned position by the following methods, in order of priority: 1st- won-lost percentage between tied teams; 2nd - point differential between tied teams; 3rd - total point differential in pool or round robin competition; 4th- flip of a coin.

3) Participating teams are expected to furnish support officials as requested, including a Second Referee, Scorer and two Linespersons. Unless otherwise specified, the highest placed team(s) not making it to playoffs will work the first round of playoffs. Teams disqualified from playoffs are considered last in the pool and should not be required to work playoffs. In subsequent rounds the losing teams will work, with the last losing semifinal team working the final.

4) Participating teams are not allowed to intentionally forfeit their remaining game(s) of pool play and still be eligible to advance to the playoffs.

5) Except for discriminatory practices based on race, sex, or religious belief, tournament directors will have the right to set their own policies for acceptance of teams in their tournaments. Some factors affecting acceptance might be order of payment received, having been shut out of a previous tournament, previous history of reliability or non-payment, etc.

6) A protest committee will be formed at the beginning of each tournament to vote on any potential protest that might arise during play for that day. This committee should consist of the head referee, tournament director, and at least one team representative.

7) Yankee follows the rules of the host facility, including its policy on alcohol and drug usage. In most cases this means no consumption or possession on the premises. Failure to adhere to those rules is considered a serious breach of the code of conduct and is subject to significant penalty.

8) Expulsions, disqualifications, and other incidents at tournaments will be reported by the Tournament Director and/or Head Referee to the Executive Board for consideration of further action.

Fees

Fees for individual tournaments shall be established by the individual Tournament Director, commensurate with expenses incurred in running the tournament. Yankee tournaments are not intended to be run for the excessive profit of any individual or organization.

Tournament directors are expected to provide income and cost breakdowns for their tournament, or periodically for a typical tournament, to assist the Board in monitoring tournament costs in the region.

Friendship Tournaments

Referees

1) All referees at Yankee-sanctioned tournaments must be USAV-certified referees, except at Friendship tournaments.

2) The Head Referee must be a non-playing referee. Other referees may be player-refs.

3) All non-playing referees will be assigned by the Referee Coordinator. Tournament directors planning to use player-referees must inform the Referee Coordinator of their plans and officiating requirements.

Referee Compensation

Compensation for referees will be the same as paid for USAV referees in the New England region. The current rates are: base pay of $75 per 8 hours day; $5/half hour for overtime; $5 extra for the head referee; $5 or a provided lunch; plus travel reimbursement for round trip travel greater than 25 miles -- $5 for 26-50 miles, $10 for 51-75 miles, $15 for 76-100 miles and $20 for any travel greater than 100 miles.

Player-referees will be paid $9.00 per match officiated.

Yankee Championships

At the end of each season the Yankee Volleyball Association will organize and run Championships at each level of competition that has had participation during the year and which draws sufficient entries to justify a tournament.

For levels of competition where there are more entries than can be reasonably handled in a single tournament there will be preliminary Qualifying tournaments to determine those teams which will participate in the Championship Tournament. At any given level the Qualifying and Championship tournaments will be considered as a single tournament for format rules and roster-eligibility.

The year-end Championships and Qualifying Tournaments will be organized by the Yankee Championship Tournament Coordinator, with assistance from other members of the Executive Board.

Yankee Qualifying and Championship Tournaments will be run with the following exceptions to the normal rules and policies:

1) Players may only appear on one team roster for each level of competition.

2) Teams that are over or under their ratings limit are not permitted to participate even in pool play.

3) New members, including those who joined after the deadline for Championship applications, may be immediately rerated, even during the course of the tournament by the appointed Yankee Tournament Director.

Rosters

1) Rosters must be submitted prior to a team’s commencing play at the Championships or any necessary Qualifying tournament.

2) Ghost players will be allowed, under the same conditions as at regular tournaments.

3) Maximum ratings limits will be applied based on the top six players, just as at regular-season tournaments. In addition, there is a minimum ratings limit that no team can be more than 7 points below the maximum allowed for that level except at the A- level. Thus, the minimum and maximum ratings limits for each championship level are:

3) For divisions where there is both a qualifying and championship tournament, teams are allowed to include one player on their roster who is not at the qualifier and clearly identify that player as a substitute for the finals. This player will not count for the team ratings limit at the qualifying tournaments, but the teams at both qualifiers and finals must still be within the limits.

4) At championships, for divisions where there is both a qualifying and championship tournament, teams are allowed to replace one, and only one player who participated in the qualifier with a player not on their roster or any other roster for that division. The team must still meet the team ratings limits. This player can be added in addition to the player designated as a substitute.

5) Teams must meet minimum eligibility requirements in their first match of the day.

USAV VOLLEYBALL PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT

In consideration of the rights granted to me by my registration with the USA Volleyball (USAV) and a Regional Volleyball Association (RVA), while I am registered with these entities, I consent to abide by the rules of conduct set forth herein. I understand that these rules extend to my conduct in activities related to, and during any USA Volleyball/RVA sanctioned event in which I participate. Examples are, but not limited to, the United States Championships (Open, Mixed Six, Outdoor and Junior Olympic Volleyball), all events or activities sanctioned or sponsored by the USA Volleyball or USA Volleyball Regional Volleyball Associations (RVAs), practices, travel to and from events, volleyball camps, players’ clinics and officials’ clinics. I also understand that if I violate any of the following rules, I might be subject to whatever disciplinary action is deemed appropriate by the authorized person, persons, boards or committees of the USA Volleyball or its RVAs.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED:

1. Illegal transport, illegal possession, or use of illegal drugs or other substances banned by the RVA or USAV. (NOTE: Disciplinary actions for use of banned substances shall be in accordance with a USAV Drug Policy Program).
2. Possession or consumption of alcohol at any tournament, either inside the facility or on the facility’s property is strictly prohibited unless the alcohol is purchased at the facility.
3. Use of a recognized identification card by anyone other than the individual described on the card.
4. Physical damage to a facility or theft of items from a room, dormitory, residence or other person. (Restitution will be a part of any penalty imposed).
5. Possession of fireworks, ammunition, firearms, other weapons or any item or material which by commonly accepted practices and principles would be a hazard or harmful to other persons.
6. Any action considered to be an offense under Federal, State or local laws/ordinances.
7. Violation of the specific policies, regulations, and/or procedures of the RVA, USAV, or the facility used in conjunction with a sanctioned event. (It is the responsibility of the individual to be familiar with applicable specific policies, regulations and procedures.)
8. Conduct which is inappropriate as determined by comparison to normally accepted behavior.
9. Physical or verbal intimidation of any individual.

USA VOLLEYBALL DISCIPLINARY POLICY:

USAV New England Region Operating Code

Section C: Indoor Junior Teams

GENERAL INFORMATION

USA Volleyball (USAV) is one of the leading amateur sports bodies in the country... innovative programming, aggressive in the pursuit of improved benefits for its athletes, and dedicated to bringing world excellence in volleyball to America.

USA Volleyball is the nation's volleyball leader. It is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the National Governing Body for the sport. It is the exclusive representative of the United States volleyball community to the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB) and to a number of other international sport bodies.

In recent years, USA Volleyball has gained national recognition through the performance of both its USA Women's and Men's teams. But these two teams are only the tip of the iceberg for an organization that is over fifty years old and that involves itself in all levels of volleyball throughout the country.

USA Volleyball has divided the country into regions. Within each region there are a number of programs conducted including regular competitions organized by age and/or ability, summer instructional camps, and clinics for the development of coaches, players and referees. International competition involving the USA National Team and foreign opponents are also regular features in many of these regions.

Resources, such as rule books, video tapes, coaching manuals and drill books, special USA team Volleyware and more can be obtained by calling 1-719-637-8300 (National USAV Offices), with a full color catalog showing these and other special volleyball items for coaches and players.

USAV JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL

Junior Volleyball is a program for girls and boys 18 years of age and younger who have not graduated from high school prior to the end of the spring semester of the current season (possibly 19 years of age).

The purpose of the USAV Junior Volleyball Program is to offer teenagers an opportunity to become involved in a wholesome and beneficial athletic activity which they can pursue at various skill levels. In many cases it is a chance for all athletes to receive high quality instruction in skills development and team strategy. The USAV Junior Volleyball Program should be an extension of learning from the High School program and a natural bridge between youth (ages 12 and under) and college volleyball or USAV Adult volleyball.

The USAV Junior Volleyball Program of competition runs from November through the first week of July. Many athletes are also involved in their schools' other programs at the same time they are learning from you. Do not put unreasonable demands on the athletes. Let them stay loyal to their high school programs as well. If they enjoy your program and that is all they want to do, let that be their decision only. You, not their high school coach, will need to be flexible. Try to practice on days or times that do not conflict with the majority of their games. Be reasonable and keep the athlete's best interest at heart. Remember the philosophy of the USAV Junior Volleyball Program is: ATHLETES FIRST --- WINNING SECOND

HOW TO BECOME A USAV JUNIORS VOLLEYBALL COACH IN THE NEW ENGLAND REGION

A. Write or call the New England Region Junior Commissioner to obtain a membership packet and a list of IMPACT Clinics and rule interpretation meetings.

B. Fill out the code of ethics and the membership application. Send the membership form along with a check made out to NERVA, to the Region’s Adult Registrar. Send the code of ethics to the Junior Commissioner.

C. Attend one of the IMPACT Clinics. Contact the Junior Commissioner for more information on the clinics or visit the Regions web site at: http://tawny.bu.edu/NERVA/

D. Background checks through the State will be required of each coach participating with any NERVA Juniors team.

HOW TO REGISTER A USAV JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL TEAM IN NEW ENGLAND

A. Write or call the Regional Junior Commissioner and ask for a Junior membership packet.

B. The membership packet will include instructions on completing player and team applications, fees for individual and team membership, insurance instructions for site, injury and liability, IMPACT certification and ethic code requirements. Depending on the date of your request for a membership packet it may also contain a list of IMPACT clinics, rule interpretation meetings, tournaments and tournament directors.

ENTRY TO USA VOLLEYBALL - JUNIOR NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

A. The New England Region is guaranteed one entry in each age group, as long as we have over 500 registered girls and 200 registered boys. This guarantee for the girls is only for the Club Division. A girls team wishing to compete in the Open Division must participate and win at one the many Qualifiers held each year to earn an Open bid. At present Boys teams do not have an Open Division.

B. A second or third entry for the Club Division may be awarded depending on National Junior Registration.

C. Additional entries to the Club Division may be awarded to regions that had medal winners at the previous Junior National Championships.

D. In addition, teams may qualify through one of the national sanctioned qualifying tournament, for a pre-seeded bid in the national tournaments. There are 32 such bids for the Open Division and 8 such bids for the Club Division, through such qualifying tournaments.

E. After May 1 there may be some "at large bids" available from other regions unused bids. These "at large bids" are allotted from the national office based on the following criteria:

Date of Entry. Season Record. Amount of Inter-regional play. Length of club training season. Geographic Distribution.

F. The Boys 14 & under and Boys/Girls 12 & under divisions will be open to all-comers until a maximum number of entries are confirmed (64 entries).

G. Rule of Two: Any team may add two players from another New England Region team that is not going to the Junior National Championships.

Any team entering the U.S. Junior National Volleyball Championships will be totally responsible for their own entry fees and expenses.

HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATIONS

Whether coaching a state high school, Junior volleyball team, or hosting a Junior tournament, for high school aged girls or boys, please remember that the high school associations have certain restrictions on players, coaches, awards, clinics, camps, and all star matches. Tournament directors and coaches must take these rules into consideration when considering USA Volleyball competition. It is imperative that USA Volleyball sanctioned coaches, teams, practices, tournaments, clinics and camps comply with these high school regulations in every aspect. The New England Region and USA Volleyball will not tolerate any action whether intentional or unintentional which will jeopardize these young athlete's eligibility for future athletic amateur activity.

***Special Note To Our Clubs. The High School and the NCAA have rules that do not permit letting a youngster play for free if you charge for your program or at a reduced rate from what is charged other youngsters in your program. Violation of this rule will cause a youngster to lose their amateur standing and be declared ineligible for high school and NCAA competition. If you have any questions, contact the NCAA first!

(Recognition and thanks for the contributions from the Keystone Region Juniors Operating Code)

A. TEAM COMPETITION AND PLAYING LEVELS

Junior Teams are classified in single age groups. Qualifications for each age group is outlined in the USAV Manual. All levels follow the same rules of play and allow 12 team substitutions, except 14, 13, 12 and 10 and under teams have no team substitution limit

1. Junior teams are required to have an adult coach (over the age of 18) on the roster and present at all tournaments and practices. Under extenuating circumstances, any adult (over the age of 18) may travel with and serve as a Junior team’s coach at New England Region tournaments.

2. All Junior team head coaches are required to be IMPACT or CAP certified. Assistant coaches are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be certified. The certified head coach must be on the team bench during all competitions involving the team. This makes it very difficult for one individual to be the certified head coach of more than one team. Certification must be completed by January 31 for coaches of boys teams and by March 25 for coaches of girls teams, otherwise teams cannot compete in sanctioned events after that date. For more information on IMPACT certification, please contact the Junior Commissioner.

3. Once a Junior member has represented a team or club in sanctioned play they may not leave that team or club to represent another team or club during that season (except under the rule of two for national competition).

4. The following are the current levels of competition: a. 18 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of males or entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual b. 17 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of males or entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual c. 16 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of males or entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual d. 15 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of males or entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual e. 14 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of males or entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual f. 12 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of males or entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual

A team or an individual may play up in any division but not down, for example: A 15 year old or a 16 & under team may play in an 18 & under event, but they could not move the other way and play in a 14 & under tournament. They may play in the open adult division but be advised that if they do they must play by the rules of the adult competition (i.e., the adults use a six sub rule instead of the 12 subs the Juniors use).

Waivers for players wanting to compete at a non-appropriate competition level, may be requested in writing by a player, from the Junior Commissioner. NERVA honors waivers of non-region players for inter-regional play, provided the competition is not a qualifier for the Junior National Championships.

Coaches should always carry a complete team roster and THE MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS with them at all competitions. This should include every players name, year in school, address and if possible height, weight, vertical reach and vertical jump. It may not be wise to give out the players phone numbers, as some recruiting coaches have been known to call at very odd hours, unless you have specific authorization from a players parent. 5. Team officials: It is recommended that all travel teams have at least two certified officials on their roster. It is recommended that all programs review the rules and guidelines with all program members. Within the next two seasons (possibly one) there will be requirements for certified second officials for inter-regional play. The USAV National Office is preparing a modified Juniors second referee exam. When this exam is ready the New England Region will provide the necessary training for our Junior players. The following is recommended for the 1997-98 season and will be required for the 1998-99 season: a. A Junior Boys team must have at least one certified official (of any kind) on the roster by January 31. Junior Boys teams registering after January 1 must have the certified officials on the roster within 30 days, or they cannot play in sanctioned events until the requirement is met. This regulation is dependent on the particular tournament entered. Any team playing in USAV/Yankee tournaments must meet the Adult qualifications regarding player refs. b. A Junior Girls team must have at least one certified official (of any kind) on the roster by March 15. Junior Girls teams registering after February 15 must have the certified officials on the roster within 30 days, or they cannot play in sanctioned events until the requirement is met. This requirement is for travel teams, in preparation for inter-region and regional level competition requirements. This does not apply to local level competitions.

6. Team Scorekeepers. Keep in mind that the certification is the Juniors exam. The following is recommended for the 1997-98 season and will be required for the 1998-99 season: a. A Junior Boys team must have at least one certified scorekeeper on the roster by January 31. Junior Boys teams registering after January 1 must have the certified scorekeeper on the roster within 30 days, or they cannot play in sanctioned events until the requirement is met. This regulation is dependent on the particular tournament entered. Any team playing in USAV/Yankee tournaments must meet the Adult qualifications regarding scorekeepers. b. A Junior Girls team must have at least one certified scorekeeper on the roster by March 15. Junior Girls teams registering after February 15 must have the certified scorekeeper on the roster within 30 days, or they cannot play in sanctioned events until the requirement is met.

B. CLUB TEAMS:

A club is 2 or more teams where the club name is part of each team name. It is recommended that all teams in a club register at the same time. Additional team(s) may be added to the club as long as the new team(s) have the club name as part of their team name. A club must register each team it intends to enter in Regional sanctioned events, with the Region Junior Scheduler. Each team must have a Team Representative. The same person may serve as the Team Representative for more than one team, or each team may have a different Team Representative. In addition, the following will apply:

1. If a club consists of teams in more than one playing level, all players within the club may be assigned to ANY playing level, in which they are age qualified, for any given event. An assigned player may not play down but may freely play up for the entire season.

2. If a club consists of more than one team at the same playing level, all players of that level may freely play on any team of that level for any given event.

3. Rule of Two. See the official USAV Rule Book. When a team in any given club has concluded play for the current season, a player from that team is then eligible for the rule of two.

4. A player from a club team shall be considered frozen to that team’s roster on which they competed AND WON, the Regional Championships. The frozen roster rule shall only apply for competition in the Junior National Championships. ONLY MEMBERS OF THE TEAM THAT WON THE REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS, SHALL BE ABLE TO COMPETE AS THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONS, AT THE JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. A second team from a club or region that has qualified elsewhere (i.e. a National Qualifier) may not add players to the second team from the Region Championship team roster, unless the Region Championship team is not able to attend the Junior National Championships. The rule of 2 would still apply for any team.

C. NEW ENGLAND REGION JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS :

1. In order for a team to be eligible for participation in the Regional Championships; a girl’s team must have participated in a least three USAV Junior sanctioned tournaments within the New England Region, a boy’s team must have participated in a least two USAV Junior sanctioned tournaments within the New England Region.

2. Must meet all the requirements set forth for team and individual participation within the Region.

3. Must meet all the specific requirements set forth by the Regional Junior Commissioner of either boys or girls division for any given season.

D. UNIFORM CODE:

The official uniform code of USAV is in force for NERVA teams (see the Official USAV Rule Book). Exemptions are stated in the girls/and or boys official rules and guidelines. Failure to meet uniform requirements are addressed in the girls/and or boys official rules and guidelines.

The following principles and guidelines help to assure efficiency and consistency in the conduct of sanctioned tournaments within the New England Region for Juniors. Sanctioning for National Qualifiers, held in the New England Region, is done through the USA Volleyball National Office.

A. FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

1. Secure an approved facility with appropriate equipment to conduct competition consistent with the rules of the game. See the current USAV Rule Book.

2. All local and regional level tournaments will be tentatively scheduled and sanctioned in conjunction with the annual meetings for both the boys and the girls divisions. Tentative dates are available in the Fall prior to the upcoming season for scheduling purposes. The Juniors Scheduler (for girls) will notify all Club Directors as to the seasons tournament schedule. Any girls tournament listed by the Juniors Scheduler is a sanctioned event.

Boys tournament sanctions must be approved by the Boys Regional Junior Commissioner.

3. Sunday Tournament Restrictions: See #12 Section B. Below.

B. FOR INTER-REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

1. Application for sanction of tournament: a. Prospective Tournament Directors for a Juniors event must be a member in good standing with the Region. b. Upon verbal or written request to the Junior Scheduler, tentative approval of a tournament date, site, and playing bracket(s) will be granted. A tournament packet will be issued to the requesting Tournament Director by the Junior Scheduler within 10-14 days of the received request. This packet contains all of the information and forms necessary to successfully apply for and run a tournament. c. The Tournament Director shall submit in duplicate an "Application for Sanction", accompanied by any request for waiver of these guidelines and the appropriate sanction fee and deposit, to the Junior Scheduler. Written approval by the Junior Scheduler must be obtained by a Tournament Director prior to sending out invitations and conducting sanctioned competition. Upon receipt of tournament application and the appropriate fees the Junior Scheduler will respond with a written response within 10-14 days. d. The Region reserves the right to revoke any sanction for a Juniors tournament or event if the guidelines are not adhered to. If a sanction is revoked the tournament/event should be canceled. It is up to the discretion of the Tournament Director to continue the event or not, without sanction by the Region. The non-sanctioned event will not be covered by the Region’s insurance, and all participating sites and teams will be notified. For sanction approval the Tournament Director must comply with the Regions operating guidelines.

2. All tournaments (unless otherwise noted) must have: a. An approved facility with appropriate equipment to conduct competition consistent with the rules of the game. See the official USAV Rule Book. b. A non-playing, non-coaching Tournament Director conversant with the rules of play and the conduct of tournaments whose sole responsibility is keeping the tournament on schedule and properly recorded, or court managers for each court who are collectively charged with the above responsibilities and should not serve in any officiating capacity. Tournament Directors shall not referee. c. A Tournament Committee comprised of a minimum of 3 individuals, for selection of teams for participation (if not assigned by the Region) and for seeding of such teams.

3. Referee(s): a. Tournaments must have a designated non-playing Head Referee who shall make all 1st Referee assignments in cooperation with the Tournament Director. His or her responsibilities are to assist all Referees, including certified Junior 2nd referees. There shall be a non-playing 1st Referee to work all play-off matches. All matches must have an adult 2nd referee (over the age of 18) or certified Junior 2nd referee. b. A Protest Committee shall be composed of the Tournament Director, the Head Referee, and a third party knowledgeable in the rules of play. The third party is preferably a certified official of the Region, or a site/court manager. The Protest Committee must be formed before competition begins.

4. Format of Play: Recommended formats may be obtained from the Junior Scheduler. It is up to the discretion of the Tournament Director to select a format and it must be stated in advance of the tournament. a. Round robin: This format is more universally accepted because all teams are guaranteed a reasonable number of games. It is also more practical for the assignment of support officials. A multiple-pool round robin in the same division/class must offer a championship play-off. Playoffs are permitted in single-pool round robin tournaments at the discretion of the Tournament Director (must be stated in advance on the Tournament Invitation).

5. A list of prospective teams to be invited to a Juniors tournament must accompany the Application for Sanction. Revisions to the list regarding New England teams may be implemented in accordance to the Regions requirements for equitable entry into a tournament. Equitable Entry: Any Junior tournament sanctioned in the New England region must allow for 50% of each division and age bracket to be constituted by New England Region teams. If the New England entries exceed the 50% mark and the tournament has a wait list, in Region teams may be turned away after a complete list of teams has been provided to the Junior Commissioner, and approval granted. In Region teams will be turned away according to their current rank within the Region (i.e.: lowest ranked would be cut first) to be verified with the Junior Scheduler. If the tournament fails to draw adequate teams from the Region to equal 50%, a waiver may be granted from the Junior Commissioner. All Region teams must abide by the tournament entry deadlines to qualify for consideration.

6. Timetable for tournament organizers: a. The sanction request is to be submitted to the Junior Scheduler at a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the requested playing date. Request may be subject to denial if this deadline is not met. Please note that "Sanction" in this content does not refer to penalties, but rather, to official recognition and support (through insurance and other benefits) for the tournament. b. At a minimum of four weeks prior to the date of the event, notice must be sent to ALL TEAMS IN THE REGION that are eligible to participate in the tournament PRIOR TO ANY TEAMS BEING EXCEPTED TO PARTICIPATE. The list of clubs will be provided upon request from the Junior Scheduler or Junior Commissioner. Advertising an event in the New England Newspapers does not suffice as notice to all eligible teams. Unless a tournament organizer receives special clearance from the Junior Scheduler granting deviation, he or she may be penalized if proper notices are not sent via mail, fax, email, etc. c. Deadline for entries to be received should be a minimum of three weeks in advance of the tournament date. In this manner, teams as well as appropriate officials, can better plan their involvement. 1. Acceptance into the tournament shall be based on the date an entry is postmarked for all non-Region teams. The entry must include full payment. Postmarks of entries and Club participation limits will not be permitted as a limitation for in Region teams. See equitable entry policy above. 2. If a Tournament Director receives several entries with the same postmark, thereby exceeding the tournament quota, the Tournament Director shall select, at his or her sole discretion, the teams necessary to fill the quota from among the final applicants. 3. Teams must be notified at the earliest possible time of their acceptance, and if declined that they will be placed on a wait list in the event of any team cancellations, if they so elect. 4. Teams not accepted must receive an IMMEDIATE refund. Deposits may be held for teams on the wait list. Refunds for wait list teams not accepted must be made by the Sunday preceding the tournament. Deposit checks for wait list teams will not be deposited until the team has been approved for entry. 5. The Junior Scheduler and Chairman of Referees shall also receive a copy of the tournament invitation and other pertinent literature. 6. The Tournament Sanction Committee shall reserve the final privilege of selection of entry in all tournaments as deemed necessary or if requested by tournament applicants. d. A Tournament Director must gain assistance for seeding New England teams, from the Junior Scheduler or the Junior Commissioner. e. The tournament organizer should submit a full reporting of the tournament to the Junior Scheduler within 15 working days of completion of the tournament. This must be done in order for the sanction deposit to be returned. f. All teams and players are to be registered with USAV prior to participation in the tournament and must be verified, by the Team Representative signing the final roster the day of and prior to the first match. g. Changes in rosters may be made up to one-half hour before the involved team’s first match at the discretion of the Tournament Director. It is suggested that roster changes be limited to emergency situations only. Specifically, club teams shall not be allowed to shift players once the pools have been established, which is generally one week prior to the tournament. h. Tournament start schedules and times for each team, accompanied by a map and directions to the playing start site, are to be in the hands of all competing teams and listed assigned head officials by the Sunday preceding the tournament. At the time of this mailing any team on the wait list shall have had their deposit returned. i. Additional information and official forms can be found in the tournament packet. 7. Fees: a. Sanction fees: Tournament Directors are required to pay a sanction fee which must be submitted with the Application for Sanction. The fee should be made payable to NERVA. The fee is established each year by the Junior Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting for girls and boys, and will hold until the following year’s annual meeting, when adjustments can be voted on if required. Fee schedules are included in the Tournament Directors Packet. b. Sanction deposit: A sanction deposit must be submitted with any request for sanction of an event. This deposit is held as security to ensure that the Tournament Director complies with all Region requirements for the event. After all required reports for the event are received and the Junior Scheduler verifies that all other requirements were met, the sanction deposit will be returned within 10-14 working days of final confirmation of tournament procedures. The sanction deposit amount is established each year by the Junior Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting for girls and boys, and will hold until the following year’s annual meeting, when adjustments can be voted on if required. Fee schedules are included in the Tournament Directors Packet.

If violations of the sanction process and or requirements of the Region occur, the Tournament Director will be fined from the sanction deposit. The Tournament Sanction Committee will determine the appropriate fine amount during a hearing process if requested by the Tournament Director. All hearing requests must be submitted in writing to the Region Commissioner.

c. Tournament Sanction Committee. The Tournament Sanction Committee will review all applications for tournament sanction and serve as a review board to ensure the regions operating code has been adhered to. The committee will serve as a hearing board if required. Candidates may be nominated at the annual meeting. The committee will consist of the NERVA Commissioner, the Junior Commissioner, the Junior Scheduler, and 2 selected representatives from the Juniors community. Appointment to this committee will be done by the Region and Junior Commissioners. d. Entry fees: Suggested entry fees are established by the Board of Directors. Entry fees are determined by the Tournament Director but must be in accordance with the Regions regulations concerning profit margins. Tournament financial reports will be reviewed by the Junior Commissioner. Excessive profit margins will be considered allowable if the tournament profits are used for the hosting clubs support of travel to post season and or National Junior competitions. Otherwise excessive profit margins will be discussed with the Tournament Director. If such violations continue the Tournament Director will not be allowed any future sanctioned events in the Region. This could result in the revocation of previously sanctioned events for the current season.

8. Awards: Awards are Required for the First and Second place finishers (at a minimum). Awards must conform to the NCAA rules for giving of awards and gifts to Junior players. Team awards are optional for the first and second place teams, based on the amount of individual awards provided. Individual awards are required for the first and second place finishers. When presented, a minimum of 10 individual awards per team must be available for presentation. For larger tournaments that have bracket playoff divisions, individual awards for first place finishers of each bracket shall be awarded.

9. Procurement/assignment of 1st Referees: a. All 1st Referees assigned to USAV sanctioned competition shall be duly certified USAV Referees. Adults with Certifications for other organizations other then USAV, may only be used upon approval of the Officials Chairperson. b. The designated Head Referee in cooperation with the Tournament Director shall make all 1st Referee assignments. c. The fee schedule for Referees is located in the tournament packet and is available from the Officials Chairperson upon request. d. If help is needed in acquiring referees, the Tournament Director must notify the Officials Chairperson at least two weeks prior to the tournament date. e. Referee options: 1. One non-playing Referee all day (who is the Head Referee) to be joined by additional non-playing Referee(s) for playoffs. 2. Two or more non-playing Referees all day (one designated as the Head Referee). 3. All non-playing Referees all day (one designated as the Head Referee). 4. One non-playing Head Referee (per site) all day not to be joined by additional non-playing play-off Referee(s), and it is expected that the Head Referee will officiate the final match as first referee.

f. The Junior Scheduler will notify the Officials Chairperson of all approved tournament dates that will require referees. It is the obligation of the Tournament Director to work with the Officials Chairperson for proper assignments.

10. Assignment of support officials: a. The primary responsibility for the assignment of support officials shall lie with the Tournament Director. b. All participating teams must furnish the required support officials as requested. These officials are the 2nd Referee, the Scorekeeper, and two line judges. The 2nd Referee is recommended to be a certified Junior Referee or an adult coach (over the age of 18). All teams must be provided with the working requirements for an event in the tournament announcement or invitation. All teams must be prepared to comply with the work requirements. Failure by a team to report on time (as determined by the Head Referee) for a work assignment will result in a penalty that is outlined prior to start of tournament. It is recommended that forfeiture of the first game in the team's next match, or to follow the rules outlined in the Regions specific code for boys or girls. In addition, failure to work matches assigned near the end of a tournament may result in suspension of the team. The tournament director may excuse a team from any or all work requirements if replacement personnel are available. Teams which find the work requirements different than those announced in the Tournament Entry Contract may file a written complaint with the Region Junior Commissioner. Tournament Director should report any team that does not fulfill their work obligation to the Junior Commissioner. c. A work schedule, including play-off matches, must be posted prior to the first match so that teams will be properly informed as to their respective responsibilities. In addition, teams assigned to work the first scheduled matches should be notified by the Sunday preceding the tournament. d. It is required that the Tournament Director or Head Referee post a schedule at the beginning of the tournament indicating who is to officiate all matches including, if possible, all playoffs.

11. Running the tournament: a. Regulation standards, nets and antennae must be used. Padding of standards and cables is required. Tables and chairs may not be used as referee stands. b. Floors must be properly lined. c. Courts with walls close to the baseline shall be marked clearly with a regulation serving area. There is no such thing as a "one-foot-in" serving rule. d. Only USAV approved volleyballs will be used in sanctioned competition. e. Tournament Directors will make red and blue/black pens available for score keeping. Lead pencils and crayons should not be used. f. Only USAV score sheets and lineup sheets are to be used in sanctioned competition. Master forms are provided in tournament packets. g. Rosters for each team must be available at the tournament and are to be signed by the Team Representative, the day of the event and prior to competition. h. Standings must be posted at the conclusion of each match. i. Facility ground rules regarding overhanging objects, out of bounds areas, etc., should be clearly defined by the Tournament Director and Head Referee for all teams prior to commencement of play.

12. Sunday Tournament Restrictions: Any Sunday Junior Tournament that has not concluded pool play before 7 PM will have all ‘Quarter-Final’ and ‘Final’ matches consist of only one (1) game to 15 points. The one game match will use regular scoring with the teams switching sides at 8 points, and there will be no 17 point cap. Also, the ‘Finals’ of any Sunday Junior Tournament that has not concluded all ‘Semi-final" matches by 8 PM will have only one (1) ‘Final’ game to 15 points. The one game match will use regular scoring with the teams switching sides at 8 points, and there will be no 17 point cap.

Should any Tournament Director find that their Event will fall under this Rule the Director may choose to either follow the Rule as written OR take a vote of the remaining teams as to their desire to follow the Rule or continue play as previously scheduled. Should any ONE (1) team wish to follow the Rule, then the Tournament Director is obliged to revise their event to match the play schedule as outlined by this Rule.

This Rule may be modified for the New England Regional Championships.

C. FORFEITURE OF TEAM TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEES:

1. Teams that have been accepted into a tournament and withdraw within 3 weeks of the tournament playing date for any reason, shall forfeit their entry fee unless they or the Tournament Director are able to obtain a replacement team. If the reason for withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond a team’s control, then the entry fee should be refunded. Decisions on refunds shall be made by the Tournament Director. Appeals may be made to the Junior Commissioner.

2. A second withdrawal by a team from a tournament less than 3 weeks before the tournament date shall result in a sanction as determined by the Junior Commissioner after review of the circumstances.

3. Teams that have been accepted into a tournament and withdraw within 7 days of the tournament playing date, for whatever reason, shall forfeit their total entry fee regardless of whether or not the Tournament Director is able to obtain a replacement team. If the team can replace itself, with approval of the Tournament Director, it may recover the entry fee from the replacement team.

4. A second withdrawal by a team from a tournament less than 7 days before the tournament date shall result in the forfeiture of its fee and a sanction as determined by the Junior Commissioner after review of the circumstances.

5. Teams entering a tournament and failing to show for participation, without notifying the Tournament Director, shall pay a fine, in addition to the penalties indicated above, unless good cause created by an unforeseen emergency can be shown to the Junior Commissioner. A "No Show Fee" of $50.00 has been established for girls' teams within the New England Region. This is optional for Tournament Directors of Inter-regional tournaments, but if used must be clearly stated in the invitation to teams, and must realize that it is not the responsibility of the Region to attempt to collect such fees from out of region teams. The offending teams region would have to be contacted.

6. A late entry fee may be added for teams applying after the entry date set by the Tournament Director. The suggested late entry fee is $10.00.

USAV New England Region Operating Code

Girls Junior Volleyball

Section C-1 Indoor Junior Teams

The Following Rules and Guidelines are an expansion of the General Operating Code Section B Indoor Junior Teams, for Girl’s Junior Clubs and Tournaments in the New England Region.

1. TEAM DEFINITIONS AND TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE:

1. Team Definitions: Local teams for Mass, New Hampshire, and Maine, compete mainly within Massachusetts and New Hampshire and always within the Region. Locals teams for Connecticut compete mainly within Connecticut and always within the Region. Rhode Island and Vermont currently have no girls Juniors programs competing. All local tournaments scheduled at the annual meeting or confirmed with the Girl’s Junior Scheduler are sanctioned by the Region.

Regional teams compete in sanctioned New England Regional level tournaments. Regional teams will often travel outside of the Region to compete. With permission from the Girl's Junior Commissioner, some Regional teams may compete in local tournaments, at a higher age level. 14 Regional will compete at the 16 locals level, 16 Regional will compete at the 18 local level, and 18 Regional will not be allowed to compete at the local level.

Travel teams participate in New England Inter-regional tournaments and travel outside of the New England Region to compete. These teams are not allowed to compete in local tournaments.

2. There are no restrictions for entering your teams in other competitions beyond the sanctioned NERVA Junior tournaments. Be aware that if the tournament you enter your team in is not USAV sanctioned, there is no insurance coverage. You may jeopardize your team's eligibility to compete in Regional and National Championships. Rules set forth by the Region’s Board of Directors must be adhered to for liability issues.

3. Teams must declare their status at the beginning of the season, in order to be scheduled properly in locals versus regional tournaments. Please be aware of the qualifications required to be eligible to compete in the New England Region Junior Championships for Girls.

4. When a team in any given club has concluded play for the current season, a player from that team is then eligible for the rule of two. See the Official USAV Rule Book.

2. CLUB TRYOUTS:

1. When a club hosts tryouts to attract players for their teams they must a) follow all of the established safety precautions and guidelines set forth by the Region. Every participant must sign a membership form and have parental consent if under 18 years of age to participate in the tryout event. b) have a selection committee for each team being established. It should consist of a minimum of 3 individuals to evaluate fairly the players for selection to the teams. The committee should consist of at least one coach and one non-coach to monitor the selection process. 2. A Program may choose to have no tryouts and simply select its athletes by invitation.

3. PROGRAM DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Report all club’s team names to the Junior Scheduler as soon as possible and definitely prior to the first tournament of the season. Once a team name has been established it should not change for the duration of the season. Any team name change results in confusion and a possibility of lost points for that team. If a team name has to change after it has been reported to the Tournament Scheduler, it must be approved by the Junior Commissioner and confirmed with the Junior Scheduler.

2. Provide a copy of theses guidelines to each coach in the club, in order that all coaches will be aware of the Regions Guidelines, to avoid any discrepancies or misinterpretations.

3. Keep medical release forms and information for each player with you (and a copy for your coaches) at all times; practices and tournaments, in case of emergency.

4. Have a first aid kit available at your site for practices and tournaments. Know and/or post emergency phone numbers for your site. Complete an accident occurrence report for any injuries that occur at your facility, whether the player is in your program or not, and forward the report to the Junior Commissioner.

5. Confirm tournament assignments with the Junior Scheduler. It is ultimately your responsibility to know where your teams are going for each tournament and to report if teams will be missing. When hosting a tournament it is a good policy to confirm the teams that are traveling to your site, with the specific program directors.

6. Program Directors will be reimbursed by the Region $100.00 (1st and 2nd) 7 teams or more and $50.00 (1st only) 6 teams or less per tournament for awards. All receipts for awards must be forwarded to the Junior Commissioner for proper processing. This reimbursement policy applies only to sanctioned JOV NERVA tournaments, at the local and regional levels.

7. No Shows: If your club has a team that is scheduled for a particular site, for a tournament, and you discover that the team cannot make it, you must call the tournament director ASAP. Remember, tournament formats are usually drawn up in advance and changes create "extreme stress" on the day of a tournament. COURTESY PAYS OFF. Please review the NO SHOW Fees policy.

8. Coaches Code of Ethics forms must be returned to the Junior Commissioner for every Junior coach, if not submitted at time of membership application. No coach will be allowed to coach a Junior team without this completed and submitted form.

9. As a club director it is your responsibility to establish a policy with your coaches regarding appropriate behavior (role models) toward player referees, not only for coaches but for parents of players. Parents and coaches must remember that the players are learning and that competition is secondary at the local and regional levels. Emphasize leaving the win/loss records to the high school seasons. Coaches must be made aware that they should control the parents of their players. Tournament Directors are allowed to remove parents from the facility if they cannot control themselves.

10. Assure membership applications for all players and coaches have been submitted in a timely manner to the Junior Registrar. Respond to the Junior Registrar when asked for verification of club player data. All Region membership numbers must be in to the National Office no later than April 1st.

11. Report to the Junior Commissioner any team that is considering applying to the Junior National Championships. The request for an at large bid should be entered as soon as possible.

12. Submit budget items to the Junior Commissioner as soon as possible for processing with the Region Treasurer.

13. Submit a background check form for each coach in your club to the Junior Commissioner for submission to the State.

1. TEAM COMPOSITION AND PLAYING LEVELS :

Girls Junior teams are classified in single age groups. Qualifications for each age group are outlined in the USAV Manual. All levels follow the same rules of play and allow 12 team substitutions, except 14, 13, 12 and 10 & under teams have no team substitution limit.

1. Junior teams are required to have an adult coach (over the age of 18) on the roster and present at all tournaments and practices. Under extenuating circumstances, any adult (over the age of 18) may travel with and serve as a Junior team’s coach at New England Region tournaments.

2. All Junior team head coaches are required to be IMPACT or CAP certified. Assistant coaches are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be certified. The certified head coach must be on the team bench during all competitions involving the team. This makes it very difficult for one individual to be the certified head coach of more than one team. Certification must be completed by March 25 for coaches of girls teams. Otherwise teams cannot compete in sanctioned events after that date. New coaches will be granted a 1 year grace period. At the start of their second year of coaching a Juniors team, they will need to be minimum IMPACT certified. For more information on IMPACT certification, please contact the Junior Commissioner.

3. Once a Junior member has represented a team or club in sanctioned play they may not leave that team or club to represent another team or club during that season (except under the rule of two for National competition, or post season play.)

4. The following are the current levels of competition for girls: a. 18 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual b. 16 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual c. 15 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual d. 14 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual e. 12 & Under team: A Junior team composed entirely of females. Age classification will be followed as listed in the USAV Operating manual

A team or an individual may play up in any division but not down, for example: A 15 year old or a 16 & under team may play in an 18 & under event, but they couldn't move the other way and play in a 14 & under tournament. They may play in the open adult division but be advised that if they do they must play by the rules of the adult competition (i.e., the adults use a six sub rule instead of the 12 subs the Juniors use).

Waivers for players wanting to compete at a non-appropriate competition level, may be requested in writing by a player, from the Junior Commissioner. Upon review of the request the Junior Commissioner will determine eligibility and issue (or deny) a waiver.

NERVA honors waivers of non-region players for inter-regional play, provided the competition is not a qualifier for the Junior National Championships.

Coaches should always carry a complete team roster and MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS with them at all competitions.

5. Team officials: It is recommended that all travel teams have at least two certified officials on their roster. It is recommended that all programs review the rules and guidelines with all program members.

The USAV National Office is preparing a modified Juniors second referee exam. When this exam is ready the New England Region will provide the necessary training for our Junior players. The following is recommended for the 1997-98 season and will be required for the 1998-99 season (and will apply to all level teams).

a) A Junior Girls travel team is recommended to have at least one certified official (of any kind) on the roster by March 15. Junior Girls teams registering after February 15 must have the certified officials on the roster within 30 days, or they cannot play in sanctioned events until the requirement is met. This requirement is for travel teams, in preparation for inter-region and regional level competition requirements. This does not apply to local level competitions.

6. A Junior Girls team must have at least one certified scorekeeper on the roster by March 15. Junior Girls teams registering after February 15 must have the certified scorekeeper on the roster within 30 days, or they cannot play in sanctioned events until the requirement is met.

2. CLUB TEAMS:

1. See the General Operating Code for Indoor Junior Teams.

3. UNIFORM CODE:

1. The official uniform code of USAV applies for NERVA teams (see the Official USAV Rule Book).

4. PROGRAM HOPPERS :

1. A player that has an outstanding balance with a specific Junior program and is attempting to gain acceptance with another program, is regarded as a "program hopper". The Junior community in an effort to help protect Directors from "program hoppers" has determined that if a player with an outstanding balance due to a club from a prior season, will not be eligible to compete in the current season (with any club) until the prior balance is cleared. Any program director with such a problem needs to report the player's name to the Junior Commissioner. The player will not receive a renewal on their membership until the balance is cleared and thus cannot compete in any Regional or Inter-regional competition.

A program director that has such a player coming to their program in the current season, will be made aware that the player has had past financial problems. It is left to the discretion of each program director as how to handle that player's financial agreement. If a players name has been reported to the Junior Commissioner and we are not aware of the players intent to play elsewhere, and that players name appears on a membership application, the program director will be notified at that point. The player will not be eligible, regardless of if they have already made a financial commitment to your program for the current season, until the prior balance is cleared.

1. FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

1. Secure an approved facility with appropriate equipment to conduct competition consistent with the rules of the game. See the current USAV Rule Book. 2. All local and regional level tournaments will be tentatively scheduled and sanctioned in conjunction with the annual meetings for the girls division. The Juniors Scheduler will notify all Club Directors as to the season's tournament schedule. Any girls tournament listed by the Juniors Scheduler is a sanctioned event. 3. All teams for local tournaments are assigned by the Junior Scheduler. Host clubs for locals tournaments will absorb the cost of facilities into their own program budgets. Participating clubs will reciprocate each other by hosting local tournaments (thus no entry fees for local tournaments). Regional tournament hosts will be reimbursed for the facility rentals from the nominal entry fees collected from the participating teams. Awards are reimbursed by the region according to outlined guidelines. If a club wishes to participate in the local tournaments and cannot be a host site (or is deemed not hosting enough sites during the season) then they will be allowed to participate for an entry fee: per each participating team per tournament within their club. The assignment of teams to particular tournaments is done according to the regions established criteria within each age division. Teams will have the opportunity to move within the structured levels (i.e. A,B,C) according to their performance at each tournament. Teams are scheduled for each subsequent tournament based on previous performance, availability for tournament, geographical location (for lower level tournaments), and special request by hosting club. Teams are awarded points according to their finishes at each tournament. The points are accumulated and tallied at the end of the season, then used for seeding purposes for the State and Regional Championships.

2. TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LOCAL AND REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

1. All Junior Tournaments will have a non-playing, non-coaching Tournament Director conversant with the rules of play and the conduct of tournaments whose sole responsibility is keeping the tournament on schedule and properly recorded, or court managers for each court who are collectively charged with the above responsibilities and should not serve in any officiating capacity. Tournament Directors shall not referee.

2. Each tournament director is responsible to make sure the facility is set up for the tournament play. Beyond the playing surfaces this includes having scoresheets, lineup sheets, pens, whistles, game balls, flipscores, scorers table and chairs (if they fit), team benches (when available) and SAFE ref stands (if your site does not have ref stands, then the players will ref from the floor). Tables (provide padding on the court exposed side(s)) may be used as referee stands only if they are safe/stable and if the referee agrees to standing on such table. If the referee does not feel that the table is a safe option then they should officiate from the floor. Seating for parents is not the responsibility of a tournament director. a. The tournament format should be done in advance and should be handed out to each coach at a coaches meeting prior to the start of the tournament. Determine the limitations for your site and allot proper time for matches. Even if you have unlimited time, limits should be established so that the tournament does not drag. In most cases, there should be no more than 5 minutes between matches. When setting up the format, tournament directors may not change the names of the teams and may not change the seeding order of the teams in the pools that were given to them by the Junior Scheduler. b. Teams must be guaranteed a minimum of 3 matches (6 games) at all tournaments. c. Tournament formats may not be changed after it has been announced to team coaches. This rule makes it imperative that the tournament director keep the tournament on schedule and know exactly what their facility time limits are.

3. Checking rosters for current USAV membership is the responsibility of the tournament director and shall be done at the beginning of the day. The rosters must be checked against the USAV membership list provided by the Regions Junior Registrar. This is a liability issue for your site! No coach or player shall be allowed to participate without being registered. Have blank registration forms on hand for on site registration if needed.

4. Tournament directors will keep official time and post scores during the tournament. REMEMBER: If teams are tied going into the playoffs, you must have a tie-breaker to determine which team will advance. A team cannot be eliminated from a playoff spot based on points. a. Tournament directors must announce a "5 minute warning" when there is 5 minutes remaining before time runs out for that match. No time outs are allowed after the 5 minute warning has been given. b. End of match time must be designated by an audio signal (buzzer, horn, 3 whistle blasts). c. Game ball: Tachikara is the preferred game ball.

5. All tournament results must be reported to the Junior Scheduler at the conclusion of the tournament or no later than the Monday night immediately following the tournament. All results must be reported (not just the finals). To determine the order of finish of ALL teams not making the playoffs: a. Games won/loss record for teams for entire pool play. b. If there is still a tie in the ranking of the teams, report ties to Junior Scheduler. Those teams will receive equal rankings for the day. c. If you have 12 teams in your tournament, 12 rankings must be reported.

The Junior Scheduler will provide (on the Girls Junior hotline) which teams will be attending the next tournament, based on the previous tournament results. There is built in flexibility in the number of teams to switch between Division A,B,C. (The Junior Scheduler will also take into account travel distance and try to accommodate teams, but must maintain a certain level of integrity of divisions for the system to continue to work well.)

6. Tournament Directors must present awards to individual team players as follows: a. Trophies or medals for 1st and 2nd place (10 each) in tournament with 7 or more teams. b. Trophies or medals for 1st place only (10 each) in tournaments with 6 or less teams. c. No ribbons allowed as awards

7. Tournament Directors must report all NO SHOW teams to the Region Junior Scheduler or the Junior Commissioner.

8. Sunday Tournament Restrictions: Any Sunday Junior Tournament that has not concluded pool play before 7 PM will have all ‘Quarter-Final’ and ‘Final’ matches consist of only one (1) game to 15 points. The one game match will use regular scoring with the teams switching sides at 8 points, and there will be no 17 point cap. Also, the ‘Finals’ of any Sunday Junior Tournament that has not concluded all ‘Semi-final" matches by 8 PM will have only one (1) ‘Final’ game to 15 points. The one game match will use regular scoring with the teams switching sides at 8 points, and there will be no 17 point cap.

Should any Tournament Director find that their Event will fall under this Rule the Director may choose to either follow the Rule as written OR take a vote of the remaining teams as to their desire to follow the Rule or continue play as previously scheduled. Should any ONE (1) team wish to follow the Rule, then the Tournament Director is obliged to revise their event to match the play schedule as outlined by this Rule.

9. Tournament Directors should remind all coaches, at the coaches meeting, that bad behavior toward player referees is not acceptable and that players, coaches or parents may be asked to leave the facility if they are disrespectful or disruptive in any way. Coaches should be reminded to inform the parents of their team of this rule.

3. TEAM COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES AT TOURNAMENTS :

1. Team names must remain the same for the duration of the season. Players may be moved from team to team, within a program, but the team name will remain the same. Coaches should be aware of their team's name, and shall not change their team’s name at a tournament.

2. Each teams coach will submit a roster to the tournament director before the start of the first match. This roster will hold for the duration of the tournament. Players who are "borrowed" must be designated on the roster with an *.

3. Team personnel: Each team must have 6 players on the court during tournament play. If a team is missing a player the team should: a. "Borrow" a player from another team within their own program at the tournament. Any player that is "borrowed" from the same program must play with the new team for the entire day. The player must be designated on the roster. The player may return to their original team only when the new team is finished playing for the day. If the new team does not make the playoffs, the "borrowed" player may return to her original team for playoffs. b. If there is no player available from option "a." then the work team of that particular match shall provide the needed player(s). The coach of the work team shall select the player(s). c. If the team with missing personnel makes the playoffs, they will continue to "borrow" from the work teams. A team must have a minimum of 5 players on the roster at the beginning of the day to qualify for playoffs.

4. Substitutions: a. 18 & under: will use the 12 sub rule with 3 entries per player. b. 16 and 15 & under: Local teams will have unlimited subs provided that a legal substitution is made (correct player rotation) with 3 entries per player. Regional and Travel level teams will use the 12 sub rule with 3 entries per player. c. 14 and 12 & under: will have unlimited subs provided that a legal substitution is made (correct player rotation) with unlimited entries per player.

5. All USAV rules apply for tournament play, except where modified in these guidelines. Matching uniforms (shirt and short) are required. 6. Tardiness: Team coaches are responsible for the promptness of their teams during tournaments, for both play and work schedules. Penalties are as follows and apply to late or missing work teams and/or playing teams: a. For every minute a work team is late, they will be down that number of points in their next game. It is the responsibility of the tournament director to monitor this and reflect the results in that teams next game. (e.g. If your team shows up 2 minutes late to work, the opposing team in your next game will be given two points to start the match. If you are the playing team and you are late, you lose the points in the current game that you are about to begin). b. After 3 minutes late, the work team will forfeit the first game in their next match. c. After 10 minutes late, the work team will forfeit their second game in their next match. d. The same penalties apply for late or missing playing teams in their current match.

7. Work teams: will provide 2 referees, 2 linespeople and 2 scorekeepers. The coach of the work team is responsible for the actions of their work team, and thus should be at the court helping their team. Coaches should not be one of the required personnel but instead should be there to help and guide with scoring or officiating. Let the players make their own judgment calls when officiating, this is a learning experience and should be SUPPORTED BY ALL COACHES. Work coaches should protect their work team players from any distractions. Coaches should also remind the parents of their players that any disrespectful behavior toward player referees will not be permitted and is punishable by being asked to leave the facility.

8. Time-outs: (For games or matches with time limits) Tournament directors must announce a "5 minute warning" when there is 5 minutes remaining before time runs out for that match. NO TIMEOUT WILL BE ALLOWED AFTER THE 5 MINUTE WARNING!

9. Scoring: Due to the fact that most facilities have time constraints; a. Pool play: Games during pool play will be capped at 17 points. That means if the score is tied at 15-15, a team wins at 17-15 or if tied at 16-16, a team wins at 17-16 (1 pt. win). b. If match time runs out during play, that play of the ball is completed, the sideout or point is awarded and the score becomes final. Only a 1 point advantage is needed in case of a tie (not 2 points). This is during pool play. Semis and Finals should run as indicated by the tournament director, at the beginning of the day, as time is allotted. c. Rally scoring: is the option of the tournament director but must be announced at the beginning of the tournament as to when rally scoring will be used.

10. Fees for NO SHOWS: If a coach knows that their team will not be available for a tournament, the coach should notify their club director to avoid such fees. There will be a $50.00 fee charged by the Region for all teams that do not show for a scheduled local or regional level tournament without 24 hour prior notice to the tournament director or hosting club program director. Call must be received by noontime Saturday.

4. TOURNAMENT SANCTION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR INTER-REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

1. See the General Operating Code for Indoor Junior Teams.

5. FORFEITURE OF TEAM TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEES AND NO SHOW FEES

1. See the General Operating Code for Indoor Junior Teams.

2. Fees for NO SHOWS: There will be a $50.00 fee charged by the Region for all teams that do not show for a scheduled local or regional level tournament without 24 hour prior notice to the tournament director or hosting club program director. (Call must be received by noontime Saturday). Tournament Directors must report no shows to the Regional Junior Commissioner or Junior Scheduler. At the end of the season the Region will direct funds to the appropriate tournament directors.

An Executive Committee is in place to plan, schedule, and determine eligibility of teams for the Regions Championships. This committee will meet annually and create a proposal for the tournaments formats and locations. This proposal will be submitted to the Junior Commissioner, and when accepted, will be distributed to each Club Director. Once the format is mailed, there will be no changes made, other than that of the committee. If you do not like the format of the tournament, then simply do not apply for acceptance to compete. If you wish to be a part of the committee, you may contact the Junior Commissioner to inquire about available openings.

1. REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION :

1. See the General Operating Code for Indoor Junior Teams.

2. NEW ENGLAND STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS :

1. All locals teams must compete in 3 of the 4 sanctioned Junior tournaments to be eligible to compete in the New England State Championships. If a team does not meet this requirement, acceptance to the States will be allowed only with permission from the Junior Commissioner and if there is available space. Each State CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT, will have individual State Championships. 2. Seeding for the New England State Championships is determined by the points earned during the current season locals tournaments. 3. State Champions from the A Division will qualify to advance to the New England Region Junior Championships. Number of teams to be determined by membership ratio per State. Travel teams are not permitted to participate in the State Championships.

3. NEW ENGLAND REGION JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS :

1. All teams seeking to compete in the New England Region Junior Championships must qualify and apply in advance. Confirm your application package with the Junior Scheduler. 2. All teams applying for acceptance to compete in the New England Region Junior Championships must fulfill at a minimum the following criteria:

Regional Level Teams: All Regional teams must compete in 3 sanctioned New England Junior tournaments, and the team must compete at least once outside of the New England Region. If the East Coast Championships is the out of region tournament it will be the responsibility of the club director to provide verification of acceptance to the tournament, whereas this event occurs after the New England Championships. Travel teams: All teams must compete in 3 or more Inter-regional USAV JOV sanctioned tournaments and the team must compete at least once outside of the New England Region. If the East Coast Championships is the out of region tournament it will be the responsibility of the club director to provide verification of acceptance to the tournament, whereas this event occurs after the New England Championships.

3. Waivers: Any athlete that has been granted a waiver to participate at a non-appropriate competition level will not be allowed to participate at the New England Region Junior Championships, if a. there is a team that is seeking a bid to the Junior National Championships, at the particular age level. b. exception: if there is only one team seeking the bid at a particular age level, and will be awarded the Regions automatic bid by default, then the player with the waiver will be allowed to compete as it will have no effect on the outcome of the tournament.

4. SEEDING FOR NEW ENGLAND REGION JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. Seeding will be determined from the competition report form provided with the application package. 2. The Junior Commissioner shall reserve the final privilege of seeding teams as deemed necessary. This can be done at any time prior to the start of the first match(s) of the tournament(s).

5. NEW ENGLAND REGION JUNIOR CHAMPIONS

1. 1st place team receives the Regions automatic bid to the USAV Junior National Championships. If we break the required mark for registered girls set by the National Office, then it would also include the 2nd place team. If the Regional Champions do not intend to travel to Nationals, and another team that competed in the Regionals is seeking the berth, then that team may request a meeting with the Girl's Junior Commissioner and the Championship team’s Program Director to determine the use of the bid.

Enclosed you will find all of the appropriate forms for applying for sanction, and additional materials designed to aid you in running a high quality tournament. Local and Regional level tournament directors need not apply for sanction if they are currently represented on the Girl’s Junior Scheduler’s List for the upcoming season. The enclosed materials should be very helpful especially for those new to the process as tournament directors. Many of the forms are master sheets which will require multiple copies before the day of the tournament. Please review the materials and make certain that you understand the purpose of every document included.

As a tournament director you will be required to follow the rules and guidelines for the Region to gain sanction approval for your event. These guidelines can be found in a copy of the USAV New England Region Operating Code Section B Indoor Junior Teams or in the NERVA Volleyball Handbook, Section B - Junior Volleyball Handbook. These documents are obtainable through the Region Junior Commissioner, Junior Scheduler or Region Commissioner.

This package will be sent only once per season to a prospective tournament director. Prior to the day of your tournament, you will receive additional information from the Junior Registrar, which will include an up to date membership list.

Junior Tournament Packet Contents

USAV Application for Sanction The USAV sanctioning application and report sheets must be filled out and returned in duplicate to the Juniors Scheduler for each tournament being applied for. Tournament Sanction fee and deposit must be submitted at time of application, checks made payable to "NERVA". Notification of approval will be sent according to the Regions guidelines.

Sanction fee and deposit table This table represents the sanction fee and the sanction deposit that must accompany the application for sanction.

NERVA Membership Form . The NERVA membership form must be completed by any player that is not on the membership list. The player must sign the form (if under 18 years of age, requires a parents signature) and pay the membership fee of $25.00. Checks should be made payable to: NERVA. The forms and money collected must be sent to the Junior Registrar immediately after the tournament. Have approximately 10 copies on hand at every tournament.

Sample Pool Play Schedules The pool play schedules are samples to aid the tournament director. The tournament director may use any format, but must include formats in the invitation/advertisement of the tournament.

Lineup Sheet The lineup sheets are used by team coaches (or captains) to submit their lineup before each game in a match. The master sheet contains several lineup templates. Make at least 25 copies of the master sheet and cut each page at the appropriate section, for each tournament. Quantities will vary according to tournament size.

Score Sheets The score sheet is used to keep the official score during all matches. There is a master sheet for both regular and rally score included. Make a minimum of 75 regular score sheets for each tournament and 30 rally score sheets (if required). Estimate the quantity of copies needed based on the number of teams and matches for each tournament. Rally Score Sheet.

Player Roster Sheet The roster sheet must be filled out by each team coach (or captain) prior to the start of the tournament. If rosters have been submitted prior to the tournament then each team coach will verify the roster for the day. The roster should include the team name, the first and last name of each player and their uniform number, and be signed by the coach. Use the roster to check players names against the NERVA membership list. Post the rosters for the duration of the tournament. Keep the rosters until the facility has been checked for damages. Make at least 15 copies of this master sheet for each tournament.

Pool Play Results Sheet The pool play results sheet should be used to post the results of each game/match during the tournament. Make a sheet for each pool or round of pools that will occur during the tournament. Have a mechanism for displaying playoff rounds and results.

Officials Compensation Report These are used for Inter-regional tournaments, and Regional Championships, and any other tournament that uses USAV Certified Officials. Return a copy of the completed sheet to the Junior Commissioner.

For any tournament such as Regional Championships where the Officials require payment by the Region after the event, it is imperative that this sheet be returned immediately after the tournament to the Junior Commissioner for processing. It may be faxed to 508-528-6343.

Officials Evaluation Form The Official evaluation sheet is the means by which NERVA receives feedback from club directors, coaches and players, regarding the performance of Officials at tournaments. Make at least 10 copies of this sheet for each tournament, and distribute one copy to each team coach. Collect all of the completed forms and send them to the Junior Scheduler.

Tournament Directors Report The tournament directors report must be completed at the end of each tournament and returned to the Junior Scheduler. The form may be faxed to Dave Peixoto at (508) 997-2341.

Tournament Directors Expense Report The tournament expense report must be completed at the end of each tournament and returned to the Junior Commissioner. Please see the guidelines for time structure for returning reports.

"Bring to Tournament" Checklist This checklist is designed to help the tournament director prepare the items that will be needed on the day of the tournament. Please use the list to prepare ahead of time.

"To Do at Tournament" Checklist This checklist will aid the tournament director on the day of the event to help keep the tournament on schedule.

"To Do After Tournament" Checklist This checklist will assist the tournament director in completing items after the tournament is over.

USAV Tournament Directors Guidelines The guidelines for conducting USAV NERVA Junior tournaments are in the official published guidelines. All USAV guidelines shall be followed with the modifications for NERVA Junior tournaments. Please read and follow all established guidelines to remain in accordance with the sanctioning requirements.

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