Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it $10 more to sign up at the tournament site?

Q: What is the USA Beach Junior Tour?
What is the USA Beach Junior Tour?

A: The USA Beach Junior Tour is a series of beach volleyball events around the country hosted by USA Volleyball Beach department and the Elevation Group of Companies.

Q: Do I have to participate in the whole Tour, or can I just play in one event?
Do I have to participate in the whole Tour, or can I just play in one event?

A: Athletes can participate in the events of their choice without limitation.

Q: When is the USA Beach Junior Tour?
When is the USA Beach Junior Tour?

A: The 2008 USA Beach Volleyball Junior Tour begins in Gulfport, MS on May 2nd, 2008 and culminates on August 16th, 2009 with the USA Beach Junior Tour Open Championships in Huntington Beach, CA.

Q: How will players become aware of the event?
How will players become aware of the event?

A: USA Beach will work with a variety of groups that specialize in organizing beach volleyball activities (USA Beach Affiliates “VBA”) to communicate the event to their participating junior players.

A USA Beach Junior Tour web site outlines all of the event specifics as well as provides direct entry via an on-line registration form.

USA Beach advertises the tour in a variety of media publications as well as on-site and via web sites of participating volleyball organizations.

Q: Do I have to qualify to participate in the USA Junior Beach Tour?
Do I have to qualify to participate in the USA Junior Beach Tour?

A: Anyone who registers will be eligible to participate in any of the tour events. All entrants are categorized by age (see age divisions). A two-person team will play in the age division of the oldest partner.

Q: Where are the tournaments?
Where are the tournaments?

A: The events are held across the United States. See tour schedule here. Click on each event for more information.

Q: What divisions are there at the tournaments?
What divisions are there at the tournaments?

A: 2009 USA Beach Age Divisions

12:U - Born on or after January 1, 1997
14:U - Born on or after January 1, 1995
16:U - Born on or after January 1, 1993
18:U - Born on or after January 1, 1991 (FIVB U:19)
20:U - Born on or after January 1, 1989 (FIVB Junior U:21)

Q: How old do I have to be?
How old do I have to be?

A: 12:U - Year Born: 1997 -1998
14:U - Year Born: 1995 -1996
16:U - Year Born: 1993 -1994
18:U - Year Born: 1991 -1992 (FIVB U:19)
20:U - Year Born: 1989 - 1990 (FIVB Junior U21)

Q: What if my partner is younger than me?
What if my partner is younger than me?

A: A team may be comprised of different age participants. The team must play in the division of the oldest team member. Teams and individuals may play “up” in divisions, but may never play “down” in divisions.

Q: What if my partner is older than me?
What if my partner is older than me?

A: A team may be comprised of different age participants. The team must play in the division of the oldest team member. Teams and individuals may play “up” in divisions, but may never play “down” in divisions.

Q: Will there be co-ed divisions?
Will there be co-ed divisions?

A: No, the USA Junior Beach Tour is an Olympic development program and complies with FIVB/USA International rules of competition.

Q: Will food be available at the event?
Will food be available at the event?

A: The USA Beach Junior Tour will not provide food at events.

Q: How much does it cost to play?
How much does it cost to play?

A: Tournaments cost $30 per person to play when registering online before the deadline. After the online registration deadline, players may walk-up the morning of the tournament. Walk-up registration is $10 more than the online price.

International Selection Camp costs $100 and the USA Beach Performance Camp costs $250 registered online and $325 registered walk-up. Camps are usually three days and have up to 18-20 hours of instruction and competition time.

Q: What are the entry fees?
What are the entry fees?

A: Tournaments cost $30 per person to play when registering online before the deadline. After the deadline, players may walk-up the morning of the tournament. Walk-up registration is $10 more than the online price.

International Selection Camp costs $100 and the USA Beach Performance Camp costs $250 online and $325 walk-up. Camps are usually three days and have up to 18-20 hours of instruction and competition time.

Q: How long do the tournaments last?
How long do the tournaments last?

A: Tournaments typically start around 9:15am. Players are required to complete registration before play. Registration is generally closed :30 minutes before play begins. It is open to walk-ups about 1:15 minutes before the event start time. Please check the information for your event at the tour schedule here.

Depending on how a team does, the tournament has various ending times. Pool play is usually over between 12:00 and 12:30. For teams making playoffs, the tournament could end anytime between 1:30pm – 4:00pm.

Q: Can playing in these events rank me?
Can playing in these events rank me?

A: Currently, the USA Beach Junior Tour does not “rank” players. To find out how to tryout for the USA Beach Junior National Team, go to the International Selection Camp (ISC). See International Selection Camp here.

Q: Can I get a “rating” at this tournament?
Can I get a “rating” at this tournament?

A: Currently, the USA Beach Junior Tour does not “rank” players. To find out how to tryout for the USA Beach Junior National Team, go to the International Selection Camp (ISC). See International Selection Camp here.

Q: What is a beach rating?
What is a beach rating?

A: A beach “rating” ranks players based on how they finish is selected tournaments.

Q: Will there be medical trainers on site?
Will there be medical trainers on site?

A: The USA Beach Junior Tour will have standard first aid items available.

Q: What are the directions to the tournament site? How do I get there?
What are the directions to the tournament site? How do I get there?

A: Go to the tour schedule, click on the event of your choice. Location information is provided on this site.

Q: Can I phone/mail in my registration?
Can I phone/mail in my registration?

A: No. Online registration is the only way to guarantee entry into a USA Beach Volleyball Junior tournament. Walk-up registration is available on a first come, first serve basis and costs $10 extra.

Q: When/where do I need to check in?
When/where do I need to check in?

A: Athletes need to check in at the tournament site the morning of the event. Registration for walk-ups is from 7:45am - 8:30am. Pre-registered check-in is from 8:00am – 8:45am. Around 9:15am tournament officials gather the teams and spectators for a morning meeting to provide information regarding playing schedule, court assignments, rules, and answer questions.

Q: What time do USA Beach tournaments start?
What time do USA Beach tournaments start?

A: Tournament start time is 9:15am. Walk-up registration begins at 7:45am and is first come, first serve. Pre-registered check in begins at 8:00am and continues through 8:45am. Tournament officials will hold a meeting beginning between 9:00am and 9:15am to provided information regarding rules, court assignments, schedule of play and to answer any questions.

Q: Do teams need to wear matching jerseys? Or have numbers on the jerseys?
Do teams need to wear matching jerseys? Or have numbers on the jerseys?

A: Uniforms are not mandatory to participate in USA Beach events.

Q: Can I sign up for the tournament on site?
Can I sign up for the tournament on site?

A: Yes, walk-up registration begins at 7:45am. It is first come, first serve and costs $10 more per person than online registration.

Q: Can I walk up the morning of the tournament to register?
Can I walk up the morning of the tournament to register?

A: Yes, walk-up registration begins at 7:45am; is first come, first serve and costs $10 more per person. The only way to guarantee entry is by signing up online.

Q: When are the entry deadlines?
When are the entry deadlines?

A: USA Junior Beach Tour entry deadlines will usually be Thursday Midnight PST before a Saturday event. Check the tour schedule for event-specific deadlines. Any walk up entries will be based on availability.

Q: What if I miss the deadline for registration?
What if I miss the deadline for registration?

A: Participants may sign up for the tournament the morning of the event. Walk-up registration begins at 7:45am. It is first come, first serve and costs $10 more per person. The only way to guarantee entry is by signing up online.

Q: What are the rules to the event?
What are the rules to the event?

A: Junior Beach Tour will follow the rules that govern the Olympic Games of beach volleyball. Click here to select the complete .pdf of Beach Rules, or here to see how beach volleyball rules are different from indoor rules.

Q: Are there prizes for winning?
Are there prizes for winning?

A: Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

Q: Do I have to be a member of USA Volleyball?
Do I have to be a member of USA Volleyball?

A: To participate in the USA Junior Beach Tour, a USA Volleyball sanctioned event, all participants must be USA Volleyball members.

Q: Do I have to pay to be a USA Member?
Do I have to pay to be a USA Member?

A: No, you just need to turn in the appropriate registration paperwork, and pay to enter the beach event.

Q: What if I am already a USA Member?
What if I am already a USA Member?

A: USA Volleyball memberships expire each year in October and need to be renewed annually. You are most likely a member of USA Volleyball if you play indoor club volleyball.

Q: When and how do I register?
When and how do I register?

A: The registration deadline for each tournament is the Thursday before the event at midnight PDT. Check the tour schedule for event-specific deadlines and registration deadlines. There is walk-up registration available for most events, if space is available.

Some events have sold out in the past. Walk-up registration is an additional $10 per person. No credit cards are accepted on site. Check or cash only.

Q: What if I have to cancel or withdraw from an event?
What if I have to cancel or withdraw from an event?

A: Teams can withdraw from the event prior to the online registration deadline or 48 hours prior to competition. Contact the USA Beach staff to make arrangements.

Q: What time do I need to arrive at the beach on the tournament day?
What time do I need to arrive at the beach on the tournament day?

A: Walk-Up registration usually begins at 7:45 AM. Athletes who pre-register must check in between 8:00 AM and 8:45 AM. After registration is complete, the pre-tournament meeting will take place between 9:00 - 9:15 AM. If a team fails to show up for the tournament without prior notification (48 hours), no refund will be issued. A tournament space has been reserved for all teams and if a team fails to show, the slot may be given to walk-up team.

Q: How do I qualify for the USA Junior National Beach Volleyball Championships and what is the format?
How do I qualify for the USA Junior National Beach Volleyball Championships and what is the format?

A: The USA Junior National Beach Volleyball Championships is an open tournament and there is no qualifying necessary. This is the largest tournament on the schedule due to the open entry format. Early registration is recommended.

Q: What if I registered for the wrong division?
What if I registered for the wrong division?

A: Every effort will be made to ensure teams are placed in the correct division. If a team registers in the wrong division and there is no place in the correct division, the team will have to compete in the registered division. Teams who have partners in two different age divisions will be placed in the higher division. Teams may elect to compete in a higher division.

Q: What tournament format will be used on the USA Beach Volleyball Tour?
What tournament format will be used on the USA Beach Volleyball Tour?

A: All tournaments will utilize pool play followed by playoffs. Teams are guaranteed a minimum of three games. Most tournament games will be a single game in pool play. Select national tournaments and divisions will utilize the best of three format in pool play and playoff competition. This is to ensure the pacing and completion of the tournament for all teams involved. Teams are expected to officiate and score assigned matches on their schedule. Playoff officiating teams are assigned for the first round, after this, the losing team must officiate the next match on their court or assigned court before dismissal.

Q: Is Coaching allowed on the USA Beach Volleyball Tour?
Is Coaching allowed on the USA Beach Volleyball Tour?

A: Passive coaching is permitted. Coaching takes place during time-outs, side changes and generally when the ball is not in play. Coaches may only have contact with their athletes at this time. Coaches may not confront the opponents or player officials assigned to matches. Team coaches must register as an official coach with the USA National Office Beach Division and defer to the assigned official (or tournament officials) when contact with their athletes is allowed.

Q: Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Who do I contact if I have any questions?

A: USA Beach Office by email: info@usav.org or by phone 241-681-5460

Q: I registered online. Why is my partner not registered?
I registered online. Why is my partner not registered?

A: Tournament registration is taken individually. Each player from the team must go online and sign up. If it is past the deadline, the partner who did not pre-register online may sign up at walk-up registration for an additional $10.

Q: Do I need to show proof of membership?
Do I need to show proof of membership?

A: No, however be sure to bring all paperwork from the online registration process.

Q: What court will I be playing on?
What court will I be playing on?

A: The court assignments will usually be given at the morning meeting for parents and players around 9:00am.

The Seattle and Phoenix events will have different start times. Please check the tour schedule for these events for registration and meeting times.

Q: Why is there so much paperwork?
Why is there so much paperwork?

A: We are doing our best to limit the amount of paper we take on-site at these events. The paperwork needed for each player is a two-page Tournament Registration Form, and a Medical form (one page if under 18 years of age). For insurance purposes, our office must obtain physical signatures of each participant.

Q: Why is it $10 more to sign up at the tournament site?
Why is it $10 more to sign up at the tournament site?

A: The extra cost covers the additional paperwork and staff to accommodate the additional teams.