Youth League

YOUTH LEAGUE FORMAT

Tournaments will consist of pool play only. If 3-team pools are used, cross over matches will follow pool play. All YFCL days are scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM and end by 3:00 PM. All athletes must have an NCVA membership to participate. For athletes 11& Under, memberships are available at a discounted price. We are very excited to announce that we will also have a brand new 8 and Under Division. With this we have a new membership type that is FREE for these athletes! Players born on or after 7/1/2016 qualify for this free membership.

If play cannot be completed by 3:00 PM, and the Facility is requiring participants to leave the site by 3:00 PM, the Tournament Director may change the scoring method to one set to 25 points, which then teams will switch sides when one of the teams scores their 13^th point.
If there is no time restraint from the Facility, the teams are welcome to complete their scheduled play past 3:00 PM.

Tournament formats may change from league day to league day due to the number of entries received. Points will not be given for Youth League dates.
Youth League will have the following rule differences:

• Serving:
  • For the first serve of the match, player must start behind the end line. If the player is unable to make their serve over the net on the first attempt, they may re-serve and are allowed to take one step into the court. (If a player can jump serve, they may not step in or re-serve.)
  • If a player serves over the net and it goes out, they may not step in or re-serve. If the served ball becomes in play, regardless of the result, no re-serve is allowed.

• 8 & Under players ***NEW FOR 2024-2025 SEASON***:
  • 8 & Under rules TBA as we implement and field interest for this division.

• 3^rd/4^th and 5^th/6^th grade players:
  • This division uses times matches, with 35 minutes each match, switching sides after 15 minutes.
  • After switching sides, the score will reset. The team with the most points at switch and/or end of the set, wins the set.
  • All final pool results are done by set percentage
  • Warm-up time is not included in the 35-minute match
  • A limit of six (6) serves in a row, then side-out, without awarding a point

• 7^th/8^th and 9^th grade players:
  • This division has a two (2) set cap
  • The result is recorded by sets, not matches
  • All results are done by set percentage
  • A limit of three (3) serves in a row, then side-out, without awarding a point
  • At each event there is a 20-minute break between the second and third matches of the tournament, however, the teams may decide to go ahead and play if they use a four (4) team pool as breaks are built into the format.
  • All sets will use rally scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tournaments are included in the league fee?

Teams may sign up to play as many or as few dates that they wish to sign up for. Each league date is $180 and stands as its own entry fee. Enrollment into all league dates

Where are the tournament locations?

Tournaments are held within 90 minutes of the teams competing in that area’s league.

What are the uniform requirements?

• Players need to be in matching outfits (as far as color). Numbers on one side (front or back) are required – recommend both front and back
• Does not have to be expensive jerseys – teams may use simple white shirts with numbers drawn on the white shirts.
• Shorts do not have to be the exact same brand or style – Example: Players may wear black shorts that are all different brands.

Are the Youth Teams required to provide a work team like Junior League, where teams and coaches will have to provide an R1, keep score, and do lines?

Yes, teams are responsible for officiating duties.

How are the age group defined?

Divisions are broken up by school grades rather than standard USAV Age Definitions. 8 & Under athletes can be no older than 8 years old to participate in that division, but 8 & Under athletes can compete above their age with no restrictions.

Still have questions?

Please contact the NCVA office by phone or by emailing [email protected]