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. 

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:

Warm-ups: No Shared Hitting!!!

• Pre-Match coin toss: BOTH teams ball-handling on own half of court!
• Teams go to “alone time” immediately after coin toss selections
  • Matches where one or both teams have not played yet that day:
    • 5 minutes “SERVING” team ALONE – full use of the court
    • 5 minutes “RECEIVING” team ALONE – full use of the court
    • (Serving included in your 5 minutes)
  • Matches where BOTH teams have already played that day:
    • 3 minutes “SERVING” team ALONE – full use of the court
    • 3 minutes “RECEIVING” team ALONE – full use of the court
    • (Serving included in your 3 minutes)

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:
  • Player may re-serve.
  • Player is allowed to take a step into the court.
  • If a player takes a step in and makes the serve over the net, then the player must take a step backward at their next serve attempt.
• 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.

3rd / 4th / 5th / 6th grade players:

• This division uses timed matches
  • 35 minutes each match, switching sides after 15 minutes.
  • Officiating team should start score over at 15 minute switch.
  • Team with the most points at switch and/or end wins the set. No score limit within these 15 minutes.
  • The result is recorded by sets, not matches.
  • All final pool results are done by set percentage.
  • Warm-up time is not included in the 35 minute match.
• A limit of 3 serves in a row, then side-out, without awarding a point.

7th / 8th / 9th grade players:

• This division has a two (2) set cap.
  • There is not a point cap for this age group, teams must win by two (2) points.
  • The result is recorded by sets, not matches
  • All results are done by set percentage
• A limit of 6 serves in a row, then side-out, without awarding a point

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 $200 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, but should be the same color – 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.

What net height will be used?

All Youth League divisions will be held on Junior Net Height of 2.13m.

Still have questions?

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