One way in which the JVA promotes the growth of junior volleyball is through high quality, well organized events. In 2017 2,422 teams from 548 clubs across the country participated in 7 JVA hosted events, which is more than double the number of teams in 2016. Most of the events sold out shortly after registration opened. As more clubs continue to purchase or lease a facility, and clubs collaborate to co-host events together, the selection of tournaments grows.

As you plan your tournament schedule for 2019, here are a few ways to create a balanced and ideal tournament schedule for your teams.

PLAN AHEAD

Being able to map out your season in advance is huge, not only for your sanity as a club director, but for your staff, coaches, and families. Anticipate what new events you want to try this year, events to return to, and events to pass on. By having a good grasp on this well in advance, you will have a much better shot at getting into events that may sell out before the first of the year. Also anticipate the possibility of having to pay for those events entry fees before you start receiving this seasons club dues from your athletes and families.

The best way to get your teams into JVA events, is to register and submit payment right away. Registration for all JVA events will open on October 1st, 2018. Acceptance Policy/Criteria: Teams will be accepted for our events as payment is received in the JVA office, priority given to JVA Member Clubs.

COMPETE IN A POWER LEAGUE

I always recommend finding a solid power league in your general geographic area. The original goal of the power league format was to provide a cost-effective solution to the grinding travel schedule of the club season, since teams compete in a drivable geographical area. Plus, power leagues are structured to provide a core schedule of matched competition, so teams play to their level and have the opportunity to move up or down in pool strength depending on performance. 

From there, you can fill in your "must attend" tournaments whether that be JVA events, USAV qualifiers, or AAU events.

LEAVE GAPS IN YOUR COMPETITION TIME

Once you have the core schedule mapped out, I would advise filling the large holes in your schedule. As a previous coach myself, having 2 or 3 weeks of training only built into you're schedule a couple times throughout the season will help keep your players rested and motivated.

If you are curious of what events are out there on certain dates or certain areas of the country, you can usually find nearly every medium to large scale juniors volleyball event on three websites where you can search past, present and future events:

• AES https://www.advancedeventsystems.com
• SportsWrench https://sportwrench.com
• TM2 http://results.tm2sign.com