2021 beach high performance championship manual

2021

Beach High Performance

Championship

Manual

July 29-31

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Last update 4/27/2021 – This manual is subjected to change 2

2021 USAV Beach High Performance Championship

USA Volleyball hosts the Beach High Performance Championship, the pinnacle event of the

beach volleyball pipeline for junior athletes. This Event features three days of competition.

All teams are guaranteed a minimum of 5 total matches. Teams participating in this Event

are representatives of the USAV Beach National Team Development Program, Regional HP

programs, and International Federations. Beach High Performance Championships aims to

provide a world-class event for junior athletes who have been identified as the top athletes

in their age group by the Beach National Team Development Program Scouting Network. The

training and competition align the Beach National Team Development Program with the

philosophies, methodologies, and culture of our Beach National Teams to continue to

sustain competitive excellence in the game of beach volleyball. The Event also welcomes

leading regional and international teams to compete against the top identified USA

Volleyball junior athletes. The objective of this Event is to host a domestic competition that

introduces elements like that of a FIVB age-group world championship to prepare our USA

beach athletes for international play. (For further information regarding the FIVB Youth

World Championships, see the FIVB Age Group Handbook:

This document outlines the necessary information, rules, and procedures for the USAV Beach

High Performance Championship. This Event will be held in Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in Fort

Lauderdale, FL, July 29-31, 2021.

All matches will be played with Molten BV5000-3 volleyballs which will be provided on site.

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Table of Contents

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 4

VENUE AND TRAVEL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................ 5

Venue ....................................................................................................................................................... 5

Airport Information ................................................................................................................................. 5

Lodging and Transportation .................................................................................................................... 5

EVENT SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................................................... 6

ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Age Groups .............................................................................................................................................. 7

REGION TEAMS ELIGIBILITY ..................................................................................................................... 7

WEIGHTED LOTTERY ............................................................................................................................ 8

INTERNATIONAL TEAMS .......................................................................................................................... 8

COACH ELIGIBILITY ................................................................................................................................... 8

ENTRY and REGISTRATION ............................................................................................................................ 9

REFUND POLICY ..................................................................................................................................... 10

COMPETITION FORMAT .............................................................................................................................. 10

POOL SEEDING ....................................................................................................................................... 11

FORFEIT/DISQUALIFICATION ...................................................................................................................... 11

RULES of PLAY, and EVENT REGULATIONS ................................................................................................. 15

WARM-UP PROTOCOL ........................................................................................................................... 15

COACHING .................................................................................................................................................. 15

ELECTRONICS .............................................................................................................................................. 16

UNIFORMS .................................................................................................................................................. 17

EVENT ARBITRATOR .................................................................................................................................... 18

ARBITRATION COMMITTEE ......................................................................................................................... 19

MISCONDUCT AND REMOVAL OF ATHLETE(S) ........................................................................................... 19

MEDIA and AWARDS .................................................................................................................................. 19

Athlete Requirement .................................................................................................................................. 19

SAFETY STANDARDS FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER ....................................................................................... 20

DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................................ 20

ATHLETE INQUIRIES .................................................................................................................................... 20

COVID 19 DISCLAIMER ................................................................................................................................ 21

APPENDIX A – Weighted Lottery Example .................................................................................................. 22


ORGANIZING COMMITTEE INFORMATION

USA Volleyball

4065 Sinton Road, Suite 200

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Telephone: 1-719-228-6800

Fax: 1-719-228-6899

Erin Virtue

Director, National Team Development Program

Email: [email protected]

Carolina Garbato

Manager, Beach National Team Development Program


Melissa Weymouth

Director, Beach and International Events & Sponsorship


Pati Rolf

Director, Officials Development


mailto:[email protected]





VENUE AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Venue The 2021 USA Volleyball Beach High Performance Championship will be held at Fort Lauderdale

Beach Park in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The competition will be held from July 29-31, 2021.

Practice courts will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis after 12 PM on July 27.

Venue address: 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Beach Information: Parking is minimal. Please consider using a service such as Uber/Lyft, etc. or, if

you are close, walking or biking. We will post specific drop off locations closer to the event dates.

Airport Information The nearest International Airport for the arrival and departure of teams is the Fort Lauderdale-

Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The FLL airport is approximately 6 miles from the Fort

Lauderdale Beach Park.

Lodging and Transportation All housing, meals, and transportation are the responsibility of the individual/team. We are working

to provide discounted room block information and will update/post to the USA Volleyball Beach

National Team Development Program website once available.


EVENT SCHEDULE July 20, 2021 Preliminary Inquiry Virtual

▪ Time (to be announced July 1, 2021)

July 28, 2021 Check-In

4 pm EST at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

▪ Practice Courts will be available from 12 PM – 4 PM

beginning on July 27 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

July 29, 2021 Day 1 – Competition – Pool Play

8 AM – 5 PM EST at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

▪ Forfeits and injuries may affect the total number of matches

▪ Seeding is based on USAV NTDP Scouting Network and USAV

Ranking points.

▪ The first whistle will be at 8 AM.

July 30, 2021 Day 2 – Competition

▪ 8 AM – 5 PM PST at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

▪ First whistle at 8 AM.

July 31, 2021 Day 3 – Competition

8 AM – 5 PM EST at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

▪ First whistle at 8 AM

▪ *Medals awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the

Gold Bracket only

Updates and modifications to the schedule will be posted to BracketPal, and any changes to the schedule

will be communicated via email.


ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY All athletes must meet eligibility requirements in order to participate. Athlete requirements:

o All athletes of a Region or USA team must be a current USAV Member in good standing with their Region.

o Athletes that will be 18 or older during the tournament must be SafeSport certified. ▪ Link to SafeSport:

▪ SafeSport Training - USA Volleyball ▪ MAAPP (Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy)

▪ MAAPP - USA Volleyball

Age Groups Boys and Girls:

o U15 – Born in 2007 or 2008 (Girls Only)

o U17 – Born in 2005 or 2006

o U19 – Born in 2003 or 2004

REGION TEAMS ELIGIBILITY All Regions with a Beach High Performance Program can send their top team per age group.

Selection criteria used to determine the top team per age group must be submitted to USA

Volleyball for approval by the end of business on Monday, May 14, 2021. The following are

examples of selection processes:

o Tryouts

o Trials

o Nomination

o National Beach Tour Ranking

o Other

▪ Proposed additional selection process (Due to the USA Volleyball Office by Monday, May

17, 2021.

The Region will be notified via e-mail by the end of business day on Friday, May, 21, 2021 if any

modifications are needed within their selection criteria. Guidelines to submit proposals:

o Send an email to [email protected] and [email protected]

o Subject line (Region's Name) Beach HPCs Selection Proposal

*If a Region chooses to appeal a decision made by the NTDP staff regarding a Region's selection

criteria, the Region may appeal the NTDP decision by emailing [email protected] with a subject line

(Beach HPCs Region Selection Criteria Appeal).

Along with selection criteria, the region may also send their interest in having additional teams

participate. Additional teams will be added to a weighted lottery. If a region does not submit

selection criteria by Monday May 3, 2021, it will automatically be placed on the waitlist.

https://usavolleyball.org/safesport/safesport-training/

https://usavolleyball.org/safesport/maapp/





These deadlines and criteria are subject to change and be adaptable due to COVID-19 and its implications

on USA Volleyball and Regions.

WEIGHTED LOTTERY To balance our desire to field the most competitive Beach HPC possible with affording reasonable

opportunities for regions to grow their participation in the game, we will utilize a weighted lottery

drawing to determine which regions will be invited to field a second team.

Regions will be awarded 1 chip for each "participation unit" they have earned over the past 3

years. Chips from all interested regions will be entered into a random drawing, and additional

team slots will be awarded to the region(s) corresponding to the drawn chip(s). This random

drawing process will continue until the tournament is filled at 32 teams per age group (court

space allowing). Regions will be granted a maximum of 1 additional team through this process.

See Appendix A for an example of the lottery drawing.

Participation units are defined:

o 1 chip awarded per team entered in Beach HPC in the last 3 years (all age groups considered).

▪ For example, a region that sent one U15 boys team, two U17 girls teams, and one U19

girls team in the past three years would have four participation chips awarded.

A region that has not participated in Beach High Performance Championships in the past 3 years,

will be allowed 1 total chip to allow participation in the weighted lottery.

INTERNATIONAL TEAMS All international athletes must be in good standing with their National Federation and be

approved to compete in the Event. Requirements to be sent to USA Volleyball:

o A letter from the National Federation certifying that all members of the team are in good

standing is required.

COACH ELIGIBILITY All USA coaches must be in good standing USA Volleyball, and all International Coaches must be in

good standing with their National Federation.

USA Coach Requirements:

o Be a current USAV member in good standing

o Complete SafeSport certification


▪ MAAPP (Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy)

▪ MAAPP - USA Volleyball

o Have successfully passed an approved USAV background screening

o Impact Certified

International Coach Requirements:

o Be in good standing with their National Federation

o Be approved by their National Federation to coach at the Event

o Present a letter from their National Federation on letterhead certifying they are in good

standing

▪ The letter must be submitted in English

▪ The letter must be sent at least 30 days before the start of the competition.

▪ Letters are due to the USAV Office no later than June 25, 2021.

▪ Letters can be sent to [email protected]

▪ Attention: International Beach HPC

ENTRY and REGISTRATION Beach High Performance Championships are open to any athlete who meets the athlete eligibility

standards outlined in this manual. Entries are awarded to:

o NTDP Teams

o Regional HP Teams (guaranteed 1 team per age group, per Region, maximum of 2 teams per

Region).

▪ Refer to Additional Regional Teams Criteria for additional information.

o International Teams (varies)

o Should there be an increase of region or international teams wishing to register, the field of play

may be extended, and an additional division may be created.

▪ If an additional division is created, teams will be made aware, and a new tournament format

will be announced.

o Each region or international pair must confirm participation by close of business on June 14,

2021.

o Weighted lottery winners will be notified no later than June 21, 2021

Registration fees are as follows:

o BNTDP Teams: included in BNTDP registration fees

o Region teams: $250

o International teams: $250

o Registration must be paid through BracketPal Registration

▪ Link

https://usavolleyball.org/safesport/maapp/


REFUND POLICY If a Region team confirms and pays for participation before the start date of the tournament and

withdraws prior to the tournament's start date. No entry fee, or portion of such fee, will be refunded

to a team.

Note: If an athlete or a coach has tested positive for COVID-19 and is unable to attend the event, the

refund policy will be adjusted.

If the event is canceled or interrupted due to force majeure (acts or threats of war, acts or threats of

terrorism, or a health risk alert), event entry refunds will be made to individuals or teams on a prorated

basis once all of USAV's out-of-pocket expenditures for the canceled or interrupted Event have been

settled from such fees.

PRELIMINARY INQUIRY The tournament's Preliminary Inquiry will be held virtually (the link will be emailed by July 1, 2021)

o Coach attendance is mandatory at the Preliminary Inquiry. Presentation of necessary team

paperwork, travel arrival confirmation, and both uniforms for inspection are required to receive official tournament approval and credentials.

o Uniform inspection will take place virtually during the preliminary inquiry meeting. o Uniform can be pre-approved by emailing front, back, and side photos to

[email protected] with a subject title (Region Name_BHPC_Uniform). o The Preliminary Meeting is an opportunity for coaches and directors to ask questions and

acknowledge that the rules of the draw have been followed and that the bracket is correct. o USAV will distribute the finalized seeding list, schedule, and additional detailed information on

the competition once the seeding list is established following the Preliminary Meeting. o One team representative, coach, or athlete is required to attend. If a coach or athlete does not

attend the Preliminary Meeting, a sanction of 10 points awarded to their team's first match opponent's score may be imposed.

COMPETITION FORMAT The competition format will consist of two days of round robin pool play games, followed by gold

and silver playoff brackets. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranked teams from each pool will advance to the

gold bracket with the pool winners receiving a bye to the round of 16. A drawing of lots will be held

after the completion of Pool Play to decide the bracket. The losing teams from the Gold Bracket

round of 24 matchups will join the 4th place pool finishers to form a 16 team Silver Bracket Teams

will be guaranteed a minimum of 5 matches and each Gold and Silver bracket will be played out to

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 13th place. Final tournament seeding and pool placement will be



released after the preliminary inquiry is completed. The competition will be for the following age

groups:

o U15 Girls Only – Born in 2007 or 2008

o U17 Boys and Girls– Born in 2005 or 2006

o U19 Boys and Girls – Born in 2004 or 2003

* The tournament format can change if necessary due to weather, tournament site conditions,

delays, or for any unforeseen situations. Updated format will be determined by Tournament

delegate, Head Official, BNTDP Manager, Tournament Director, and NTDP Director.

POOL SEEDING BNTDP Teams will be seeded 1-16 (or until all teams have been seeded) by the Beach NTDP

coaches. The following criteria will be considered in no particular order by the BNTDP coaches but

are not limited to: USAV Ranking and Coach Input.

International teams will be seeded based on their coaches/federation ranking of top teams in each

age group, followed by the remaining teams (Region teams) seeded by a pair’s combined USAV

ranking. Sample serpentine/snake format is below:

Pool A Pool B Pool C Pool D Pool E Pool F Pool G Pool H

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25

Teams from the same region or foreign country shall not be placed in the same pool when applicable. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and any other eventual team(s) from the same region or foreign country will have their seed increased (for example from Seed #15 to Seed #16) until they are in a different pool then the other teams from the same region or foreign country. Should increasing the seed not work (or not be possible) then the seed is reduced (for example from Seed #32 to Seed #31) until the teams from the same regions or foreign country are in a different pool.

FORFEIT/DISQUALIFICATION

All discontinued matches or matches that have not started are to be assessed by the Technical Delegate to determine if the losing team is Disqualification (DSQ) or Disqualification by Injury (INJ/DSQ) and whether they will receive any match points.

If a team withdraws due to an injury before or during a match or gets disqualified during a match, it will earn 1 match point and will keep the sets and points earned up to that moment, but the sets and points against will be the maximum. For example, if a team wins the first set 21:19 and is injured and forfeits the match when they are winning the second set 6:4, this injured team would earn 1 match point with sets of 1:2 and rally


points of 21:19, 6:21 and 0:15. In this example, the winning team would get 2 match points with sets of 2:1 and rally points of 19:21, 4:6, 0:0. In addition, its match result will be marked with "INJ/DSQ".

If a team fails to appear or refuses to play at posted match time it is declared in default and forfeits the first set 0-1, after a 10 minute observation period if the team still failed to appear that will result in a forfeit of second set and match.

A team that does not appear on the playing court on time is declared in default with the result 0-2 for the match and 0-21, 0-21 for the sets. The opponent team will be declared the winner of the match. In addition, this match result will be marked with "DSQ". The winning team will receive 2 match points with sets of 2:0 and rally points of 0:0, 0:0.

If the injury occurs before the match begins, the match will be marked "INJ/DSQ" and the losing team will be awarded 1 match point with sets of 0:2 and rally points of 0:21, 0:21. In this case, the winning team will be awarded 2 match points with sets of 2:0 and rally points of 0:0, 0:0. If a team withdraws without a valid reason before a match (e.g. no show) or during a match (e.g. refusal to continue) they will lose by forfeit 0-2 (0:21, 0:21) and will earn 0 match points.

In addition, this match result will be marked with "DSQ". The winning team will receive 2 match points with sets of 2:0 and rally points of 0:0, 0:0.

If a team is disqualified during the preliminary round of the tournament due to a positive doping test, it will lose all the matches in the pool (played or to be played) by forfeit (see above). It will receive no rank. All of the team's matches in the Pool will be recorded as a forfeit for ranking purposes. (e.g. All winning teams receive - Sets 2:0 - Rally Points 0:0.

Tie Break Procedure

For all matches the final team ranking will be determined in accordance with the results of the matches (won or lost).

For each match won, the winning team will earn 2 match points. For each match lost the losing team will earn 1 match point and for each forfeited match the winning team will earn 2 match points while the forfeited team will have 0 points. In case of a tie in the total number of match points during the pool play, the following rules will

apply:

Between two (2) teams: o The team with higher rally point ratios in the matches between all teams in the pool, is

ranked higher; o If a tie still exists, then the teams have the same position in ranking.

Between three (3) teams:

o If three (3) teams have a tie in the total number of match points, their ranking is determined by the rally point ratio in the matches between the three (3) tied teams;


o If still tied, then the tied teams are ranked by the rally point ratio between all teams in the pool;

o If still tied, then the teams will have the same position in ranking.

Between four (4) teams: o The ranking is determined by the points ratio between all teams in the pool;

o If still tied, then the teams have the same position in the ranking

In case of a tie in the total number of match points after the completion of the pool play, the

following rules will apply:

Between two (2) teams:

o The team with higher rally point ratio in the matches between all teams in the pool, is ranked higher;

o If still tied, then the winner of head-to-head match is ranked higher.

Between three (3) teams: o The ranking is determined by the rally point ratio in the matches between the three (3) tied teams; o If still tied, then the teams still tied are ranked by the rally point ratios between all teams in the pool; o If still tied, then the ranking of teams still tied is determined by the tournament seeding established

after the Main Draw Preliminary Inquiry and the better seed of the tied teams will be higher ranked

(for example, seed #15 is ranked higher than seed #18, while seed #18 is ranked higher than seed #31).

Bracket Play After pool play, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranked teams from each pool will advance to the Gold Playoff

Bracket. The draw will proceed as follows:

o A1 or B1 are decided by best ration (wins, sets, points) – highest ratio match #9, lowest ratio

match #16

o C1 or D1 are decided by best ration (wins, sets, points) – highest ratio match #13, lowest ratio

match #12

o Draw 1 is the winner from pools E, F, G and H

o Draw 2 is the 4, 2nd place teams from pool play with the best ratio (match points, set ratio,

rally point ratio, and if a tie still exists in rally point ratio, a draw will be conducted to break

the tie)

o Draw 3 is the 4, 2nd place teams from pool play with the worst ratio (match points, set ratio,


the tie)

o Draw 4 is the 4, 3rd place teams from pool play with the best ratio (match points, set ratio,


the tie)

o Draw 5 is the 4, 3rd place teams from pool play with the worst ratio (match points, set ratio,


the tie)


o Points earned from a forfeit don't count in rally point ratio

o In the first two rounds of bracket play, teams from the same pool cannot meet

o The losing teams from the Round of 24 of the Gold Playoff Bracket will join the 4th place

finishers from pool play to form a 16-team Silver Bracket. The 8 losing teams will be randomly

drawn for seeds 1-8 and the 8 4th place teams will be randomly drawn for seeds 9 – 16. Teams

from the same pool cannot play each other in the first round.

o Each Gold and Silver bracket will play out to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 13th place to give all teams a minimum of 5 matches. Please see appendix for additional sample gold and silver bracket layout

* This manual is subject to change. Last edit 4/29/2021 15

RULES of PLAY, and EVENT REGULATIONS The objective of this Event is to host a domestic competition that introduces elements similar to

that of an FIVB Age Group World Championships to prepare our USA beach athletes for

international play. The 2017-2020 FIVB Rules will govern play to see FIVB rules click here.

o Coaches participate under the general rules outlined in the FIVB Age Group Beach

Volleyball Handbook, pages 141-146, exceptions are listed in the Coaching section below.

o All matches will be played with the Molten BV5000-3 volleyball which will be provided on-

site.

o All matches will be played as Match Play. First two games to 21, third game if necessary, to

15, no cap and must win by 2. 1-minute Time-Outs, Technical Time-Outs, and Set Intervals.

o The USAV or FIVB Scoresheet will be utilized throughout the competition.

WARM-UP PROTOCOL Warm-up courts will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis throughout the competition. Competition courts will generally be managed under the FIVB "Ten Minute Protocol" as

follows: o 10 minutes out: Court available to 4 participating athletes plus one head coach and one

assistant coach per team o 7 minutes out: Athletes report in uniform to Referee for Coin Toss

▪ 6 minutes out: Five-minute Formal Warmup ▪ Court use restricted to 4 athletes only. ▪ The coach may advise from the sideline

▪ 1 minute out Clear Court for raking ▪ Clock Zero: Players invited to end-lines, then wave at the net: Play begins

If circumstances dictate, USAV reserves the right to reduce the on-court warmup time to 3 minutes formal warmup: o 10 minutes out: Nearby Warm-up Court available to 4 participating teams o 5 minutes out: Athletes report in uniform to Referee for Coin Toss, held "near the court." o 4 minutes out: Three-minute Formal Warmup.

▪ *Court use restricted to 4 athletes only. ▪ * Coach may advise from the sideline

o 1 minute out: clear court for raking when needed o Clock Zero: Players invited to end-lines, then wave at the net: Play begins

COACHING In addition to the designated Team Captain, the team may be accompanied by a coach. A coach

is not required. All coaches must meet the eligibility criteria, as discussed above. Coaches are

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required to be dress properly, with a visible credential, while on the venue. A team may register

as many as TWO coaches (Coach and Assistant Coach). Both the coach and assistant coach are

permitted to accompany a team (to enter the Playing Court Area).

o A coach may be registered to more than one team, but only enter and depart the (Playing Court Area) only during the following times: ▪ Time-outs ▪ Switches ▪ Between Sets

Special Emphasis:

o Coaches are strongly encouraged to enter a match with her/his team at warmup and to stay engaged for the duration of the match.

o It is inappropriate while coaching one team, to observe and interact with teams on adjacent courts. ▪ Coaches should uphold the highest professional standards of conduct. Coaches:

▪ May never interact with match officials.

▪ May never unduly interact with opponents, their coaches, or spectators.

▪ Are considered team members, and as such, are subject to, according to USAV

Rules of Play, which bears on that team for the duration of the match.

▪ During A Match

▪ Coaches may assist players with a warm-up through the conclusion of the coin

toss but then must move to the sidelines, where they are allowed to offer

instruction through the warmup.

▪ As the play begins, the coach takes a seat in their team's area (Bench).

▪ The coach should remain seated at their designated Team Area throughout the

match, except when switching courts, or when instructing players during set

intervals or time outs.

▪ During court switches, the coach switches with their respective team.

▪ While switching sides, the coach may offer instruction to their athletes (walk

& talk) but must not delay the match.

▪ Coaches may not give instruction, verbally or otherwise, to athletes during or

between rallies.

▪ Since this is a youth/developmental event, coaches ARE authorized to formally

request a Team Time Out (by using the designated hand-signal).

▪ All other communication with the match official(s) must come through the

nominated Team Captain.

ELECTRONICS Videography or other recordings of the match should be managed from the end-zone

camera(s). Coaches should manage all recording operations prior to the start of the play.

o A camera or recording operations from the team areas is prohibited.


o It is also prohibited that Coaches or athletes receive photographs, video recordings, or any

other form of electronic information or aid from outside the court during a match.

o Recordings may be utilized in post-match evaluation and as a basis for improved

performance in a subsequent competition.

o This is an extension of the FIVB "no external interference or assistance" concept. We view

this as very much a part of "the spirit of the game."

UNIFORMS Athletes and coaches must always be in uniform while on the field of play. Unique athlete uniform numbers are required. Uniform guidelines: o During all competition, partners must be dressed identically… to include tops, bottoms,

and cold weather gear. ▪ Identical includes color, cut, and style but not the manufacturer.

Top requirements: o All USAV athletes must wear their USAV-provided top. o All Region and International athletes must wear their Region/Federation provided top o All international teams should bring with them a Region or Federation-issued uniform top o Each participant on each team shall have 2 different colored uniforms, each with contrasting

color numbers. o Numbers must be standard Arabic (no graphic art or logo inclusion) and must appear (same

number) on both the front and back of the top. o The numbers 1 – 199 may be used. o Each athlete per delegation and per age group must be numbered uniquely for the purpose

of identification. o The minimum stripe width of each number is ½". All numbers, front and back, must be at

least 4" in height. Bottom requirements: o All athletes must wear shorts or spandex bottoms (males wear shorts with a minimum of 10

inches inseam, while females wear shorts or spandex with a minimum of 3 inches inseam).

o Bikini bottoms are expressly prohibited. Bikini tops or other personal clothing may be worn under the uniform top.

o Numbers are not required on uniform bottoms.

Cold-Weather Gear may be allowed under certain weather conditions by Tournament Director authorization (typically, under 65 degrees or similar, given wind-chill). o Cold weather gear consists of either or both: o OUTER GEAR: a personal or team-provided "tracksuit," or similar item, generally in "team

colors" and/or o UNDER GEAR: tight-fitting short or long leggings and/or tops. These must be of a single solid

color, black, white, or neutral.


o Numbers are suggested but not required on Cold Weather OUTER GEAR. No numbers are utilized on UNDER-GARMENTS

o Teammates should always have matching cold-weather gear with them in the Event of adverse weather.

Combined Effect: o All "fabric" visible to the officials and spectators must match identically. o Numbers should appear on the front and back of the exposed tops. o In combination, the shorts and tops must cover the athlete's midriff when arms are at the

sides.

Personal Items: o Hats, visors, sunglasses, jewelry, sand socks and/or shoes are considered optional personal

attire. These may be worn subject to Tournament and Referee approval.

Special Notes: o Printed player names and/or Country or Regional codes are allowed but not required. o Region and National Federation logos, as well as Manufacturer's logo, if smaller than three

inches by three inches, are permitted on both or either the Tops or Bottoms. o Politically sensitive language, religious or political mottos or slogans, alcohol and tobacco

references are prohibited.

Coaches' Uniform: o The coach must wear a uniform that is different from the athletes' attire to distinguish their

role. o In general, "shorts and a polo" is the expectation. o Tracksuits or similar are welcome. o Tank tops are not allowed. o Shoes are not required. o Any shirt or top with a collar is allowed, including tank polos.

EVENT ARBITRATOR The Event Arbitrator is appointed by USAV and is present for the Beach High Performance Championships Event. The Event Arbitrator is the first point of contact for hearing and resolving ethics and eligibility issues at the Beach High Performance Championships Event. Teams or individuals accused of committing violations of rules and regulations at the Beach High Performance Championship Event must meet with the Event Arbitrator for resolution. The authority for the Event Arbitrator begins with the arrival of a Team and individual participants in the Event's city or 48 hours prior to the first day of competition, whichever is earlier and shall continue through the duration of the Event, through 30 minutes after the


conclusion of the final Match of the Event. Decisions of the Event Arbitrator shall be conveyed immediately to the affected parties and may be appealed to the Arbitration Committee.

ARBITRATION COMMITTEE USAV, the Arbiter, and the Tournament Director will facilitate the selection of the Arbitration

Committee, consisting of the following 5 individuals:

o Arbiter

o Head Official

o Tournament Director

o Region Delegation/Representative

o USAV Staff Member

The Arbitration Committee will serve throughout the tournament unless the Tournament Director

approves removal or substitution (due to illness, etc.). The Arbitration Committee will investigate

any appeals on-site and the affected parties will be notified as needed.

MISCONDUCT AND REMOVAL OF ATHLETE(S) Any athlete confirmed to compete in the USAV High Performance Beach Championships may be

removed as a competitor for any of the following reasons, as determined by USA Volleyball:

o Injury or illness as certified by a board-licensed physician or medical staff approved by USA

Volleyball. If an athlete refuses verification of his/her illness or injury by a physician or

medical staff approved by USA Volleyball, his/, her illness or injury will be assumed to be

disabling and he/she may be removed.

o Violation of USA Volleyball's Code of Conduct

http://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/membership/forms-and-information

o Misconduct and its sanctions apply to all team members, including the coach, if present.

Misconduct regulations from the linked FIVB Rules of Play will govern this competition.

MEDIA and AWARDS USAV owns all media rights, including photographs, videos, webcast at the Event.

Athlete Requirement The athlete, and coaches if applicable, will be present for the award ceremony at the Event in

which his/her team finishes among the top 3 teams, wearing their uniform for the photography

and media session.

The athlete will do his/her utmost to be available for any professional interviews by USAV or

credentialed media immediately following matches and will use reasonable efforts to organize

http://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/membership/forms-and-information


his/her schedule accordingly. USAV will respect the athlete's need to train, play, eat, sleep, and

prepare for coming games during the Event when requesting the athlete's participation in such

activities.

SAFETY STANDARDS FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER Athletes and coaches will be expected to continue in wind or rain that does not present a threat

of danger to the participants. Under no circumstances will athletes be allowed to participate

when lightning, tornados, or other dangerous weather is present in the area. The following

criteria will result in a postponed tournament:

o Lightning: The Tournament Director will monitor the weather. When 30 seconds (10 miles)

or fewer occur between seeing the lightning flash and hearing its associated thunder, all

individuals should leave the athletics site and reached a safer structure or location. Before

resuming athletics activities, 30 minutes must pass after both the last sound of thunder and

the last flash of lightning. If lightning is seen without thunder being heard, it may be out of

range and, therefore, less likely to be a significant threat (Source: ncaa.org). Weather should

be monitored at http://www.weather.gov. o Rain: The Tournament Director is responsible for monitoring rain to cancel or postpone a

tournament; rainfall must be significant and pose a threat to the athletes by creating

excessive puddles and hard divots in the sand.

o Wind: While all beach volleyball athletes must be prepared to contend with windy playing

conditions, wind gusts of over 25 miles create a safety hazard at tournaments and

equipment (poles, nets, etc.) may become unstable. When winds on the sand are measured

at 25 mph or higher, the Tournament Director may postpone tournament activities or cancel

the tournament entirely.

o Heat: The Tournament Director will use the ACSM Heat and Humidity Recommended

Guidelines, based on the temperature, to determine if the tournament activities will be

postponed. Until a change in temperature to return to play has been determined, play will

cease until further notice.

DISCLAIMER If any force of nature or force majeure should cause the alteration or cancellation of any of the

events listed in this document, these regulations will be revised under the approval of USA

Volleyball.

ATHLETE INQUIRIES Athletes who have questions regarding their opportunity to compete should email the Beach

High Performance Department at [email protected].

http://www.weather.gov/

mailto:[email protected].


COVID 19 DISCLAIMER Overview

Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions will be included in Appendix C of this Manual. Safety First is a strategic priority of USA Volleyball, and as such, our priority will be to ensure the safety of all participants. With that – we acknowledge that the situation surrounding the pandemic will evolve as we move closer to the start date of the Event. We will do our best to keep you apprised of any updates and changes as they occur.


APPENDIX A – Weighted Lottery Example

▪ Example: 29 teams register for the U15 Beach HPC. There are three spots remaining to fill the

tournament bracket, and 6 regions have expressed interest in sending a second team.

o Region 1: 6x3 = 18 chips based on 6 participation chips earned over each of the last 3 years.

o Region 2: 4x3 = 12 chips “





___________________

o Total chips: 45

▪ Probability of earning 1 slot in a single draw (rounded)

o Region 1: 18/45 = 0.40

o Region 2: 12/45 = 0.27

o Region 3: 6/45 = 0 .13

o Region 4: 3/45 = .07

o Region 5: 3/45 = .07

o Region 6: 3/45 = .07

▪ Minimum cumulative probability of earning 1 of 3 additional slots:

o Region 1: 18/45 + 17/44 + 16/43 = 1.23 (all but certain)

o Region 2: 12/45 + 12/44 + 12/43 = 0.82 (82% chance)

o Region 3: 6/45 + 5/44 + 4/43 = 0.41 (41% chance)

o Region 4: 3/45 + 3/44 + 3/43 = 0.20 (20% chance)

o Region 5: 3/45 + 3/44 + 3/43 = 0.20 (20% chance)

o Region 6: 3/45 + 3/44 + 3/43 = 0.20 (20% chance)


APPENDIX B – Brackets Gold Division Draw and Bracket(s):

Teams who lose in the round of 16 of the gold bracket will play one additional match for 9th place.

Teams will be placed in the below bracket as stated and the winning teams will finish 9th and the

losing teams will finish 13th.


Silver Division Draw and Bracket(s)


Teams who lose in the round of 16 of the silver bracket will play one additional match for 9th place.

Teams will be placed in the below bracket as stated and the winning teams will finish 9th and the

losing teams will finish 13th.


APPENDIX C – COVID-19 Procedures Message from USA Volleyball:

Due to the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 guidelines and

restrictions are included below. Safety First is a strategic priority of USA Volleyball, and as such,

our priority will be to ensure the safety of all participants. With that – we acknowledge that the

situation surrounding the pandemic will evolve as we move closer to the start date of the

Event. We will do our best to keep you apprised of any updates and changes as they occur.

As with all exercise and activity at this time, USA Volleyball must comply with standards for

social distancing and safety within this Event. We know, with collaboration between USA

Volleyball coaches, public health officials, and facility operators we can create safe plans for

using the Fort Lauderdale Beach venue in compliance with public health directives. Proper

operation and maintenance (including disinfection of balls post-match, and sanitizing common

areas should help to keep athletes, coaches, and staff safe).

Due to the nature of this being a National Event, the following guidelines must be followed.

USA Volleyball - COVID-19 Guide for Training and Competition Plan for Fort Lauderdale Beach

o Before Arriving Each Day: All athletes, coaches, referees, staff, and spectators are

required to read the COVID-19 updates, or any information provided regarding the

operational procedures that will take place during the Event.

Expectations for Athletes, Coaches, Officials, and Staff:

o DO NOT COME TO THE TRAINING/COMPETITION IF YOU ARE SICK!

o Complete the Health Screening Survey prior to arrival on site each day: (Add LINK)

o Any member should refrain from attending the Event until they are able to answer NO to

each question.

Questions to be answered prior to the Event:

1. Have you tested positive for COVID-19, or are you presumptively positive for COVID-19

based on your health care provider's assessment or your symptoms?

2. Are you currently experiencing, or have you experienced in the past 14 days, any of the

following symptoms? (Please take your temperature before you answer this question.)

▪ Fever or chills (100.4° F/37.8° C or greater as measured by an oral thermometer)

▪ Cough

▪ Congestion or runny nose

▪ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing


▪ Sore throat

▪ New loss of taste or smell

▪ Chills

▪ Headache

▪ Muscle, or body aches

▪ Fatigue

▪ Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

▪ Bright red (or any) rash

3. In the past 14 days, have you been in close proximity to anyone who was experiencing

any of the above symptoms or has experienced any of the above symptoms since your

contact?

4. In the past 14 days, have you been in close proximity to anyone who has tested positive

for COVID-19?

5. Have you been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting to receive test results?

6. In the past 14 days, based on the above or other symptoms, have you been told by any

doctor, medical professional, or other authority to self-quarantine for any reason?

Medical: Medical Services will be available on site via Athletic Trainers.

Ingress and Egress, and Cleaning Protocols

o Venue Entry & Exit: Athletes, coaches, officials, staff and volunteers will enter the venue

using the designated main entrance (west side). Upon entering the venue, staff and

volunteers will do a temperature check and may ask you health questions. Anyone

experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above will not be allowed into the venue.

o Hand Sanitation Stations: Hand sanitation stations will be available throughout the venue

during the course of the Event. Athletes and spectators are encouraged to use them.

o Garbage: Garbage cans will be available throughout the venue.

o Equipment: All equipment used at the tournament will be sanitized prior to and during

the Event. Officials will follow and help to enforce all COVID-19 guidelines.

USA Volleyball & Fort Lauderdale Beach Procedures that will be Enforced

o Restrooms: athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and spectators will have access to the

restrooms are encouraged to always keep a six feet distance.

o Water Station: athletes, coaches, officials, and staff will have access to a water station

and are required to always keep a six feet distance.


o Face Coverings: Face mask must cover face and nose. EVERYONE must wear face

coverings or face mask to enter and exit the venue, and while at the venue, with the

exception of athletes while playing. Anyone refusing to use face covering or face mask

will not be allowed to enter the venue.

o Athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and volunteer will NOT be allowed to congregate before,

during or after the matches. Everyone will be asked to vacate the venue or parking lot as

soon as possible once their matches are over.

Spectator Guidelines

o Spectator: Spectators will be allowed at the venue at a minimum of six feet away from all

courts. Only coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers will be allowed within the

competition area.

Physical Distancing Guidelines

o Physical Distancing: Everyone attending the Event must follow social distancing

guidelines (at least 6 feet apart) except for members of the same household. Competition

areas will be marked with ball stops and banners and all spectators will only be allowed

behind those marked lines.

o Court Side-Switch: Athletes will be asked to go out and around the poles, on opposites

side of the court during a side-switch and adhere to all social distancing protocols.

o Before and After Matches: Before their scheduled match, teams will be required to go to

the officials tent to retrieve sanitized balls for practice and competition. After their match,

teams must take their volleyballs to the officials' tent for sanitation. Upon completion of

their matches for the day teams will be asked to leave the venue.

2021 beach high performance championship manual

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