Many clubs still have available positions to fill. This spreadsheet displays the most current information, as submitted by the club directors.
Please use the chart below to verify what age group your player is eligible for this season!
--> An athlete may play in an age class "older" than their own, but may not compete in age-groups younger than the one that they qualify for according to the USAV age definitions, below..
Age Definitions and policies are tied to age classes (18s, 17s, etc) based on DOBs before or after July 1st of each year.
Athletes are generally eligible as old as the 18s age-class. (this year “born on or after July 1, 2006” )
Note two “waivers” that allow participation beyond the basic rule:
Waiver #1: Any athlete who will turn 19 (this year “born on or after 7/1/2005”) before July 1st, but are still in high school may participate as an 18s player.
Waiver #2: A female athlete who is 18 or younger but still a junior in high school may play 17s club. (this to allow greater recruiting opportunity)
—> Both waivers are automatically applied to the logic when an athlete registers with USAV. No need to apply for a waiver.
Two “may not play” rules are worth noting:
1) If any athlete will turn 20 before July 1st, then they may not participate in USAV club.
2) Once an athlete has participated at all with any collegiate club or varsity program, they become ineligible for USAV club participation.
The Age Definition Chart below can help illustrate these concepts (do pay attention to the various footnotes). The Age Definition Discussion is also helpful for clarification. Both are included below
We publish an age-class calculator for your convenience, both below, and at the Director web-page. Look for the bright-teal-colored calculator, then simply enter any athlete's DOB there, to confirm their USAV playing age-class!
Good luck!
The RMR
24-25 Indoor age Definitions Table
For use during the
season
Please note:
The calculator automatically "rolls over" into each new season on July 1st. The title above reflects the season that the calculator is reporting for.
Also, the "girls' junior class waiver" is automatically included in the age group reported here.
Select the Month, Day & Year, then click on the button to see the youngest age group of that birth date. |
PARENTS
Take a few minutes to watch this webcast that offers some great "Do's and DONT's" for you, as you begin the USAV registration process!
Dear RMR Volleyball Families,
Here's a quick note to let you know that the RMR has partnered with VKTRY Performance Insoles - The Official Insoles of USA Volleyball.
All of our RMR coaches, athletes and their family members receive 20% off these exciting new products!
See Testimonials HERE.... and here are a few scientifically proven facts about how they can help your game:
JUMP HIGHER: Proven average +1.6” vertical jump increase
MORE QUICKNESS: The firm, stable foundation helps you get to every ball
RUN FASTER: Most athletes see speed in the 60 improved by > 0.2 seconds
REDUCE INJURIES: Maximum shock absorption means softer landings & less injuries (41%)
VKTRY also provides a 90 day money back guarantee and free shipping!
Please contact us at office@rmrvolleyball.org to receive your discount code!
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2024) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce that it has hired John Speraw to serve as its president and Chief Executive Officer, starting on October 1.
Prior to becoming the eighth CEO of USA Volleyball, Speraw has served as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2013 and has been part of the team’s leadership for almost two decades.
“My journey with USA Volleyball began in 1997 as an assistant coach for the World University Games team,” Speraw said. “Reflecting on the teams, players, staff and experiences over the years, I am filled with immense gratitude. To now be entrusted with the opportunity to lead USA Volleyball as president and CEO is both a profound honor and deeply humbling.
“This journey has deepened my passion for this organization—representing our country, advancing the sport, and elevating the experience for everyone involved.
“I am sincerely grateful to the USA Volleyball Board of Directors for this honor and responsibility. I am ready to lead. I am ready to serve.”
Speraw’s coaching and leadership roles within USA Volleyball bring a unique blend of executive vision, recognition of the diverse and complex ecosystem of the sport and expertise in the international scene.
His strategic vision of the sport’s evolution is critically important as USA Volleyball prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia.
Speraw is also the founder of First Point Volleyball, an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of boys’ and men’s volleyball across the country.
USA Volleyball Board of Directors Chair Dave Gentile expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the extensive six-month search process for a new CEO.
“What a wonderful cadre of potential leaders that worked through the interview process,” Gentile said. “All of our finalists were highly talented on many fronts, and we thank them for their interest in and support of USA Volleyball.
“The search group composed of key USA Volleyball Board members concluded that John’s overall sport acumen, demeanor, energy, leadership skills and vision for the future of the sport were clearly aligned with the Board’s expectations for the next generation of USA Volleyball.
“Along with the full Board and staff, I look forward to working closely with John over the next several years as he prepares the organization for LA28 and beyond. We are also confident that John’s leadership will always have the mission and role of USA Volleyball as the National Governing Body of the sport of volleyball at the forefront of all we do.”
Besides coaching the U.S. Men’s Team, Speraw has been the head men’s volleyball coach at UCLA since 2012 and guided the Bruins to the NCAA Division I-II National Championship in 2023 and 2024.
Prior to UCLA, Speraw coached UC Irvine men’s volleyball (2002-12) and directed the Anteaters to three NCAA National Championships in six years.
He played middle blocker for the Bruins from 1992-95 and was a member of two national championship teams. He graduated from UCLA in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and molecular genetics
Speraw and wife Michelle live in Southern California with their two children, Hailey and Brooklyn.
This release is posted online at https://go.usav.org/92524johnsperaw
... MORE VOLLEYBALL IN DENVER AND THE RMR!
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 23, 2023) – The Rocky Mountains will be alive with the sound of volleyball in 2025 when Denver hosts the USA Volleyball Open National Championship on May 23-28 at the Colorado Convention Center.
The Open National Championship is the longest-running volleyball tournament in the United States and features women’s and men’s teams with players ages 18 to 80.
The field will include teams comprised of former USA Volleyball national team players and national team development program (NTDP) athletes.
“We are happy to be bringing the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship to the Mile High City of Denver,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “The Open Championship provides adult teams at every level a chance to compete against others from both foreign and domestic. This tournament epitomizes the essence of USAV and shows that volleyball is truly a sport for life. We thank the Denver Sports Commission for all its support.”
In addition, USA Volleyball will celebrate volleyball leaders and stars at its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ahead of the 2025 tournament.
Inclement Weather PolicyThe RMR does not dictate whether teams or participants should or should not travel during inclement weather or under any other unsafe condition. Club/Team/Personal travel to any RMR event is always at your own risk and expense. Safety first!
That said, we rarely cancel events. In the event that interstate highways are closed, or if gyms are closed by their school districts or owners, we publish these closures both at the RMR Home Page, and directly to all involved TEAM COACHES, via the TM2 email system.
In the event that a team is running late or cannot attend, it is the responsibility of the Team Coach or Representative to notify the RMR as early as possible. We can be reached by text at our office cell phone 303-584-0376.
Weather-related cancellations may be eligible for refund if highway closure is corroborated by State Highway Patrol. Cancellations for any other reason substantially affect all attending teams, and are therefore not eligible for refund, and may be subject to fines or other club sanction.
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LIVE CLASSROOM SESSIONS
*Sun, Nov 3 @ NORCO*
Time: 11:30 am
ZOOM CLASSES
—> The zoom classes DO count as “in-person” attendance for “new” students
Topic: Boys MAKEUP Scorekeeping Zoom Oct 9, 2024 7:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83236061562
If your boys club would like to host in-class and on-court training (or both) you may apply to host a clinic HERE
Dear RMR Volleyball Families,
Here's a quick note to let you know that the RMR has partnered with VKTRY Performance Insoles - The Official Insoles of USA Volleyball.
All of our RMR coaches, athletes and their family members receive 20% off these exciting new products!
See Testimonials HERE....
VKTRY also provides a 90 day money back guarantee and free shipping!
Please contact us at office@rmrvolleyball.org to receive your discount code!
CVA 18 Black at GJNC 24
This article form Sportico magazine discusses the amazing growth of our sport, with USAV CEO Jamie Davis. Enjoy the read!
https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2023/us-volleyball-participation-surging-1234742921/
Norco 18 Black at GJNC 24
The RMR hosted a “Town Hall Zoom” Wednesday evening, April 10th, 2024
If you missed it, here's a recording of the zoom
Topics covered included:
* Power 6 Even, its cancellation, and whether we’re able to offer any re-scheduling
* End of Year Regionals and where that event will play
* How “Bids to the USAV Girls Junior National Championships” work
... and where things stand for all our the RMR teams (see the RMR Bid Page)
* Behavior (and picnic trash) at RMR tournaments
* Safesport: It’s there for a reason
and of course...
* Tryouts and Recruitment for the 24-25 season
2 Jan 2024 RMR hosted Zoom with 100 parents to introduce various topics of discussion. SportsEngine, Officiating clinics, the USAV Learning Academy, TM2 and event formats, and the basics of our club-recruiting plan for 2024 were all touched on. Future plans include shorter "single topic" sessions one a month, under the same informal zoom environment.
Many clubs still have available positions to fill. This spreadsheet displays the most current information, as submitted by the club directors.
Accessing the USAV Academy is much simpler beginning Spring 2024! Just sign in to your Sports Engine Account, and you'll find a box at the top middle that has the USA Volleyball Academy name and logo and a blue "Launch" button at the far right. Hit the "Launch" button, and you should be good to go.
RMR Membership for athletes falls into two broad categories:
Most athletes are returning to the RMR from last season. They can re-use their 23-24 Membership (and their SportsEngine profile) for the new 24-25 season. Since their 23-24 membership is still "live" through August 31st, there's no need to buy a "tryout" membership, even if they are considering changing clubs.
If you were not a member of USAV/RMR last year, then you DO need to purchase a Tryout membership for the Tryout season. This low-cost membership covers any tryouts that you're involved in until Sept 1. The Tryout membership IS upgradable, into your "full season" membership once you find a club and settle in.
24-25 Season Memberships will open for purchase on August 1:
Referees, Coaches and Directors will be allowed to begin the process August 1st, so that they can get their background screening and Safesport courses started.
Athletes can also purchase their 24-25 season membership beginning August 1st.
Athletes, your Club will send you and your family a specific "Invitation Link" on or after August 1st. The link will take parents directly to the correct type of membership for their athlete. That membership will already be affiliated with your Club.. you get the right membership type, linked to the right club... all through the Invitation Link.
I mentioned above that if you are returning to USAV/RMR then you will use your existing profile at SportsEngine, to manage your membership. But If you're new to USA-Volleyball and the RMR, you'll be setting up a brand new family account at SportsEngine.
SPORTSENGINE is the fancy program that manages all of our memberships. PARENTS build "households," into which they add their daughters and sons, as RMR member-athletes. Club Directors build "Clubs," Coaches build "Teams"... and the RMR and other events use ROSTERS from these teams.... all within this one program. SE is a powerful tool, but it's not always easy to understand.
We've published some articles to help you get off to a great start, but here are two "pro tips" to point you in the right direction:
1) Your family only needs one account.
--> As the legal guardian, you as the parent, will set up the family account! THEN you add your student athletes to the family.
--> Athletes are not allowed to set up accounts in their own names. (because they are minors)
2) Be careful to only use "passport quality" names. The SportsEngine computer is a real stickler for correct spelling. Nicknames, or anything else other than "passport names" leads to confusion when your coach is trying to assign their players to the team roster!
3) Choose one very solid email address for your family account. This address will be the whole key to your household. Your athletes will be able to enter their own private email addresses later in the setup.
4) We can help! We have lots more information about going USAV and the RMR at our "Membership" page. And don't forget that we have our own "membership expert" available to help you! Send any questions that you may have to membership@rmrvolleyball.org. Kirsten will get right back to you with helpful notes and online articles... all the stuff that "new members" and their families need to hear!
See you soon!
The RMR
Athletes who have signed with a club for the 24-25 season are reminded to wait for an invitation link from their club, that will help them affiliate with that club as a regular member. Beyond the regular club membership the RMR does offer several specific special use"membership types:
FOR ATHLETES:
Most junior players will be "Regular Junior 24-25 players."
Anyone who will turn 18 before August of 2025 will register as "Junior Player with SafeSport."
We also offer some less frequently used specific memberships:
The upgradable 24-25 Tryout Membership is available (even through the fall, for clubs that tryout late) and does include the option to upgrade to a full 24-25 membership after you affiliate with a club. Get the "tryout membership" and you'll be good-to go for any club tryout... and eligible to upgrade to a full membership when you've chosen your club! Remember that if you were a USAV member in 23-24, you don't need a tryout membership.
Young adults aged 16 or 17 who will serve as assistant coaches purchase a special "Team Manager" membership. Anyone 18 or older that hopes to coach must be registered as an adult coach, with background check and SafeSport certification.
Athletes 8 or younger play for free as "8 & Under Players."
Athletes 11 or under play under a discounted "11s Player" membership.
Young athletes who are joining low-cost beginner leagues do so through their league administrator, or may contact the RMR at office@rmrvolleyball.org.
Athletes who will join beach clubs either separately, or in addition to their regular indoor full-season membership may contact the office as well. (Yes, you can join one club as an indoor member, but play beach for another club!) Some beach clubs play all year long!
FOR ADULTS:
Club Parents are not required to be USAV members. Many often do join however, in order to serve as team chaperones, as site directors, or as scorekeepers or referees.
Adults intending to become professional Officials; please see our "For Officials" page.
Adult players please go to our ADULTS page.
OUR MISSION:
NATIONWIDE USA Volleyball is the only volleyball organization within the United States recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) is a member organization of USAV, and along with the other Regions across the country, supports their mission to 'grow the game." Our national umbrella supports not only youth and adult amateur sport, but also the Indoor, Beach and Para-Olympic International Teams. Additionally, education of athletes, coaches and officials is core to the USAV mission.
HERE AT HOME Our goal as a non-profit organization is to foster growth and participation in all modalities of the sport of volleyball here and across the nation. The RMR is dedicated to providing a "best you can find" sort of volleyball experience to all age players, on hardwood, grass and sand courts across Colorado and Wyoming. We directly offer thirty or more high-quality, competitive and safe competitions each year. We are proud to be a part of the explosive growth of our sport!
SAFELY USAV and the RMR are committed to offering a safe competition environment, and to protecting the mental and physical health of our participants. We are active engaged in the US SafeSport program, and are strict adherents to its principles. Every adult over the age of 18 working with RMR-USAV junior players must be cleared through a comprehensive background check and must be SafeSport Certified annually. The RMR registers and certifies participants solely under the auspices of USA-Volleyball, and offers all of its competitions in full compliance with all USAV doctrines and regulations. The RMR recognizes and adopts (for purposes of RVA activities and privileges) any penalties imposed by the USA Volleyball Ethics & Eligibility Committee.
The RMR commitment to participant safety includes embracing a tolerant and inclusive philosophy, free of bias or prejudice. See our equity/diversity/inclusion statement (scroll further down this page)
AT THE OLYMPIC LEVEL The RMR is proud to claim a number of Olympians as our own. We have a rich history of providing athletes and coaches to the US national teams, as well as to NCAA institutions and to professional volleyball leagues both indoors and out. The USA Volleyball National Office is located in Colorado Springs, which allows RMR members an excellent opportunity for collaboration with our National Teams and its coaches. For more about the USOlympic Sports Movement in general, and USAVolleyball in particular, Click HERE.
A LIFELONG SPORT
Volleyball never ends.! Truly a life-long sport, volleyball offers "something for everyone!" The RMR offers juniors programming for the grassroots and development levels as well as for elite programs. We host age groups 8 to 18 years in our support of youth sport!
Our athletes have a great chance to "move to the next level." Over 90% of the Collegiate Division I and II volleyball athletes in Colorado and Wyoming have participated with USAV, in regions like the RMR. And we offer Beach opportunities as well as indoor, to complement the explosive growth of "collegiate beach!"
We serve the adult playing community as well, with programming for young-adult, adult, and senior/masters level athletes. We're proud that RMR teams have posted so many "podium finishes" at the US Open National Championship over the years!
COACH TRAINING The RMR supports and develops coaches. The USAV IMPACT program was one of the country's first fundamental training grounds. Today, Coaches continue to advance, through CAP and BCAP and with the support to fate USAV Learning Academy. Coach-development will be one our new points of emphasis this year, and for years to come!
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT USAV is THE place to learn all about officiating! From "team scorer" all the way to "Olympic Referee" the RMR has a proud tradition of providing officials to every volleyball scene in the nation, and around the globe!
STATEMENT OF INTENT The RMR believes in USA-Volleyball and in its mission. We register coaches and athletes only into USA-Volleyball membership, and proudly offer programming solely within USAV jurisdiction.
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The RMR shall not, nor shall anyone acting on behalf of the RMR, discriminate against any person, or group of persons, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, age, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
We know that racial and other forms of discrimination are not new, however recent events have made it painfully clear that progress cannot be made unless each individual and organization within our community makes a decision to step out of their comfort zone, learn something new about someone different than themselves, and take action to make inclusion a priority.
The racial, socioeconomic status and gender identity demographics in our region and in volleyball are significantly different than our state and especially of our country. At the RMR we are committed to an internal examination to address the shortfall of diversity and inclusion within our organization, in our clubs and in volleyball as a sport and community.
Our Board of Directors and staff commit to:
Read on (below) for more information on these initiatives as we examine how to best implement and expand access to our sport. If you would like to volunteer or have ideas for implementation, please contact Executive Director Keith Murlless
It's important to increase awareness!
Watch this video to see how DEI influences everyone, through the eyes and voices of our own volleyball community.
--> Thank you to “Match Point” for speaking so eloquently to this topic!
Websites & Other Resources
Racial Justice Online Resource List
U.S. Center for SafeSport
The U.S. Olympic Committee announced the members of the Board of Directors. I have included a link to the press release below. I hope to have more updates for you soon. Thank you for your continued support of the USA Volleyball SafeSport Program. |
MAKE A SAFESPORT REPORT
This page offes guidance regarding SafeSport issues and how to report. It also offers a "REPORT A CONCERN" link, as well as a REPORT phone number. |
Have questions about Safesport and the types of concerns that are addressed by the Safesport program? The HelpLine link above, or the phone number below, give you access to safeSport resources. These tools can guide you if you have a concern that may merit being reported.
Phone: 866-200-0796 (open 24 hours
Online: safesporthelpline.org
For questions about the Safesport program and its implementation in the Rocky Mountain Region, please contact Executive Director Keith Murlless. (safesportquestions@rmrvolleyball.org)
This "safesportquestions" email address is for program inquiries; it is not the emergency reporting line To make a report, contact local authorities and Safesport directly, at the contact points posted above.
Below parents can find easy references to help navigate SportsEngine.
Shinkara Hardship Fund
The Shinkara Fund was established to assist junior athletes who might need a little help with the expenses related to club volleyball.
The RMR thanks "legendary local volley-philanthropist" Tom Kawano for all of his support over the years. So many adults and juniors have come to love the sport, and have enjoyed expanded opportunities to play, thanks to Tom and his good works!
Application for Shinkara support is due March 1st, and can be made using this online FORM. Awards are traditionally granted in early April.
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8.24.24
Accessing the USAV Academy is much simpler now! Just sign in to your Sports Engine Account, and you'll find a box right there in the middle of your homepage that has the USA Volleyball Academy name and logo and a blue "Launch" button at the far right. Hit the "Launch" button, and you should be good to go!