The Vipers Volleyball Club will open the 2020 season on Sunday, Jan. 12 with our 16U Black team traveling to Massillon Washington High School.
First, let’s prepare you for the tournament process.
Each tournament begins with pool play.
Participating teams are divided into one or more pools, depending on the number of teams entered, and will play every other team in the pool. The team with the best record typically advances to the championship bracket (usually referred to as the Gold Bracket) while the other teams move into a Silver Bracket or other competition.
Using our Jan. 12 tournament as an example, the Vipers are team #1 in the B Pool.
Each tournament will provide the playing schedule with the list of pools. Below is the B Pool schedule for Jan. 12:
- 1 vs. 3 (2 ref)
- 2 vs. 4 (1 ref)
- 1 vs. 4 (3 ref)
- 2 vs. 3 (1 ref)
- 3 vs. 4 (2 ref)
- 1 vs. 2 (4 ref)
That means, the first game played will be team #1 vs. team #3 and team #2 referees (line judges and scorekeepers–there is one actual referee to control the game).
The tournament begins at 8:00 a.m., which means the Vipers will play first. Warmups would begin around 7:30 a.m. (which coincides with the coaches’ meeting).
After the first game, the Vipers will referee while teams 2 and 3 play each other. The Vipers then take the court against team 4 and after that game will again ref the next.
The Vipers finally would get a break after the fourth game, while teams 3 and 4 play and 2 refs. The Vipers close out pool play against team 2.
After pool play, the standings are compiled and teams are assigned to the tournament brackets.
The bracket includes at least one game and up to two or three, depending on how the bracket is set up.
The team that loses in the first bracket game typically refs the next, so please do not plan to leave the facility after that first game.
Each tournament typically will post the pools and brackets on a nearby wall so fans can follow along. Those pool schedules typically include the court number the pool will play on. Each pool remains on the same court throughout pool play.
Now for some important information:
To learn more about each of the Vipers’ upcoming tournaments, such as addresses to each facility, when the doors open, when the tournament begins, etc., please click here to view the Vipers’ page at the OVR website. You can always return to this page via the Vipers website. The link is located under the TEAMS tab.
Scroll down until you see the list of our teams:
Click on your daughter’s team in the first column to the left for more information.
Once again, scroll until you see the tournament schedule:
Click on the tournament name and you will be provided with the address, start times, coach’s meeting time, pool schedule, etc.
Also, pay attention to the facility rules as some tournaments do not allow chairs or outside food and coolers. Don’t be surprised when you arrive at the tournament only to find out you don’t have bleacher seating or can’t bring in food!
TOURNAMENT DAY TIPS
Here are some tips to ensure you have the best possible experience during each tournament:
- BE ON TIME! It’s crucial that all players arrive 30 minutes to one hour before the tournament begins (check with individual coaches for their desired arrival time).
- Plan for a full day of activity as most tournaments begin around 8:00 a.m. and run through the late afternoon and early evening.
- Bring some reading material and your phone chargers. Even better, bring portable battery packs as outlets are in short supply at the facilities!
- Check the tournament page for seating information. Even if bleacher seating is provided, be sure to find out if lawn chairs are permitted. It’s a long day, plan for your comfort.
- If you’re looking for a good seat, plan to arrive when the doors open. You’ll learn quickly that the seating areas fill up in a hurry and team parents save spaces for each other. Please, do the same!
- Bring cash. The tournaments will offer concessions stands. Again, check the tournament pages for information on what food/beverages you may bring with you. Most do not allow outside food/beverage and only allow the players to bring a small snack/water bottle. You may leave a cooler in your car.
- Most tournaments do not charge an admission fee. Please refer to the tournament pages for each individual tournament.
- Bring a blanket or sweatshirt. Most facilities are very large and are cool in temperature while some are cramped and tend to get very warm. Wear layers so you can dress up or down accordingly.
- Officiating isn’t optional. Each player will be assigned a task during the games in which their team is refereeing. That is not the time for them to wander off or take a break. Please help us complete this obligation by reminding your child of the importance of the job.
- Keep our areas clean. Whether it’s the spectator seating area or team campsite, please clean up your trash. The OVR/tournament director can file a complaint against our club and fine us if we leave trash behind.
- Be positive! We all want to win but our goal through playing JO volleyball is to become a better player. That’s our focus at practice and on game day. While not every call will go our way, we have to remain positive at all times. Only the coaches should question the game official–and even then it must be within the rules of the game and the OVR and always respectful.
- Win or lose, encourage your child.
Most importantly, have fun.
Enjoy the tournament and the volleyball action. After all, that’s why we’re all a part of this!
