Updated 10-4-24
TNT Guide to Club Volleyball for Beginners
What is club volleyball?
Club volleyball is a volleyball program that runs from approximately December 1 through April/May and occasionally June (for Nationals’ teams). To be clear, it is not a league where a team plays weekly matches against other clubs. Instead, club volleyball involves the following:
Practice approximately 2-4 times per week
Play in 4-12 tournaments on weekends, depending on the club and level of team
Some clubs also offer additional activities like weight training, skills clinics, and open gym play
What is the typical club volleyball team size and structure?
A typical club volleyball team ranges from 10-12 players. Clubs may offer multiple teams at each age group. The more popular clubs may have close to 100 players trying out at the more popular age groups, as TNT now has. While a majority of players who want to play club volleyball can find a team, that may not be the case for all, especially at popular age groups.
What are the common age groups for club volleyball?
The common age groups for club volleyball are 13U through 17U, with the most popular being 14U and 15U. Many clubs also offer teams for 12U and 18U. The age cutoff date for eligibility is July 1. See the USA Volleyball Age Definition Chart below.
Club Volleyball Costs
How much does club volleyball cost?
Club fees can range from $1500 to $4000+ per player, depending on the club. This does not include travel and hotel costs, which can be significant. Some clubs also charge extra for uniforms.
What factors contribute to the wide range in costs?
Key factors include the following:
Profit vs non-profit structure of the club
Gym rental costs: this is the largest expense for a club
Coaching staff: number of coaches, their qualifications, and fair compensation
Administrative staff and overhead
Swag - Uniform and equipment packages
Number and type of tournaments (single vs. multi-day, amount of tourneys, etc.)
Additional services like strength training requiring compensation of trainer(s)
What other potential fees are involved?
In order to try out, players must be registered with a sanctioning body (KRVA or AAU) which has membership fees, typically around $15. KRVA also charges a tryout fee.
Generally speaking, a KRVA tryout membership is $15 and can be upgraded to a full membership ($75) if the player makes a team. AAU has a similar yearly membership that costs $14 per player for the year. AAU is cheap enough that they don't have to offer a tryout membership.
KRVA/USAV Membership - Instructions
Using this link, https://krva.org/club-directory/ search for TNT Volleyball. At the very bottom of the page, select Purchase Membership. By doing so, you will be affiliated with TNT... if you purchase a KRVA/USAV Membership ANY OTHER WAY, it will not be valid. When you do this properly, we will be able to import the Player into our System through the AES Portal... that's how we know you've completed the Membership and did so correctly.
AAU Membership - Instructions
Using the following link, https://tinyurl.com/AAUTNT login or Create an Account. Follow the prompts or view this tutorial video to purchase membership and affiliate with TNT Volleyball using our Club Code is W34DED. As with the KRVA/USAV Membership process, if you do this correctly, we will be able to import the Player into our System through the AES Portal.
Can you explain some about the main sanctioning organizations for volleyball in PA/NJ and how they differ?
The 2 main ones are KRVA (Keystone Region Volleyball Assoc, part of USA Volleyball) and AAU (Amateur Athletic Union). A third organization, JVA (Junior Volleyball Association), is more popular west of PA but also hosts tournaments in the PA area.
KRVA imposes restrictions on players, requiring them to commit to one club. AAU does not force this commitment. Both charge membership fees, and KRVA also charges a tryout fee. Clubs may enter teams in tournaments for both KRVA and AAU.
How do the sanctioning bodies impact the level of play?
KRVA tends to attract the elite level teams and offer more tournament options. AAU provides competitive play with fewer costs and restrictions. The perception that AAU is just for beginners is not true.
What about the JVA organization?
JVA, another sanctioning body, primarily operates in the Midwest but offers tournaments in PA that both KRVA and AAU teams can enter. Some larger tournaments are switching to JVA due to the flexibility it provides.
Choosing the Right Club
How can I determine the best club fit for my child?
Consider factors like those listed below:
Practice schedule and location
Number of tournaments and travel required
Coaching staff experience, qualifications, and philosophy
Club culture and focus (winning vs player development)
Additional services offered as part of club fee (uniforms, conditioning, skills clinics, etc.)
Reputation and success of the club
Is there a perceived "hierarchy" of clubs?
Yes, some clubs are considered more elite and competitive than others, but this is not formally published. The top clubs are generally more expensive and travel more for tournaments.
What should I look for in a coach?
The quality of the coaching is a key factor. Investigate the coach's background, experience, and coaching style to ensure it aligns with what you and your child are looking for.
How important is it to consider the club where my child's high school coach works?
There can be a clear advantage if your child plays for the same club as their high school coach. This helps the coach get to know the player.
What else should I research about a club?
Review the club's website and social media to get a sense of their priorities and culture. Speak to current and past players/parents to hear their experiences.
The Tryout Process
How do club volleyball tryouts work?
Tryouts typically involve skills assessments, drills, and scrimmages, with coaches evaluating players. Some clubs make offers on the spot, while others wait until all tryouts are complete.
What should I do to prepare for tryouts?
Key steps include the following:
Attend open gyms to get to know the coaches
Consider a tryout prep clinic
Register online in advance to get on the coach's list
How should I dress for tryouts?
Wear something that helps you stand out, like bright colored shorts or socks. Make sure to introduce yourself to the head coach if you haven't already met.
What if I have a conflict with the tryout schedule?
Communicate with the club about any conflicts so you are not overlooked. Showing up late unexpectedly is a good way to get passed over.
How are teams chosen?
Clubs are trying to fill their rosters on tryout day. Standout players will receive multiple offers, but verbal offers are not binding - you have 96 hours to accept a formal email offer.
Why do clubs offer multiple teams at each age group?
As players get older, and with the increased interest levels in club volleyball, it becomes more difficult to make a team. For example, it is far more difficult to make a 14U team than a 13U team.
What if I don't receive any offers from clubs?
Unfortunately, not all players receive offers. One option is to be a Practice Player at a discounted rate if that is made available at a club, though you may not play in tournaments.
Are there other ways to play volleyball outside of clubs?
Yes, there may be local clinics, open gyms, or other programs offered by coaches or clubs that provide additional playing opportunities.
Playing Up / Playing Down
Can players 'play up' on older teams?
Yes, players may 'play up' according to the rules. However, many clubs are reluctant to allow it, except for the 12U level. Most club directors want to field the strongest team possible at each age group, so they don't want their top 15U player to play on the 16U team. Talk to the club director if you feel it's best for your child to play up.
Can players 'play down' on younger teams?
Some clubs allow a player to 'play down' if they are close to the age cutoff (age waiver). USA Volleyball Clubs are not permitted to waiver players down, but AAU clubs may do so at their discretion. Clubs are reluctant to allow 'playing down' because it limits the number of tournaments the team can enter. The most common reason to allow playing up or down is to fill the roster of a team.
How are tournaments classified by skill level?
There are generally 3 main categories:
Open - The most competitive, featuring the best teams and players
Club - Not as competitive as Open, the top teams 'should' not play here
Mixed - Both Open and Club teams may enter
How have larger tournaments changed in recent years?
Starting in 2020, many larger events stopped using a governing body to provide insurance. This allows any team to play, regardless of their affiliation. Tournaments like MLK, Prez Day, etc. have taken this approach.
Tournament Locations and Formats
Where are tournaments typically held?
Many are single-day tournaments located 60-90 minutes or so away from our facilities. There are also some multi-day tournaments requiring travel and overnight stays, sometimes held on holiday weekends.
How are tournaments structured?
Teams are grouped into pools of 4-5 and assigned a court. Each team plays the others in their pool in 2-3 game matches. One team per pool is responsible for scoring and line judging.
What happens between matches on tournament days?
Teams set up a 'campsite' where players and parents can relax, eat, and socialize between matches. This promotes team bonding.
Please contact us via email at [email protected] with any additional questions about TNT and Club Volleyball not answered here.