What is club volleyball?

Club volleyball is an extended season of volleyball competition that follows the traditional volleyball season of middle and high schools.  It may be organized under one of several different youth volleyball organizations such as USA Volleyball (USAV) or AAU for the purpose of providing additional opportunities to compete and to develop one’s skills.  NC Intensity programs are offered as part of the Carolina Region of USA Volleyball.

When is the club volleyball season?

Club volleyball begins shortly after the conclusion of the Middle School and High School volleyball seasons.  In general, training begins in late-November or early-December.  Tournaments generally run from early-January through early- or mid-April. 

How are NC Intensity teams selected?

NC Intensity will hold organized tryouts by age-level beginning late July or early August. Prospective players will be assessed and evaluated by NC Intensity’s coaches, who will select team members based on player age, ability, and the need to fill player position slots.  NC Intensity cannot guarantee player placement based on friendships, carpooling, or school affiliations.

What are position players?

Like many sports, the players on the floor all have a specific job. Unlike recreation sports, club volleyball is played at a higher level of competition and clubs are expected to assemble the best unit of players available. Each roster must consist of a certain number of middle hitters, outside hitters, setters, defensive players, etc. At the club level, most players are position players and they are proficient in their assigned position.

How is age eligibility determined?

Age eligibility is determined by USA Volleyball.  Click here to view a chart of the age definitions for the 24-25 club season.  

Are players required to play in the age level determined by USAV eligibility rules?

Athletes may play on a higher age level team, but may not play at a lower age level.  NC Intensity coaches may consider having an athlete “play up” based on ability, peer group, advanced skills, etc.

How many players are on a team?

Typically the ultimate number is between 8 and 10. Fewer than 8 and you risk not having enough players in the event of an injury or absent player. More than 10 and you have too many players standing around or sitting on the bench. Too many players will create stress on a coach with parents and players expecting equal playing time. This will lead to a decrease in team moral or resentment between the players.

 How often do teams practice?

Teams will typically practice 2 nights per week with practice sessions scheduled for 2 hours. Players will be expected to attend all practices.

Where are practices held?

NC Intensity is currently utilizing several practice facilities at High Schools and Middle Schools across Harnett County.

How many teams will NC Intensity have?

We are predicting 8 to 12 teams for the upcoming season. The final number of teams we field will depend on the number of available qualified coaches, available facilities, and number of players accepting positions on teams.

What are the fees for club volleyball?

Dues for the 24-25 season will be updated soon.

These dues cover uniforms, team registration fees, facility rentals, tournament entry fees, equipment, safety supplies, website administration, and travel stipends for our coaches.

 Are there any other costs?

Other costs include travel expenses and food on tournament days. Some tournament sites may require an overnight stay.

 When are club fees due?

Club fees are broken into two equal installments, with the first being due at the Parent's Meeting, usually held in November or early-December.  The final installment due date is the Monday prior to your team's first tournament.  Players who are not paid up by the final installment due date will be ineligible to play in team tournaments until payment is received.

 What are the tournaments like?

NC Intensity will register each team for several Carolina Region tournaments and one or two tournaments beyond the Region.  Most of the Region tournaments will be held on Saturdays and one or two may be scheduled for a Sunday during the season. Arrival is normally around 8:00 am with play beginning at 9:00 am. Pool Play will usually last until late afternoon, with the Playoffs following.  A winning record during Pool Play will usually guarantee you advancing to the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, it is a single elimination round. When advancing to the finals, you can expect to be in the gym until 7 or 8 pm.  The tournaments beyond the region will be multi-day events, usually requiring one or two overnight stays out of town.

 How often are tournaments played?

Regional tournaments will generally be scheduled for every other weekend for a given age group. These tournaments normally begin the 1st Saturday in January and will end with Regional Championships in late- March or early-April.  Tournaments beyond the Carolina Region may take place anytime from the end of December on into May.

What do I bring to a tournament?

Most players bring things to keep them comfortable…sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, cell phone, etc. You are going to be there a long time and you need to have some down time to rest. Parents should bring a comfortable chair, something to read, food for the players (so you do not have to run out looking for food) and a positive attitude for your daughter and her teammates.

 Where are tournaments held?

Regional tournaments can be held basically anywhere in North Carolina. For the most part, the majority of tournaments will be roughly 1-2 hours away. Due to the growth of the sport, however, that is no longer guaranteed. A regional team may travel up to 4 hours away, possibly requiring a Friday drive and an overnight stay.  Typical locations for other tournaments include Asheville, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Atlanta, GA, among others.