Club Team Frequently Asked Questions
If you cannot find the answer to your questions here, please feel free to Contact Us anytime!
When are tryouts?
Tryouts for the 2023 season will be posted soon with exact dates, times, and locations as soon as they are confirmed.
How many teams do you have?
For the 2023 season, our teams will be based on gym and coach availability.
How many players are on each team?
Most teams have 11-13 players. However, it is ultimately up to the coaches to decide how many players they want to take and they may choose more or less players.
WHAT Age category should my son/daughter tryout for?
Below are the age categories for the 2022/2023 season, as per the Volleyball BC regulations:
18U: Athletes born from September 1, 2004 to Dec 31, 2005
17U: Athletes born from September 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2006
16U: Athletes born from September 1, 2006 to Dec 31, 2007
15U: Athletes born from September 1, 2007 to Dec 31, 2008
14U: Athletes born from September 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2009
13U: Athletes born from September 1, 2009 to Dec 31, 2010
If your child is born between Sept 1 and Dec 31, they can "play down" to the younger age division. Athletes that “play down” may only compete at one Regional Championship, Provincial Championship, and National Championship (all in the same age category). In order to “play down”, athletes must register, pay and attend both tryouts (correct age level and lower age level). It is essential to attend both tryouts in order to ensure athletes are appropriately evaluated and to provide athletes greater opportunity to be placed on a team.
18U: Athletes born from September 1, 2004 to Dec 31, 2005
17U: Athletes born from September 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2006
16U: Athletes born from September 1, 2006 to Dec 31, 2007
15U: Athletes born from September 1, 2007 to Dec 31, 2008
14U: Athletes born from September 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2009
13U: Athletes born from September 1, 2009 to Dec 31, 2010
If your child is born between Sept 1 and Dec 31, they can "play down" to the younger age division. Athletes that “play down” may only compete at one Regional Championship, Provincial Championship, and National Championship (all in the same age category). In order to “play down”, athletes must register, pay and attend both tryouts (correct age level and lower age level). It is essential to attend both tryouts in order to ensure athletes are appropriately evaluated and to provide athletes greater opportunity to be placed on a team.
are athletes allowed to "play UP" an age level?
Yes, athletes may "play up" but in order to do so, athletes must attend and pay for both tryouts (at their correct age division and the higher age division). This is to ensure that the coaches are able to properly evaluate each athlete in comparison to the other athletes in that age division.
HOW AND WHEN WILL ATHLETES BE NOTIFIED OF TEAM SELECTION AND INFORMATION?
Athletes will be offered a position on a team personally at tryouts or be contacted via email and/or phone within 48-72 hours of the last tryout. Once an athlete accepts their spot on the team, the Club will email you more information about training schedules, payment, registration night, etc. Team lists will also be posted on the BCO website as soon as teams are finalized.
Sometimes there are delays in confirming teams. This is a result of having to wait for athletes commitment and signing dates. We appreciate your patience during this time and we will always expedite the process to the best of our ability.
If you are not selected for a team, we will notify you by email and give you some alternative options for continuing to play volleyball.
Sometimes there are delays in confirming teams. This is a result of having to wait for athletes commitment and signing dates. We appreciate your patience during this time and we will always expedite the process to the best of our ability.
If you are not selected for a team, we will notify you by email and give you some alternative options for continuing to play volleyball.
DO ATHLETES HAVE TO ACCEPT THEIR SPOTS IMMEDIATELY?
No. Although you can accept your spot right away, you do not have to. If you need time to consider your options, you will have until 6pm on the Offer Signing Date to accept your offer.
The Offer Signing Date is determined by Volleyball BC and varies by age division. The 2023 Club Season Offer Signing Dates are:
The Offer Signing Date is determined by Volleyball BC and varies by age division. The 2023 Club Season Offer Signing Dates are:
- 12U/13U/14U – November 28, 2022
- 15U – December 5, 2022
- 16/17U/18U – December 12, 2022
HOW LONG IS THE SEASON? AND HOW MANY PRACTICES AND TOURNAMENTS DO TEAMS HAVE?
The season typically begins in January and runs until late April/early May. The exact length of the season depends on each teams tournament schedule and whether they decide to attend Nationals, which is the final event of the season.
Teams usually practice two to three times per week and play approximately 6-8 tournaments throughout the season.
Teams usually practice two to three times per week and play approximately 6-8 tournaments throughout the season.
What is the early signing PERIOD AND WHEN IS IT?
Volleyball BC put the Early Signing Period in place to accommodate and promote loyalty between athletes and clubs. Returning athletes are permitted to sign with their previous club during the Early Signing Period, if the Club extends an offer to them. For the 2022 season, the Early Signing Period will be from Sept 15-Oct 6, 2022.
Athletes that choose not to sign early are strongly encouraged to attend BCO tryouts. Athletes that do sign with their previous club are not permitted to attend tryouts for other clubs.
Athletes that choose not to sign early are strongly encouraged to attend BCO tryouts. Athletes that do sign with their previous club are not permitted to attend tryouts for other clubs.
WHERE DO TEAMS PRACTICE?
Teams practice at a number of locations around the City and District of North Vancouver. The exact locations can change from year to year, depending on availability, but in past years our main practice facilities were Mountainside Secondary, Sutherland Secondary, and Mickey Mcdougall Recreation Centre. We also occasionally offer additional optional training at Stratford Hall in East Vancouver.
Please click here for address information.
Please click here for address information.
WHAT IS THE ATHLETE APPLICATION PERIOD AND WHEN IS IT?
Volleyball BC has removed the Athlete Application process for 2022/2023. The only processes for joining a 2023 club team are through the Early Signing Period and attending tryouts.
WHERE DO TOURNAMENTS TAKE PLACE?
In past years, most tournaments took place around BC (the Lower Mainland, the Okanagan, and Vancouver Island). Some teams would also attend a tournament in the US (Washington or Las Vegas) and most would attend National Championships.
For the 2023 season, Nationals tournaments take place:
You can find the details for the 2023 National Championships here.
For the 2023 season, Nationals tournaments take place:
- 14U Girls & Boys in Winnipeg between May 11-14.
- 15U Girls in Regina between May 18-21.
- 15U & 16U Boys in Edmonton between May 11-14.
- 16U Girls, 17U & 18U Girls & Boys in Calgary between May 10-20.
You can find the details for the 2023 National Championships here.
