Latest updates from Volleyball Canada

March 18: Volleyball Canada Update: COVID-19

March 24: Volleyball Canada’s 2020 Nationals Cancelled

March 12: COVID-19: Important information for Nationals participants

Click here for information regarding the refund process for VC related fees.

Volleyball Canada Update: Nationals Cancelled

March 24, 2020: Volleyball Canada’s 2020 Nationals tournament in Edmonton is officially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The health of participants and the community was the priority in making this difficult announcement.

Volleyball Canada Update: COVID-19

March 25, 2020: As was widely distributed on March 24, Volleyball Canada, with the support of its partners, made the decision to cancel 2020 Nationals.

"As the pandemic evolved it became clear that measures such as bans on large gatherings, social distancing and travel restrictions would continue through May and potentially beyond," said Mark Eckert, president and CEO of Volleyball Canada. "This was a joint decision with our partner Edmonton Events, and although we are disappointed to have to cancel this year’s events, the welfare of participants and fans is our greatest concern at all times."

March 13, 2020: Volleyball Canada is looking ahead to its international and domestic hosted events this year, including 2020 Nationals in May, and will update participants and members as frequently as possible.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Volleyball Canada will take the advice of local and federal government bodies and decide by April 15 on whether to cancel Nationals. Please note a decision may be made sooner, depending on how the situation evolves. The health and safety of participants is of great concern, and we are closely following public health guidelines when considering all potential outcomes.

COVID-19: Important information for Nationals participants

Volleyball Canada is following the updates on the COVID-19 virus very closely.

As of March 09, 2020, the risk to Canadians in Canada is still low (according to the Government of Canada), and no change in Nationals schedule or location is planned. As the situation is changing rapidly, we will notify participants directly of any change in plans.

We are following the lead of the local health authorities, and suggest participants consult their local health authorities for suggested precautions and best practices.

Volleyball Canada is considering the following strategies for Nationals:

-          Removing the current handshake protocol

-          Cleaning and replacing balls after every match

-          Working with the Edmonton Expo Centre to review cleaning protocols.

Click here for the Alberta Health Services web page regarding COVID-19

Click here for the Government of Canada web page

For our National Teams, we are closely monitoring the updates issued by the Canadian Olympic Committee, in partnership with other relevant organizations:

https://www.csiontario.ca/news/update-2-advisory-covid-19 

Volleyball Canada and its Nationals merchandise partner, VolleyballStuff, have created a few items to recognize teams and their families coming together and staying apart to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. A portion of the proceeds from the “Rally Together Apart” gear will be donated to local food banks via Food Banks Canada.

For more information: https://volleyball.ca/en/rally-together-apart

To shop: https://store.volleyball.ca/collections/rally-together-apart-rallions-nous-a-part

If you wish to make a direct donation to Food Banks Canada:
https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/

List of registered teams

A list of teams registered for the event will be posted 1 week after registration opens and will be updated regularly leading up to Nationals.

15U Girls 15U Boys 

16U Girls 16U Boys 

17U Girls 17U Boys

18U Girls 18U Boys 

 For questions regarding the changing of team or club names please contact nationals@volleyball.ca with the details that you would like to alter.

Waitlist

With some events filling quickly, waitlists will come into effect as soon as the age category reaches initial capacity. Teams will be invited to join the event from the waitlist as spots become available in the order in which they registered onto the waitlist. 

Waitlist Order

Registration Information

• 18U: Tuesday, January 14th at 12 (noon) EST  
• 17U: Wednesday, January 8th at 12 (noon) EST
• 16U: Wednesday, January 15th at 12 (noon)EST
• 15U: Thursday, January 9th at 12 (noon  )EST
• Playing Up Teams - January 29th at 12 (noon) EST

The 2020 registration fee is $1,250

All team registrations for Nationals are done on the Volleyball Registration System (VRS). For assistance on registering a team, please consult the Nationals Registration Guide. All registrations for 2020 Nationals open at 12pm (noon) Eastern Time. We encourage teams be prepared to register at the time of registration opening as events can fill quickly.

Reminder! Teams may only register for their declared age category during the stated age specific registration dates. For teams interested in playing in multiple age categories or in an older age category, please see the “Teams Playing Up” section for further details.

For all Nationals registration questions, please contact Josh Toltesi at 613-748-5681 x238 or at events@volleyball.ca.

Teams Playing Up (underage teams)

Any teams playing up by 1 or more divisions from their declared age category must wait until 12pm (noon) on January 29th, 2020 to register for the older age group. This is to give all “of-age” teams a chance to register in their appropriate age group. Any team found in violation of this rule will be subject to removal from the tournament. If a team wishes to play up but the event fills before the play-up registration date, the team can register onto the waitlist at 12pm (noon) on January 29th.

Example: a 14U girls team may register for the Halifax Nationals on January 23rd. If that teams wishes to also play in the 15U Nationals in Edmonton they must wait until January 29th to register for that event. If the 14U girls team plans to only compete in 15U Nationals, they must still wait to register until the January 29th registration.

Registration Close

Teams have until 11:59PM EST on April 9th, 2020 to register pending availability in the tournament. Teams can continue to add their name to the waitlist following this date.

Withdrawing a team from Nationals

If you wish to withdraw from Nationals, please complete the Team Withdrawal Form.

Teams who wish to withdraw from Nationals will be eligible for a refund as per the following timelines.

Rosters

Rosters do not need to be uploaded by teams for Nationals. All rosters (including players and coaches/team personnel) will be taken directly from the Provincial/Territorial Association (PTA) based on each team’s final roster for their PTA Championships.

Roster Exemption 

Please complete a request form if you wish to make a change to your provincial championship roster for VC Nationals. Please note that exemptions will only be granted under exceptional circumstances. All team personnel changes must fall within the guidelines listed in the Coach Certification Policy. Player changes should fall within the following guidelines:

• Teams must have 7 or fewer players remaining for their Nationals roster
• Incoming player(s) must have played the current season with the same club
• Incoming player(s) could not have played on a team who was declared at an older age category during the current season (16U player who played on a 17U team during the same season)

Coach/ Team Staff Exemption Form
$50 for team personnel change

Athlete Exemption Form
$100 for player change

For questions regarding roster exemption please contact:

Sandra de Graaff, Director, Domestic Competitions (competitions@volleyball.ca)

Edmonton Expo Centre

7515 118 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
T5B 4X5

2020 Nationals (Facility Map coming soon)

Parking 

Day fee: $15 no re-entry

Click here to purchase pre-purchase a Tournament 3-day pass with in and out privileges.

Tournament 1 - Parking Pass - $40
Tournament 2 - Parking Pass - $40

We encourage anyone that will be parking on location to pre-purchase the tournament parking pass.  

Click the following to see the athlete drop off area and bus parking 

Make sure to use the 116th avenue and 73rd street entrances when finding your way to the public parking!

If you plan on arriving in and RV/Motorhome, note that overnight parking or camping is not permitted. The price of daily parking for these types of large vehicles is $24 per day and will be directed to a specific parking lot. (see attached parking map)  

Transportation

Make sure to take advantage of the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) with bus and train routes that will transport you right to the venue! 

The Metro Line train frequents Coliseum Station every 15 minutes.

Make sure to use the travel planner on the ETS website to plan the route that works best for you.

National Expo Hall

The Nationals Expo Hall will be home to all the action off the courts.  Here is where you will find all of your VC Event merchandise needs, get a massage to let out your kinks and strains, and visit a variety of vendors between matches. The Nationals Expo Hall will be accessible from 9:00am – 7:00pm throughout nationals and is accessible at no charge.  The Nationals Expo Hall will also be the home of the awards ceremony at the end of each tournament.  

In addition, be sure to check out these additional specialty rooms:

Mizuno Blue Room

Calling all coaches! Come check out this great new addition for you to find a quiet spot to sit down and prep for your next match.  

The Blue Room will be open Wednesday, May 16th from 1 – 8pm and throughout the remainder of Nationals (Thurs 17th - Tues 22nd) from 10am – 8pm each day.

Parent Lounge

Yes, parents; we have a special room just for you! Looking to get away from all those whistles? Come visit the room set aside for parents only to get a quiet moment amongst all of the Nationals excitement. Coffee and specialty beverages will be available for purchase in this area as well. 

Make sure to visit the Volleyball Canada booth for information and giveaways throughout the event! 

Accommodations

Volleyball Canada’s Stay to Play policy is in effect for the 2020 Indoor National Championships. This means that all participating travelling teams are required to book hotel rooms through the event’s Accommodation Management Provider (AMP), in order to be eligible to play in the tournament.

For more information on the Stay to Play policy, please review the Volleyball Canada Stay to Play Overview and our Frequently Asked Questions document.

HTG Sports Services is the official AMP for the Edmonton 2020 National Championships. Booking links are below:

• 17U and 15U accommodation booking link: Tournament 1 Booking Link
• 18U and 16U accommodations booking link: Tournament 2 Booking Link
  
  Booking links (and team codes) can also be found in each teams registration confirmation email. All bookings must occur through the appropriate booking portal.

For more information on the 2020 process and booking tips, please review the Edmonton 2020 Accommodations Booking Information overview.

Click here to review all hotel options for the event. Please note; this is a preview only link. Booking links will only be available via registration confirmation emails, once teams are registered in January. 

Stay to Play - Exemption Requests

Volleyball Canada will consider Stay to Play exemption requests under the following categories:

Proximity Exemption Request: A team is based within 160km of the competition venue OR the team that plans to stay with family or friends that resides within 160km of the competition are able to request a proximity exemption.

Special Exemption Request: For exemption requests that do not fall under the above category, please fill out this Special Exemption Request.

NOTE: Local teams no longer need to submit a Stay to Play Exemption Request form. Volleyball Canada will review all registrations to identify local teams and will send a Stay to Play Exemption confirmation email within 10 business days of registration to those who are eligible.

To submit an exemption request, please complete this Stay to Play Exemption form.

Accommodations Contact Information

For questions regarding the Stay to Play Policy and Exemption Requests, please contact:

• Volleyball Canada - nationals@volleyball.ca

For questions regarding HTG hotels and the booking portal, please contact:

• Melanie Mariutti - HTG Sports Services - melanie@htgsports.com or 1-800-668-5596 x 203.

Travel

Volleyball Canada is once again happy to partner with Absolute Travel Specialists for the 2020 Nationals season. Though not required, we encourage teams to book with Absolute Travel Specialists to take advantage of the following benefits:

- WIN: Book your team with Absolute Travel Specialists by January 31st, 2020 and you will be automatically entered into a draw for a $500 credit towards your group flight booking.

- NEW– Hold Group Space: Absolute Travel is holding group space, permitting you to mix and match flights with Air Canada and Westjet from all gateways!  Absolute Travel has secured group air seats from all major gateways to Edmonton, which ensures the best flight times for your team and families with competitive rates.
- Free checked bag and seat selection: Bookings includes 1 FREE checked bag per person, round trip PLUS free seat selection!  (Approximate value $120cad value)
- Group pricing:  Every person traveling with your team will pay the same price.
- Reserve with deposit only: Final payment required 75 days prior to travel date giving your team lots of time to fundraise if required. Names are not required at time of deposit, just your estimated numbers.
- Payment options are available.
- Block reduction: You can reduce your group block by up to 20% without penalty.     

Contact Elayne Pink - epink@absolutetravelspecialists.com or call toll-free 1-866-322-6538 - for more information, or to book today!

Did You Know?

- Air Canada Groups no longer provides group quotes unless you are an IATA registered agency, which Absolute Travel is.
- Absolute Travel has experience booking team group travel and have assisted Volleyball Canada Teams for all Nationals since 2015.
- WestJet has a long standing group relationship with Absolute Travel.
- You do not have to wait to hold your groups seats. You can hold your space with a deposit any time after September 15th, 2019. Book now to ensure your preferred flight choice!

Tournament Schedules

Schedules will be posted once again on ISET.net.

Draft schedules will be posted in April.

Practice Times

Practice times will be available here, Thursday, February 27th at 12:00pm Eastern Time.

PRACTICE TIME REGISTRATION EDMONTON 1

PRACTICE TIME REGISTRATION EDMONTON 2 

First practice schedule will be posted Friday, March 6th and will be updated every Friday by 3:00 PM EST time.

Teams are required to supply their own balls for practice. Limited quantity of balls that will be available to rent. Stay tuned for more details.

Teams may sign up for a practice time prior to their tournament at no charge. Teams are permitted 45-60-minute practice slot and are asked to promptly exit the court space at the end of the reserved time. Practice times will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

Please note that there will be limited access to practice times for Tournament 2 as they fall on the same day as playoffs for Tournament 1.  Once practice times have filled a waitlist will be maintained and teams will be added as a spot becomes available.

Practice times may be delayed if there are delays in the playoff schedule. No teams are permitted to practice while teams are still competing near their assigned court.

Practice times are not guaranteed for all teams due to space and time available in each venue.

Team officials and Team Representative are allowed to register for practice times. 

For information and questions regarding practice time bookings, please contact: Nic, nlabrosse@volleyball.ca

Current Practice Times: Updated March 13, 2020 

15U Girls 15U Boys
16U Girls 16U Boys
17U Girls 17U Boys
18U Girls 18U Boys  

Wave Times

Day 1 and 2 of Nationals will be split into 2 waves. The AM wave normally starts at 7:30am and the PM wave starts at approximately 2:45pm. A team will play in the same wave on both day 1 and day 2. There will be no waves for day 3 of competition.

Click here to view the wave times. Please note that they are subject to change as scheduling is finalized.

2020 Ticketing Costs 

$35 - (19-64) Pre Sale Tournament Pass (per tournament)       
$18 - (19-64) Day Pass      
$12 - (65+) Day Pass
$45 - (19-64) Tournament Pass (per tournament)
$30 - (65+) Tournament Pass       
FREE - 18 and under 

Pre sale tickets are available to purchase: Here

Edmonton Tournament 1 (15U - 17U) Pre-sale pricing will increase to $45 on Thursday, April 23rd at 12 pm (noon) Eastern Time. Pre-sales will end on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 12 pm (noon) Eastern Time.
Edmonton Tournament 2 (16U - 18U) Pre-sale pricing will increase to $45 on Thursday, April 23rd at 12 pm (noon) Eastern Time. Pre-sales will end on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 12 pm (noon) Eastern Time.

Event Pass Pickup

All event passes will be available for pickup at the Edmonton Expo Centre Wednesday, May 13th and throughout the weekend as matches are being played.

Volleyball Canada is not responsible for any lost or stolen passes.

Please note that athletes and team staff are not required to purchase an event pass as accreditation will be provided at Coach Check-in.  

For information and questions regarding event passes, please contact:

nationals@volleyball.ca or 613-748-5681 

Ticketing & Will Call:

Pre-purchased event passes will be available for pick up at Will Call.  Make sure to have a piece of photo I.D. as well as a proof of payment with you when picking up your pass. If you are picking up a pass under another name, please have the printed confirmation of their purchase to receive these passes.  

Coach Check-in 

Check-in for tournament 1 will take place Wednesday May 13th from 1pm-8pm.

Check-in for tournament 2 will take place Saturday May 16th from 1pm-8pm. 

Important Check-in Reminders:

• Only individuals on the official team roster can check-in their team (head coach, assistant coach, team contact, manager)
• The players themselves are not required to be at check-in.
• Proof of age must be presented for all players in the form of a government - issued ID (copies are encouraged).
• Teams who are not available during the listed check-in time will be required to submit a late check-in request and will be charged $50.
• Coaches are required to provide their NCCP number at check-in.

Late Check - In 

Late check-in form

For rules and policies

Please follow this link that will take you directly to Volleyball's Canada policy page. 

Nationals Competition Ball:
15U – VQ200w-CAN
16U – 18U – MVA200

Medals

All winners are announced at the awards ceremony and will be listed here after the tournament.

Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to the top 3 teams of all Division 1, Tier 1 age/gender divisions. Gold and Silver medals are awarded to the top 2 teams of all other Tiers and Divisions.  

Awards will be handed out the final day of every tournament and will be free of charge to attend.

All-Star and MVP Awards, presented by Active Ankle

All-star and MVP Awards selection process: Volleyball Canada`s awards selection committee works with all coaches of the four Division 1, Tier 1 semi-finalists to select an MVP and all-stars for the age groups of 15U, 16U, 17U and 18U. This is done by coaches nominating players from their own teams as well as their opponents and tabulating the top 6 players of each age division/gender

Player of the Wave

Each team will be able to nominate one player on day 1 & 2 of competition. After each wave, coaches will select a deserving player to submit a ballot at the VC booth. All players who submit a ballot will receive a personalized Player of the Wave certificate.

Mizuno Outstanding Coach Award

Volleyball Canada & Mizuno presents the Mizuno Outstanding Coach Award.

New for 2020! We are looking for teams to tell us who they think is an Outstanding Coach!

Do you feel your coach has done a great job this season and wish to see them recognized for their leadership? You can nominate your coach for the Mizuno Outstanding Coach Award. Volleyball Canada will be awarding a Female & Male coach from each age group for their fine work this past season.

Has your coach displayed the following criteria this season?

-          Presented a positive image of coaching and is the role model to athletes and the community

-          Shows respect for athletes, officials, opponents and supporters

-          Adheres to relevant club/association policies and procedures, including the Code of Conduct to ensure a safe & positive environment for athletes and coaching staff

-          Is dedicated to learn and develop athletes beyond volleyball

If your coach has displayed the above criteria this season, nominate them for the Mizuno Outstanding Coach Award! Deadline for nominations will be April 24, 2020. Click the link below to nominate your coach.

Nomination Form

*One nomination per coach. Recipient will be notified during the Edmonton 2020 Nationals

All results will be available via ISET Sports.

2020 – Live scoring and live results will once again be available.

Coming soon - score keeping how-to 

Reminder that all teams much provide a scorekeeper for each game for live scoring.

Explore Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall

Welcome to the Mt. Everest of shopping and indoor entertainment in North America. Spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks, West Edmonton Mall is part entertainment complex, part shopping and dining destination. Let out a gasp of excitement as you slip in from the cold into the tropical setting of World Waterpark, home to the world’s largest indoor wave pool. Later, climb aboard a full-size pirate ship, or skate beneath the stars under a glass dome. Afterward, check out the casino, movie theatres, mini golf courses, catch penguins frolicking at Sea Life Caverns or meet Pablo at the Sea Lions' Rock. Hungry after riding a Galaxyland roller coaster for the fourth time? Stroll down New Orleans-themed Bourbon street for some fine dining, then take in a live show. Or hit Chinatown and shop the colourful T & T Asian Market.

For more information please follow the link!

Jasper

Save on accommodation, dining and activities in Jasper for those attending 2020 Nationals in Edmonton. Visit this link to view all the deals.

Social Media

Follow us on:

Twitter: @VCNationals #VCNats2020
Instagram: @VolleyballCanada #VCNats2020
Facebook: Volleyball Canada

Email Communications

Interested in keeping up with all of the communications released regarding Nationals? Subscribe to our mailing list so that you're the first to know!

Volleyball Canada is committed to providing a safe sport environment for all our participants. To review our policies, including our policy on abuse in sport, please click here.

If you are a victim or witness of criminal behavior, please contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911 in emergencies. 

The Government of Canada has also provided a designated contact line to report abuse in sport.