Info
FAQs
Common FAQs
Can I join LAVO?
Of course! We are open to the public.
What separates us from the "other guys" is that we rate our players and provide various divisions of play to preserve the integrity of the games. So if you are an advanced player and sign up for an advance open session, you can count that everyone you are playing with is at similar skill set with you. You won't be playing with beginners on your team.
We provide a recreational outlet but also promote and regulate a competitive side. If you want to play great volleyball, you have found the right place.
Can I play if I'm not yet rated?
Yes you can.
If a player would like to play in any LAVO event for the first time and has not yet been rated, one of two options will be applied. Either the player will automatically be assigned a provisional score of the maximum point value for the division they are going to participate in or be given the middle point value equivalent (MPE) by another recognized organization (USAV, NAGVA).
For example, if you are rated in BB in NAGVA , you will be assigned a rating of D3/65. Once we get an opportunity to see you play, we will adjust the rating accordingly (up to 70 or down to 60 depending on skill).
If you do not have a NAGVA or USAV rating, we will assign a provisional rating for you until such NAGVA or USAV rating is acquired. This provisional rating will be noted with an asterisk (*) next to your rating (i.e. D3/65*)
How does a player get rated?
You can attend an open play session.
If you have a NAGVA or USAV rating already, we'll honor it, however we'll also assign a numerical rating to adjust for player skill level.
A BB-rated player in NAGVA will be given any of the 3 following scores based on skill. 60 (low BB), 65 (mid BB), or 70 (high BB) based on our subjective evaluation of skill.
For example, a player who is a strong BB hitter, but lacks a little skill on defense will most likely get a 65 rating.
How does the rating system work?
The system consists of numerical scores given to all participants which determine a player's rating.
The scores are measured on three key areas of the game; defense, offense, and strategy. In defense for example, the player is rated in skills such as passing, digging, and blocking. The offense criterion includes serving, setting, and hitting while the strategy component measures the player's knowledge base or specialization of the game.
So, what does this all mean? The higher score, the more consistent the player is. Keep in mind that all questions in each area are progressive, and very rarely will you see players skip this progression.
I have a rating, now what?
Let's play!
Once a player has received their rating score, he/she may join any team for any event without fear of being restricted during play.
Tournaments FAQs
Can I create my own team?
Absolutely!
Now that you know how to obtain your own individual rating, you may add players from the directory to your roster for league and tournaments.
If I am rated for a particular division, may I play in other divisions?
All players are allowed to play one division lower than their rating and any division higher*.
In other words, if you are a Division 1 (D1) player, you can play D2, but not D3, D4, or D5.
*Players may play a higher level during league and tournaments only; this does not apply to open gym. For more info, follow our open gym guidelines.
How is a team formed?
Each team may be composed of UP TO two (2) higher-rated players in each division.
For example: a D3 team may have up to two (2) D2 players on their roster and any number of D3, D4, or D5 rated players. This D3 team may not have ANY D1 rated players.
Are these scores permanent?
No.
LAVO management will be making changes to ratings following NAGVA's current database. Changes will be made as players progress and their skills improve.
League FAQs
Can I join the LAVO League?
Of course!
We are open to the public.
How do I join a team?
The best way to get on a team is to get to know other players. We recommend you come play REGULARLY at our open gyms for the level you are wanting to play.
For example, if you’re looking to play on Friday nights, you should play Open Gym on Friday nights.
If you cannot find a team to join, we MAY add you to a team if there is space on a “draft team” if available.
Can I play if I'm not yet rated?
No, you’ll need to be rated to participate in league. See #3 under Player FAQs.
We also hold a "Rating Session" before the season starts for those players specifically looking to play in the upcoming league season. Check out our Meetup.com Calendar to find the next available "Rating Session".
Are there different divisions/levels?
Yes. We have different divisions that can accommodate most players.
Please be aware this is a COMPETITIVE environment so there is a high expectation from each player as they want to win. If you’re looking for a more relaxed play time, simply come to our Open Gyms. Here are the divisions we’re currently offering:
- Division 3 – Intermediate/Advance Division; open to all players
- Division 4 – Beginner/Intermediate Division; open to all players
- Women's Division 3 – Intermediate/Advance Division; open to women
- Women's Division 4 – Beginner/Intermediate Division; open to women
When does the next League Season start?
We hold league during the Spring and Fall.
Generally, Spring season begins mid-February. Fall season begins mid-September. Join our Facebook page or our mailing list to stay connected and receive the latest news and updates.
Where can I find more information?
Visit out Facebook page; you will find more detailed information there.
Your best source of information will also come from the open gym and league coordinators. Feel free to send us an email if you have more questions at league@playlavo.org.