The OVA Beach Volleyball League at Ashbridges Bay is divided into divisions. These divisions are defined by the skill level of the players.

 

Our goal is to make the level of play as equal as possible. This usually results in the most enjoyable and exciting game. Regardless of whether you are playing in our Recreational or Elite Division teams want to play against other teams that give them a good game. We will possibly use a ranking week and then do our best to tier the leagues to accomplish this goal. We may end up with Division 1, 2, 3 or more within 1 skill level.

 

Registering for the proper division is extremely important. Being in the wrong division makes for a less enjoyable experience for all involved as it generally results in a very uneven level of play.

 

If you are uncertain of the division you should be playing in, PLEASE choose the lower level (ie. if you aren't sure whether you should play Competitive or Intermediate, please choose Intermediate). Please talk to the League Director if you would like to switch divisions.

 

In all leagues, we reserve the right to move teams to a division better suited to their level of play regardless of where the team has registered. We will only move teams into a different division offered the same evening you originally registered for. We will not move a Tuesday team into a Wednesday league for example and we will not move a 6s team into 4s or vice versa.

 

All play is self refereed so do your best to play within the intentions set out in the descriptions regarding calling violations & be a good sport!

 

Everyone still wants to enjoy their time and a compliment from a teammate or opponent doesn’t mean you aren’t trying to win.

 

NOTES

*CO-ED 6’S REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 2 FEMALES PLAYING AT ALL TIMES

*CO-ED 4’S REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 2 FEMALES PLAYING AT ALL TIMES

*MIXED 4’S REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 1 FEMALE PLAYING AT ALL TIMES

 

THE 4 ON 4 GAME

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Playing 4 on 4 requires more court coverage and player movement than 6s.

Ball control is very important as there are fewer players to cover up for errant passes.

Players should expect to be involved in almost every rally (even if they don’t touch the ball) and be paying attention to each & every rally.

 

RECREATIONAL

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Getting started in the game? This is the place to play! For new players or totally fun teams. This is the most basic level that we offer - sort of a "beginners" level.

 

Most matches will not see a high degree of skill, as most players have not played in quite a long time (if at all). The main focus is on having some fun. Improving skills will hopefully happen the more you play.

 

Teams may try to pass, set & spike but it doesn’t happen every time and the spikes aren’t going too fast. Errors happen frequently and teams sometimes just try to get the ball back over.

We throw out most of those irritating rules to keep the rallies going. Even though it is REC there is No catching or throwing the ball or touching the Net.

 

SPECIAL RULES: RECREATIONAL 6’S

 

*Maximum 5 Serves in a row per person

*Open Hand Tipping is allowed

 

INTERMEDIATE

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There is generally a wider range of abilities on Intermediate teams.

Teams typically have one or two strong players with good overall skills, and a few players whose skills may be a little rusty.

 

Teams try to pass, set & spike a good percentage of the time but it doesn’t happen every rally. Some good plays and ball control with some unforced errors best describes the Intermediate level.

 

Players are capable of spiking but not with Olympian speed.

Rules are enforced more than Recreational Volleyball but this isn’t the Olympics, so encouraging rallies is still a good thing.

 

Ball Handling is still far from perfect at this level but lifts should be called and really bad hand sets when players volley just to keep the ball in play and are not balanced and in a proper volleying position.

 

SPECIAL RULES: INTERMEDIATE 4’S

 

*No limit on Serves, Spike Serving is NOT legal

*Open Hand Tipping is NOT allowed

 

SPECIAL RULES: INTERMEDIATE 6’S

 

*No limit on Serves, No Spike Serving

*Open Hand Tipping is NOT allowed

 

COMPETITIVE

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For teams and players that have a lot of experience & skill. All players on the team should have a solid sports background. Many players will have played at a more competitive level in the past (ie. high school or college varsity).

 

Teams expect to pass, set & spike every play with the occasional error forcing a team to scramble. More experienced players with stronger hitters may specialize in setting, passing or attacking (spiking).

 

Rules are enforced more than Intermediate and people should want to adhere to a pretty traditional interpretation of the rules and players should know when they violate a rule and call themselves. Ball Handlingviolations pretty strict. (Not Olympic tight)

 

SPECIAL RULES: COMPETITIVE 4’S and 6’S

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*No limit on Serves, Spike Serving is legal

*Open Hand Tipping is NOT allowed

 

ELITE

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This is the highest level of play we offer. A majority of players will have played at least high school varsity, and a number of players have played varsity at the Collegiate or University level. Players at this level have very strong fundamentals in all aspects of the game - serving, passing, setting, attacking and blocking. In addition, players at this level are much more adept at playing strategically and executing a plan to take advantage of any weaknesses in their opponents. All participants should be

prepared to defend strong spikes. Ball Handling is pretty consistent (not perfect, volleys can spin and not be a violation) and teams want strict adherence to the rules and Play should be called accordingly. Rules are enforced more than Competitive Division.

 

SPECIAL RULES: ELITE 4’S

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*No limit on Serves, Spike Serving is legal

*Open Hand Tipping is NOT allowed
 

2 ON 2

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If you think 4s has a lot of court coverage 2’s is that much more difficult. You have to be able to control the ball fairly consistently and be able to move a lot and quickly to play 2s at a decent level, otherwise you are just playing chase the ball.

Less people means more responsibility.

 

CO-ED 2's, MEN’S 2's, WOMEN’S 2's

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All players in our 2's leagues should have a very strong level of ability. 2's volleyball requires that both players have very strong fundamentals in all aspects of the game. These leagues are for players that generally would play in the Elite or Competitive skill divisions of our 4's and 6's leagues.

 

SPECIAL RULES: 2’S

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*No Volleying on Serve Receive

*No Open Hand Tipping

*Blocks count as a contact

*No volleying 1st contacts unless it is hard driven

*Volleys across the net must be square to the target

*Men can block women and vice versa

 

**All info is subject to change without notice.