Question 1

What should I bring to a grass/sand tournament?

Accepted Answer

Athletic Clothes (that you don't mind getting dirty)
Sunscreen
Water bottle (hydration is key!)
Chair
Tent
Sunglasses
Hat
Snacks
Cooler
Bug Spray

Question 2

How long does a tournament last?

Accepted Answer

Plan to be at the tournament for at least 6 hours. Schedules depend on the number of teams, but you’ll typically play multiple matches with breaks in between.

Question 3

What do the different events mean?

Accepted Answer

BYOT (Bring Your Own Team)
This is a mini-tournament format where you register with your own team. Matches are typically 1 set to 25, and all teams advance to playoffs, ensuring plenty of play time. BYOT events are a shorter, high-energy option and usually cost $10–$15 less than a full tournament.

Blind Draws
Blind Draws are a solo or partner sign-up format where players are randomly paired with teammates for the evening. You’ll usually play one set in pool play, with all teams advancing to playoffs. This format is perfect for meeting new players, keeping things fun, and enjoying a relaxed, social volleyball experience.

Kings & Queens
Kings & Queens events feature solo registration only. You’ll rotate partners and play with everyone in your pool, earning individual points each match. The top point earners advance to playoffs, where points continue to be tracked to ultimately crown the King or Queen of the event.

Tournament
This is a full-day volleyball experience designed for competitive play. Teams typically play two sets during pool play, unless pools include six or more teams. For divisions with fewer than 12 teams, all teams will advance to playoffs.

Question 4

Registration and Payment

Accepted Answer

-> Teams will register and pay on Volleyball Life. Teams that cancel by midnight on the Wednesday before will receive a full refund minus fees. 
-> If we cancel prior to tournament start due to weather, everyone will receive a full refund. 
-> If we have to cancel while a tournament is happening due to weather, we will work to find the best option and will communicate with all players.

Question 5

Late Arrivals

Accepted Answer

We start play at 9am sharp! Starting at 9:05am, teams not on their court and ready to play will lose 1 point per minute and forfeit the game at 9:20am. The second set will be forfeited at 9:30am.

Question 6

Tiebreaker Policy

Accepted Answer

Pool play ties will be broken using the following criteria:

1. The winner of the head-to-head matchup between the tied teams will receive the higher seed.
2. If teams split their head-to-head matches, the tie will be broken by the point differential from those head-to-head matchups.
3. If the head-to-head point differential is still tied, the tie will then be broken by overall point differential from all pool play matches.

Question 7

Pace of Play

Accepted Answer

Unless otherwise noted, we’ll have a quick players meeting at 8:45am. We start play at 9am sharp! Everything will be tracked in Volleyball Life to make posting playoffs seamless and quick.-> Pools of 4: Two sets played to 21 points (cap at 23).-> Pools of 5: Dependent on the number of teams in division and net space.-> Pools of 6: One set played to 25 points (cap at 27).-> Pools of 7: One set played to 21 points (cap at 23).Please note: These points may vary for mini tournaments, pop-up events, or other special formats.

Question 8

Weather Policy

Accepted Answer

Grass and sand volleyball is played rain or shine, unless conditions become unsafe (lightning, severe weather). Any delays or cancellations will be communicated via email and/or text.

NOTE: Weather policies may vary based on venue, field, or park regulations. If a host facility has weather-related policies that differ from our standard procedures, those venue-specific policies will take precedence and will be clearly communicated to all participants in advance whenever possible.

Question 9

Rules

Accepted Answer

For Grass and Beach, we follow AVP rules.

RevCo Rules
-> RevCo is played on a women's height net.
-> Men can only attack from behind the 10 foot line.
-> If a male puts the ball over the net from in front of the 10 foot line, the entire ball must be below the tape when the ball is contacted.
-> No courtesy rule in RevCo.

Question 10

Sandbagging

Accepted Answer

Sandbagging is when a player competes in a division that is below his or her skills. Sandbagging is strictly prohibited. If a player is playing in a lower division than his/ her skills indicate, the Tournament Director has the discretion to disqualify player(s) from the tournament. Disqualification will not receive a refund.

Have questions about which division to play? Email us at info@btbvolleyball.com and our team is happy to help!

Question 11

Sub Policy

Accepted Answer

No substitutions are permitted once play has started, except for medical injury situations. You are allowed to substitute another player of equal or lower skill. Your team will be allowed to finish pool play but not allowed to move on to playoffs, regardless of record or points. Triples teams are allowed to compete with two players.

Question 12

Sportsmanlike Conduct

Accepted Answer

The Tournament Director has discretion to remove teams and/or players from play due to excessive profanity, belligerence, and/or unsportsmanlike conduct. Please help us make the day more enjoyable for everyone!

Behind the Ball Volleyball

RULES & POLICIES