This is the time of year when clubs are planning next season’s tournament schedule. New events create additional options, while long-standing tournaments may face increased competition. Rather than focusing on the challenges, use this as an opportunity to evaluate and enhance your event. If you’re hosting a new tournament, delivering a high-quality experience from the start is essential.
Here are 12 tips to help your tournament stand out from the rest.
Build an Efficient Tournament Schedule
A well-planned tournament schedule creates a better experience for teams, spectators, and tournament staff. As you build your event, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use even-numbered pools. Pool play runs more efficiently with even-numbered pools and simplifies the transition into bracket play.
- Set consistent start times. Morning waves typically begin at 8:00 a.m., while afternoon waves usually start at 2:30 p.m. Be sure to follow your Region’s policies regarding the latest allowable match start time, which is often 9:00 p.m.
- Finish early on Sundays. Whenever possible, conclude competition by 5:00 p.m. to accommodate teams traveling home.
- Limit downtime during bracket play. Avoid scheduling long breaks between matches. Ideally, teams should not wait more than an hour between contests.
- Minimize club conflicts. When creating pools and brackets, avoid matching teams from the same club whenever possible.
- Group divisions by net height. At smaller events, stagger divisions to reduce the need for frequent net adjustments. For example, complete the 12s division before beginning the 14s division.
- Keep matches moving. If court availability is limited, consider eliminating deciding third sets where tournament rules allow to help keep the event on schedule.
Enhance the Event Experience
Beyond scheduling, the overall tournament experience plays a significant role in how clubs evaluate your event.
- Admissions. Admission fees can help offset facility and operating costs. A common pricing structure is $5 for adults and $3 for children for a one-day event, though larger venues such as convention centers may require higher admission fees.
- Food and concessions. Offer a variety of concession options. While younger athletes often gravitate toward traditional snacks, older athletes and families increasingly appreciate healthier choices.
- Awards. Medals remain the preferred award for most athletes. Order extra medals to ensure every player on a winning team receives one, especially as team rosters continue to grow.
- Build strong club partnerships. If you’re co-hosting an event, ensure responsibilities and promotional efforts are shared equally. Collaborative tournaments can strengthen relationships among clubs and create better experiences for participants.
- Maximize revenue opportunities. If using multiple facilities, schedule younger age divisions at the primary venue whenever possible. Younger teams often attract more family members, increasing concession and retail sales.
If you consistently deliver a well-organized, high-quality tournament, teams will return year after year. But if the experience falls short—or you fail to build strong relationships with clubs in your region—you risk losing teams to competing events that provide a better experience.
Promoting your tournament is straightforward. Post your event on the JVA website, market it through email campaigns and social media, and personally invite clubs within a four- to six-hour drive. Be sure to follow up with the clubs whose tournaments you supported during the previous season. Supporting one another is one of the best ways for clubs to build lasting partnerships and create successful events.
For additional resources, explore JVA’s articles on hosting and managing successful volleyball tournaments.
Revised 7.6.2026
