.:
Frequently Asked Questions:.
Q: What are some of the similarities and differences
between AAU and USA volleyball?
A:
Similarities:
- Both programs are under the “umbrella” of
the Ankeny Volleyball Association (AVBA), but are separate
entities.
- Both programs stress teamwork and good
sportsmanship.
- Both programs cater towards Ankeny School
District residents.
- Both programs provide an opportunity for girls to play
volleyball utside of the school season.
Differences:
- USA teams are formed on a competitive
tryout basis.
- USA season begins with practices in
December. Tournaments run from January through early April. The
AAU season is shorter stretching from January to March.
- USA teams travel to several out-of-state
tournaments while AAU stays in Iowa.
- USA tournaments will have significantly
more college recruiting at the older age levels and larger
tournaments.
- USA is more expensive than AAU primarily due to the longer
season, larger tournaments, and paid IMPACT certified
coaching.
Q: How are teams formed? How can I get my
child on a team?
A: Teams are
formed using a tryout process. Tryouts for AVBA USA
volleyball are generally held the end of October or beginning of
November. Potential players should attend a designated tryout
for their appropriate age level. Tryouts will consist of
players completing a variety of drills allowing us to assess their
athletic ability and skill level. Following tryouts selected
players will be asked to play on a team for the season.
Tryouts are open to anyone; however, each team must have a majority
of players that reside within the Ankeny School District in order to
meet City of Ankeny guidelines for gym rentals.
Q: Can I form my own team?
A: No teams should be formed without going
through the tryout process. The tryout process allows AVBA USA
to effectively evaluate all potential players and form the most
competitive team possible at each age level. All AVBA USA
coaches are IMPACT certified and determined by our club
director.
Q: How large are teams?
A:
Teams are generally limited to 8-9 players. Too many
players on a team results in limit court time for all players.
Too few players prevents teams from playing many weekends due to the
many extracurricular activities players participate
in.
Q: What do my fees cover?
A: The
fees paid to AVBA provide players two uniform jerseys, one pair of
shorts, a referee and scorekeeper clinic, tournament entry fees,
coaching fees, and practice gym rental. New players will also
be provided warm-ups and a volleyball sports bag.
Q:
What are tournaments like?
A:
Tournaments are held across the United States, however AVBA
USA generally attends a majority of tournaments within Iowa and
a few tournaments within surrounding states. Each team
will decide together with their coach which tournaments they will
attend depending upon schedule conflicts. Tournaments fill up
quickly, so a tentative schedule must be created in early
December. Most tournaments have pool play first which seeds
teams for a single or double elimination tournament.
Tournaments can be one or two days long held on either Saturdays or
Sundays. Some National Qualifier Tournaments can be longer
than two days. | 
