14 & Under 15 & Under 16 & Under 5th Grade AAU Coach Profiles Parent and Player Information Photo Gallery AVBA March Madness Tournament Information Forms   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 towardsAnkeny School District residents. Both programs provide an opportunity for girls to play volleyball outside of the school season. Differences: USA teams are formed on a competitive tryout basis (tryouts in October or November). USA season begins with practices in December.  Tournaments run from January through April.  The AAU season is shorter. USA teams travel to several out-of-state tournaments.  AAU plays all of their tournaments in Iowa. AAU volleyball is competitive, but usually the better players move to USA volleyball as they get older.  College recruiting is done at major USA tournaments. Some of the older USA teams may play in National Regional Qualifiers which are attended by numerous college coaches. USA cost are $550 for new players to AVBA USA and $450 for returning players to AVBA USA. USA teams typically start with 14 and under (depending on interest and coaching availability). 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 and selected players will be placed on a team for that season.  Teams are generally limited to 7-9 players on a team.  Too many players on a team will limit court time for all players.  Players need to be serious about learning to play volleyball and make a committment to attend practices and tournaments. 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 in order to form the most competitive team possible at any certain age level.  Teams are not formed for the benefit of parents.  Teams are formed for the benefit of players.  Coaches must be approved by AVBA USA. Q: What do my fees cover? A: The fees paid to AVBA include two uniform jerseys, one pair of shorts, a referee and scorekeeper clinic, tournament entry fees, coaching fees, and practice times.  New players will also be provided warm-ups and a volleyball sports bag. Q: What are tournaments like? A: Tournaments and teams are based by age for USA.  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 or coaches which tournaments they will attend depending on coach and player schedules.  Tournaments fill up quickly, so a tentative schedule must be created early.  Most tournaments have pool play first which seeds teams for a single or double elimination tournament.  Tournaments are held on either Saturdays or Sundays or both days.  Some National Qualifier Tournaments can be more than just weekends.
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