Frequently Asked Questions
GETTING STARTED
Do I need a physical to join NJVBC?
No—there’s no physical required. By registering online and showing up at your tryout or first practice, you’re confirming your child is healthy enough to play.
What age group can my child play in?
Club volleyball uses USA Volleyball’s July 1 cutoff. If your child was born before July 1, they must play in the older age group. Use our Age Calculator to determine eligibility.
My child has never played before. What are their chances?
It’s hard to predict until tryouts. Generally, players 14U and under have a fair chance since many are new to organized volleyball. At 15 and older, competition is tougher due to high school experience.
Is there a difference between regional and travel team?
No. At NJVBC, “regional” is the same as “travel”—both refer to teams that compete regionally. Other clubs may use different terms.
Can my child play up an age group?
Players must try out for their USA Volleyball age group. Coaches may promote them to an older group if appropriate. Skipping to a higher group without approval is not allowed. Our tryout system accounts for players that score higher than their peers at the same age group, and will automatically put them into a higher age group for their round 2 tryout.
Are travel teams offered to players age 12 and under?
Girls Travel teams start at 12U.
Boys Travel teams start at 15U.
Yes, players younger than those can still tryout. They would tryout for the youngest age group based on their gender.
TRYOUTS
Is there a tryout or tryout fee for the practice-only team?
No—practice-only (non-travel) teams do not require a tryout nor a tryout fee. Practice-only teams are first-come, first served. Players that tried out for the travel team and were not selected get early access to register for non-travel.
When and how do we pay tryout dues or fees?
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Travel tryouts: $60 — cash only at the door, when you arrive to tryouts.
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Program payments: Due at first practice via cash or check. You can pay in full or over six months. Full payment details are sent closer to the season.
What happens if my child misses a tournament? Can I receive a partial refund?
We cannot issue refunds. Expenses like jerseys, gym time, and insurance are prepaid before the season starts.
When are tournaments and events scheduled?
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Scheduling occurs after December 1, and we aim to finalize by December 15.
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Most tournaments/events will be on Saturdays or Sundays. Tournaments/events are usually limited to one per month.
- Boys season: Tournaments days will begin end of October, and the season will end at the end of February.
- Girls Season: Tournament days will begin end of January, and the season will end at the beginning of May.
When will practice times and coaches be assigned?
We assign coaches and practice times only after tryouts—this ensures no conflict with high school coaches. High school coaches cannot coach their own players in the off-season per NJSIAA guidelines. We form the teams first, then assign coaches.
The window for practices last season ran between 11 am–9 pm. Practices are 2.5 hours long.
What if my child doesn’t make the travel team—will that hurt their confidence?
Only you can answer this question! It depends on the child. Most either commit to practice-only and try again next year, or realize volleyball may not be their sport.
TEAMS & PRACTICES
When and where are practices held?
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Travel Teams: 2.5-hour practices Sundays; with the exception of Boys 17U and 18U on Mondays.
- Travel team locations: Nutley, Little Falls, and North Haledon.
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Practice-Only Teams: 1.5-hour sessions on Sundays.
- Practice-only locations: Clifton, Wayne, North Haledon.
How long do seasons last?
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Boys Travel: mid-September through end of February.
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Girls Travel: November through first week of May.
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Girls Practice-Only: first weekend in January through last week in March.
COSTS & DISCOUNTS
What are the costs?
Travel team expenses vary by age and are detailed on their respective pages. Girls Travel Teams, Boys Travel Teams, Practice-Only Teams.
What discounts does the club offer?
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2 siblings: 10% off total of both players
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3+ siblings: 15% off total of all player
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Military/Veteran/First Responder parents: 10% off for the child
LOCATIONS & LOGISTICS
What about tournaments and travel distances?
When a tournament is scheduled, expect to be there all day. The one-day tournament format is much like the World Cup in soccer – pool play, followed by a single elimination tournament. You will usually arrive 8:30am, and expect to leave anywhere between 2pm and 7pm depending on how they do.
90% of event locations are within an hour’s drive. Once in a while, you may go up to an hour and a half drive for a tournament or event.
The furthest tournament (our optional sleepaway for girls in Harrisburg, PA) is 2.5 hours away.
Does NJVBC provide transportation or buses?
No— we do not provide any transportation to practices, tournaments, or events. Families arrange travel, and carpools are encouraged.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
How many tournaments do we commit to, and are there extra tournament fees?
Players must attend all practices and tournaments. Once you accept a travel spot, consistent participation is expected. We encourage you to read the information carefully on the Girls Tryout and Boys Tryout page. Cost and amount of tournaments/events varies by age. Tournament fees are included in season dues—extra charges only apply for optional events like the sleepaway tournament.
Does NJVBC offer spring and summer camps or clinics?
Yes! Please subscribe to our newsletter on the home page.
WHY NJVBC?
Why choose North Jersey Volleyball Club?
You’ll find affordable programming, fundamental skill development, and a multi-sport-friendly schedule. Our focus is on developing players, not just winning.
CONTACTS & SIGNUPS
How can I stay updated or register?