Club volleyball in the United States is typically organized through national and regional governing bodies, with the two most prominent ones being USA Volleyball (USAV) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Here's an overview of how club volleyball is organized in the US and the distinctions between these organizations, including the role of CHRVA (Chesapeake Region Volleyball Association):

1. USAV (USA Volleyball):
   - National Governing Body: USA Volleyball is the official national governing body for the sport of volleyball in the United States. It oversees all levels of the sport, including grassroots programs, junior volleyball (club and high school), collegiate volleyball, and national teams.
   - Junior Volleyball: USAV is responsible for sanctioning and regulating junior volleyball programs across the country. This includes club volleyball for players aged 18 and under.
   - National Events: USAV hosts national-level tournaments and championships, including the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships, which are among the most prestigious youth volleyball events in the country.
   - Membership: Players, coaches, officials, and clubs typically become members of USA Volleyball to participate in sanctioned events and access resources.

2. AAU (Amateur Athletic Union):
   - Alternative Governing Body: The AAU is another organization that offers club volleyball programs for young athletes. While USAV is the primary governing body for volleyball, some clubs choose to be affiliated with AAU instead.
   - Tournaments and Championships: AAU conducts its own tournaments and championships, often in parallel with USAV events. Some players and clubs prefer AAU competition for various reasons, including regional differences in regulations and event schedules.
   - Membership: Like USAV, AAU requires membership for participation in its sanctioned events.

3. CHRVA (Chesapeake Region Volleyball Association):
   - Regional Body: CHRVA is one of the 40 regional volleyball associations that fall under the jurisdiction of USA Volleyball. It serves the Chesapeake Region, which includes parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
   - Affiliated with USAV: CHRVA is affiliated with USA Volleyball and operates under its guidelines and rules. It helps organize and oversee junior volleyball programs within its region.
   - Tournaments and Sanctioning: CHRVA assists in hosting and sanctioning local, regional, and national-level tournaments for junior volleyball players in its region.
   - Membership: Players, clubs, coaches, and officials within the Chesapeake Region typically become members of both CHRVA and USA Volleyball to participate in events and access resources.

The choice between USAV and AAU affiliation often depends on regional preferences and club-specific considerations.

Loudoun Elite Volleyball Club, located in the Chesapeake Region, is a proud member of both CHRVA (Chesapeake Region Volleyball Association) and USA Volleyball (USAV), operating under the established guidelines and rules of these governing bodies. While primarily affiliated with CHRVA/USAV, the club also maintains a connection with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). It's worth noting that the majority of tournaments played by Loudoun Elite Volleyball Club are sanctioned by CHRVA/USAV, aligning with the prevailing regional standards and competition structures. However, our affiliation with AAU provides flexibility and options for players and teams, allowing them to participate in a broader range of events that cater to varying preferences and schedules within the vibrant world of club volleyball in the United States.