Tournament Level Selection at Loudoun Elite Volleyball:

At Loudoun Elite Volleyball, we are dedicated to providing our athletes with a well-rounded and fulfilling competitive experience. While the vast majority of our teams compete at the highest "Open" level in tournaments, we also prioritize careful consideration and individualized planning for each event.

- Open Level Tournaments: We believe in challenging our athletes to reach their fullest potential. Therefore, the majority of our teams participate in tournaments at the "Open" level, which represents the pinnacle of competition in club volleyball. This level of play exposes our players to elite competition and fosters their growth and development.

- Individualized Tournament Selection: We understand that every team's skill and competitive level can evolve over the course of a season. As a result, Loudoun Elite carefully assesses the current level of each team to ensure that tournament participation aligns with their skill and development trajectory. We consider factors such as performance, readiness, and the overall experience of play.

- Balancing Challenge and Enjoyment: Our goal is to strike a balance between challenging our athletes and ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By tailoring our tournament level selection, we create an environment where competition enhances our athletes' development rather than overwhelming them.

- Commitment to Development: Our unwavering commitment is to the continuous development of our athletes. We seek to elevate their skills, strategies, and competitiveness by consistently striving for the highest possible level of play in every tournament.

At Loudoun Elite Volleyball, we prioritize both the development and enjoyment of our athletes. By carefully selecting tournament levels based on each team's current capabilities, we create a dynamic and supportive atmosphere where competition becomes a catalyst for growth and achievement.

ABOUT THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PLAY

In USA Volleyball (USAV), different levels of play are categorized based on skill, competitiveness, and overall level of play. Two common levels you've mentioned are "OPEN" and "CLUB," but there are other levels as well. Here's an explanation of what each level typically means:

1. OPEN Level:
   - The "OPEN" level is the highest and most competitive level of play in USA Volleyball. Teams at this level consist of highly skilled and experienced players.
   - OPEN level competitions often feature elite club teams and players who have aspirations to play at the collegiate or even professional level.
   - These teams typically have a high level of coaching and practice intensively to compete at the highest levels of club volleyball.
   - OPEN level tournaments and championships are highly competitive and showcase some of the best junior volleyball talent in the country.

2. CLUB Level:
   - The "CLUB" level is a more general and inclusive level of play in USA Volleyball. It encompasses a wide range of skill levels and ages.
   - CLUB teams are often composed of players with varying levels of experience, from beginners to those with a few years of volleyball under their belts.
   - CLUB level provides opportunities for athletes to learn and develop their skills, enjoy the sport, and compete in a supportive and developmental environment.
   - While there is still a focus on competition, CLUB level competitions are generally not as intense or competitive as OPEN level events.

Note: 

Club Volleyball vs. Club Level of Play:

"Club volleyball" and the "club level of play" are related terms in the context of junior volleyball, but they refer to different aspects of the sport.

Club Volleyball: "Club volleyball" refers to the organized youth and junior volleyball programs offered by clubs or organizations. These programs provide opportunities for young athletes to receive coaching, participate in practices, and compete in organized volleyball tournaments and leagues. Club volleyball often includes multiple teams at various skill levels, allowing players to choose a program that matches their skill and competitive aspirations.

Club Level of Play: On the other hand, the "club level of play" pertains to the specific skill and competitive level at which a team or player participates within the club volleyball system. Clubs typically offer multiple levels of play, such as Open, National, American, Regional, and Local/Club levels, to accommodate players with varying skills and goals. Athletes and teams select a particular level of play based on their skill development, competitiveness, and aspirations. The club level of play helps ensure that players compete against others of similar skill and experience.

3. Other Levels:
   - In addition to OPEN and CLUB levels, USA Volleyball may also have intermediate or division-specific levels based on factors such as age, skill, and competitiveness.
   - These additional levels might be named differently by various regions or tournaments. For example, you may encounter divisions like "Premier", "American," "National," "Regional," or "Classic" in certain competitions.
   - These divisions are designed to cater to a wide range of players and teams, allowing for more balanced and competitive matches.

It's important to note that the terminology and specific level designations may vary between regions and tournaments. While OPEN and CLUB are common terms, some regions or events might use alternative names or divisions to classify teams based on their skill and experience levels. Players and parents should check with their specific club or tournament organizers to understand the level classifications and what they entail in their particular context.