Question 1

Ontario Volleyball Association website

Accepted Answer

It is important that families get familiar with the OVA website as this is your main source of information regarding tournaments dates, locations and standings. There is a high level of commitment in rep sports and every player is expected to attend all OVA sanctioned tournaments - please review the competitions calendar carefully. Some pages to note:Youth Competitions Manual 2026/2027 Youth Competitions Calendar 2026/2027 What's New 2026/2027Upcoming Competitions Ontario Championships 2026 Club Window Tryout Policy  updatedAthlete Bill of Rights

Question 2

Volleyball Canada

Accepted Answer

2027 Youth Nationals

Question 3

Early Contact Initiative - 4v4, 6v6 and TLS

Accepted Answer

The Early Contact Initiative (ECI) is a collaborative effort between the OVA Youth Competitions Staff and the Indoor Volleyball Development Committee  (IVDC).

The ECI establishes OVA as a leading organization in the design of developmentally-appropriate youth competition systems.
Anchored in the principles of Long Term Development (LTD), the ECI is a set of rules geared toward assisting entry level players find the appropriate entry point along the OVA’s competition pathway. This flexibility increases developmentally-appropriate competition opportunities for younger players while providing the best experience possible for long term retention and success.
In order to achieve this success, three divisions were created to  help athletes find their fit.

To read more about ECI, please visit the OVA website

*Please note 2015 and 2016 DOBs are permitted to participate in 6v6 Rallyball if developmentally appropriate, however, it is strongly encouraged that these athletes experience the full development spectrum as identified in ECI.

* Athletes born in 2011 are encouraged to play 15U Youth Competitions. However, athletes who are new to volleyball and born from September 1st-December 31st, 2011 have the option to play TLS if that is better suited for their skillset. Athletes born from January 1st-August 31st, 2011 are only eligible to compete in the TLS division through an application.

VIDEO - Introduction to 4v4 Rallyball Playing Format presented by OVA

VIDEO - Introduction for 6v6 Rallyball Playing format presented by OVA

Question 4

Scorekeeping

Accepted Answer

The 24/25 Lining and Scoring protocol will continue for the 25/26 season with one tweak for the TLS age group.
TLS will now follow the same Lining & Scoring protocol as 4v4/6v6 Rallyball. The ECI age groups (4v4, 6v6 & TLS) will use parent/team volunteers as both scorers and lines persons. 
15U – 18U will continue with athletes completing the lining duties along with parent/team volunteers at the score table.
Clarification around roster size for 15U – 18U lining duties. 
Each team will be required to provide one (1) volunteer athlete from their roster per game, to act in the role of line judge. Should a team not have sufficient athletes (roster of eight or fewer) to fill this role, the opposing team will be asked to supply an athlete volunteer from their roster to fill the second line judge role. If this is not possible, the referee may approve that no line judges will be used for that game/match. 
If a team having nine (9) or more athletes on their roster chooses not to comply with the line judge requirements, they will receive a three (3) point penalty per set that they do not comply in addition to the $75 per set fine as per the OVA Fines and Sanctions Chart. This will be administered by providing the opposing team with three (3) points at the start of each set (i.e. the beginning score of the set will be 3-0 for the opposing team).

Links:
4v4 scoresheet 
6v6 scoresheet 
Best 2/3 scoresheet 
Line up cards 
OVA Scoring training module (for 14U and up)
How to score keep - Printable PDF 
How to Score Keep - Simplified Version - Printable PDF

VIDEO - 4v4 Scoresheet presented by OVA

VIDEO - 6v6 Scoresheet presented by OVA

VIDEO - Ontario Volleyball Scoresheet Workshop

VIDEO - How to complete a scoresheet (Sask but applicable to ON)

Question 5

Lining duties

Accepted Answer

The 24/25 Lining and Scoring protocol will continue for the 25/26 season with one tweak for the TLS age group:
- TLS will now follow the same Lining & Scoring protocol as 4v4/6v6 Rallyball. The ECI age groups (4v4, 6v6 & TLS) will use parent/team volunteers as both scorers and lines persons. 
- 15U – 18U will continue with athletes completing the lining duties along with parent/team volunteers at the score table. 
- Clarification around roster size for 15U – 18U lining duties. 
	- Each team will be required to provide one (1) volunteer athlete from their roster per game, to act in the role of line judge. Should a team not have sufficient athletes (roster of eight or fewer) to fill this role, the opposing team will be asked to supply an athlete volunteer from their roster to fill the second line judge role. If this is not possible, the referee may approve that no line judges will be used for that game/match. 
	- If a team having nine (9) or more athletes on their roster chooses not to comply with the line judge requirements, they will receive a three (3) point penalty per set that they do not comply in addition to the $75 per set fine as per the OVA Fines and Sanctions Chart. This will be administered by providing the opposing team with three (3) points at the start of each set (i.e. the beginning score of the set will be 3-0 for the opposing team).

Prior to the match, the referee will brief volunteers on how to line judge and what calls to make. Some tournaments will provide flags for line judges.

VIDEO - How to line judge in volleyball (USA edition but applicable to CAN)

Question 6

OVA Code of Conduct

Accepted Answer

The OVA’s Code of Conduct’s purpose is to ensure a safe and positive environment within OVA programs. It is applicable to all individuals engaged in activities with the OVA, including but not limited to, clubs, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, directors and officers of the OVA, spectators of OVA events and parents of OVA members.

An individual who violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to the OVA’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. Violations could result in a warning, reprimand, access restrictions, suspension and other disciplinary actions up to and including termination of employment/contract, as appropriate.

The OVA Code of Conduct can be found here: Code of Conduct.

Question 7

Concussion Protocol

Accepted Answer

Thundercats Volleyball is committed to contributing to a safe sporting environment through education and by promoting awareness of concussion diagnosis and graduated ‘return to play’ of players who have suffered a concussion. We follow the OVA’s policy and protocols around concussions. If a concussion is suspected, the athlete will be removed from play immediately, and the concussion protocol will be followed, including the requirement of medical clearance to return. If an athlete is diagnosed with a concussion, a gradual ‘return to play’ protocol will be followed after receiving medical clearance to return to sport.

More information on Rowan’s Law and Concussion Protocols can be found on the OVA’s website at:
https://www.ontariovolleyball.org/policies

Question 8

Club Handbook

Accepted Answer

A copy of the club handbook is made available to every player at the onset of the season in their 'Welcome' email.

In the absence of a club policy, we will defer to the OVA's policies.

Current rostered players may request the club handbook by emailing info.thundercatsvball@gmail.com

Question 9

Respect In Sport

Accepted Answer

The OVA requires that the Respect in Sport (RIS) module be completed by at least one parent or guardian for each athlete.

The OVA will audit the MRS accounts for completion, and athletes will not be permitted to participate in OVA tournaments if the RIS Module is not completed. There is a fee ($12) to complete the course and it will take approx. 1 hour to complete. It only needs to be completed once, you can use your existing certificate number if you previously completed the RIS for another sport.

Once completed, you must input your certificate number into your child’s MRS profile. Keep your certificate number on file for future years and future sports.

More details on the RIS, and links to complete the module can be found on the OVA website at: https://www.ontariovolleyball.org/respect-in-sport

Question 10

Refunds

Accepted Answer

Refunds for club rep fees:
Deposits collected at the beginning of the season are non-refundable. 
Refunds and pro-rates are NOT given to missed or cancelled practices. 
No refund will be given if a player withdraws from the team, as the initial budget was based on the number of players on the team.
If a player has been released by the coach then a prorated refund will be considered by the Club.
In the event that a player becomes injured while playing or practicing and cannot practice or compete for more than 2 months a prorate on base club fees may be given. The responsible party will still be required to pay all incurred costs prior to the injury and pay into coaches tournament expenses (slush fund). The participant must provide proof of injury by providing the club with a written statement from a medical doctor certifying the injury. The player will be re-admitted to participate in the club only with a written release from a medical doctor certifying their fitness to participate in club activities.

Refunds for club non-rep programs, camps, clinic, etc. 
Full refunds will be issued less the administration fee of $50 up to two (2) weeks prior to the start date of the program.
There are no refunds after the start date of a class.
Refunds, prorates and make-up classes will not be given due to missed classes, or any absenteeism.

RESOURCES