Beach volleyball is primarily played in a doubles format with no substitutions. Since beach is played outdoors, and with less players on the court, the court is smaller in size with less points being played. Teams switch sides throughout each set.

It is acceptable to play in a tournament without a coach and is typically common. Coaches who do attend must be registered through USAV.

There are few technical rules that are worth knowing before playing beach volleyball. No open hand tips are allowed. A block touch counts as the first contact for that team. The second touch is allowed to be contacted by either player on that team.

Setting must be performed with very minimal rotation. If a player attempts to set the ball over the net, the ball must be set in the direction of which their shoulders are facing. Double contact calls are much stricter in beach volleyball.

A player is not allowed to replace another during a tournament.

You can expect beach volleyball tournaments to start play at 8:00 AM with pool play and then bracket play ending early afternoon. It is very common in beach volleyball for the teams playing to self-officiate their games. A team may be available to help with score-keeping.

Players and coaches must have an eligible USAV membership. If a player/coach participated on an indoor club, that membership is valid to participate in beach tournaments. If a participant is needing a membership, click HERE to purchase the summer membership.

Player registration for HOA beach tournaments can be found HERE. When registering, one player will register the team for the event but both players must have an eligible USAV membership at the time of registration.

Coaches must have an eligible USAV membership if planning to attend a tournament with their players. Coaches should be knowledgeable of the rules of beach volleyball. If you are planning to coach at a HOA beach tournament, please email info@hoavb.org prior to the tournament to let us know.

Beach volleyball is played outdoors meaning summer weather is a factor. While most tournaments will start play at 8:00 AM, the tournament director reserves the right to change start times if the weather could cause a disruption to tournament play.

Beach volleyball will be played as long as the weather does not present any danger of injury to the players. The tournament director will make a decision if play should be suspended and will attempt to resume play when conditions allow.

Refunds can be issued due to:

• Tournament cancellation
• Division size not met
• Withdrawing from tournament at least 1 week prior

Refunds can not be issued due to:

• Last minute withdrawals
• No showing to a tournament (sanctions could also be enforced)

Uniforms are not required. All athletes must wear a top that covers their midsection when standing and bottoms like spandex, shorts, or leggings. Bikinis/brief-type swim trunks are not permitted.

Some important items you should consider when attending a beach tournament:

• Sand socks
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Towel
• Umbrella
• Water bottle

Attending a beach tournament may look different than an indoor tournament. Spectators are typically restricted to a viewing area that is determined by the tournament director.

Spectators can not be involved in the game except for cheering. This is a zero tolerance policy and removal from the tournament site will be enforced.

Most HOA beach tournaments are held at facilities that sell alcohol. NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED AT THESE TOURNAMENTS.

Cameras can be set up to record play near a court but placement must be approved by the tournament director.