It must be stated upfront that the primary concern of the Arizona Region of USA Volleyball during these unprecedented times is the health and safety of the members of the Arizona Region. The Region is bound by the decisions of USA Volleyball and guidelines established by the State of Arizona however the Region can only do so much to protect its members. The Region views its role as one of disseminating the latest and most relevant information to our members so they can make informed decisions with respect to getting back on the court. Each member and their family needs to carefully consider the information and then make an informed decision after comparing the risks and rewards of returning to the court. Ultimately, this is an individual voluntary decision and each member and their family will have to decide how best to proceed in this environment.

On May 13, 2020, USA Volleyball released its Return to Play Guidelines. They list items for individuals, clubs and events to follow in order to safely return to play. The full USAV Return to Play Guidelines can be found above. The Guidelines and release of insurance suspension are dependent on the State of Arizona timeline for reopening. The Return to Play Guidelines allow volleyball clubs to begin practicing again as each state reopens. On Tuesday, May 12, Governor Ducey announced that we had completed the gating requirements and are moving into Phase 1 of the Arizona Task Force Guidelines. Phase 1 of the Task Force Guidelines list the following (and more not listed here):

For Individuals:

• All vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter-in-place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that they could carry the virus back home by returning to work or other environments where social distancing is not practical. Precautions should be taken to isolate from the vulnerable residents.
• All individuals, when in public, (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas, shopping areas) should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
• Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for appropriate physical distancing (e.g., receptions, trade shows)
• Minimize non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.

For Specific Types of Employers

• Schools and organized youth activities (e.g., daycare, camps) that are currently closed should remain closed.
• Large Venues (e.g., sit down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.
• Gyms can open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols.

The word “gym” was not defined in the document so we reached out to Governor Ducey’s office to determine whether youth sports programs fell under the definition of gyms or with organized youth activities. The reply was that youth sports are part of schools and organized youth activities and are to remain closed until they open in Phase 2. With that answer, Arizona Region sanctioned events and insurance will not be available until we move into Phase 2. Phase 2 can only occur after we have to be in Phase 1 at least 2 weeks.

All of the remaining Girls’ National Qualifiers have been cancelled. The Arizona Region is going to wait until the Junior Assembly meetings next week to determine the fate of our NCQ tournament. We have extended the entry deadline for the AZ NCQ to May 22nd. 

We want to play the matches on the court if at all possible. After the Jr Assembly meetings we may know how USAV plans to fill the bids that were not awarded at the National Qualifiers. We believe that they will also extend the deadline to turn in our bid winners. We could move into Phase 2 by the end of May (we have to stay in Phase 1 at least 2 weeks).

Please use the entry form included to enter any teams to compete for the AZ Region bids - 1 entry form per club - you do not need to fill out one for each team.

Please verify with the parents that the players are willing and able to attend the GJNC in June prior to entering the team. Teams that are entered are considered to be ready to go.

At this time, USA Volleyball is hoping that the event will take place as scheduled. They are in contact with the Dallas Convention Center and Reno Convention Center. There could be restrictions on team make up and spectators that are not yet known.

In the event the AZ NCQ can not be played on the court, the teams that have entered will be ranked by age group from the last tournament finish of Arizona Region play.

The Board of Directors has decided to hold the 2020 General Assembly via Webinar. More information will be sent out in the summer for the online sessions and General Assembly.