AAU - Beach Volleyball

2024-2025 AAU Beach Volleyball Rules & Regulations

AAU Volleyball is conducted under the AAU Code, AAU Volleyball Handbook, and the current playing rules of USA Volleyball, as modified by the AAU National Executive Committee.

HIGHLIGHTED PLAYING RULES

The AAU Junior Beach Volleyball Tour will utilize the USA Beach Volleyball Rules of Competition; see the following highlighted playing rules for this season.

Rally Scoring: 2 games to 21, with third game to 15 (if necessary) or 1 game to 28 (rally scoring)
Block counts as a contact
No Open hand dinks/tips
One Toss per serve
Players may not "set" the ball or contact the ball with finger action in an attempt to play the ball when receiving the serve.
Any contact with any part of the net by a player's body is a violation.
Players handling the ball must set the ball in direction they are facing or directly behind them (shoulders squared) when returning the ball over the net.
Side Changes in multiples of seven (7) when the set goes to 21 or 28. Side changes in multiples of five (5) when the set goes to 15.
Time-Outs:
1. Each team is allowed one time-out per set.
2. In addition, one technical time-out is allowed per each set of 21 to 28 points. The technical time-out is not awarded to each team, but rather a shared time- out when the total combined score is reached. During games 1 and 2 that are played to 21 points the technical time-out is taken when the combined score reaches 21. There is no technical time-out in a set of 15 points. For single sets to 28 points, the technical time-out is taken when the combined score reaches 28.
Active coaching is is allowed during side changes, time-outs and in between sets and matches. The coach may not enter the court. The interaction must take place during the time allowed when players change sides of the court and play must immediately begin after the side change. (Updated 10/21)
For the 10U division ONLY, all contacts that are hit overhand are considered a driven ball. The first contact may be received with multiple contacts (on the same attempt) or may take the ball with an open hand or set. (Updated 10/21)
For the 10U division, servers my step onto the court to serve.
Athletes may wear socks or sand socks during competition.

NET HEIGHTS

Boys 18, 16, 15: Net Height - 8';
Boys 14: Net Height - 7'4"
Boys 12, 10: Net Height- 7';
Girls 18, 16, 15, 14: Net Height - 7'4"
Girls 12, 10: Net Height - 7';

PLAYING COURT

All Divisions: 16 m x 8 m (52' 6" x 26' 3")

UNIFORMS

Uniforms are not required but are encouraged. All athletes are required to wear a top, for girls it must cover the midsection when standing, and bottoms such as spandex, shorts, or leggings. No bikinis will be permitted for any team. For boys, it must be a tank top or t-shirt that covers the midsection when standing , and bottoms such as board shorts or athletic shorts. No brief type swim wear or trunks will be allowed.
Each player must have club representation identifiable by name or logo on the their top or bottom. Team club designation must always be visible to spectators and coaches during the match.
It is highly recommended for clubs to have athletes wear shorts/leggings and tank tops/sport performance tops or t-shirts during competitions.
Bikini TOPS OR BOTTOMS are not allowed to be played in.

Quick Links

Age Divisions Qualify to WCJOs Tournament Info. Pool Sheets

Qualification to West Coast AAU Sports Festival

The West Coast AAU AAU Sports Festival is a qualified only event. Only National Office approved qualifying events will award bids. To request a qualifier, CLICK HERE.

TYPES OF QUALIFYING EVENTS

Invitational/League Events
1. These events will not qualify teams to the West Coast AAU Sports Festival, Tour Championships, Best of the Beach, or 18U National Level Events.

Preliminary Events**
1. These events may earn bids to the West Coast AAU Sports Festival and Tour Championships if approved by the AAU Volleyball Committee. Please email volleyball@aausports.org with questions.
2. Preliminary events that are approved as qualifying events will award bids to the top 2 teams in each division with at least 5 teams as follows:
  1. Top 2 girls' teams in 12U/14U/15U divisions earn bids to the Tour Championships.
  2. Top 2 girls' teams in 16U division ONLY earn bids to the West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games.
  3. Top 1 girls' team in 18U division ONLY earns a bid to the West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games.
3. There must be a minimum of 5 teams in the age division in order for any teams to qualify.
4. If the 1st and/or 2nd place TEAM has previously earned a bid in the same age division, the 3rd or 4th place team will earn a bid. No teams placing lower than 4th will earn a bid.

District Championships** (must take place after November 1st)
1. District Championsship events qualify four (4) teams with a minimum of ten (10) teams entered
2. Only 1 District Championship event per District. Must be approved by the District Sports Director. Serves as the championship event within the District.
3. At least 1 member of each team must reside within the District hosting the event.
4. Girls 16U and 18U qualify for the West Coast AAU Sports Festival
5. There must be a minimum of 5 teams in the age division in order for any teams to qualify.
6. If the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th place TEAM has previously earned a bid in the same age division, the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th place teams WILL NOT qualify. No teams placing lower than 4th will earn a bid.
7. AAU District Championship medals must be awarded.

Grand Prix Events** (must take place after November 1st)
1. Open to all teams nationwide
2. Grand Prix events qualify four (4) teams with a minimum of ten (10) teams entered
3. Events must be approved by the AAU Volleyball Committee.
4. Girls 16U and 18U qualify for the West Coast AAU Sports Festival
5. There must be a minimum of 5 teams in the age division in order for any teams to qualify.
6. If the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th place TEAM has previously earned a bid in the same age division, the 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th place team WILL NOT qualify. No teams placing lower than 4th will earn a bid.
7. Any Grand Prix event that does not meet the minimum requirements may be subject to removal from licensing the following year or reclassified as a preliminary.

Regional Championships** (must take place after November 1st)
1. Only one Regional Championship is allowed per region
2. Must be a club event.
  1. Dual match format with 5 pairs in the 18U division and 3 pairs in the 14U division.
3. 18U Club Division: OPEN and PREMIERE (Five Pairs), CLUB (Three Pairs)
4. Events must be approved by the AAU Volleyball Committee.
5. 14U/18U Gold medalists qualify to the Club Championships at the West Coast AAU Sports Festival from each event.
6. If the 1st place CLUB has previously earned a bid in the same age division, the bid will trickle to the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place CLUB without a bid. No clubs placing lower than 4th will earn a bid.
Super Regional Events** (must take place after November 1st)
1. Super Regional Events are open to all clubs nationwide
2. Events must be approved by the AAU Volleyball Committee.
3. 14U/18U Gold medalists qualify to the Club Championships at the West Coast AAU Sports Festival from each event.
4. Any Super Regional event that does not meet the minimum requirements may be subject to removal from licensing the following year or reclassified as a preliminary event.
National Championships
1. The top 8 teams in each division (girls' 12U, 14U, and 15U only) qualify to the Tour Championships. There must be a minimum of 10 teams in the division in order for any teams to qualify.
Trickle Down Bids
1. Are to be determined by the National Office ONLY. An event host is NOT to issue a trickle down bid.
2. A trickle down bid will only be issued by the National Office if the team (must be the same 2 partners) has previously earned a bid TOGETHER in the same age division. If the National Office determines that this is the case, the event host will be contacted to confirm the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place team and issue the bid directly to the team.
3. Trickle down bids are NOT issued if a team will not be participating in the West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games.
4. If an event host informs you that you have received a trickle down bid, please contact volleyball@aausports.org.

*NOTE: Teams who qualify for the AAU Junior Olympic Games, West Coast AAU Sports Festival, Best of the Beach, Tour Championships, or 18U National Level events but the one partner is unable to compete, the remaining partner may select an alternate AAU member to compete with at the event. Athletes who qualify with more than one partner will select which partner he/she will compete with at the event and the remaining partner may select an alternate AAU member to compete with at the event.

**All AAU Beach Volleyball qualifiers must use VolleyballLife.com for registration AND results.

Quick Links

2023 Schedule/Results Request a Qualifier Questions?

Definitions & Formats

TOURNAMENT DEFINITIONS

Invitational, Preliminary, District Championship, Grand Prix, Regional Championships, or Super Regional Events: These events are OPEN (no pre-qualification necessary) to any team to participate.
National Championships: This event is an OPEN (no pre-qualification necessary) event and an event where qualified teams earn a berth.
AAU Junior Olympic Games/West Coast Junior Olympic Games: These events are Qualified ONLY (you must qualify) for teams to participate. Teams must medal at select licensed AAU Beach Volleyball events in order to compete in this competition. Contact Gino Grajeda (gino@aausports.org) for qualifying events or check the Beach Tour schedule at www.aaubeach.org.
National Classic: This event is an OPEN (no pre-qualification necessary) event and an event where qualified teams earn a berth.
Tour Championships: This event is an OPEN (no pre-qualification necessary) event and an event where qualified teams earn a berth.
Best of Beach (16U/14U) and Pan Pacific (18U) Tournament: These events are Qualified ONLY (you must qualify) for teams to participate. Teams must medal at select licensed AAU Beach Volleyball events in order to compete in this competition. Contact Gino Grajeda (gino@aausports.org) for qualifying events or check the Beach Tour schedule at www.aaubeach.org.
Coed Championships: This event is OPEN (no pre-qualification necessary) to any team to participate.
*NOTE: Teams who qualify for the AAU Junior Olympic Games, West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games, Best of Beach, of Pan Pacific events but the one partner is unable to compete, the remaining partner may select an alternate AAU member to compete with at the event. Athletes who qualify with more than one partner will select which partner he/she will compete with at the event and the remaining partner may select an alternate AAU member to compete with at the event.

TOURNAMENT FORMATS

OPEN, CLASSIC, INVITATIONAL OR DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FORMAT: Tournaments are Pool Play followed by single-elimination playoffs. Games or full matches may be played.
AAU NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FORMAT
1. 18U BOYS, 10U BOYS & GIRLS DIVISIONS: Single Day Tournament; Pool Play followed by Single-Elimination Playoffs
2. 18U GIRLS, 16U/15U/14U/12U BOYS & GIRLS DIVISIONS: Two or Three Day Tournament; 2-Day Format: Day 1 - Pool play followed by a second round of pool play. Day 2 - All teams advance to Day 2: Single elimination playoffs. 3-Day Format: Day 1 - Pool play (1 or 2 rounds depending on start time). Day 2 - Pool play (1 or 2 rounds depending on start time). Day 3 - All teams advance to Day 3: Single elimination playoffs.
AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES AND WEST COAST AAU JUNIOR OLYMPIC GAMES FORMAT: Two or Three Day Tournament; 2-Day Format: Day 1 - Pool play followed by a second round of pool play. Day 2 - All teams advance to Day 2: Single elimination playoffs. 3-Day Format: Day 1 - Pool play (1 or 2 rounds depending on start time). Day 2 - Pool play (1 or 2 rounds depending on start time). Day 3 - All teams advance to Day 3: Single elimination playoffs.
NATIONAL CLASSIC FORMAT: All age divisions. Two day format; Pool Play followed by pool play. At the National Classic, a national club champion will be determined by the finish of athletes registered to an AAU Beach Volleyball Club. A minimum of three (3) teams must be identified in a particular age division and the club champion is determined by the overall finish of the club athletes in the competition.
TOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS FORMAT: All age divisions. Tournament may be a one day or two day event.
BEST OF THE BEACH (16U/14U) AND PAN PACIFIC (18U) FORMAT: Two Day Format; All teams compete on both days. Full matches. Day 1 Pool Play followed by bracket Play on Day 2

For local events ONLY: The AAU Beach Volleyball Rules are to be applied unless otherwise stated or modified by the District Sport Director or event operator.

2024-2025 AAU Beach Volleyball Age Divisions

Graduation Based Divisions for Beach Volleyball

Graduation-based divisions align athletes by their high school graduating class rather than traditional age groups, ensuring fair competition and simplifying the recruiting process. Below is a dedicated section explaining how these divisions work and their benefits.

What Are Graduation-Based Divisions?

In graduation-based divisions, players compete in groups according to the year they are expected to graduate from high school, such as the "Class of 2024" or "Class of 2026." This structure ensures athletes face peers at similar academic and developmental stages, rather than only grouping by birth year.

How Graduation-Year Divisions Work

These divisions are used throughout the season and reset with the academic year (typically in the fall). Players remain in their designated division through the entire year, preventing mid-season reclassifications.

Why Use Graduation-Year Divisions?

Consistency for Recruiting: College scouts often look for talent based on graduation class, so this division makes it easier for athletes to be identified and tracked over time.
Fair Competition: Graduation-based divisions prevent younger athletes within a birth year from being disadvantaged by slightly older players, ensuring fairer match-ups.
Aligns with School Calendars: These divisions better accommodate athletes balancing sports with academic commitments, since tournaments can be structured around typical school timelines.
Reduces Eligibility Confusion: Unlike birthdate-based cutoffs (e.g., January 1), graduation years align athletes with their academic peers, reducing confusion about eligibility.

Comparison of Graduation-Based Divisions to Age-Based Divisions


Graduation Division	Equivalent Age Division	Typical Age at Start of Season
Class of 2025 and 2026	U18	16-18 years
Class of 2027	U16	15-16 years
Class of 2028	U15	14-15 years
Class of 2029 and 2030	U14	13-14 years
Class of 2031 and 2032	U12	11-12 years
Class of 2033 and below	U10	9-10 years

Common Questions

Can athletes play up?
Yes, athletes are often allowed to compete in divisions higher than their graduating class.
What happens if an athlete repeats or skips a grade?
Athletes typically remain in the division aligned with their new expected graduation year.
Do all beach volleyball organizations use this system?
AVP America, JVA, BVCA, P1440 primarily use graduation-based systems, particularly in recruitment-focused events

Graduation-year divisions provide a straightforward and transparent way for athletes, parents, and coaches to navigate competitive beach volleyball. These divisions create consistency across events, align with recruiting efforts, and ensure athletes are fairly matched with their academic peers.

Once a player participates in a club or varsity program for any university, college, community college or junior college, they are ineligible to play in the West Coast Sports Festival, and/or qualifying events to the West Coast Sports Festival.

Age waivers are NOT allowed at the National Championships or Super Regionals with the exception below.

Local District Directors can modify age divisions or grant waivers for local tournaments. Please contact your Local District Directors for information.