What is a Regional High Performance Program?

Consistent with the goals of USAV High Performance, Regional High Performance Programs are recognized as regional "arms" of USAV's National HP Program.  They are run by USAV Regions (please click here to see a map of USAV Regions) in order to provide junior athletes with high-level training, skill development and competition at a more localized scale than the National HP Program. 

Each USAV Region is strongly encouraged to develop a Regional HP Program as a benefit and opportunity to their junior volleyball community. 

Regional HP Programs can vary in scope from 3-day training camps to comprehensive programs that include coaches' education, sustained athlete training, team selection and travel to inter-regional or international competition.  While regional flexibility is allowed in determining the scope of RHP Programs, each Program must remain consistent with certain National criteria and standards. 

Benefits of Operating a Regional High Performance Program

Regional HP Programs offer many National and regional benefits.  By bringing National-level training and competition to the regional level, USAV Regions can offer elite training to their top athletes as well as foster broad-based player development.  Regional HP Programs expand the base of elite athletes across the US, ensuring that our National Team Programs are pushed higher toward consistent medal success.

Specific benefits that accrue to Regions as well as the National HP Program include:

1. RHP Programs offer advanced and highly-motivated junior volleyball athletes high-level training not available through club or high school programs
2. RHP Programs expand opportunities for top regional athletes to enter the USA Athlete Pipeline and compete for spots on National-level Teams.
3. They provide training and experience to coaches from the host Region.
4. They expand opportunities for as many elite coaches as possible to enter the USA Coaches Pipeline and gain National-level experience.
5. They help the National HP Program identify unique talent and/or athletes who may have been missed during National evaluations or tryouts.
6. They expand opportunities for exposure and recognition of junior athletes in a Region.
7. They help create role models with whom young volleyball athletes can relate - models who are "home grown," more accessible and who may have more of an impact on young athletes.
8. They better prepare young athletes for the rigors of National-level training, international competition and future National Team success.
9. Affiliation with the National HP Program offers Regions the ability to involve college coaches without violating NCAA eligibility rules and regulations.
10. Affiliation with the National HP Program offers Regional Teams access to the USAV Regional HP competition event - the US High Performance Championships.
11. Affiliation with the National HP Program offers Regions a "wildcard" participant in a National-level camp.
12. Affiliation with the National HP Program offers Regions the ability to use the USA Name/logo with HP team's usage domestically and abroad.

To ensure that these benefits are realized, and to maintain high standards among all USAV HP Programs, the following Section outlines National criteria and standards that RHP Programs are required to pursue and implement.  These criteria and standards may be modified in certain instances, for example as in the case of a first-year Regional HP Program where exceptions are necessary to ensure Program success.

Click here to review National criteria and standards for Regional HP Programs.

Click here to see sample first steps for a USAV Region to plan and develop a Regional HP Program. 

Click here to review tips and recommendations for establishing a Regional HP Program.