HP Age-Group Definitions

2012 and 2013 FIVB / USA VOLLEYBALL HIGH PERFORMANCE AGE-GROUP CLASSIFICATIONS 

The age-group classifications are consistent with those established by the FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball). Those age-group classifications govern international competition and all levels of HP programs.  Please note that these age-group classifications differ from USA Volleyball Junior club age definitions and also from grade classifications of U.S. school systems. 

USAV High Performance works on a two-year cycle, with a cycle starting at the beginning of an even year (like 2012) and finishing at the end of an odd year (like 2013).  Athletes remain in the same age group throughout the two years, then move up to the next age group at the beginning of the next even year to start a new cycle (like will happen next in 2014).  Athletes may only try out and play in their own age group – there is no “playing up*.”

This two-year cycle matches the international competition schedule in which USA competes.  The NORCECA Championships in even years is the opportunity for USA to qualify for the FIVB World Championship in odd years.  Keeping athletes in the same age group for both years allows for the same athletes who qualify for Worlds at NORCECA to be eligible to play in Worlds.  As each year is a new tryout year, the National Teams will naturally consist of some new athletes and some returning from the NORCECA team, however maintaining the opportunity for the same athletes to participate is the goal.

2012 and 2013 Women / Girls' Age Groups
-Women's Senior - Usually women born before 1994, although women of all ages are eligible
-Women's Junior- Women born in 1994 and 1995
-Girls' Youth- Girls born in 1996 and 1997
-Girls' Select- Girls born in 1998 and 1999
-Girls’ Future Select*- Girls born in 2000 and 2001. Interested athletes who were born in 2002 and later may also try out in the Future Select age group.

*- Typically, Future Select athletes will not be separated into their own age group at HP Tryouts. Future Select athletes may be invited to participate in summer HP Programs with other Future Select athletes or potentially with Select athletes if appropriate.

2012 and 2013 Men / Boys' Age Groups
Men's Senior - Usually men born before 1993, although men of all ages are eligible.
-Men's Junior- Men born in 1993 and 1994
-Boys' Youth- Boys born in 1995 and 1996
-Boys' Select- Boys born in 1997 and 1998
-Boy’s Future Select*- Boys born in 1999 and 2000. Interested athletes who were born in 2001 and later may also try out in the Future Select age group.