Youth Programs FAQ

Beach Club/Mini Hitters/Boys Training Program FAQ

Please read this entire page so you can be up to date with everything you'll need! 

We have answers for about questions relating to: 


Registration

There is an age overlap between GAV Beach Club and Mini Hitters. Which should I choose? 

Beach Club is for ages 10-18. Mini Hitters is ages 8-11. In general, if your player falls in the overlapping ages and is new to beach volleyball, choose Mini Hitters. If your player has some experience, choose Beach Club. Age groups can vary by location

Which age group is my player in?

Beach volleyball offers 18U, 16U, 14U and 12U. Typically:

  • 18U is players that just finished 11th or 12th grade. 
  • 16U is players that just finished 9th or 10th grade.
  • 14U is players that just finished 7th or 8th grade.
  • 12U is players that just finished 6th grade and below.
Did my registration go through? I haven’t received anything yet.

You will receive an email from Great American Volleyball after registering through the event page on gav.volleyballlife.com. This confirms that your registration went through correctly. If you do not receive this email (or see the event listed under your account on VolleyballLife), please reach out to us at info@greatamericanvolleyball.com. 

All the info you need, including start dates, times, and locations are included on the website. We will send a welcome email a few days before you are scheduled to start.

My player is signing up with her partner. Can you make sure they are together? 
My player doesn’t have a partner. Is that okay?

Players are grouped by age/skill level based on what you put on the registration form.
Each practice is structured so that everyone plays with everyone in their group. No partner is needed because everyone will rotate partners.

I just heard about this. Can I still sign up?

Some locations have space available for late registrations. Email info@greatamericanvolleyball.com to find out!

Rates cannot be prorated based on attendance. Late registrations may not receive a t-shirt.

Can my son/daughter bring a guest to try it out? 

We do not offer drop-in sessions. If there is space available at your location, your friends are welcome to register first and then come to practice! 

It says boys/girls practice on the night I am considering. Does this mean they are playing coed? 

No, boys and girls practice on separate courts. This just means that we offer practice for both boys and girls on those nights at that location. 


Refunds

I changed my mind. Can I have a refund? 

Refunds can be issued up until the start date of the program. After the start date, there are no refunds.

All refunds are subject to a transaction fee because we are still charged by the credit card company for both the original and the refund transactions. 

My player has not been to any sessions yet. Can I have a refund?

Refunds cannot be given once the program starts. See above.

My player tried it, but did not like it. Can I have a refund? 

Same thing, see above for our refund policy. 


Practice

What should I wear?
  • Dress for the weather in something that you can move around in!
  • Shirts that cover the midriff are required for both boys and girls.
  • We recommend hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray as you see fit.
  • Dressing in layers is a good idea for when the sun goes down.
  • You don't need anything on your feet.
What should I bring?
  • Your water and yourself!
  • No water will be provided, so bring enough for the entire night!
Do I need a ball?

GAV has volleyballs available at each location for use during practice.


Missed Sessions

I can’t make it tonight/I am going to be late. Who should I contact?

No one. We do not need to know in advance if you will not be there or if you are coming late.  

We are going on vacation/have soccer practice/won’t be in the area/etc., so my player will miss some sessions. Is this okay? 

It’s totally fine if you miss some sessions for your other family plans!

Can we make up missed sessions? Can our fee be prorated for missed sessions? 

We do not offer make up sessions, prorated fees, or drop-in sessions based on attendance. You cannot attend a different night or location from what you signed up for to make up for missed sessions.

 

Equipment

How do I get some gear?
  • One t-shirt is included. It will arrive mid-season!
  • We have a merchandise tent at every tournament or you can purchase at the front desk at the Great American Center.

 

Weather

What if it rains?
  • A little rain can’t hurt! #youwontmelt
  • We will only send a text alert in the event practice is cancelled. Assume it is on unless you hear otherwise!
  • It is always up to the family to choose to go and there is no penalty for missing practices.
How will I know if practice is cancelled? 
  • Cancellation decisions will be texted using the text alert system no later than two hours prior to the start of the program.
  • Please do not call, email, or message regarding the status of practice. We will not respond.
  • We will only send a text alert in the event practice is cancelled. Assume it is on unless you hear otherwise!
How do I get the text alerts?

Subscribe to the text alerts through Volleyball Life. This is only way you will be notified of a cancellation. If you did not opt-in to alerts during registration, you can sign up for these alerts by tapping the SMS Opt-In button at the bottom of every gav.volleyballlife.com page to sign up.

If practice is cancelled, will it be made up? 

If needed, a make-up session for weather cancellations will be offered the week after practice is over for the season. Check your specific location information for the exact date this will be offered. There is only one make up night per session.


 

Tournaments

Are tournaments required?

Tournaments are optional, but highly suggested! You can sign up for one, two, or all of them with the same or different partners.

I have never participated in a tournament before and don't know what to do! 
  • Developmental tournaments will be offered for GAV Beach Club participants. 
  • A coach will help players navigate the tournament day so they can feel comfortable enough to register for one on their own!
  • Space is limited at each event. 
  • You may only sign up for one developmental event. After that, register for our regular juniors tournaments!
  • Find them on the schedule!
How do I know when the tournaments are?

Juniors tournaments are run by Great American Volleyball and are listed at gav.volleyballlife.com under the Events tab.

How do I get a partner?

You are responsible for finding your own partner. Ask the new friends you’re making at practice!

Which age group is my player in?

Beach volleyball offers 18U, 16U, 14U and 12U. Typically:

  • 18U is players that just finished 11th or 12th grade. 
  • 16U is players that just finished 9th or 10th grade.
  • 14U is players that just finished 7th or 8th grade.
  • 12U is players that just finished 6th grade and below.
I signed up for a tournament in August, but I only see one other team registered. Will it be canceled?

No, probably not. Most players sign up the week before the tournament. Registration closes at 6:00pm the day before the tournament.

I heard we get a discount on tournaments. How do I apply it?
  • All GAV Beach Club players receive one free GAV Juniors tournament entry
  • Use the code below to register for ONE GAV Juniors outdoor tournament June - August 2025
  • Register with a partner on gav.volleyballlife.com 
  • Use Promo Code: COMING SOON
  • Each partner will still need to sign up for the annual GAV membership ($25 for 365 days) or the system will add a $15 per person single day membership fee to the tournament registration.