Levels of competition for the EVP Tour
PROFESSIONAL
This is the highest level of play in the tour. Eligible players must have a AAA rating from their local beach volleyball organization or finish in the top 3 places for an EVP sanctioned Gold (AAA/open) event. Winners of a Gold event are automatically entered into the PRO category for the next EVP event of their choice, with the exceptions of the National Championships, invitational or City vs City events. Pro players can be either contracted athletes or free agents and should be eligible to receive prize money. Contracted athletes have a long standing relationship with the EVP tour and commit to represent their city in a number of national events. Most pro players are ex-collegiate indoor players, may have played nationally or internationally and have more than a few years of beach experience.
Gold – AAA - Open
This is the highest level of amateur competition in the tour. Gold or open level permits AAA players to compete for a spot into the Pro division. Although this is an open level, it is usually very competitive so it might not be suitable for lower level players. Gold players should be eligible to win cash prizes. Pro players may not play at this level unless they are playing with an amateur partner (no EVP Pro rating), have not competed at the Pro level in the last 3 seasons or are invited to participate at the discretion of the tournament director. Gold winners may decide to forfeit the right to play at the pro level for a maximum of 3 events. Most Gold players are current collegiate and past indoor players, ex –pro players and have a few years of beach experience.
AA - Advanced
This advanced level of competition is for players that have beach experience and can play competitively in a consistent manner. AA players may have indoor experience and are transitioning to the beach game such as lower division current or ex-collegiate players, ex-AAA players or high development Juniors. AA consecutive winners of 3 events in the current season may be moved up to the AAA category for the remainder of the season.
A - Intermediate
This intermediate level of competition is for players that have limited beach experience and are developing their competitive game. A players may have indoor experience and are making their strides towards the beach game, such as ex-high school players, ex –AA players and developing juniors. Winners of 3 consecutive events in the current season may be moved up to the AA category.
B - Beginner
This beginner level of competition is for players that are beginning their beach experience and are developing their intermediate game. B players may have limited indoor experience and are interested in getting involved with the beach game. These players are usually in the developmental stage for indoor volleyball and their skills can be greatly complemented by participating in the beach game. B consecutive winners of 3 events in the current season may be moved up to the A category.
BB - Recreational
This recreational level of involvement is for players that want to sample the beach experience at a slower pace. This level can help beginning indoor players compliment their skills or present participants with a new sport to diversify their active lifestyle. BB consecutive winners of 3 events in the current season may be moved up to B category.
Co-ed - Various
This level of competition lets men and women play together in various categories. Most co-ed events are held on Sundays so that players from earlier days may still have a chance to compete in this category. Co-ed levels have a courtesy “rule”. Please refer to the rules page to find out more. Co-ed level can be 2’s, 3’s 4’s or 6’s.Co-ed recreational is for players that have limited beach experience or have not played with the same partner consistently. Co-ed advanced is for players that have some beach experience and have played consistently with their partnerCo-ed power is for players that have beach experience and play at a competitive level in their respective genders.
University
This level of competition is specially designed to permit current collegiate athletes to participate in summer competitions and represent their school at the regional or national level. University players may receive cash or prizes depending on the tournament but should consult with tournament director so special arrangements are made and they do not compromise their NCAA eligibility. Special university events will be designated throughout the season.
Special Categories
These categories are offered at specially designated events during the season. These categories usually run parallel to main events and may have specific eligibility requirements. These may include Masters, Bar Volleyball, Health Club Challenge, Juniors, High school, Volleyclubs and Corporate Leagues. Please refer to the event description page to find out more about these categories.