Parents can understandably feel confused by the many organizations involved in youth volleyball, including USA Volleyball (USAV), GEVA, and AAU. What does each organization do, and what do memberships actually mean for our players? This guide breaks down the volleyball ecosystem and clarifies the role of the organizations Level Up Volleyball plans to join, helping families understand how these memberships create more opportunities for our players to compete, learn, and grow.

Level Up Volleyball will require all coaches and players to register for USAV/GEVA and AAU memberships.

Let's define each organization, and then we'll see how they are different or related.

• USA Volleyball (USAV) is the national governing body recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee for volleyball in the United States. It oversees its own national competition structure and regional associations.
• GEVA is a regional association within the USAV system, so GEVA's USAV-sanctioned competitions operate within USAV's rules and requirements.
• AAU is a separate multisport organization that operates its own volleyball program, tournaments, membership requirements, and event rules. It is not a subordinate regional association of USAV.

To give our players more opportunities to compete throughout the season, Level Up Volleyball plans to participate in both the USAV/GEVA and AAU tournament systems. Each organization has its own membership and tournament registration requirements. By participating in both, we can broaden our tournament options and build a more complete competitive schedule for our teams.