FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: What is the name of the pro league? Who sanctions the league?
A: The pro league will be called the Premier Volleyball League (or PVL) and will be sanctioned by USA Volleyball.
Q: Who is managing the league?
A: Their are several experienced volleyball leaders who will manage the formation of the league:
1. Tom Pingel (USAV) – League Commissioner
2. Steve Bishop (Florida Region) – Asst. Commissioner/Regional Liaison
*Additionally – The league will be governed by a committee of Regional PVL Directors
Q: Is this league for men or women?
A: In 2012 we will start the league with a women’s division. The plan is to add a men’s division in the near future.
Q: What are the league rules?
A: The PVL has 4 basic rules for athletes
1. No high school students
2. No current college athletes
3. Athletes must be a member of the region where they play
4. Athletes must be a good role model
(Note: Rules #1 & #2 are due to eligibility issues associated with an athlete maintaining their amateur status.)
A: There are several additional rules for teams
1. No international transfers (from other volleyball Federations)
2. Rule of 2 – Limit of 2 athletes from out-of-region. Any out-of-region athletes must be approved by both Regional Leaders and the out-of-region athletes cannot be from an RVA with a PVL team
3. The host region may enter two teams into the PVL Championships when they take place within their respective RVA.
Q: What teams will make up the Premier League?
A: As of this posting, the following teams have committed in 2012:
1. Florida (Team Florida Wave)
2. Iowa (Team Iowa Ice)
3. Intermountain Region
4. Puget Sound Region
5. Arizona Region
6. North Texas Region (Team North Texas)
7. Northern California Region (Dream Team)
8. New England Region (Team New England)
Q: Are there any other possible teams in 2012?
A: Yes, there are several other regions that are exploring the possibility of adding a team in 2012. These teams will be added to the list above as they become available.
Q: Will the league have geographical divisions?
A: Yes, once the league reaches a certain size the USA will be divided into three divisions:
1. West
2. Central
3. East
Q: Will there be any prize money for the events?
A: Yes, USA Volleyball has committed to providing $20K-$25K in prize money for the PVL Championships.
Q: Does the league have a website address?
A: Yes, the website is www.usapvl.com and it is under construction.
Q: Who can tryout?
A: Any female athlete that is a member of the North Texas Region and is not in high school or college. (Note: Post high school athletes that are considering college should not tryout as playing on a pro team could negatively impact their amateur status and college eligibility!)
Q: Will my college eligibility be negatively impacted if I tryout and do not make the team?
A: You should check with the compliance officer at your college to determine if this will impact your eligibility.
Q: Will the athletes get paid anything?
A: Yes, athletes will get paid a stipend for every training/competition day.
Q: How will expenses for athletes be handled?
A: The North Texas Region will cover the following expenses for athletes and coaches:
1. Apparel
2. Lodging (for practice and competitions)
3. Airfare (for competitions)
4. Meals (for practice and competitions)
Q: How many players will be selected?
A: TBD
Q: When will the team practice?
A: TBD
Q: How will volunteer assistant coaches be selected?
A:TBD
Q: How can I support the team if I am not a player or coach?
A: PVL fans can support the league by making a donation to their favorite team or directly to the PVL. They will also be able to purchase official PVL gear once the PVL website is launched.
