Stepping into your first club volleyball tournaments as a club parent can feel a bit overwhelming—especially if you’re brand new to the world of travel volleyball. But don’t worry: you’re not alone, and you’re more prepared than you think.
At NSSC, we believe in meeting families where they are—whether you’re veterans of the sport or just figuring out what “pool play” means. Here’s a clear, real-world guide to help ease the nerves and make your tournament days run smoother.
Table of Contents
🛠 Before You Arrive To Club Volleyball Tournaments
Find Your Schedule on AES:
All NSSC tournaments hosted at the Cape Girardeau Sportsplex start with Sportsplex Blast. You can search for your team’s tournament and court assignment by club and team on Advanced Event Systems (AES). The schedule is usually posted a few days before the event.
Bring Both Jerseys:
Even if the coach mentioned which color you’ll need, always pack both. Schedule changes happen, and refs must be able to distinguish teams at a glance. And you never know who might go down with an injury and a last minute lineup has your athlete playing libero!
⏰ Arrival and Match Day Flow
Arrive at Least 30 Minutes Early:
This gives your athlete plenty of buffer to find the right court, warm up, and stay relaxed.
You Might Officiate:
Your team may be assigned to be the “working team” either before or after your match—this means players will help score and line judge. Check in with your coach on the Band App the night before and during the day for updates.
Matches Start at 5 Points:
Most NSSC one-day tournaments use abbreviated sets in pool play: scoring starts at 5 and goes to 25 with a max of two sets. This keeps the day moving and gives teams more playing opportunities.
🏐 How Are Tournaments Structured?
Understanding how tournament day unfolds can take some of the mystery (and stress!) out of it—especially if you’re new to club volleyball.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how tournaments are typically run:
Phase 1: Pool Play
In the morning, teams are placed into small groups—called pools—and play a round-robin style schedule. Your team will compete against the other teams in your pool, usually two or three matches total.
These pool play matches help determine your seeding for the second half of the day. They don’t decide if you’re eliminated—just how you’re ranked going into the brackets.
☝️ Quick Note: In one-day tournaments, pool play sets often start at 5 and go to 25 points, with no third set unless it’s bracket play.
Phase 2: Bracket Play
After all pool matches are complete, teams are placed into brackets based on their performance in the morning. These are typically labeled Gold, Silver, Bronze, and so on.
- Gold Bracket = top performance in your pool
- Silver/Bronze Brackets = middle/lower finishers
Bracket play is where wins really count. It runs as a single elimination or consolation-style format, and teams compete for medals or final placement in the tournament. Again – all tracked on the AES web page.
🏆 Every Bracket Matters
Whether your athlete’s team ends up in gold or bronze, every match is valuable. Every set offers a chance to develop, grow, and compete—and that’s what we care most about at NSSC.
We’re here for the long game—not just a spot on the podium.
🥪 What to Pack (Snacks Are Your Best Friend!)
Food courts get crowded (especially at the Sportsplex), and kids are hungry all. day. long. Good snacks to bring in your tournament bag include:
- Trail mix, Fig bars, or granola bars
- Popcorners or Pretzels
- Fresh or dried fruit (apples, grapes, mangos or clementines travel well)
- Apple Sauce Go-Go squeeze packets
- Sports drinks or water with electrolyte packets (there’s a bottle refill station at the venue)
There’s also a grill and Fresh Cafe at the Sportsplex, but lines tend to be long—especially between matches. Plan ahead as there isn’t time to leave and come back. But remember you need to be eating carbs every 90 minutes before you play.
🧼 Be a Good Gym Citizen
Respect the Seating Rotation:
After your athlete’s match is done, please move to the commons area so others can sit and watch their players. Seats are limited, and every parent deserves a chance to cheer.
Admission Fee:
Most local one-day tournaments do have an entry fee—usually $10 per day. Have cash ready at the door.
Yes, You Might Get Clipped.
And no, we don’t mean injured—we mean clipped with a clothespin! It’s a fun NSSC tradition. Accept it with pride. It might mean we’ve spotted you doing something awesome!
💬 Stay Connected
Download the Band App if you haven’t already. Coaches use this for match updates, reminders, and any schedule changes throughout the day. It’s our lifeline on tournament day.
Share Your Progress:
We’re proud of our athletes. After the tournament, celebrate the work they’re putting in by sharing photos or posting highlight clips from Hudl on your social channels. This journey is meant to be shared—and your encouragement makes a difference.
📸 Capture the Moments That Matter
One of the best surprises on a Monday morning? Seeing your athlete in action—shot by a professional photographer who truly captures their focus, power, and joy on the court.
We’re proud to partner with CORE Brand Marketing, who photographs NSSC athletes throughout the season.
What You’ll Get:
- 📸 Unlimited Photo Gallery Access
- ✔ Full-season access to FREE high-res action and championship shots
- ➝ Share online, save forever, and celebrate your athlete’s journey
Where to Find Them:
After each tournament weekend, head to your child’s team page on the NSSC website. That’s where new albums are posted so your family can relive the moments that matter most.
👕 Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff
Stop by the tournament lobby to browse apparel. Hoodies, crewnecks, and tees make great souvenirs—and your athlete will probably want to wear theirs to school on Monday.
You Belong in This Sport
No matter if you’re learning the ropes or leading the cheer squad from the bleachers, your presence matters. Club volleyball isn’t just about skill growth—it’s an experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and character.
We’re glad you’re here. Let’s enjoy the season—one Serve, Pass, Kill at a time.
Let’s have a season worth capturing—on the court, in photos, and in the memories you’re building together.
📲 Looking for schedule info? Start here: Advanced Event Systems
💻 Want to learn more about NSSC Volleyball? Read our Beginner’s Guide for Parents
