*2012 and 2013 FIVB / USA VOLLEYBALL HIGH PERFORMANCE AGE-GROUP CLASSIFICATIONS*
The USAV HP age-group classifications are consistent with those established by the FIVB (Federation Internationale de Volleyball). Those age-group classifications govern international competition and all levels of HP programs. Please note that these age-group classifications differ from USA Volleyball Junior club age definitions and also from grade classifications of U.S. school systems.
USAV High Performance works on a two-year cycle, with a cycle starting at the beginning of an even year (like 2012) and finishing at the end of an odd year (like 2013). Athletes remain in the same age group throughout the two years, then move up to the next age group at the beginning of the next even year to start a new cycle (like will happen next in 2014). Athletes may only try out and play in their own age group – there is no “playing up.”
The reason for these cycles is simple. The two-year cycle matches the international competition schedule in which USA competes. The NORCECA Championships in even years is the opportunity for USA to qualify for the FIVB World Championship in odd years. Keeping athletes in the same age group for both years allows for the same athletes who qualify for Worlds at NORCECA to be eligible to play in Worlds. As each year is a new tryout year, the National Teams will naturally consist of some new athletes and some returning from the NORCECA team, however maintaining the opportunity for the same athletes to participate is the goal.
2012 and 2013 Men / Boys' Age Groups
-Men's Junior- Men born in 1993 and 1994
-Boys' Youth- Boys born in 1995 and 1996
-Boys' Select- Boys born in 1997 and 1998
-Boy’s Future Select- Boys born in 1999 and 2000 and after
2012 and 2013 Women / Girls' Age Groups
-Women's Junior- Women born in 1994 and 1995
-Girls' Youth- Girls born in 1996 and 1997
-Girls' Select- Girls born in 1998 and 1999
-Girls’ Future Select- Girls born in 2000 and 2001 and after
