Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions that are not answered here, please contact us by email at info+web@steelcityvolleyball.org.
I want to join the league. What do I need to know?
Do I have to identify as LGBTQIA+ to be a part of this league?
How do games / matches run throughout the season?
How do the ratings and ratings challenge processes work?
When and What are the volleyball seasons?
Where does the SCVL play volleyball each season?
How many divisions are there? Which one do I join?
What kind of skills do I need to be a part of the league?
How much does it cost to play?
What equipment do I need?
What are my responsibilities, aside from playing?
What if I can’t commit to playing every Sunday?
What is SCVL’s cancellation policy during inclement weather conditions?
How do I get better at volleyball?
What are the league’s COVID policies?
I want to join the league. What do I need to know?
These are the main things to know to join our league:
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- We have two seasons annually during which we register players (one late August through December, one January to May), and we have grass open play during the summer (historically on Sundays for all levels of play, Tuesdays or Thursdays for Competitive and higher levels, at no charge).
- Registration opens a few weeks before play and you can find registration fees below. We have 3 waves to our registration: Wave 1 for new LGBTQIA+ and returning LGBTQIA+ players, Wave 2 for returning allies, and Wave 3 for new allies to join.
- Because we have limited capacity, returning players get first chance to register. We allow new players to register on a first-come, first-served basis. Once we hit our registration cap, we allow a limited number of people to go on the waitlist. In recent history we have made it a goal and have been able to accommodate all players on our wait list. Sign up will be published on our website as well as on our Facebook page.
- All players join as individuals/free agents. You do not/cannot bring a team. Depending on the division you join, you may be asked for your positional preferences (e.g., set, hit, libero, etc).
- New players and divisions: players joining the Recreational division do not need to be rated. To join at any other level of play, you need to sign up for a rating session before the season begins. Your rating determines your division, and everyone will be placed on a team.
- Following the ratings sessions, you will be notified of your rating (except for Recreational division players).
- The board then makes teams, attempting to balance skills and positions played.
- Teams play and referee throughout the season. You will referee about half as many games as you play, and don’t worry if you have no experience, as you’ll have at least one experienced person on your team (but we encourage everyone to learn referee responsibilities!). We do this to keep league rates low, and build community.
Do I have to identify as LGBTQIA+ to be a part of this league?
No. Our primary mission is to serve the LGBTQIA+ community, but we welcome our allies to join as well. All members are expected to sign our allyship pledge found on our official documents page.
We welcome anyone who is at least 18 and do our best to be inclusive. From our mission statement: “Our volleyball league is open to adults regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, livelihood, culture, race, religion, or ethnicity; and without regard for volleyball ability, skill, or experience.”
We have a legacy as a gay social organization (now articulated as LGBTQIA+) and are focused on building a culture that is supportive, encouraging, and inclusive of all people, especially if those people are invested in being welcome to others. We encourage our ally members to consider their role and responsibility in helping to create an environment that is inclusive of all people, and respectful of the history of the organization.
How do games / matches run throughout the season?
Our schedule runs Sundays from 3:30 – 8:30PM, with some weeks shifting hours a bit. Matches will run for 50 minutes with 10 minute warm-ups. Your team will usually play one match each week; however teams may play in two matches or no matches at all on a given week because of schedule logistics. You will also referee matches equivalent to about half of the games you play.
Schedules are provided at the beginning of the season and we keep a current schedule on the website. Game times typically alternate week to week: for example, a division might play in the first half of the time block—e.g. 3:30, 4:30, or 5:30 even weeks—and in the second half—e.g. 5:30, 6:30, or 7:30—odd weeks.
Regular season matches consist of 3 games to 25 (each game starting 4-4) with a cap at 27, or until time expires. Matches cannot end in tie – if time expires, next point wins. If time does not expire, must win by 2.
During playoffs, matches consist of best 2 out of 3 games. First two games to 25 (starting 4-4) cap at 27. Third game, if needed, to 25 (starting 0-0) with no cap, switching sides at 25. Must win by 2.
How do the ratings and ratings challenge processes work?
There are two major ratings processes for our league:
1. The ratings process for new players
2. The ratings challenge process for returning players.
1. The ratings process for new players
Here’s the short version:
When you register, depending on division, you will select the position for which you’d like to be rated. When you register you can list a first and second preference. For example, you might list your first preference as middle hitter, and your second preference as right side/weak side.
- Recreational division does not require a rating. You can specify that you want to hit, set, or not choose a position.
- Intermediate is similar: set or hit, but you do need to be rated.
- For Competitive, Power, and Power Plus you specify one of the following: setter, outside hitter, middle hitter, right side/opposute, or libero.
The process:
When you register, based on the division you select (other than recreational), you will be given options for a date and time for your rating. Please note to play in any rated division, you MUST be rated in our rating process, so you MUST attend one of our ratings sessions.
When you show up, you will check in and will be directed into the facility with instruction, but the short version is that you will play 3 sets on different courts with a mix of other players being rated and control players (who are there to help with consistency of play). The whole process last about 1.5 hours.
You will be observed by a mix of raters on and/or off court (usually one per set) who will submit your rating to our system.
We recommend you show up about ~20 minutes early so you have time to check in and can warm up, etc.
Following the completion of ratings, the board synthesizes all ratings and will send you an email letting you know your result. Most outcomes are that we notify a player that they have either rated into their desired division, or that they have rated into the next-lower division.
Occasionally, if your level of play is exceptional during your rating, we may ask you to stay for the following rating time if you desire, OR return to the next scheduled week of ratings if you have participated in the first week of ratings.
2. The ratings challenge process for returning players
In the event that a returning player wants to try to move up to the next division, here’s what happens:
First, if a player is in the top third of their division (by rating score), they are automatically eligible to sign up for a ratings session for the next-higher division for the following season.
If a player is NOT in the top third of their division by score, and they wish to challenge:
- Week 1 of ratings, they show up and play in their current division to help keep the level of play at a division-appropriate level, and at the end will receive a new rating
- If they end up with a rating in the top third of their division by score, the following week they are able to attend a ratings session for the next-higher division
- If their new rating is not in the top third of their division by score, their ratings challenge ends and the rating outcome from the session determines their division. Note: the implication of this bullet is that a player could attend a rating for their current division in Week 1 and end up with a score in a lower division, in which case that lower division becomes their division for the season.
If a player is in a developmental ratings range (marginally in a division) that player must be rated each season until their rating demonstrates a level of play that is consistently out of the developmental rating.
3. Bonus: ratings review
At the end of each season, the board reviews the ratings of all players.
- If a player is playing well-above their current division, a player can receive an automatic up-rate to the next division at the end of their current season.
- If a player is playing well-below their current division, they can be placed on Evaluation Notice. In this case, during the coming season they must bring their level of play up to a level that is consistent with their current division. If they do, they are removed from Evaluation Notice. If they do not, they will be down-rated and placed into the next-lower division for the subsequent season.
When and What are the volleyball seasons?
There are two seasons of official league play; Fall & Spring:
- The Fall season typically runs from August/September to December.
- The Spring season typically runs from January to April/May.
During the summer there are unofficial pickup games in Schenley Park.
Where does the SCVL play volleyball each season?
Our indoor seasons are played at Grit Athletix. Grit Athletix is located at 2920 McKelvey Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.
During the summer we set up nets on Sundays and Tuesdays or Thursdays in the grass near the Schenley Park Overlook. Since summer is “free” and organized on a voluntary basis, days and times can change.
Our pickup is open to SCVL members and non-members alike, and there is no charge. We ask that players agree to abide by our code of conduct, ally pledge, and liability release, all found here: https://www.steelcityvolleyball.org/scvl-documents/.
Summer grass pickup
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Sundays are for all skill levels
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Tuesdays or Thursdays are for Competitive-, Power-, and PowerPlus-level players.
New summer players must first come on a Sunday so we can informally assess skill if they have an interest in higher level play play; higher level play sessions are intended to maintain a level of play and we are committed to maintaining that level for players interested.
Summer play schedule: We’ll poll/announce play on the SCVL facebook page the day before or day of. We’ll play until either we tire out, the weather puts a stop on it, the sun sets, or the person with the nets has to depart. We usually play for 2-4 hours.
How do I know which division I should play in?
We have a description of divisions that explains what we expect from players at each skill level. Check out that page, and then choose the division you think best describes your current level of play. If you’re not sure, you probably want to try out for the lower of the two divisions you’re considering (we know, you’re the exception, but almost everyone thinks their rating is higher than it is); we have a process in place if we think you should try for something higher once we see you play during the ratings process.
If you want to play in anything other than the Recreational level, you will need to come to one of our rating sessions. Absolutely no exception. NONE. Sorry. Those happen at the start of each season, prior to regular season, where we observe you play in a controlled environment to make sure you are placed in a division commensurate with your skill level.
The benefit of the five-division structure is that it helps focus and define more qualitatively the level of play expected in each division, which will make it easier for players to develop their skills and progress upward if they choose to do so.
Players who have played at least one season with us can also opt to play in a second division:
- If you are rated as a PowerPlus player, you may – for an additional fee – also play in the Power Division.
- If you are rated as a Power player, you may – for an additional fee – also play in the Competitive Division.
- If you are rated as a Competitive player, you may – for an additional fee – also play in the Intermediate Division.
- If you are rated as an Intermediate player, you may – for an additional fee – also play in the Recreational Division.
If you elect to play in two different divisions, we ask that you are mindful of the skill set for each particular division, and remember that the primary role in playing a second division is mentorship and/or improving the level of play. When playing down, you should expect a level of play that is not your own, but you still should play with all the skills of the division in which you are rated—in other words, you should be elevating the level of play. We encourage you to exercise patience and understanding. If you opt to serve as a mentor, your role is to help increase the skills and knowledge of the players in that division, and your attitude should reflect the capacity of that role. We will also ask for flexibility with position you play when mentoring, as you should be helping the lower-skilled players on your team develop their skills first.
What kind of skills do I need to be a part of the league?
You don’t need any prior experience to play in our league; the league consists of players with various skill levels — from players who have only played picnic volleyball or never played at all to highly skilled “BB” and “A” level players.
The first few weeks of the season include some open play opportunities for registered players alongside our ratings process, as the ratings process allows based on court utilization.
Once you join, if you are a novice, you will informally learn some basics in passing, setting, hitting, and serving during game play from other players, with opportunities to attend skills clinics when offered (especially encouraged for novice players!). You will also learn the basic rules, principles, and strategies of volleyball. You will most likely have a mentor on your team who will help you learn more about the game if you desire.
The volleyball matches are refereed by league members following the USA Volleyball Association rules. If you’ve never played volleyball “by the rules”, odds are you will be pleasantly surprised by how much fun the game can be.
How much does it cost to play?
- One Division $75 ($50 for full-time students)
- Two Divisions $140 ($90 for full-time students)
- Two Divisions as a Mentor $115 ($90 for full-time students)
SCVL also has a limited grant program for those who are experiencing financial hardship. This program is available to everyone, including first time SCVL players.
The number of grants and amount available to players will be apportioned based on the amount of funding and number of applicants, and is on a limited basis. All SCVL members are eligible to apply via the link following this paragraph. Applications for this program will be kept confidential to a select, small group on the board overseeing the program. Applicant personal/financial information will be kept confidential.
Applications can be made here, following completion of registration for the season: https://forms.gle/1wjbfdF7BXJ2YA2G9
To save the board from having to do a lot of reimbursements, if you intend to submit an application for a grant, please do not pay until you have been notified of a decision on your application. If you have already paid but are awarded a grant, we will work with you on reimbursement.
Additionally, any member that wants to donate to this program can reach out to the grant committee at grants@steelcityvolleyball.org. Donations will enable us to continue to offer this grant program in future seasons!
What equipment do I need?
You will need athletic attire. Out of courtesy for the facility, and to keep the courts from getting dirty (and slippery as a result), street shoes are not permitted on the court (this means don’t wear shoes on the court that you also wear outside). Please carry a pair of court shoes into the building and wear them after you are inside. If you don’t have two pairs of athletic shoes, that’s ok: please wear a different pair of shoes to the facility, and ensure that your shoes are not dirty or muddy.
What are my responsibilities, aside from playing?
When your team is not playing in a match, your team will often be required to referee matches in your division (two Referees, two Line Judges, and a Score Keeper).
The more experienced players usually take the Referee positions (up ref and down ref), but we encourage everyone to develop the skills to referee.
The Line Judges watch the court boundaries and the ball. They determine if the ball is “in” or “out” when the ball hits the floor near a court boundary or passes over/outside the antennae. They also watch the server for foot faults during the serve.
The Score Keeper maintains an accurate score; often the score keeper is also a line judge in one corner of the court
If you have never performed any of these tasks, don’t worry. Assistance will be provided. Your most important responsibilities are to have fun, enjoy the game, and help support the operation of the league.
What if I can’t commit to playing every Sunday?
Part-time players are welcome. The cost remains the same as a full-time player. Please reference the registration costs above for current rates. Part time players typically expect to miss 3 or more games.
What is SCVL’s cancellation policy during inclement weather conditions?
SCVL’s decision to cancel matches will usually be made by 12:00PM on Sundays and a notice will be posted on the front page of our website and Facebook Group. Cancellation may be on shorter notice in extenuating circumstances.
We always try to make up missed matches and so far have been able to do so, but we ask everyone to be understanding in extenuating circumstances. We try hard not to cancel unless really necessary.
How do I get better at volleyball?
Our league is dedicated to helping players of all skill levels to improve their game. There are two primary ways we support this in the league (aside from regular volleyball play):
- Mentorship: in the form of players from the division above playing in a lower division to give feedback to players to help them play the game better
- Skills clinics: during which board members, more advanced players, and occasionally outside coaches work with people within a skill level on everything from fundamentals such as passing and court position to advanced hitting and defensive techniques.
We have a few people in the league who give lessons and there are other places in the Pittsburgh region where you can get coaching, and many of our members attend an annual adult volleyball camp at Slippery Rock University. Ask a board member if you want more info. Also youtube is filled with volleyball primer videos.
What are the league’s COVID policies?
The board has created a living document; you can view our latest policies here; please note that the board may change guidelines as it deems necessary: