FAQ’s
Below are common questions players often ask about our tournaments.
If you have an important question that isn't covered in this section, please send us an email. We’ll try to add to the below list those questions that warrant inclusion. (We can’t answer all emails, but we do try to read them all.)
Tourney Categories
Q. I’m confused by your categories; I’m not sure which division to sign up for.
A. The v-ball tourney crowd at North Avenue Beach is relatively consistent; it's pretty much the same players that play in these tournaments. You have to decide where you rank among that group. So, for instance, if you’re playing men’s 2’s, and you think you’re in the top 33% of the usual crowd of participants, sign up for A. If you’re in the next third, go A/B. And so on.
Q. I’ve never been to North Avenue before, but I’ve played BB in Michigan. What level does that correspond to for your tourneys?
A. Because categories and corresponding talent levels vary throughout the region, we don’t give advice on what level is appropriate for a given team. We suggest you play in a few of our competitors tourneys at North Avenue Beach to get a feel for the competition in the region before signing up for one of our tourneys. But, as a general rule for out-of-towners, when in doubt, choose the weaker division. Chicago competition is pretty strong. Teams that get in over their head, competition-wise, could be in for a long and frustrating day.
Tourney Refund Policy
Q. I understand that fees are non-refundable unless canceled due to rain. When do you make the decision to cancel?
A. Modern technology has enabled us to forecast pretty accurately (we use the Accuweather site). So, if storms are predicted we'll cancel by no later than Friday, noontime, and post that info on this website. We'll also send out an email notice to those that have signed up.
Q. I just found out I can't play in your 1st tourney, but I already paid for it. I know there are no refunds, but can I transfer my entry to another team?
A. Yes, entries are transferable. But a couple of things: the new team will be stuck in the same category and division you signed up for. So, for example, if you signed up mens B, be sure to transfer your entry to another mens B-level team. Also, give that team your entry ticket; they need to present that to us for court assignment on the day of the tourney.
Prizes
Q. Your website states that if you have less than 8 teams in a category, "prize money will be proportionately reduced." If you get more than 8, will it be proportionately increased?
A. No.
Q. I'm a junior. If I win a cash prize, I can't accept it. What do you do in that situation?
A. We'll award you a trophy of comparable value.
Pro Division
Q. Is your pro division open to anyone?
A. Yep, anyone who dares to take on the best in the region can enter.
Equipment
Q. I understand you want us to supply our own volleyballs. That makes sense, it cuts costs for you guys. The problem is, how do we decide which ball to play with?
A. Most players are sophisticated enough to recognize which ball is the best. In the absence of an agreement (let's say each team wants to use their own v-ball), here’s what we suggest:
1. Agree to use a “neutral” ball, a v-ball supplied by another team in your pool.
2. If you still can’t agree, then a game of chance decides which ball to use.
Q. I haven’t played in Chicago (but I'm an experienced player, honest). I was wondering if the sand gets hot.
A. Yes, on a hot summer day, the sand will get real hot. We recommend Vincere sand socks to protect your feet.
Sign-up & Payment Issues
Q. I'm having problems signing up with my credit card; it's an American Express card.
A. Sorry, we only take Visa or Mastercard.
Q. I'd like to sign up for the last event in August, about a month from now, but I can't find it listed in your shopping cart.
A. In order to avoid confusion, we open up registration 2 weeks prior to each event.
Q. If I sign up in advance, can I change divisions the morning of the tourney?
A. Maybe. We have 2 requirements. First, you could change only if we have room in that division and it doesn't create problems for the division your leaving. And, second, you'll have to pay the walk-on fee. Those who register in advance get a discount because it makes administration of the tourney easier. If you change divisions, you lose that discount because you're creating administrative complicatons.
Q. I'd like to sign up for Men's B, but that division doesn't appear in your shopping cart page.
A. If a division isn't in the shopping cart display section, that means the division is sold out or canceled.
Misc.
Q. We're coming from out-of-town; do you have any hotel recommendations?
A. We don't have any specific hotel suggestions. But in general, you'll want to be as close as possible to the Magnificent Mile at the best price possible.
Also, be sure to consider ancillary activities, as dictated by your budget, interests and tastes. Once you're in Chicago, you'll probably want to check out the Cubs (bleacher seats), Sox (lower level), bars (Rush St.), shows (theater district), museums (Art Institute) and restaurants (Chinatown, Greek Town, Little Italy, Gibsons, Lou Malnati's, Portillo's, etc).
Q. Do you know any women looking to play co-ed.
A. For safety and security reasons, we don't get involved in creating teams, nor do we give out player contact information.
Q. Can you list the names of players/teams signed up for your next tourney.
A. For safety and security reasons, we don't provided that information. We try to run a stalker-free event.
Q. You're not offering Co-ed A. Can my co-ed team play in one of the mens divisions - we want the tougher competition?
A. No. It wouldn't be fair to the mens teams in your pool. Playing against a co-ed team creates a different dynamic; it isn't what the mens teams signed up for.
Q. Please hold a spot for me, Men's A. We'll pay cash on Saturday. It's $60, right?
A. Ah, sorry; but no. Only those teams that pay in advance will be able to play in our tourney.
Q. Do we have to be a member of your organization to sign up?
A. No.
Please be sure to read the Players' page before signing up.
Ready to sign up? If so, please click here. For more information, please contact us by clicking here.
