In light of the current Covid 19 restrictions, The Competitions & Development Commission of Volleyball Ireland, approved by the Board of Administration, have amended the schedule for the remainder of the 2020/21 National Volleyball League.
Covid restrictions pending, the season will revert to a seven match system, with teams playing each other once only, rather than the traditional home and away format. Fixtures for National League weeks 2-8 of the season calendar are therefore expunged. The season will resume with remaining National League week 1 matches to be played on either the December catch-up weekend (19th/20th) or National League Week 8 (January 9th/10th). Normal fixtures will resume from National League Week 9 (January 23rd/24th). The usual process applies for the rescheduling of fixtures.
Please note that this schedule is subject to Government restrictions, with a Level 2 status currently required for indoor club training and matches to reconvene.
The new schedule will result in an imbalance between home and away fixtures, with clubs either playing 3 or 4 home/away matches. In a very small number of instances some teams will play 5 home/away matches, the Commission will engage directly with clubs who are scheduled to play five home or away matches in regards to the balancing of costs associated with hosting an increased ratio of fixtures. Clubs are reminded that home teams must pay referee fees.
As it stands, the Association Cup will be played in 2021. An expression of interest note has been circulated to clubs in advance of this communication. A decision on the Championships will be made in due course, and will be dependant on Government restrictions related to indoor event numbers.
Volleyball Ireland requests that if clubs are having or expecting issues with hall availability please contact both The National League Management Committee (competitions@volleyballireland.com) and Mark Leonard-Doyle (info@volleyballireland.com) at the earliest opportunity.
We’d like to thank all clubs, members and volunteers for their patience during this time, and hopefully welcome you back on court in the New Year.
