AUGUST 9 & 10, 2025
@ WYCKOFF COUNTRY CLUB
Food, Drinks & Live Music
IVHF Volleyball City Grass Open
Presented by the International Volleyball Hall of Fame & Pioneer Valley Volleyball Academy
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Holyoke, aka Volleyball City, is the birthplace of volleyball and home to the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.
The IVHF Volleyball City Grass Open celebrates that heritage with a fun filled event for players of all ages and skill levels competing for bragging rights and amazing prizes! AUGUST 9 & 10, 2025
WYCKOFF COUNTRY CLUB 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA |
Live music presented by Wyckoff Country Club on both days!
Just Go With It Band - Saturday, Aug. 9 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Matt Gibbs Duo - Sunday, Aug. 10 from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Just Go With It Band - Saturday, Aug. 9 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Matt Gibbs Duo - Sunday, Aug. 10 from 1:00pm-4:00pm
OUR GREAT EVENT PARTNERS
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GENERAL INFO
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WHO
Adult and Junior players from recreational to elite professional. Divisions for all skills. WHAT
The IVHF Volleyball City Grass Open - The most fun grass volleyball tournament in Western Massachusetts. Play in the only place in the world that can call itself the BIRTHPLACE OF VOLLEYBALL. WHEN
August 9 & 10, 2025 (choose which day you want to play...or both!) WHERE
Wyckoff Country Club 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke, MA 01040 HOW
Find your division below. Register online - first come, first serve. Space is LIMITED!!
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WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THIS TOURNAMENT?
- Divisions for all skill levels
- DJ & Live Music Both Days
- Great Prizes for all divisions
- Center Court / Featured Matches
- Unique Location - Play on an historic golf course in the only place in the world that can call itself the Birthplace of Volleyball
Multiple divisions ensure you can find the skill level that best suits you, from recreational play for fun all the way up to open.
Center Court will have music and an announcer all day to highlight the exciting plays and keep the crowd energy at a peak.
The chance to win amazing prize packages that include volleyballs, gear, and so much more!
Center Court will have music and an announcer all day to highlight the exciting plays and keep the crowd energy at a peak.
The chance to win amazing prize packages that include volleyballs, gear, and so much more!
IMPORTANT DETAILS
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
8:15am Team Check-in
8:50am Warm Ups Start
9:00am First Serve & Pool Play Starts
1:00pm Approximate start to Playoffs
4:00pm Approximate End (may finish sooner)
Please contact us with any questions at:
[email protected]
TEXT ONLY: 413-250-1196
- Free parking is available at Wyckoff Country Club.
- Beer/alcohol and food available on site. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALLOWED! The Tournament Director has the right to remove anyone from the facility when rules have been broken and NO refund will be given.
- Bring your own chairs and pop-up tents as those will not be provided.
- Bring your own volleyballs to warm up with.
- All formats are subject to change.
- All teams qualify for playoffs in divisions with 16 teams or less
- Juniors are allowed to play with the adults!
- Start in BB
- If both team members are strong varsity/club players, you may consider the Open division
- Need a minimum of 4 teams to run a division
- If less than 4 teams, divisions will be merged
- Format
- 2v2 or 3v3 based on division
- Long court
- Rally scoring
- No let serves allowed - ball cannot contact the net on a serve.
- The Wilson AVP GRX Grass Ball will be the official game ball
- All participants will receive free passes for a future visit to the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke, MA
- We will play RAIN OR SHINE. No refunds unless a state of emergency is declared by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
8:15am Team Check-in
8:50am Warm Ups Start
9:00am First Serve & Pool Play Starts
1:00pm Approximate start to Playoffs
4:00pm Approximate End (may finish sooner)
Please contact us with any questions at:
[email protected]
TEXT ONLY: 413-250-1196
DIVISIONS
Registration is 8:15am – 8:45am both days with play starting at 9am.
No Refunds for any reason after August 8, 2025 at 5pm ET - including weather.
No Refunds for any reason after August 8, 2025 at 5pm ET - including weather.
DIVISIONS AND “SANDBAGGING”
We offer a wide variety of divisions including B and Open. Register for the appropriate division. Playing below your level ("Sandbagging") will not be tolerated. This should be determined by the STRONGEST player on your team. If you are an experienced Open player but your partner is a weak B player, you must play Open…up to the skill level of the strongest player. Not sure what division to register for? Please check the breakdown below to properly gauge where you should be playing.
We offer a wide variety of divisions including B and Open. Register for the appropriate division. Playing below your level ("Sandbagging") will not be tolerated. This should be determined by the STRONGEST player on your team. If you are an experienced Open player but your partner is a weak B player, you must play Open…up to the skill level of the strongest player. Not sure what division to register for? Please check the breakdown below to properly gauge where you should be playing.
- Juniors - Current high school and younger players by age
- Open - Extremely skilled in all aspects of the game. This is the highest level possible and you should be confident in most, if not all, areas of the game.
- BB - Has played a bit or just wants to play for fun. Knows the game and is skilled in some aspects. Can rally and adequately pass, set and hit.
MEN’S & WOMEN'S TRIPLES - Saturday, August 9, 2025:
Men’s & Women's TRIPLES divisions will hold pool play and play-offs on Saturday. Play will consist of pool play followed by single elimination playoffs.
M/W Triples Divisions
Men’s & Women's TRIPLES divisions will hold pool play and play-offs on Saturday. Play will consist of pool play followed by single elimination playoffs.
M/W Triples Divisions
- Open: $120 - Extremely skilled in all aspects of the game. This is the highest level possible and you should be confident in most, if not all, areas of the game. Cash prize for M/W Triples = 80% of division entry fees!
- BB: $105 - Has played a bit or just wants to play for fun. Knows the game and is skilled in some aspects. Can rally and adequately pass, set and hit. Prizes awarded to the top 3 teams.
- Legends: $105 - This division requires the combined age of the team to be 120+ years old. Prizes awarded to the top 3 teams.
GIRLS & BOYS JUNIORS TRIPLES - Sunday, August 10, 2025:
Girls & Boys Juniors TRIPLES divisions will hold pool play and play-offs on Sunday. Play will consist of pool play followed by single elimination playoffs.
Juniors Triples Divisions
Girls & Boys Juniors TRIPLES divisions will hold pool play and play-offs on Sunday. Play will consist of pool play followed by single elimination playoffs.
Juniors Triples Divisions
- Boys 18U: $105 - Current high school/middle school students 18 years old or younger
- Boys 16U: $105 - Current high school/middle school students 16 years old or younger
- Girls 18U: $105 - Current high school/middle school students 18 years old or younger
- Girls 16U: $105 - Current high school/middle school students 16 years old or younger
REVERSE CO-ED DOUBLES - Sunday, August 10, 2025
Reverse Coed Doubles will be held on Sunday. Play will consist of pool play followed by single elimination playoffs.
What is Reverse Co-Ed (RCO)?
RCO Doubles Divisions
Reverse Coed Doubles will be held on Sunday. Play will consist of pool play followed by single elimination playoffs.
What is Reverse Co-Ed (RCO)?
- It's still 2v2 - one male and one female
- The game is played on a women's height net for all divisions
- Men must jump to hit from behind the 10' line (which will be painted on the court). If a male is attacking a ball in front of the 10' line, his entire hand must be below the top of the net.
- Men cannot block
- There are no other special rules (i.e. - you can serve whoever you want, you can hit on 2, etc.)
RCO Doubles Divisions
- Open: $80 - Extremely skilled in all aspects of the game. This is the highest level possible and you should be confident in most, if not all, areas of the game. Cash prize for RCO Open Doubles = 80% of Open Division Entry Fees!
- BB: $70 - Has played a bit or just wants to play for fun. Knows the game and is skilled in some aspects. Can rally and adequately pass, set, hit. Prizes awarded to the top 3 teams
TOURNAMENT RULES
The IVHF Volleyball City Grass Open will follow the AVP Grass Rulebook (last updated 3/3/2021) with the following exceptions, amendments, and highlights:
Men's/Women's/Juniors Doubles Rules
Tourney Format: Round robin format with Single Elimination Playoffs.
Roster: Roster maximum of 2 players. Two players on the court per team - with no more than two players on the roster. Teams with less than the required number of players must forfeit.
Scoring: All games will be played using rally scoring.
Tips: No open hand tips.
Double Contact: Players may double contact a hard driven ball only. No setting the serve. Players may NOT double contact the second or third hits.
Let Serves: Let serves are NOT legal. A serve contacting the net ends the rally and results in a point for the receiving team.
Blocking: Block +3. A block is not counted as a team hit.
Setting Over: When the ball is set into the opponents court, the setters shoulders must be squared up (forwards or backwards) to the line of flight of the ball.
Time Outs: Each team is allowed two 30 second timeouts per game. Time out may be called prior to server receiving ball on either side of court between plays.
Side Changes: Teams should switch sides of the court after every 7 points in games to 17 or more, and every 5 points for games to 15.
Forfeit Rule: A 10 minute forfeit rule is in effect.
Playing Area: Players may enter an adjacent court only AFTER playing their ball. You not may not enter another court to play a ball.
Players' Equipment: Players may play barefoot or with shoes not consisting of hard/sharp plastic/metal spikes. Soccer turf shoes or trail runners are acceptable.
Play Under the Net: There is no centerline. Players may contact any part of the opponents’ court as long as they do not interfere with the opponents’ next play. Incidental contact between opponents does not constitute interference (bump knees, briefly step on toes, et
Court Lines: If the lines come up during play, continue playing. If the lines coming up affects the outcome of the point, the point must be replayed. If the lines do not affect the play, the play is legal.
Errant Ball on Court: A “ball on!” call is an automatic stoppage of play. If there is a ball on the court and nobody calls “ball on!”, then it is up to the referees discretion whether or not the ball affected play.
Men's/Women's/Juniors Triples Rules
Tournament Format: Round robin format with Single Elimination Playoffs.
Roster: Roster maximum of 4 players. Players that start a game, must finish that game unless they are injured. If a player leaves due to injury, he/she is finished for that match.
Subs: We don’t allow subbing within a game/set. You can start different lineups each game, but you can only replace a player during a game if there’s been an injury.
Scoring: All games will be played using rally scoring. Playoffs - 1 game to 30 (no cap). Time and Daylight permitting, semi-finals and finals in each Championship bracket might be switched to best of 3 matches. If so, the first two games will be to 21 (no cap) and the third to 15 (no cap).
Tips: No open hand tips.
Double Contact: Players may double contact any first ball over (including serves) provided the ball is not held. Players may NOT double contact the second or third hits.
Let Serves: Let Serves are NOT legal. A serve contacting the net ends the rally and results in a point for the receiving team.
Blocking: Block +3. A block is not counted as a team hit.
Setting Over: When the ball is set into the opponents court, the setters shoulders must be squared up (forwards or backwards) to the line of flight of the ball.
Time Outs: Each team is allowed two 30 second timeouts per game. Time out may be called prior to server receiving ball on either side of court between plays.
Side Changes: Teams should switch sides of the court after every 7 points in games to 17 or more, and every 5 points for games to 15.
Forfeit Rule: A 10 minute forfeit rule is in effect.
Playing Area: Players may enter an adjacent court only AFTER playing their ball. You not may not enter another court to play a ball.
Players' Equipment: Players may play barefoot or with shoes not consisting of hard/sharp plastic/metal spikes. Soccer turf shoes or trail runners are acceptable.
Play Under the Net: There is no centerline. Players may contact any part of the opponents’ court as long as they do not interfere with the opponents’ next play. Incidental contact between opponents does not constitute interference (bump knees, briefly step on toes, et
Court Lines: If the lines come up during play, continue playing. If the lines coming up affects the outcome of the point, the point must be replayed. If the lines do not affect the play, the play is legal.
Errant Ball on Court: A “ball on!” call is an automatic stoppage of play. If there is a ball on the court and nobody calls “ball on!”, then it is up to the referees discretion whether or not the ball affected play.
REVERSE COED RULES
All other rules above apply the same for reverse coed. We've clarified the differences in Reverse Coed below:
WARMUPS
Once the match before yours ends, you will have 5 minutes of warm up time. Penalty points will be given to teams who are not starting on time. If a team is late to their next match text 413-250-1196 or let the tournament tent know, they will be docked 1 penalty point per minute they are late.
TIEBREAKERS
Tiebreaking playoff games will NOT be played after pool play - teams may advance to their respective playoffs based on points. YOU MUST RECORD THE CORRECT SCORE AFTER EACH MATCH.
1) Head to Head Record
2) Head to Head Point Differential
3) Total Point Differential
4) Coin Flip
If three teams are tied and there's no clear head to head winner, we move to points to determine all of their spots.
1) Total Point Differential Between Tied Teams
2) Total Point Differential in pool
3) Coin Flip
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION/FAQ
Tournament Director The tournament director has the authority to alter rules and make decisions not covered in the rules. If the tournament director does alter the rules, the tournament director will advise the participants of those changes prior to the start of the event if possible. The tournament director has absolute authority over players, game officials and spectators, on and off the court at a tournament, where the maintenance of order is concerned, and may impose disciplinary measures as needed. The tournament director has the authority to make any necessary decisions regarding entries and seeding. The tournament director may change the format of the tournament if, in their opinion, conditions warrant it. The tournament director has the authority to settle any and all disputes. The tournament director is the sole authority who determines if weather conditions warrant a suspension or cancellation of play. The tournament director is the final authority in determining if courts are safe and playable.
What is the weather policy?
This is a Rain or Shine event. Play will continue through inclement weather as much as possible - if it's necessary to stop play, it will be postponed in 30 min. increments until conditions are suitable to resume play. It's very important that all teams remain close to the event site so that games may resume in a timely manner once the weather has improved enough to resume play!
After the 2nd delay, the tournament may be moved to the following day for completion. This decision will come from the tournament director. This would be determined by safety, weather, and playing conditions.
Men's/Women's/Juniors Doubles Rules
Tourney Format: Round robin format with Single Elimination Playoffs.
Roster: Roster maximum of 2 players. Two players on the court per team - with no more than two players on the roster. Teams with less than the required number of players must forfeit.
Scoring: All games will be played using rally scoring.
Tips: No open hand tips.
Double Contact: Players may double contact a hard driven ball only. No setting the serve. Players may NOT double contact the second or third hits.
Let Serves: Let serves are NOT legal. A serve contacting the net ends the rally and results in a point for the receiving team.
Blocking: Block +3. A block is not counted as a team hit.
Setting Over: When the ball is set into the opponents court, the setters shoulders must be squared up (forwards or backwards) to the line of flight of the ball.
Time Outs: Each team is allowed two 30 second timeouts per game. Time out may be called prior to server receiving ball on either side of court between plays.
Side Changes: Teams should switch sides of the court after every 7 points in games to 17 or more, and every 5 points for games to 15.
Forfeit Rule: A 10 minute forfeit rule is in effect.
Playing Area: Players may enter an adjacent court only AFTER playing their ball. You not may not enter another court to play a ball.
Players' Equipment: Players may play barefoot or with shoes not consisting of hard/sharp plastic/metal spikes. Soccer turf shoes or trail runners are acceptable.
Play Under the Net: There is no centerline. Players may contact any part of the opponents’ court as long as they do not interfere with the opponents’ next play. Incidental contact between opponents does not constitute interference (bump knees, briefly step on toes, et
Court Lines: If the lines come up during play, continue playing. If the lines coming up affects the outcome of the point, the point must be replayed. If the lines do not affect the play, the play is legal.
Errant Ball on Court: A “ball on!” call is an automatic stoppage of play. If there is a ball on the court and nobody calls “ball on!”, then it is up to the referees discretion whether or not the ball affected play.
Men's/Women's/Juniors Triples Rules
Tournament Format: Round robin format with Single Elimination Playoffs.
Roster: Roster maximum of 4 players. Players that start a game, must finish that game unless they are injured. If a player leaves due to injury, he/she is finished for that match.
Subs: We don’t allow subbing within a game/set. You can start different lineups each game, but you can only replace a player during a game if there’s been an injury.
Scoring: All games will be played using rally scoring. Playoffs - 1 game to 30 (no cap). Time and Daylight permitting, semi-finals and finals in each Championship bracket might be switched to best of 3 matches. If so, the first two games will be to 21 (no cap) and the third to 15 (no cap).
Tips: No open hand tips.
Double Contact: Players may double contact any first ball over (including serves) provided the ball is not held. Players may NOT double contact the second or third hits.
Let Serves: Let Serves are NOT legal. A serve contacting the net ends the rally and results in a point for the receiving team.
Blocking: Block +3. A block is not counted as a team hit.
Setting Over: When the ball is set into the opponents court, the setters shoulders must be squared up (forwards or backwards) to the line of flight of the ball.
Time Outs: Each team is allowed two 30 second timeouts per game. Time out may be called prior to server receiving ball on either side of court between plays.
Side Changes: Teams should switch sides of the court after every 7 points in games to 17 or more, and every 5 points for games to 15.
Forfeit Rule: A 10 minute forfeit rule is in effect.
Playing Area: Players may enter an adjacent court only AFTER playing their ball. You not may not enter another court to play a ball.
Players' Equipment: Players may play barefoot or with shoes not consisting of hard/sharp plastic/metal spikes. Soccer turf shoes or trail runners are acceptable.
Play Under the Net: There is no centerline. Players may contact any part of the opponents’ court as long as they do not interfere with the opponents’ next play. Incidental contact between opponents does not constitute interference (bump knees, briefly step on toes, et
Court Lines: If the lines come up during play, continue playing. If the lines coming up affects the outcome of the point, the point must be replayed. If the lines do not affect the play, the play is legal.
Errant Ball on Court: A “ball on!” call is an automatic stoppage of play. If there is a ball on the court and nobody calls “ball on!”, then it is up to the referees discretion whether or not the ball affected play.
REVERSE COED RULES
All other rules above apply the same for reverse coed. We've clarified the differences in Reverse Coed below:
- It's still 2v2 or 4v4 - one/two male and one/two female
- The game is played on a women's height net for all divisions
- Men must jump to hit from behind the 10' line (which will be painted on the court). If a male is attacking a ball in front of the 10' line, his entire hand must be below the top of the net.
- Men cannot block
- There are no other special rules (i.e. - you can serve whoever you want, you can hit on 2, etc.)
- Coed Courtesy Rule: Teams should discuss whether or not they are going to try to abide by the coed serving courtesy rule before the match starts. It is not an official rule though.
WARMUPS
Once the match before yours ends, you will have 5 minutes of warm up time. Penalty points will be given to teams who are not starting on time. If a team is late to their next match text 413-250-1196 or let the tournament tent know, they will be docked 1 penalty point per minute they are late.
TIEBREAKERS
Tiebreaking playoff games will NOT be played after pool play - teams may advance to their respective playoffs based on points. YOU MUST RECORD THE CORRECT SCORE AFTER EACH MATCH.
1) Head to Head Record
2) Head to Head Point Differential
3) Total Point Differential
4) Coin Flip
If three teams are tied and there's no clear head to head winner, we move to points to determine all of their spots.
1) Total Point Differential Between Tied Teams
2) Total Point Differential in pool
3) Coin Flip
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION/FAQ
Tournament Director The tournament director has the authority to alter rules and make decisions not covered in the rules. If the tournament director does alter the rules, the tournament director will advise the participants of those changes prior to the start of the event if possible. The tournament director has absolute authority over players, game officials and spectators, on and off the court at a tournament, where the maintenance of order is concerned, and may impose disciplinary measures as needed. The tournament director has the authority to make any necessary decisions regarding entries and seeding. The tournament director may change the format of the tournament if, in their opinion, conditions warrant it. The tournament director has the authority to settle any and all disputes. The tournament director is the sole authority who determines if weather conditions warrant a suspension or cancellation of play. The tournament director is the final authority in determining if courts are safe and playable.
What is the weather policy?
This is a Rain or Shine event. Play will continue through inclement weather as much as possible - if it's necessary to stop play, it will be postponed in 30 min. increments until conditions are suitable to resume play. It's very important that all teams remain close to the event site so that games may resume in a timely manner once the weather has improved enough to resume play!
After the 2nd delay, the tournament may be moved to the following day for completion. This decision will come from the tournament director. This would be determined by safety, weather, and playing conditions.
